No matter how you’re feeling, we can assure you that God loves you very much. And regardless of what is going on in this chapter of your life, He knows the larger story He has for you – which includes a bright and beautiful future.
The truth is, God loves you and created you with a purpose – a purpose that is unique to you alone! He desires that you have a full and meaningful life.
I feel far away from God. Is He here with me?
Yes! He is here and He cares deeply for you – and He cares for your baby in the same way. The reason God sometimes seems distant is that our sin separates us from Him. It’s much like when someone does something to hurt or offend you deeply – it puts distance between you and them.
As humans, we are not perfect, so you are not alone. Every single person who ever lived has fallen short of God’s best for them. Our sin puts up a wall between us and God. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Can God ever forgive me?
Yes! Because of His great love, God does offer His forgiveness to you. You may feel like you’ve made a mess of your life and that this is too big – even for God. But it’s not. He can redeem any situation and can make something beautiful out of it. You just have to allow Him in.
However, God is always honest and holy, so He can’t just pretend we haven’t sinned. And He says that someone has to pay the penalty for our sin.
Here’s the good news …
He has paid that penalty for you, because of His great mercy and love! His Son, Jesus, died in your place on the cross, and God accepts that costly sacrifice as payment for your sin.
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”( Romans 6:23)
- “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18, NLT)
God paid a great price for your forgiveness, because of His love for you.
So, what’s my first step?
God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. He is as close to you as the air you breathe, and prayer is simply talking to Him in your own words.
The first step is to agree with God that we’ve done wrong and to truly desire a change of heart and mind. The Bible calls this “repentance” and it really means to decide to turn and go the other way – like a U-turn!
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
When we draw near to God, with a humble and honest heart, He draws near to us!
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
God wants to have a relationship with you – all you have to do is ask.
If you need further guidance and encouragement, Focus on the Family has a staff of licensed, professional Christian counselors available to talk with you at no charge. Just call 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
