“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just
one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10
One bad choice led to another, and oh what a tangled web she
had woven. Of course at this time she was leading a double life; singing and
praising Jesus in the praise band on Sunday morning, while the rest of the week
sneaking around with a guy who not only was VERY involved in the church, but
who also had a wife and child.
Finally after several months she couldn’t handle all the
lying and sneaking around anymore, so she came clean and told the truth.
It’s hard to believe that this girl was actually me, but God
has given me a new name. He has washed away my scarlet letter and has called me
beautiful and redeemed. He has restored my soul. He has healed me and broken
the bondage that held me captive. I am so thankful for His grace and mercy! His
unconditional love endures forever.
It has been a long, hard journey since the Holy Spirit urged
me to come forth with the truth. I know my sin doesn’t define me, but I have
really struggled with accepting God’s grace and forgiveness for my terrible
choices.
After about a month of visiting another church, I came back
to where I knew God wanted me to be. What a humbling feeling to return to my
church where I had hurt so many people, yet they accepted me with loving and
forgiving arms.
There are a lot of special people who have helped me along
the way in my journey to healing. I thank God first and foremost for His
AMAZING love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. My family has supported me so
much, as well as my awesome church family, by loving me and encouraging me to
move passed the past and embrace the abundant life God has for me now.
God can turn what satan meant for harm into
something beautiful.
“To bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of joy
instead of mourning, and a garment of
praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:3
I understand now that NO ONE is exempt from
sin.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God.” Romans 3:23
We must guard our hearts, minds, and
bodies. And put on God’s armor.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do
flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put
on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s
schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on
the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to
stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm
then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of
righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes
from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the
helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17
And we must not judge others’ sins.
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,
and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2
As hard as it is for me to write, this is my testimony of God’s
great love for us. He loves us so much and longs to have a personal relationship
with each of us.
So what are you waiting for? He’s just a prayer away! Don’t let
the rocks cry out and praise Him before you do.
