Marveling At God’s Ability To Forgive

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version)

I believe our God is the God of new beginnings, and I also believe there’s an ongoing theme in the scriptures regarding how God’s mercy and grace allow us to start over, even after great failures and setbacks.

Take King David, for example. David’s story is one of the most beautiful and inspiring stories in the Bible. Of course, we all know how it started… the story of David and Goliath is well known. Yet, although David started out upright and in the full favor of God, later in his life we would see him mess up in some pretty severe ways.

But as a friend of mine once said, no one was better at repentance than David. Reading the Psalms, I wonder at how many times David fell on his face, asking God for forgiveness for some sin he had committed. And, I marvel at how every time, God forgave him and restored him; and this was long before Christ died for our sins!

Or, take the story of Peter, the apostle. Peter was known to be loud and boastful, outspoken and always putting his foot in his mouth. Yet, Christ saw something within Peter that he knew was solid as stone… or at least, that would be in years to come.

18 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18 (New International Version)

As we all know, Peter denied Christ three times before the crucifixion. I believe that although Christ knew he would, it still must have broken His heart to hear His good friend say he didn’t know Him.

But once again, after the resurrection we see that Christ restores Peter in one of the most powerful scenes from the New Testament:

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” – John 21 (New International Version)

How very interesting that Peter denied Christ three times, and Christ restores him three times. I wonder if this is more than symbolic, but it certainly points to the fact that no matter how many times we fall, no matter how many times we fail, Christ is willing to forgive us and restore us anew.

When I mess up, I try to remember that it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes it takes me a while to seek God’s forgiveness, whether it’s out of shame over what I’ve done, or being too proud to admit I’m wrong. But every time, every single time, God is willing to forgive and restore me, an expression of a love that is so mighty it is beyond measure or comprehension.

And so I continue to be amazed at the everlasting mercy and forgiveness of Christ our Lord; that He would care for us so much He would die for our sins, and continue to express His divine love daily by restoring us with His forgiveness. What a beautiful and amazing love it is to be cherished so by the eternal God.

Faith is a difficult subject to cover, because it is so personal. How many of us have wished we had more faith, prayed for God to give us faith, wondered if we didn’t have enough faith?

18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. – John 1:18 (New International Version, emphasis mine)

Faith is not quantifiable. That’s why it baffles people who don’t share our faith in Jesus. I understand their unbelief; faith in an unseen God defies logic. For those who cling to the transience of this world and the things in it, faith makes no sense at all.

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6 (New International Version, emphasis mine)

By our very nature we want to cling to things that we can see, touch, and feel. We want to hold the solidness and substance of things in our hands, feel the firm ground under our feet. We want things to be concrete; even our idioms reflect our desire for solidity in our lives.

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29 (New International Version, emphasis mine)

Yet, that’s the paradox of faith – that things that are able to be experienced in the here and now require no faith at all to believe. And that’s the beautiful thing about faith; it requires a conscious decision to step outside the bounds of what is known. Faith is a choice; you must choose to believe.

1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1 (New International Version, emphasis mine)

Even so, I also believe that faith is a gift. If this is true, then when it is new faith must also be cared for like a new plant. It must be tended to, fed, watered, given light. This is how we increase our faith; by spending time with a God who is unseen. While this continues to confound those who choose to remain without faith, it’s a beautiful mystery that’s unveiled layer by layer in our lives; and as our walk with God deepens, so does our faith.

Scripture presents faith as more than just a feeble hope we cling to – in the Bible, it’s characterized as being a shield that protects us from harm.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. – Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

In many ways, faith is it’s own reward. It sees us through the hard times, and gives us a hope that many don’t have during darker days. That’s why it’s so important to share your faith, even at the risk of rejection and ridicule. People need hope for salvation, and that’s what Jesus brings.

We all lack faith sometimes. I know that times are hard for many of you who will read this. In these, the most difficult times to have faith, take whatever faith remains within you and hold it up to your Father in prayer. Then, turn your worries over to Him and know that God is in control, that He loves you, and that whatever the circumstance you are facing, God is with you.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

So, I recently started reading Jack Cavanaugh’s “Kingdom Wars“ books, and I could hardly put them down from the first page of the first book through the last page of the second. Not since I read This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness have I been so captivated by a work of Christian fiction.

More than just entertaining me for a few idle hours, the books got me thinking about the entire realm of spiritual warfare that goes on all around us while we remain mostly oblivious…

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks. 12 Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. 13 That is why you need to put on God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. 14 So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. 15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. 16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. 17 Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God’s people.” – Ephesians 6:10-18, New Century Version (Bold and italics mine)

In the second book, the above Bible passage plays a pivotal role in the story. Of course, you’ll have to read it to find out how – trust me, it’s worth the read.

Despite that the books are fiction, the story serves as a cogent reminder that all we see is not all there is; further, it reminded me how important it is to truly put on the full armor of God, every single day.

Do yourself a favor and pick up Mr. Cavanaugh’s excellent books… I’m sure you’ll be both entertained by the story he spins, as well as inspired to look a bit deeper into spiritual warfare in scripture, as well.

And for practical teachings on spiritual warfare for Christians, check out Spiritual Warfare in a Believer’s Life by C.H. Spurgeon.

Jesus told us in no uncertain terms that we would have troubles in this world. Yet, as is typically the case when Christ gives us bad news, He couples it with Good News that far outweighs the bad.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV, bold and italics mine)

Of particular note to those of us who need encouragement is the fact that Christ defeated the “evil one” at the cross. Christ died for our sins, so that we would no longer stand accused because of our sin. In short, Christ took our shame away.

I know it’s hard to think of spiritual things when you’re hurting so much in the here and now. That being said, if you are troubled about things that are going on in your life right now, just remember what Jesus did at the cross, and know that you have a Savior who loves you so much He died for you.

And, Jesus desperately wants to have a relationship with you, so He can ease your sorrow:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Want to know more? A good place to start would be to read the individual study guide at WayofChrist.info – it’s free, and it will help you understand more about Jesus and what salvation in Christ really means.

“But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” – Hebrews 3:6, NIV

Scriptures often refer to how faithful God is to His people. God keeps His promises, and He is the same now, tomorrow, and forever.

Just the same, the Son is faithful just as the Father. What that means to us is that Jesus is watching over us, faithfully… He knows your every hurt, your every pain, your every struggle.

Yet, it is up to us to hold on to courage, in the sense that we must guard our hope in a Savior who died for all our sins, so that we can be redeemed.

And if we start to lose courage, and we start to see hope slipping away, then it’s time to ask God to provide us with courage and hope.

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7, Verses 7 and 8 (NIV)

…

“1 Give thanks to the Lord and pray to him.
Tell the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him; sing praises to him.
Tell about all his miracles.
3 Be glad that you are his;
let those who seek the Lord be happy.
4 Depend on the Lord and his strength;
always go to him for help.
5 Remember the miracles he has done;
remember his wonders and his decisions.
6 You are descendants of his servant Abraham,
the children of Jacob, his chosen people.
7 He is the Lord our God.
His laws are for all the world.
8 He will keep his agreement forever;
He will keep his promises always.”

- Psalm 105, Verses 1-8 (New Century Version, quotes, italics, and bold mine)

Have you ever felt like God had abandoned you? Maybe you feel like that today… I know there have been times when I have felt that way.

However, we need to remember that God always keeps His promises. He will never forsake you nor leave you, as we are told in Deuteronomy 31:6 -

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV, bold mine)

Isn’t that an awesome promise? I know it makes me feel that I’m loved, to know that I have a Father in heaven who will never leave me, and a Saviour who petitions my cause at the throne of my Father in Heaven.

So, depend on the Lord and His strength, and always go to Him for help… you won’t have to go very far.

^“114 You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.” – Psalm 119:114 (New Living Translation)

Psalm 119 verse 114 is a reminder to us not only that the Lord is looking out for us, but also that He has left us a powerful source of hope and encouragement.

Reading Bible verses for encouragement is not just a good idea; according to the Psalmist it is the prescribed source of hope for those in need of comfort.

In 2 Corinthians 1 verses 3 through 7, Paul writes the following as he opens his second letter to the church in Corinth:

“³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ⁵ For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ⁶ Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. ⁷ We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT, bold text mine)

How interesting that Paul tells the reader that God is the source of all comfort. Obviously, Paul’s purpose in this was to remind the reader that we should look to the Lord first, foremost, and always for comfort in our time of troubles.

So, if you’re hurting, pray to God that he provides you with comfort in your time of troubles. He’s there for you… turn to Him and let the Lord who loves you carry your burden.

“In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” -John 16:33 New Century Version

One thing you’ll notice when you read the words of Jesus in the scripture – He doesn’t mince words. Christ lets us know exactly what to expect from the world. Yet, the Lord’s message always comes with a promise of salvation and everlasting life.

So, be brave!

No matter what troubles may come our way, our Saviour has defeated the world.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

I love this Psalm because it offers us a promise, and also tells us something about God.

In verse 18, we’re told that God is watching over those who fear Him and who place their hope in His love.

Then, in verse 20, we’re told to “wait in hope”. Sometimes, I think waiting for God to move is the hardest thing to do when you’re hurting and afraid. We tend to want to be delivered from whatever pain or heartache we’re dealing with right away; the thing is, it’s often in the midst of that pain that the love of God is revealed.

Yes, learning to wait patiently on the Lord during our time of need is difficult… but through doing so we can also learn more about God’s love for us than we ever thought possible.

On faith:

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

On hope:

“(1)Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2)through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (3)Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (4)perseverance, character; and character, hope. (5)And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” – Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)

On worrying:

(22)Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. (23)Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. (24)Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! (25)Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (26)Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

(27)“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (28)If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! (29)And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. (30)For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. (31)But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. – Luke 12:22-31 (NIV)

On God’s plan for us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)