Be Free

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 (NLT)

Many years ago as I was building my relationship with God, I made some not God-like decisions.  I was following my own desires and became very distracted with something I knew God wouldn’t want for my life. Of course, as these things tend to do, it blew up. Not only was my non-God-like behavior exposed but I had to step down from leadership in the church I was attending.  I was heart-broken. First, it was hard to face with extreme honesty my friends and fellow Christians the pain this type of thing brings but most importantly, I couldn’t feel God’s presence. It seemed there was a dark cloud that was hovering over me. I prayed. I prayed for forgiveness. I prayed to be able to hear his voice again. I prayed to not feel so lost. I prayed for a what seemed like a long time. Finally, one day as I was driving home from work I said “God, what do I need to do?” And I heard “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” I knew it was true. I had made a mistake. I asked for forgiveness and asked God to restore our relationship. I didn’t have to do anything except keep walking. Jesus had already done the rest. We are bound to make mistakes. Thank God our relationship with him, our eternity, is not based on our behavior but on Christ’s death on the cross. While it took some time for me to re-establish my connection with God (not something I want to go through again), I was forgiven………a long time ago.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone (you and me) who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)

— Elaine Kapentanakis