There is a deficiency in every one of us - our sin nature. We try to earn Heaven by our good works. Did you know God says our righteousness deeds are as filthy rags to Him? Did you know Satan attacks our dignity by tempting us to sin against God and then accuses us before God when we succumb to his lies? He tempts us with seductive promises, then when we buy the lies he piles on the guilt and shame. There is a reason he is called "the accuser of our brethren..." Revelation 12:10 What can take away our burden of sin? There's only one thing in all the universe—Jesus blood shed on the cross. It alone cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Beloved, our sins are forgiven, our shame is covered and our dignity is restored when we ask Christ to forgive us. His blood cancels our sin and His righteousness clothes our shame. Isn’t that incredible? "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
We become God's pure, innocent children ~ like newborn babes ~ and God is glorified by our lives. I pray God restores our dignity for His glory. Jesus took our shame and humiliation and offers us His dignity. Such amazing grace. When the Prodigal Son returned home his father showed him grace and mercy. That’s a beautiful picture of our Heavenly Father. He wants to restore our lost dignity and cover us with His love. So amazing. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end..." Lamentations 3:22
Shame is a dark shadow that holds us captive and strangles its victim in the dark. If it is not confessed and forsaken we will die inside. In Psalm 51 King David was broken over his sin and found a place of confession, repentance and forgiveness. If you have been broken over your sin you can turn to God. Confess your sins to Him and cry out for His mercy. You will be forgiven. It's not too late. You will be forgiven for time and eternity."As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgression from us." Psalm 103:12
Don’t allow the accuser to imprison you with his lies. Don't let him tell you that you are washed up—that your influence is now diminished or has evaporated because of sin. God has a way of taking what the world looks at as used goods—like the prodigal son—and setting them among princes—as royal sons. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 1 Cor. 5:21 So amazing! Even though we don’t feel like it and we certainly don’t deserve it—when we ask Jesus to be our Savior we become the righteousness of God in Christ. The gospel proclaims to us—Your sins are covered! You are forgiven! You are loved! You are not alone! Don't give up! You are accepted! You matter! You are righteous! You are a child of God! God’s grace will enable you to walk by faith and be led by His Spirit! Such encouraging words. God’s grace frees us from the bondage of sin! Such joy!!!"God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21
God wants us to walk away from the darkness of the past into the light of His love. He wants us to know His unconditional love. He can and will change your heart if you let Him. You have nothing to fear. We don’t deserve His love and kindness—yet He pours it on us. None of us can live the Christian life in the power of the flesh. We would all be hooped. We must stand in the grace, mercy and forgiveness of Christ. As for God not being able to use you because of past sin—that’s nonsense. If John Newton hadn’t had such a horrendous past as the captain on a slave ship he might never have written Amazing Grace. Billy Crone, Tom Hughes, Eric Berger, David Berkowitz, Mac Grober, Nicky Gumbel—all men who had very sordid pasts. God is using them mightily for His glory. Don’t allow the enemy to discount what God can do if your life is surrendered to Him. There is still time to live for Christ—but the time is short. One day it will be no more. We are to live day by day— moment by moment. Trust Him. Be faithful each moment. Ask Him to lead all your moments—and one day He will be able to say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:21
You are more than your past. I pray you will be encouraged to love and trust God more. I pray God will bless and strengthen you — body, soul and spirit. I pray God will heal every atom of your being — your heart, your mind, your soul — God wants to make you whole in every area ~ emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually. He loves you so much. It's impossible to comprehend the depth of His love. He wants to "bless you and keep you..." Numbers 6:24 You are so precious to Him. Blessings, Beloved of God.