Although the music in the concert was loud and fun and all of her friends were jumping and going crazy, Amy was not. She sat in her seat with her head buried in her hands. From where I was standing, it looked like she was crying. So, I made my way to her row.

Because I was her youth pastor and cared deeply for her, it was very natural for me to slide in and ask her what was bugging her. Though she said she just having a bad day, her tears alerted me to the fact that there was more going on.

After a few minutes, she broke down and told me that she had done something horrible. She was afraid if she confessed her mistake to me that I would push her away as she was convinced that God already had.

As I reassured her that I would not judge her but would help her to find God in the midst of her struggle, she told me how she had crossed the line of “I promised myself I would never do that.” The shame and guilt that she was experiencing was unbearable, but the sense that God was no longer willing to look at her, walk with her, or accept her was paralyzing.

For the next several weeks, my wife and I spent time with Amy as she began the process of overcoming her mistake. Eventually she did, but it was not easy. Oh, God had forgiven her at the first request…He does not make anyone beg, plead, or perform rituals to receive what he freely offers…but escaping from the prison of her own regret and constant attack of the devil’s accusations is what took time.

So many people that I meet struggle in the same way. Maybe it is with a different sin but the reality of freedom from those things is a challenge for them. Because they struggle to forgive themselves, they don’t believe that God has forgiven them. And, the painful memories that haunt them hold them captive and work to steal their joy.

If I just described you, I want you to know without a doubt that God has forgiven you if you have laid that mistake/sin at His feet. If you have confessed, just as His Word says, He has been faithful and just to forgive you of your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). But that does not mean that you will always feel forgiven. And that is where the battle lies. Will you believe the Lover of your soul who promises forgiveness or His enemy who wants to hold you down?

The devil will try to manipulate you based on your shame and convince you to withdraw from God. But, He will never withdraw from you.

He is the faithful friend who will not only forgive but will heal.

Haven’t you been living with regret too long? Isn’t it time to kick satan to the curb and start living free? God thinks it is.

If something above explained how you have been feeling, take the first step to experiencing freedom by praying the following prayer.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for loving me perfectly even when I am not perfect. Would you please forgive me for all of the mistakes that I have made and the times when I have disobeyed your plans for my life. And, would you help me to live like I am forgiven. God, I trust you and your word. So, I stand forgiven. Thank you for that amazing gift. Now, teach me to walk with you. To talk with you . And, to live aggressively for you. In the loving name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Would You Pray With Me?