Have you ever felt that God has turned His back on you? Maybe you’re walking through excruciating pain and loss, and it seems like He’s nowhere to be found. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes and run from Him in guilt or fear. Or maybe you’ve followed the world’s ways and turned your back on God, and now you feel certain He must have done the same to you. But friend, no matter how it feels—God is never far.
Recently, a couple of my followers commented on my social media posts, saying they disagree with what I wrote because God has abandoned them. It broke my heart to hear they genuinely believed this. I have tried to reply and…
Eight little letters, yet such a powerful word—forgiven. And friend, forgiveness is freedom.
What comes to mind when you hear that word? Relief? Gratitude? Maybe even disbelief that it could truly apply to you?
For me, forgiveness was everything. More than the promise of heaven one day, it was the lifting of the heavy weight of guilt and shame I had carried for years. I knew I was a mess. I knew I didn’t deserve it. And truthfully, I still don’t, because even on my best days, I fall short.
Life has a way of reminding you that you are not in control. At any moment, all your well-thought-out plans can crash around you in an instant. Just like a surfer, one minute you are riding the waves of life. The next thing you know, you are thrashing around under the water, fearing you will drown.
Have you ever wanted a “do-over” or a new beginning? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished for an opportunity to take back my words or actions, to erase or fix them.
We all have them in our lives: sandpaper people.
Who are sandpaper people? Sandpaper people are those who:
Act as if they know everything.
Use their tongues like knives, cutting us to the bone with their criticism and judgment, making us feel we aren’t enough.
Speak rudely or unkindly, and never have anything good to say.
Brag, are selfish, egotistical, or make everything about themselves.
Behave “large and in charge” and intimidate us.
Sandpaper people are people we don’t like being around.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV “Oh no… not again!” I whispered to myself, feeling the sting of guilt. I had just yelled…
Have you ever wondered why God felt it necessary to tell us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)? There is something sacred about stillness. Something holy about quiet moments when we step away from…
Have you ever believed the lie that your sin was too great for God to forgive? Sadly, I spent years feeling unworthy and unable to accept His forgiveness. It didn’t feel right or fair. It seemed too good to be true. Yet, my friend, that is the lie the enemy would have us believe.
Life is a waiting game. When we are young, we can’t wait to grow up, so we can drive, vote, or drink alcohol. We attend school, earn degrees and certificates, and wait for the perfect job. Later, we marry and wait until the right time to buy a home or start a family. Sometimes, we go through tough seasons longing for better days. But at some point, the waiting becomes deeper than life’s milestones. It is no longer about what we can achieve, earn, or plan for; it is about what only God can do. This is when we begin waiting on God for direction, healing, breakthrough, and the fulfillment of His promises.
