By Nancy Virden (c)2021

I have yelled at strangers, hurt people’s feelings, broken promises, stolen, lied, cussed, trusted people more than God, and more. I have played the hypocrite – the worst sin in the eyes of Jesus.

How far will God’s grace go? Will he forgive how I acted when my mind was not right, when depression took over and I attempted to end the life he gave me? Does God love a daughter who has often lived by her emotions and denied it in pride? Maybe I have not spent enough time feeding the poor, sitting with sick people, or visiting prisoners. Does He have time for my petty first-world issues and well, for me?

Resurrection Sunday (Easter) proves the enormity of his grace and willingness to embrace us at our worst.

“[God the Father] canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14

^“… God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8

God does not hold grudges. Instead, he delights in showing unfailing love! If we surrender to his process of salvation, then, he tramples our sins under his feet and throws them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7:18-19

The blessings, peace, and joy that can come from salvation are the answers to our deepest needs. Jesus makes himself present in our hearts as we learn to trust in him. Our faith is strengthened in God’s love. We can realize how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:17-18

“God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.  Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection from death. “Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”  The way to have eternal life with him in heaven is to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one he sent to earth.” John 17:3

One time when Jesus was speaking with a woman whose brother he was about to bring back to life, he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11:25-26

Do you?

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

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