One of the greatest tragedies in Christianity, yet something that happens frequently in the church, is internalizing the mistaken belief that Jesus withholds good things from His children when they “mess up.” Too many theologies espouse that if a person has made a series of wrong choices, the Lord will punish them by taking away their divine destiny and replacing it with mere survival. However, this is not the truth! When Jesus died, He took to the cross every wrong thing you’ve ever done or that’s ever been done to you. And when He was raised to life again, He redeemed those things and exchanged them for His grace and goodness. As you say “yes” to His lead and receive Him as your Lord, He gives you His identity and you become a partaker of His favor, because when the Father looks at you, He sees His Son. Nothing you have done or ever will do can separate you from His love, and even if there are temporary consequences for wrong choices, His plans are good and they will prevail! 

My friend, I beg you not to allow the power and potential within your soul to be killed by legalism. Even if you have skeletons in your closet and there are things you’re still struggling with, they do not separate you from God’s love or nullify His good plan for your life. Whether you’re in the thick of an addiction, plagued by mental illness, or feeling as if you just can’t get your act together, you can choose to receive the love and hope of Jesus right where you are. Set your heart on that truth, claim it until you believe it, and then go and do great things in the Name of your Savior!

If you’re unable to attend your local church or need an extra dose of weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.