This post is a continuation of our series on “Stories of Hope” featuring friends, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, and their experience with Hope. In this post, Sue Grinstead shares how she experienced HOPE, Redemption, and Forgiveness. I pray her story encourages you.
To look at me- a white-haired old lady, you might think I have never done anything bad or that I have never faced temptations or pressures you people do now. You would be wrong.
Years ago, even though I had been saved as a child, I committed sins for which I could not forgive myself. I hurt so many people I loved and became so ashamed I could not be around my friends or family. I was alone and miserable.
Then one Sunday, I felt compelled to go to church. The little children were singing “Jesus loves me” and I realized that no matter what I had done, Jesus still loved me. I asked Him to forgive me and I know he did.
That’s the reason he died on the cross- for my sins. I still have regrets and feel guilty for what I did. There are consequences that last to this day, but I know I have been forgiven, and the Bible says that God remembers them no more.
Stand on Scriptures
There are many scriptures I stand on, but the one passage I keep in my heart is 1st John 1: 7-10, especially verse 9.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:7-10
My prayer for you is that you will stay close to God and ask him for strength to resist when temptation comes into your life, then you will never have the regrets I have.
He will always be there to guide you if you ask him and seek him. His plans are to give you a future and hope.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Further Encouragement: John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:4-5, Zephaniah 3:17
Bio: Ms. Sue Grinstead is a member of the Joy Class at LifeSpring Church, Durham, NC. She and the senior ladies in her small group enjoy living life together and sharing the love of Jesus.
A Listening Heart
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