The Path to Redemption

It’s hard not to sin. We must make a conscious effort to stop and think about what we choose to do. The other problem is that we must look at who we surround ourselves with. These so-called, “friends” encourage us to sin. I put quotations around the word friends because as soon as you try to do something that’s different than what they want you to do then they start cutting you off or even cutting you down with insults. Of course, by now, you start to realize that they aren’t your true friends at all. It can seem to become like a lonely road when you’re on this path to redemption. So how do you deal with it?

I’ll give you some big hints….. you need to make some better friends! Of course, the first friend that you need to turn to is God. He’s always been there. He’s just been waiting for you to realize that as well. God knows that we’re going to sin but the difference now is you. You see, God sent His Son, Jesus, to us. He lived among us and taught us many, many things but the best thing that He did? He died on the cross and took ALL of our sins on His shoulders so that we can go and be with Him at the end of our time on earth. That path to redemption just takes a few things from us.

1. Believe (and confess) that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to us to die on the cross and save us from our sins. (John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son so that whoever should believe in Him will not die but have eternal life.”)
2. Confess that you are a sinner and need to be saved.
3. Surround yourself with better friends. Find people who will support you in your new journey. Join a church, Bible Group, or whatever place you can find that will help you to grow and become a better version of yourself than you were before.

It seems pretty easy though it’s not always going to be. You will have to contend with those who doubt you or make fun of you. However, the peace that you will be feeling will overcome all of that. God has a purpose for you but He can’t put you on that path until you take the step toward Him first. You have to trust Him. Trust me, I know. He’s got this! (Related post: God’s Got This and God’s Promise).

So, what did I learn from this? I am stronger because I know that God’s got a plan for me. He knew me before I was even born and waited for me to turn to Him with all of my pain and suffering. He knew that I can use that pain and suffering to help others too. I’m not perfect. In fact, I’m full of flaws but God sees past all of that to what’s in my heart. And guess what? He loves me just the way that I am. Our God truly is an awesome God!!

What can you gain from this? God doesn’t judge us like humans do. He’s way more forgiving than even humans could EVER be. So, what do I think you can gain from following a different path? 1) Redemption (upon releasing all of who you are to God) and 2) Release (from the constant heartbreak and sadness that you may feel now) and 3) Renewed (you have become a new creation in God, in which the old you is no more). God sees you in a different and brighter light. It’s time that you start to do that too.