Is God Disappointed in Me?

Q: I’ve tried to live a good life, but I know I’ve let God down countless times. He must be very disappointed in me, and I don’t think He’ll ever forgive me. — G.J.

A: I have good news for you: No matter who we are or what we’ve done … no matter how guilty we feel or how much we think God can never forgive us — God still loves us, and He is still willing to forgive us!

Take a few moments to look at the Apostle Peter. He was one of Jesus’ closest and most dedicated disciples — and yet after Jesus’ arrest, Peter gave in to the pressure of the crowd and did the unthinkable: he openly denied he was one of Jesus’ followers — not once, but three times. When he finally realized what he’d done, the Bible says, “he went outside and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62).

But that isn’t the end of the story. Yes, Peter turned his back on Jesus — but Jesus didn’t turn His back on Peter! Instead, He welcomed Peter back and forgave Him — and God used Him to preach the Gospel and build the early church. Even today, Peter still ministers to us through the New Testament letters he wrote and the example of his life that we find in the Bible.

If you feel that you’ve failed God, let me reassure you that He still loves you, no matter what you’ve done. The last thing God wants you to do is to spend your life filled with guilt and shame and remorse. Instead — like Peter — turn to Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive you — and He will. Then commit your life and your future to Him. God will be with you, and you can trust Him to help you and guide you as you put your trust in Him.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.