I've Failed.

   

      I've failed. I've failed God. I've failed him many times today. I've failed Him. It doesn't really matter how big or small the "mess up" is. The fact is that I've failed. Let's not even call it a "mess up." Let's not call it, "my bondage" or "my problem" or "my hang up." Let's call it what it is. SIN.

     I know. It sounds so ugly. It sounds like such a dirty word. Even saying the word makes me want to wash out my mouth with heavy duty mouthwash (or acid-which probably wouldn't be best). But that's what it is. Sin is dirty, disgusting, death. The bible says in Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death..." It literally leads to death. As a result of sin ALL of us are meant to die.

     I don't mean to get preachy here. I'm not a pastor, preacher, minster, or reverend. I don't even have a full time job-yet. I'm writing this because it's the truth. I'm writing this for myself. I'm writing this because I want to look back and see that God is good. I want to look back and see the redeeming work of Christ in my life.

     Anyways....We are meant to die. ALL OF US. Not just people that have committed what we believe are 'major' crimes. Not just the murderer. Not just the rapist. Not just the thief. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. But, thank God, the story doesn't end there!

     The verse in Romans doesn't end there. It says, "For the wages of sin is death, But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." God made a way for us to escape that death-Yes, our bodies will fail and die. But our spirit will not die. God has made a way so that we can be with him forever in eternity. That way is Jesus.

     Before I go further, I do want to say that all roads lead to God. (I can feel my Christian friends gasping). But the fact of the matter is that ALL of us will stand before the throne of God for judgment. We will ALL be called to give an account our lives. And those of us that chose not to believe in Christ; we will spend our eternity separated from God. But those of us who have chosen to believe in Christ and live according to the word of God; We will spend eternity with the Redeemer.

     Yes, not everyone will spend eternity in Heaven. By OUR choice. We can choose Heaven. We can also choose Hell.

     I was destined for a life separated from God. I was destined to spend eternity in Hell. By my own actions and my own choices. But, God came to earth as a human. And took the punishment for my sin. Died the death I was meant to die. Ascended into the Hell that I deserve. And then, He rose again on the third day. Jesus Christ defeated sin and death. And is now seated at the right had of God the father (Papa). God who is perfect and sinless died in my place. The King of kings came to earth as a servant and took my punishment. God in the person of Jesus Christ bore the sin of all mankind from the beginning of time to the end of all time. he bore the sin and died. He did what we couldn't do and rose again! VICTORIOUS!!
    
      So, all of this was written to remind myself that I may fail and sin but the atoning work of Christ is still alive and active. His blood covers me. I am redeemed and forgiven. I will sin again. But, I am forgiven and God is working on me. I may sin but my sin nature is removed. When God the father looks at me, He sees me covered in the blood of Christ. He sees me as I was meant to be. He sees me as I am. And He loves me. No matter what. No matter how I've failed. No matter how I've sinned. God still loves me. And God loves you. Always. Forever.

DeeMarie