For Students: Please Don't Believe The Lie!!

You matter to God. Therefore, you are LOVED and have PURPOSE.  There are so many examples in the bible where Jesus would stop all that He was doing just to show love to those who felt like they didn't matter in the world.  There are examples where He is giving people brand new starts.  There was a woman who was caught in the act of doing something horribly wrong.  Now, a lot of times problems in your family life, issues in your social life, growing up in a crazy environment, etc. can contribute to you doing things that you wouldn't normally do.  It's not an excuse, but just an observation in the name of bringing clarity to why we are more susceptible to doing certain things, we wouldn't normally do.  Jesus came and and offered her two things: a new start and the strength to live a better life.  He could've focused on what she did wrong but He didn't. Jesus would rather RESTORE than condemn, FORGIVE than accuse.
 
There was a son who basically told his dad, "Hey Pops, I want RIGHT NOW all the money I would get if you died today". The dad gave it to him.  The son got his money and hit the road, partying with people he barely knew, doing things so crazy I can't even mention them in this post. Sad :( Well, when all the money was spent up he had nothing.  The people he thought were his friends were gone.  It got so bad he was eating what they feed pigs.  He went from being what he thought was on top to beneath the bottom. He decided to go back and work for his dad.  He was ashamed and didn't think his dad would accept him as his son because of what he did.  The funny thing is when his dad saw him he just didn't accept him, he went overboard with acceptance.  He was so filled with joy that his son was coming home he wanted to throw the biggest party ever. He put out the very best of everything that they had for this party, welcoming his son home.

This story that was told is a picture of how we sometimes follow our own way/will instead of God's way/will.  Even though we must face the consequences of our actions, God is eagerly waiting for you to come back to him.  Just like the father in the story, God is not looking to condemn you but to RESTORE you.  You are just as valuable to God in your mess as you are free of mess.

It doesn't matter how crazy your life has been, nor does it matter what you may have done in the past. It doesn't even matter what you are doing in the present, God is ready to do for you what he's done for so many before you, FORGIVE and RESTORE. All you have to do is accept his forgiveness and allow him to restore you.  

So what's the lie you've been believing?

1. I've messed up so bad that God doesn't love me anymore./TRUTH- there is nothing you can do to make God stop loving you.  His love is completely unconditional.(Romans 8:38-39)
2. I'm too far into so many crazy things that I'm no longer valuable to God./TRUTH- your value to God is not based on your actions but on the fact that He created you.(Psalms 139:13-15) 
3. God can't use me. I grew up in a broken home and I'm really screwed up./TRUTH- No matter what you've been through God can use you. The question is will you allow him to use you?(Romans 8:28) 
4. I'm too far gone to come back to God./TRUTH- We have all been to far gone but as long as you are breathing there is a chance to accept God's plan for your life.(Romans 3:23-26)   

How has God restored you?
hope it helps
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