In this episode, I share more about how this truth has played out in my own life — and the steps you can take to make it real in yours.
God Is Bigger than Our Mistakes
I had an abusive childhood which programmed me to survive instead of thrive.
As such, when I went out into the world after high school, I made a mess of my life.
I moved onto the campus of a local college. For a while, life looked good after a period of intense depression and darkness.
Yet after only one semester, I decided to drop-out in order to gain some much-needed distance from my mother, thereby protecting my mental health.
I moved in with my boyfriend at the time, and his family, who lived 40 minutes away.
That relationship was a dead-end. So eventually, after landing a job that allowed me to support myself, I ended the relationship and moved out.
But I struggled to succeed in my new job. This led me to moving in with my ex-husband and marrying him soon after. I’d like to say that it was solely for love. But mostly, I worried about not being able to support myself.
My ex-husband turned out to be very manipulative, narcissistic, and abusive. On top of which, partially through his influence, I began diving into Wicca and the occult.
In short, despite God’s attempts to get my attention during my childhood, I ended up moving far away from Him.
Yet as I sinned and made horrible mistakes, God was still pursuing me.
Eventually, two years into my marriage, after an intense period of wooing me while warning me that I was in danger, I gave my heart to Jesus.
God didn’t shame me, condemn me, or make me read a list of all my sins, mistakes, and faults before saying, “Okay, I’ll love you now. We can be in a real relationship now.”
Instead, He’d simply kept pursuing me – desperate for me to step into a relationship with Him so I could experience true freedom, love, and acceptance.
And after that fateful day, God became my true Husband, Provider, Healer, and Champion. He taught me to hear His voice, supplied me with biblical teaching from across the country so I would truly know who He is, and began healing my wounds and brokenness. All the while shaping me into the woman He’d created me to be.
I’m a very different person today than I was back then. Turns out, no one will ever love me the way God does.
In fact, when my ex-husband decided we were getting a divorce seven years later, and I had to start life over with a degree but no job, my dog at the time (ironically named Happy), a few thousand dollars, and what possessions I could fit in my CR-V, God ensured that my life didn’t end.
He provided for me, continued to heal me and spur internal growth, and ensured that I flourished. Despite the sins and mistakes I made along the way, being the imperfect human that I am.
Friend, please believe me when I say that God loves you just as much – no matter what you’ve done or where you’re coming from.
God Will Never, Ever Stop Pursuing You
God will never stop pursuing you. His biggest desire is that you know Him – and know Him for Who He truly is.
And just like in my life, nothing you do can change His mind.
This is clearly communicated in the Bible both through God’s character and specific verses such as:
Romans 8:31-39 (NLT): “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 John 4:6-8 (NLT): “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
Scripture also makes it clear that God cares about every aspect of you, your well-being, and your life:
Enough to count the hairs on your head:
Luke 12:7 (NLT): “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” [Said by Jesus.]
Enough to provide whatever you need:
Luke 12:27-28 (NLT): “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” [Said by Jesus.]
Enough to carry the weight of your worries:
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT): “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Enough to lighten your daily load:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT): “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” [Said by Jesus.]
Over my 20+ years walking with God, He has proven faithful to these verses over-and-over again.
He’s never stopped loving me, pursuing my heart, or providing what I need.
And, friend, I guarantee that He wants to do the same for you!
