Let Go

I recently attended a show in Tampa called “Winter Jam:” one of the world's largest and most successful tours featuring some of Christian music's biggest stars. Every year, nine or 10 artists come together to help spread the gospel and joy of Jesus Christ. Nick Hall, who began the PULSE movement, was the speaker this year.

During his time on the small stage in the middle of the arena, Hall had a ladder and pulled a young man up on stage for a demonstration on how people today try to “fit in” and how much it weighs us down from getting to God. Hall stated that today's generation needs the coolest jacket, nicest sunglasses, the biggest phone, among other things; all of which was put and/or handed to this young man. His hands became full within a minute.

Finally, Hall pulled out a suitcase and started putting bricks inside, representing a person's fears, doubts, insecurity and sins that keeps a person awake at night. Hall then asked the young man to climb the ladder and with his hands full, carrying a heavy suitcase, he was unable to climb the ladder, the ladder of Faith.

Jesus didn't die for us to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Jesus died so that the weight could be lifted for us to climb the ladder of faith: the ladder that shows us the Way, the Truth and the Light. Most of the time, we are so entrapped in the mind of fashion, lust, greed and popularity that we forget what and Who really matters. I'm guilty myself. Our pride is also a big factor. We want to be strong for our friends and don't want them to see us break because “men don't have meltdowns. Real men don't cry.”

Let go of that baggage. I promise you'll feel real better. You sinned a few years ago and you just can't seem to get rid of the thought that God can't forgive you. In fact, when God forgave you (Yes, He forgave you when and if you asked for forgiveness), He chose not to remember the sin you once committed. “He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19) Here's the question that surrounds this whole article: If God has forgiven you and forgotten your sin, why can't you forgive yourself?

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Still unsure if God will forgive you? God's word does not return void. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)