John 3:18-21, New Living Translation

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

The Lord tells us, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NLT) 

Are you running from God because you were scared? I want you to think about the scripture I am about to share.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (John 3:18–21, NLT)

Why are you running from God? Only you know the answer to that question. Are you afraid? Are you filled with shame and guilt that is too much for the Lord to forgive? Or maybe your pride is getting the best of you?

Let me ask you this. Do you believe in God, do you believe in Satan? If you believe in God, then know that Satan is real too. Satan is jealous of the love that God has for you. Yes! You! God loves you, and He wants you! God gave His one and only Son as a sacrifice for all sins so that the world could be saved through Him, not condemned. Did you read that? Not condemned! The Devil, “Satan,” will do anything to keep you from accepting Jesus. He is the one who loads you with guilt and shame. He is the one lying to you about it being too much for God to forgive. Christ died for all. He bore every sin on the cross, and paid our debt so we could be forgiven and reconciled to our heavenly Father.

Christ invites you, and He invites me. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” (Matthew 11:28–30, NLT)

Jesus invites you, come to me all who are weary. Are you tired of running? Are you tired of guilt, shame, fear, or pride, consuming your life and robbing you of life? Come to Jesus. He offered you living water, you will thirst no more. Come to Him, He gives you eternal life. Journal life where there are no more tears, no sickness, no pain. Jesus tells us in 10:10 (NLT), “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Don’t let Satan blind you with fear, shame, guilt, or pride anymore. The finished work of the cross covers all sin and brings forgiveness for all who have sin. When Jesus came to earth, He sat with the sinners, people like me, people like you, why? Because He came to seek and save those who were lost. He recognized we were like sheep without a shepherd. He wants to be our good Shepherd. Will you accept Jesus as your Savior?

If you have accepted Christ, please, don’t keep it to yourself. Find a church that preaches the word and tell someone! Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Find someone who can be these scriptures for you and you for them. Together, you will grow stronger in Christ and faith.