We live in a polarized society that thrives on separation and exclusion. Elaborate and aggressive cross-channel marketing plans send the perpetual message that we are never quite good enough – that we need to constantly improve our exterior to attain the worldly definition of success. Titus 2:11-12 says “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

This sense of inferiority can spill over into our spiritual lives. We may feel that so many regrets and mistakes have pervaded our lives that we are not good enough for God either. We have a warped sense of identity that can weigh us down and hinder our growth. Our prayer lives fade away and our relationship with our heavenly Father grows distant.

How do we return? How do we recover from these feelings of unworthiness? The longer we go without having conversations with our Creator, the more natural it seems. Yet, connecting with our Creator through prayer is one of the most natural things we can do. 1 Chronicles 16:11 says “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

We return by studying God’s word. Knowing God’s promises means that we can pray and hold Him accountable to what He says. God is never far from us. He is always eager to meet us. Romans 8:38 reminds us that nothing separates us from God’s love: “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.”  He also meets us where we are. In scripture, Jesus was not stationary. He did not stay in one place and extend invitations for those in need to stop by and see him. He went out and met people where they were, in whatever state they were in. From healing lepers to the man at the pool of Bethesda to the woman at the well to healing the blind, Jesus continued to extend his message of salvation, love, mercy, and grace to everyone, regardless of their past or present state. He does the same thing today. Salvation, deliverance, peace, wisdom, restoration, healing, and everything else we need is readily available. Whatever need we have, the Lord is able to meet us where we are and provide His very best to us. James 1:17 says “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

We never have to worry nor feel defeated because, through faith in God, we’ve met our match!

 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. – Jude 24-25