If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:9
My first boyfriend, John Pitter, was an eleven-year-old foster kid who lived temporarily in my neighborhood.
One day Pitter-Patter, as I called him, suggested we sneak into the church and snack on the communion crackers. I was horrified but soon found myself sitting beside Pitter-Patter on the church floor munching away. Feeling nauseated, I trudged home later carrying a huge load of guilt and shame.
When I confessed my sin of stealing to my father, the church’s pastor, he kindly assured me God would forgive me. We prayed together, and I thought I’d feel better.
But I didn’t. I persistently sensed that I was bad. I believed God wouldn’t forgive me and would surely reject me.
Soon after that, Pitter-Patter abruptly disappeared from my life. His foster mom said he had been adopted.
I believed it was only a matter of time before I would be removed from my home, too, especially when my parents figured out that God had ditched me. My fears were completely illogical, of course, but emotions lack logic. They have no common sense!
Perhaps you, too, in some way have felt like you got ditched. Honey, if that’s the case, you’re not alone. But I’ve got great news for you. The Bible assures us that the moment we confess our sin and receive the forgiveness for which Jesus died, God promises he will never abandon us. He chose us. He loves us and will never leave us.
I know that now. I wish I could tell Pitter-Patter.
— Marilyn Meberg
Excerpted from Daily Gifts of Grace © 2012 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Comments
Praise the Lord for this Word this morning. It will be a help to so many. One of the tricks of Satan is to try to convince people that Jesus does not love them.
I am always reminded that He will never leave me nor forsake me. Be Blessed!
You never know, maybe someone else who knows Pitter-Patter has told him about God’s forgiveness. All’s it takes for Satan to creep in is one little crack in our faith. Stay strong and wear the Armor of God!!
Thanks for the reminder. We get so busy at times and forget or put off asking God to forgive our sins. When we do this our life becomes so frustrating, then we get the words you have written and settle down and remember to ask God for forgiveness and remind ourselves that God is in control and we need to talk to Him every day. Praise you Lord.
I also felt ditched when I was 28, single and pregnant. I thought for sure God was going to “get me” for that one. But I told Him I was sorry and decided to stay in my church. I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I did however learn the difference between being forgiven and living with the consequences of my choices. It was very difficult being a single parent. But He got me through that also, and now she is 28 and has given me 3 wonderful grand children. God is faithful even when we aren’t.
Thanks for the reminder I have felt so alone thinking God hated me for some resone That my life is/ was a joke to him
Thank you so much. I needed to read this this morning. I, too, have felt ditched, abandoned. But God’s grace, mercy, love shines thru every time (when I allow it). That’s all I need to do when Life is screaming ‘you are worthless’ to me. Thanks again!
Perhaps you just did tell Pitter-Patter. God has a way of getting messages to those who need to hear it. I got the message today. Thank you, MM!
Perfect for this morning, as I’ve struggled lately with worry and grumbling. The message inspired me to get constantly into the Word and to pray without ceasing. I’m so thankful God’s love for me will never cease!
My first WOF Marilyn told the full story of this boy she called Pitter Pat. I remember sitting there and then started to lean in. and listen more and more. The story caught me because it was so close to my husband Ken. Then I just lost it and started crying. She said that if she grew up and married him she would live a life with a man that wanted control.Wanted to know if she used the ATm and what how she spent her day. She was telling my story. MY story. and there I was sitting next to my Mother in Law. I just cried. My husband is Pitter Pat. and I will never forget that story.
I should make clear, My husband Is “LIKe ” : pitter Pat…Not the real pitter pat..
Thanks Marilyn
God must have led me to read about you and Pitter-Patter today. I was feeling very ditched this morning. Thanks for the reminder that God will never ditch me.
“Pitter-Patter, I love Marilyn’s humor, and the message! It is so true that “emotions lack logic” thank God he never changes.
One of the hardest things to do as a Christian is to take every thought captive and not allow the outward remarks and actions over-ride our helmet of salvation. We tend to judge ourselves by what we and others think when the only valid judgment is that of our Father and His grace… tk >
Thanks Marilyn,
Your piece really touched my heart.
Takes me back a bit too.
Funny, makes me committed to doing something more; so that when those ‘past people in my life’ do surface, I will put more effort in to pray for them at that moment.
I sent it to my sons and a few friends too.
Grace and Love to you and the whole WOF Team.
Annamarie
Marilyn,
What an awesome thought to share with us. I enjoyed listening to you at the Cleveland 2010 conference. Your ministry is amazing. I wish you were my counselor!
Aileen
Marilyn is a wonderful storyteller!
Loved the story. It is a good reminder that God is all forgiving
Thank you, Marilyn. I’m going to share your words with my two youngest girls who have suffered a lot from their dad leaving our family when they were 8 1/2 & 13 1/2. My oldest suffered the most because she’ll be 32 in March and can’t stay in a committed relationship. She goes from one guy to the other. Both have felt that when love was given out, they were behind a closed door.
I really enjoyed Marilyn’s story on forgiveness. I have felt that way at times.
Thank you for reminding me that He will never leave me or forsake me.
am so much blessed by your story of forgiveness of sins and i pray for more grace.God bless you.
I, too, really needed to hear this message this morning. I am a faithful follower of the Women of Faith girls. I love you, Marilyn. God is truly working thru you all. I have been beating myself up over past mistakes and I needed the reminder that God loves me wherever I am.
im a believer also ive watch a old movie the slogan was THINK GOD i believe we need to bring it to the world put it up everywhere. pass the word on to all our sisters & brothers . its true God has been forgotten. so im passing it on. to you. do the same. tell all bothers & sisters. kids. churchs. buisnesses. anything flat write it on it. satan has taken over. lets show him that God is still alive. so lets do it lets stomp satan in the ground. we can all do it together. so please just pass it on the world needs to say all around the world. THINK GOD! I know we can do this.thank you lets make our father proud. God bless you. xoxo your sister in Christ Sharon Krohn. time is ticking. lets do this.
His promise on us,is not enough for me to beleve that he has forgiven me of my own sins too,i still fill giulty of crucifing him,i wish he could just speak to me direct.
This morning is another day to thank god for saving and choosing us to be apart of his kingdom. Everyday we are reminded of His mercy that goes before us daily, His grace, glory and love.
I Love you Marilyn and I thank god for you.
God loves us unconditionally. He has a very “big heart.” He is a true Father. He provides emotional and spiritual support;and takes care of our needs. He moves the hearts of persons to show love, even from a distance. They share experiences so that we may learn from them.
There are many things in our growing life that we wish we had not done, that we could go back and ask forgiveness from someone. We need only to ask God, and he will take care of the rest. Even though I know this, sometimes Satan gets into my mind and will not let me sleep. At those times I either read some from my Bible or say “The Lors’s Prayer. Peace comes immediately. God Is Good!
All The Time!