You’re born into a family of little means. You’ve barely gotten to know your mother’s face when she’s forced to give you up to protect you from certain death. You’re adopted into a wealthy family and your life changes drastically. You grow up in luxury learning things you never would have been afforded otherwise. You grow into a strong individual with power you never dreamed of.  As you mature you see the injustices around you. They tug at your heart. You feel helpless. You witness a young man being unjustly beaten and intercede. By defending the underdog, you become the victim. Your rage puts you in an ugly situation and you take a life to save one.

What you do next makes you appear a coward. You run away. You hide for many years without apprehension. You change your identity – try to fit in – find a new life. You try to forget your past, but it soon catches up with you. Days progress and you’ve almost forgotten the weaknesses of your youth, but now those secrets resurface in your dreams.  The devil presses guilt into your heart like a hot branding iron claiming victory over your soul. You show signs of aging.  You fear that you’re destined to a future in hell. You feel that you will never realize a true purpose in your life. God has something else in mind. He still has work for you to do – work that involves facing into your darkest fears.

You reluctantly return to the place of your youth. You feel unqualified, haunted, unworthy. Your reluctance turns to fear and cripples you, but then you realize there’s a reason for all of this. You return only to be met with more adversity. They haven’t forgotten you.  They recognize you.  Your true identity has been revealed to those in high places.  You have a price on your head, but you’re determined to face your fears. When dealing with past sins you must admit your failings.  Then ask for forgiveness.  You may suffer the consequences of your actions, or you may run again.

People aren’t nearly as gracious as God.  Old garbage is dragged from the dump to be revealed to a waiting world.  The ugliness of your misdeeds is paraded before everyone and you’re judged by your past.  Now the truth is out.  There is no escaping – no hiding – no redemption.  Thankfully your future doesn’t depend on others or yourself for salvation.  God has wiped the slate clean with the perfect life of His own Son, releasing everyone from the guilt of sin and allowing great things to be done through Him.

Moses realized his sin but tried to hide it. When he faced his past mistakes and asked for forgiveness, he was allowed to do what he was born for. We certainly can’t hide from God.  He’s promised to be with us always. Don’t be afraid of Him. His love has no strings attached.

Run to God and with Him – He will set mountains on fire and use you for His purpose.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY OF GRACE. REMIND ME TO RUN TO YOU IN TIMES OF TROUBLE AND WHEN THINGS ARE GOING WELL. YOU ARE MY SAVIOR, MY REDEEMER, MY COMFORTER, MY REFUGE, MY GOD. I CANNOT HIDE FROM YOU.