Sermon Notes

November 18, 2016

Stop Hiding, Start Living


Have you ever experienced a situation where you were wronged and the hurt or anger lingered? It can be hard to forgive, especially when people don’t apologize or even realize the pain they caused. But we must. Jesus set the course for us when He said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." He didn’t wait for us to come to Him in repentance, we too must offer that to all.

 

In seasons of hurt and offense, it is tempting to retreat inside a proverbial cave. But what appears to be a shelter quickly turns into a prison. And if you stay there too long, it will eventually be your grave. Unforgiveness is something that we as believers must tackle head on. Begin to pray for your perpetrators and refuse to cave in. Let God be your hiding place, and walk in His freedom.

 

The enemy would love nothing more than for us to hide in ineffectiveness. Tucking away in a cave to avoid more hurt, disappointment or even shame may protect you temporarily, but it will also imprison you and keep you from moving forward into God's plan for your future. You were made for more than that, and this world needs you!

 

God has wide-open spaces for us! Search your heart and choose to forgive today.

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