Not Good Enough

So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; Acts 13.19 AMP

Refreshing and restoration follow repentance.

True repentance always requires a change of heart and a change of mind that leads to a change in behavior. It allows God to bestow forgiveness upon us [releasing us from our sins].

He’s already paid the price for our sins, but not all of us have accepted the invitation. That matters because there’s no forgiveness received without repentance given. Sin is so dangerous, not just because “it’s bad,” but because it causes us to look away from God. And that’s the worst thing that we could ever do.

Repentance then means it’s now my job to turn away [from sin back to God]. It’s God’s promise to remove my sin [and its eternal penalty]. We cannot do God’s part and He will not do ours when it comes to repenting of sin. He gives us the choice to make and always has (Genesis 2.16-17).

Good Enough?

We’ll never be “good enough” on our own merits. There’s not enough good karma, good deeds, and good vibes to remove our sin and its consequences. Contrary to popular belief, even the forgiveness that Jesus offers (salvation) isn’t free. He paid the price of our forgiveness and freedom but we must give up something to receive it — ourselves.

There’s not enough room for you and God on the throne of your heart. Someone has to give. Nor is there room for God in a mind that’s full of self. We must yield.

Salvation (God) requires our mind (a decision) and our heart (our worship). Then… refreshing and restores comes!

We’re not good enough on our own. But God is. And He’s more than enough.