A Journey of Faith and Forgiveness

Friendship with God is what sustains us on the journey of life, especially as leaders. It is what gives us the strength to keep going when circumstances change, people vacillate, or the path takes a difficult and unexpected turn. Through the unpredictable conditions, relationships, and demands of leadership, we find everything we need in God. Joy and pleasure are in His presence, in His right hand, in His friendship (Psalm 16:11). He is our sustaining power. Our friendship with God is our true destination. It is the starting point of the journey, our gateway to the Next Level. It also is the Next Level: the place of our dreams and our destiny, the land we’re setting out to explore.

As with Adam and Eve in the garden, every temptation you face—every battle you fight—on your Next Level as an individual and leader is ultimately about one thing: your primary purpose of being God’s friend.

In the face of spiritual opposition, we must exercise faith and aggressively take hold of forgiveness. How can we journey in friendship with God if we don’t believe that He can really forgive us, accept us, or love us? Maybe you’ve done something for which you believe God will never forgive you.

Let me clear the fear and condemnation out of your heart with the Word of God. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). Whatever our sins, as we come to God with transparent hearts and confess, He will forgive and cleanse us. He wants us to know the freedom of a dear heart—a heart set free, both to love Him without distraction and to receive the fullness of His love.

That’s why He sent Jesus: because He loves us.