Forged by FireSample

In moments of weakness, shame whispers countless lies, telling us we're not enough, that our past defines who we are, and that real change is out of reach. Shame tries to convince us to give up. Shame tempts us to fall into bad habits. Shame pushes us into isolation. Shame wants to consume us.

God, however, wants anything but. If we listen to His voice, we will hear Him say something completely different. Over and over again, He tells us that we will not be put to shame. Where shame seeks to chain us, God’s mercy sets us free. When shame says that we are broken beyond repair, God says we are beautifully made. In Christ, we are forgiven, free, and made new.

So, why doesn’t it feel like it? Why do we still carry so much shame?

Because we have this profound desire to be perfect. We hold ourselves to impossible standards—standards no one could ever meet. And when we fail, as we inevitably will, shame shows up to remind us of every flaw and every mistake that makes us unworthy of success. And we believe that because we failed once, we will always fail.

For those struggling with addiction, these moments can feel overwhelming. They can feel like the cycle will never end. We tell ourselves, after one relapse, that change isn’t possible. That we aren’t strong enough. That we aren’t good enough. That we will never be strong enough or good enough.

That’s the trap shame sets—convincing us that our past mistakes define our future. However, if we listen to God instead, we will find hope. God reminds us that failure is not final because He did not make it final.

God, thank you that Your love is greater than my shame and that You don’t define me by my past or my mistakes. Help me hear Your voice when shame tries to convince me that I’m not enough, that I’ll never change, and that I’m trapped. Thank you for never giving up on me. Amen.