“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps 103:12 NIV)

It was truly amazing. Here we were at the, Ontario, Canada. We had no idea that we were a bit farther south than the 42nd parallel, which is as far South as Rome and Barcelona!

The view just in front of us was amazing. On one side Lake Ontario was temperamental, with huge waves pounding the beach over and over again. No time for respite!

On the other side however, the lake was completely calm, undisturbed and at peace. One side was blue, the other was green.

Right in the middle of the lake, these huge waves bashed against the calm side of the lake, slowly disappearing into nothingness while the peaceful side was left undisturbed.

It’s then and there that I realized that when we truly know that we are forgiven, we are at peace no matter what our circumstances may be. The huge waves of life may try to disturb our peace, but as long as we put our trust in the forgiveness that comes from Jesus, the Christ, we will remain unmovable. Why? Because we know with certainty that:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 1:9-2:2 NIV)

Oh how sad to meet the innumerable people wandering around, feeling utterly rejected as they feel no one, not even God could ever forgive their wickedness. If they only knew how great God’s love truly is! Jesus didn’t just die for the elect! He sacrificed Himself “For the sins of the whole world”, which include those who consider themselves unforgiveable!

You may insist upon remaining among those wild, relentless waves, but total peace and calm is available to you. It truly depends on whom you trust more: Yourself or God!

As I stood there watching these ferocious waves disappear into nothingness, I couldn’t help but thank God for His forgiveness.

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Forgiven” devotional series, please click here.)