No matter who you are, no matter what you have done and not matter how unlovable you think you are; Jesus offers forgiveness and hope! As we read the list of Jesus’ ancestors, it is encouraging to see that they include Tamar (the adulteress), Rahab (the prostitute), Ruth (the non-Jewish Moabite), Solomon (who was conceived after King David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba), as well as many others. Thankfully, God uses sinful human beings and, therefore, can use us. Whatever your past, however broken your life may seem right now, God can use you to do something great with your life.The very name ‘Jesus’ means, ‘he will save his people from their sins’ (v.21). Every time we use the name Jesus it reminds us that our greatest need is not for happiness or contentment (although these may both be by-products). Our greatest need, as with Jesus’ ancestors, is for forgiveness. Therefore, we need a Saviour.- Nicky Gumble
![Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. [Proverbs 3:5-6]](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/236x/fc/e8/23/fce823372b43ec95d364f5151faa4132.jpg?resize=218%2C655&ssl=1)
Remember, God is always there. It is us who disappear at times.
Our hearts may want all the answers, but we don’t have to have all of the answers to have faith. We just have to stay connected to the One who does. It is normal to have doubts and in some ways healthy. In order to be strong and endure, faith needs to be tested. How can you ever know how strong your faith is if it has never been tested?
Hardship in this world is inevitable. Defeat is optional. The peace, comfort and perspective provided by having God in our lives enables us to face and survive those storms.
