The Lie That Keeps Us From Jesus

• By candidasullivan
• February 13, 2026
• No Comments

What is keeping you from having a relationship with God?

Is it shame?

I’ve been there.

The enemy loves to use our sin against us. He whispers that because we have sinned, we are inadequate… unworthy… too far gone. But that is not the truth. Jesus loves us regardless of what we have done or failed to do. He doesn’t push us away in our weakness—He invites us closer. He wants us to come to Him so He can help us overcome the strongholds the enemy has built in our minds.

The enemy wants us to picture Jesus looking down on us with disapproval.
But the truth? His arms are stretched open. He longs to hold you. To restore you. To bless you.

Or is it hurt?

I’ve been there too, sweet friends.

I have been hurt deeply. The kind of hurt that knocks you down and leaves your heart aching long after the moment has passed. And if I’m honest, some of it still aches in the deepest places.

The enemy uses that pain to try to separate us from God. He wants us to blame Him. To harden our hearts. To pull away.

But I’ve learned something.

Instead of allowing pain to distance me from the Lord, I let it drive me closer to Him. I have spent countless hours pouring out my heart before Him, asking for help, asking for healing, asking for strength.

When my heartache feels overwhelming, I remember what Jesus endured for me. He was rejected, mocked, beaten, yet He did not quit. He proved His love on the cross. He endured suffering so I would never have to walk through mine alone.

Hardships can make us bitter, or they can humble us.

So I ask God to forgive me. To help me forgive what feels unforgivable. To teach me how to pick up my cross daily and follow Him. In seasons of pain, I draw closer instead of retreating.

I never want my sin, my suffering, or someone else’s actions to stand between me and a beautiful relationship with my Lord.