Knowing God Ministries: The Scarlet Letter and Our Purpose

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Do you remember reading The Scarlet Letter? I read the novel in high school. The story is about a woman caught in adultery and forced to wear an obnoxious letter (“A” for adultery) on every piece of clothing. The intent was to bring shame and embarrassment. All would see and judge. She was discarded from society, family and friends; forever labeled “damaged goods.”

As God allows me to travel and speak at women’s conferences, one of the recurring themes I encounter is women living with searing loss, personal tragedy or guilt from their pasts. Unbeknownst to them, emotionally and spiritually, they are wearing their own scarlet letter.

Perhaps it’s the scarlet letter of: D = divorce; A = adultery, addict, abortionist, abused, abandoned, abuser; F= fornicator, etc... ; Name it ______________

If we’ve been a victim of abuse or abandoned by a parent or spouse... Or fallen to various addictions, it’s easy to think that God does not have a good plan for us.
If we have a past, as when Paul describes (himself) as “the worst of sinners”– it’s easy to think that God does not have a good plan for our lives, or that He could never use us for anything useful. And that we're destined to wear our invisible letter forever.
If we battle depression or disease or continual financial issues, it’s very tempting to think that we are doomed to a life of misery; that nothing will ever change.

The natural tendency is to label ourselves “damaged goods.” And to wear an invisible scarlet letter that we think everyone sees.

For some of us, the fact that God wants us to live a life of great purpose will require a titanic change in belief. Yet, as long as we have life and breath - it’s never too late for a fresh start.

Our God is a Redeemer; a Restorer; a Healer; and Forgiver. God is able to forever remove your Scarlet Letter. God is able to empower you to live with a whole new perspective. God is able to give you a life of purpose - even if your life up to this point has been a train wreck.

I must be honest, it will require going to Him and doing life His way. Giving Him permission to redemptively deal with our stuff.

Yet when we do... we begin to enter the plans He has for us - the plans to give us hope and a future.

And not more Scarlet Letters.