Thirteen years ago, I wrote something simple but powerfully true: you are wanted.

In this Then & Now episode, I revisit that original piece—written in 2013 and inspired by a song that still hits just as hard today—and reflect on what I see differently now after years of walking with Christ, teaching Scripture, and growing in understanding.

The core truth hasn’t changed:

• God loves you.
• He wants you.
• You are not too far gone.

But my understanding of that truth has deepened.

Back then, I focused heavily on the comfort of being wanted—how God’s love fills emptiness, heals rejection, and restores identity. And that’s still absolutely true. But today, I see more clearly that God’s love doesn’t just accept us—it transforms us.

Love doesn’t leave us as we are.

In this episode, I wrestle honestly with:

• The difference between being wanted and being known and loved
• How modern ideas of love can distort biblical truth
• Why following Jesus doesn’t remove struggle—but gives us assurance in the middle of it
• The danger of believing God’s love means we don’t need to change
• What it really means that God is actively working in us right now, not just when we “arrive”

I also revisit an illustration I used back then—and explain why I wouldn’t use it today—not just because it’s factually shaky, but because it unintentionally misconveys something deeper about how God works in our lives.

This episode is about growth without compromise.
About truth that doesn’t change—but understanding that does.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling unwanted…
If you’ve ever wondered why following Jesus is still hard…
If you’ve ever questioned what God’s love really means…

This one is for you.

Because the truth is:
You’re not just wanted.

You are known.
You are loved.
And God is already at work in your story.