Keep Moving Forward

www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

There comes a time in every one of our Christian lives, when we’ve done something or said something that we’ve regretted. Sometimes when this has happened, there’s an overwhelming sense of guilt or shame that usually turns into self condemnation. The devil loves this! But Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT) Sure, we will sin and make mistakes sometimes, but when we do, we have to be careful not to stay there and keep repeating them over and over again. We have to acknowledge the conviction, repent, ask God to forgive us, and keep moving forward.

How many times have you beat yourself up for doing something wrong and you’ve asked the Lord to forgive you, yet you kept condemning yourself for it? Have you ever been there before? Many people have, and I know that I’m one of them. It’s no fun! But I’ve learned that when the enemy tries to weigh me down in my mind about mistakes that I’ve made, I thank God for the Holy Spirit who reminds me that I don’t have to hang there. I don’t have to wallow in self pity or condemnation, because I’ve already confessed, repented and asked God to forgive me.

Satan loves for us to stay in condemnation. And he loves for us to hang our heads down low, be emotional, and be ready to quit and throw in the towel. But that’s when we have to fight back with the power of God’s word. Second Corinthians 10:4 tells us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” Our weapons are the word of God, prayer, and choosing to believe what God says about us and our situation. When we live this way and release condemnation, we can be set free from the strongholds in our lives, and demolish Satan’s mind games in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Another thing that I’ve learned over the years is that I am not in control of the consequences of my sin. So I can’t get caught up there either with the thoughts of how God might punish me for whatever sin that I’ve committed. This has been so freeing, because I remember a time when I used to get so afraid of what God might do to me, because I messed up in a particular area. Until one day, I realized that that is more condemnation and mental torment! I’m not in control of that. Sure, I can pray for mercy, (which I do). But again, I’m not in control. God has the final say.

Plus, the Bible says that the Lord disciplines those whom He loves. So every now and then, we might need a good chastisement or Bible spanking to whip us back into shape. Trust me. I love the fact that He’s a loving and merciful God, but I also know that chastisement is good for me (even if it doesn’t feel good to me). Hebrews 12:5-6 & 8 says, “And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said, ‘My child don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children….’(8) If God doesn’t discipline you as he does his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children after all.” (NLT) That’s the word!

So you see, God loves us no matter what, but remember that He corrects those whom He loves. So even if you’ve made some mistakes today, or in the past; know that you can ask God’s forgiveness when you confess your error and repent (turn away from it). First John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Now after you've done this, the next step would be to let it go. Don’t hang there for hours or days or weeks…and please not months. Conviction is good, but condemnation is suffocating, stagnating, hindering, and it paralyzes your growth. Don’t give the devil that much power. Acknowledge your fault, but again, let it go, and make the choice to keep moving forward! Love ya sis!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!