Originally published Monday, 02 May 2016.
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 then move 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 10:5 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. I remember a time when I used to get so afraid of how God might chastise me, because I messed up in a particular area. Until one day I realized, that is more condemnation and mental torment that I'm putting on myself! 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 the satisfaction. Acknowledge your fault, but again, let it go, and make the choice to keep moving forward! Because there is therefore, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Believe it! 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
*Also, don’t forget to JOIN me “LIVE” on Facebook this Tuesday night, May 3, 2016 @ 8:30pm (CST) on Let’s Talk! Check your time zone and join me as I talk on the topic, “How to Find Balance the Grind.” LIKE my page (Inside Out with Courtnaye) and I'll talk to you soon!
*ALSO TELL OTHER WOMEN about Inside Out with Courtnaye. Invite your friends from Facebook TODAY! Retweet it! Share this post with your circle of friends or women’s group as soon as you finish reading it! Send me an email or comment to let me know how it has helped you. *Also, if you would like to book me as a speaker for your next women’s event, send me an email with all your details @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. It’s all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming back soon, so let’s help populate heaven together! Also, to get more biblical and practical nuggets, (if you haven’t done so already) stay connected through my social media outlets and donate too if it’s helping you (this takes work…LOL!). Also, if you have any questions, need advice, or prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com! Let’s do this!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye
Financial Donation: www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
SHARE
