Ever been on one of those great spiritual streaks? You know, when your life is so blessed, you're happy, loving on God, feeling His power work through you... The times where you get breakthroughs with every prayer, new insights with every scripture you read... You heart is full of love for your fellow man and nothing fazes you because you are God's child.
You know what always seems to happen to me with those times in my life? Some event, some person, or some situation always finds a way to trip that hairline trigger I have. Suddenly I find myself on the opposite side of committing some kind of sin, a sin I thought I had dealt with, conquered, and buried. Even worse, sometimes it's a new one that I didn't even know was an issue for me.
It doesn't have to be big, but just the fact that I was able to fall back into that sinful nature always sends a blow to my heart. The blessed high that was just enveloping my every moment is quickly lost, replaced by shame, regret, and sadness.
I have to go back to the altar and ask for forgiveness. Praise God that His mercy never runs out!
It's easy to forget that we are all works in progress... especially when we have a period of good behavior. The Bible says to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. The same chapter speaks on presenting ourselves daily as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12) We should willfully give ourselves up to the cleansing fire of the Holy Sprit to purge away all the impurities of sin whether we think it's there or not. Trust me, God will find a way to send anything hidden bubbling up to the surface.
Today's Verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Great post! It's refreshing to read an honest posting that reminds me we all struggle with this. HIS mercy is unending and I can't wait to bow at HIS feet and worship and weep with gratitude!
ReplyDeleteTi,
ReplyDeleteThat was deep, and confirming for me. I often get frustrated and shameful when i find myself falling back into old habits and sin. Condemnation sets in. It is encouraging to know that we all struggle with that, and that nothing is too big or small to take to God. I will be doing my first sermon on mothers day and am very excited. This post just helped me to deal with some of the issues i have been dealing with since entering the ministry. I felt like i should not be making certain mistakes, or that I was over certain things only to be reminded that just because you accepted the call doesn't mean that things will instantly get better, or that I will instantly be strong enough to face all of my faults and temptations. It has been a lil rough(the truth always is), but I refuse to give up on God, because he doesn't give up on me. So thanks, and know that you are impacting those in your life. Gina