Fervent, Strategy #5: Past

Have you every head the saying "God has the power to turn any mess into a message and test into a testimony"? Well, that is completely true. That is why Satan attacks our confidence. "He constantly reminds you of your past mistakes and  bad choices, hoping to convince you that you're under Gods judgment rather than under the blood (Rev 12:10) (Page 16)." If he can get us to doubt that we are changed, or that God would actually forget we did that he can convince us we are worthless and disgusting.

"If I were your enemy I'd constantly remind you of your past mistakes and poor choices. I'd want to keep you burdened by shame and guilt, in hopes that you'll feel incapacitated by your many failing and see no point in even trying again. I'd work to convince you that you've had your chance and blown it-that your God may be able to forgive some people for some things, but not you...not for this (Page 93)."

I know for a fact I have felt that pressure of discouragement. I've seen my regrets played across the big scream of my mind, bringing up my embarrassment and shame. It's amazing how vibrantly those feelings can flood in sometimes, making me feel worthless and disgusting. Bogging me down from accepting and living out my forgiveness through Christ and ignoring the promises of God.

Psalms 103:2 clearly tell us that when we are forgiven by God, He removes our sin "as far as the east is from the west"! That is how "anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor. 5:17)

One verse Priscilla shared really hit my heart deep. I've heard this passage many times but perhaps not in the translation and certainly not in the frame of mind I was in during that moment. Ephesians 2:1-5 reminded me 'Once (I was) dead because of (my) disobedience and (my) many sins. (I) used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,  that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) " (emphasis mine). Wow! God's grace is more than sufficient. How dare I allow Satan to convince me other wise. I am redeemed by the blood of Christ and he can NOT take that away!

This is part of my prayer today "God, Yahweh! Thank Your for Your all encompassing forgiveness. No past is to cluttered to forgive. The Bible is stuffed full of that truth. The people of Nineveh, the criminal on the cross, Saul into Paul, King Solomon, the prostitute washing Jesus' fee, Matthew the tax collector turned disciple...I could go on! The truth is everybody but Jesus has sin in their past, present and future. It seems to make sense to keep our sin, my sin, away from You, but that makes no sense at all. You are in the business of forgiving. You wouldn't have sent Jesus if  You didn't want to remove sin. Thank You that nothing surprises You and nothing is too pig and bad for you to remove. You know full well the sin You have taken from me: addiction to pornography, casual sex, lying, swearing, getting drunk and high. You have removed those desire from me. Porn was the strongest of those by far, yet it is gone! Those images are so far away they are too foggy to recall. Sometime the thought of that desire perks up, but it's strength is greatly diminished. Because of You I can resist that addiction. Thank You Lord porn no longer has a hold of me and hasn't for many years now. By You grace alone am I saved! Praise You! Thank You!"

I am reminded that just because I am broken that doesn't mean I am useless. Over two years ago I wrote a blog called "I'm a Little Tea Cup". In this post I reflect on the truth of God in my broken life. My brokenness only serves to strengthen the power of Christ's effectiveness though me. “ My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." (2 Cor. 12:9)  "God (truly does) causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Roman 8:28) (addition mine). Though prayer Satan is loosing ground in my heart and mind. It feels good to tell him "don't let the door hit you on the way out!" Good riddance! He will be back, but I will be stronger then.

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If you aren't intrigued to pick up this book yet, my I encourage you to do it anyway? God is waiting for you to make the first move and pray is that move! There is so much more to this book then I am saying in these posts. What I'm telling you only scratches the main points. You will not be disappointed. However, keep your guard up. Satan doe not what you running him out of town. That being said I warmly welcome your prayers. As always, thank you for spending this time with me today. May you be aware of God's blessings in you life.