Quite often I see Christians who are struggling with sin in their lives, perhaps given over to addictions of one sort or another. I have seen them live in defeat because of a lack of understanding of how to free themselves. Help is always available, but the individual must be willing to take the first step. That may involve getting professional help, but the first step is up to the individual. The first step is confession.
It may not be easy to confess our sins--to mention with the mouth our shortcomings, our transgressions, our SINS, but for the Christian it must go far deeper. Proverbs 28:13 tells us, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." We may even be able to agree with God about our sin as I 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." But what about forsaking that sin?
Let's be specific. What is that sin that does so easily beset you? Is there something in your life that you could name as sin, but yet have not forsaken? Have you given in to unhealthy habits that hinder your testimony and your own personal spiritual growth? Have you claimed defeat or worse yet, tried to justify your sin?
It that's the case, don't expect to prosper. According to Proverbs 28:13, you shall not. What about Psalm 66:18? "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Those are pretty strong words. Isaiah 59:2 gives us this bit of information. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Be sure God wants to hear. Be sure God wants to heal.
Certainly there may be times when sin entangles and entraps us, and even controls us. There may be times when we need to enlist the aid of a brother or sister in Christ to help us. Certainly sin can and will enslave us if we allow it. If need be, seek out those that can help--a pastor,a Godly spiritual leader you can trust, but the simple answer is to FORSAKE your sin.
God can use you. God wants to use you. Christ has won the victory. Don't shortchange His plan for your life by allowing satan to win the battle. Seek God's forgiveness. Seek His cleansing. Walk with Him daily. Let Him guide and direct you. You will never, never regret it.
- William Kovacic
It may not be easy to confess our sins--to mention with the mouth our shortcomings, our transgressions, our SINS, but for the Christian it must go far deeper. Proverbs 28:13 tells us, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." We may even be able to agree with God about our sin as I 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." But what about forsaking that sin?
Let's be specific. What is that sin that does so easily beset you? Is there something in your life that you could name as sin, but yet have not forsaken? Have you given in to unhealthy habits that hinder your testimony and your own personal spiritual growth? Have you claimed defeat or worse yet, tried to justify your sin?
It that's the case, don't expect to prosper. According to Proverbs 28:13, you shall not. What about Psalm 66:18? "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Those are pretty strong words. Isaiah 59:2 gives us this bit of information. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Be sure God wants to hear. Be sure God wants to heal.
Certainly there may be times when sin entangles and entraps us, and even controls us. There may be times when we need to enlist the aid of a brother or sister in Christ to help us. Certainly sin can and will enslave us if we allow it. If need be, seek out those that can help--a pastor,a Godly spiritual leader you can trust, but the simple answer is to FORSAKE your sin.
God can use you. God wants to use you. Christ has won the victory. Don't shortchange His plan for your life by allowing satan to win the battle. Seek God's forgiveness. Seek His cleansing. Walk with Him daily. Let Him guide and direct you. You will never, never regret it.
- William Kovacic