There comes a time when our father expect us to grow up. We should constantly be maturing. Hebrews 5:12, “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food.” Our unwillingness to confess the real truth concerning self, creates a repetitive cycle. Confess what? God’s desire is for his children to continue leveling up in him. He begins to convict you of things that once seemed minor or small.
We refer to certain sins as “BIG” like drinking, sex, clubbing, fornication and stealing. Song of Solomon 2:15 “Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that spoil and ruin the vineyards [of love], While our vineyards are in blossom.” Small sins (as we refer to them) makes a BIG difference, & can literally destroy you; yet in your eyes it’s not a big deal, right? After all, I am not hurting anyone, it’s internal not visible. In 2021, He began showing me ways within, that needed to be addressed & dealt with. I was operating in a spirit of judgment, it had become so frequent that it didn’t seem abnormal or it almost became impossible to realize, I was being judgmental, in my mind I am being honest. Honestly, confessing this was part of me was hard. I didn’t like what God showed me about myself. After, bringing to light the error of my ways, I committed to change. Daily, praying asking him to make me aware, when I am operating in self-righteousness. It was important to me, to yield myself to God, so that full transformation could take place. Although; it hurt I knew eventually it would bring glory to him, there’s always a reason for the purging. When we refuse change it hinders our ability to be effective. Immediately, I prayed asking the Lord, to help me quickly identify when I begin operating in that spirit, help me to be conscious of my thoughts; he gave me this scripture to meditate on, 2 Corinthians 10: 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. This is how God, prepares us for HIS PLAN! Several years ago, while attending a conference in a totally different state, I met a lady and we connected via social media, eventually she purchased a copy of my book "From Tarnished to Treasured Beauty Revealed.” After reading, she reached out in my messenger, expressing how she resonated with the book and one day she hopes to share her story. Recently, she called me thorough FB, we talked 3 hours. She opened up sharing some very personal things with me. I was shocked! this is a woman of high stature, entrepreneur, beautiful, love the Lord, serve in her church, and sing in the choir. Yet, yet, yet, and still she was struggling with lust, men, infidelity. Did I mention she's been married 20 years?!?! But, my sister in Christ is struggling!!! I COULD NOT JUDGE! You see, I too experienced it. Not to the point of infidelity, but conversation and emotional attachment. I did what most wouldn't. Contacted one of the leaders immediately. Did you hear me? I was not playing with it! I know me and his word says; Romans 7:18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. I was honest, hey I feel like I am about to slip and fall, the first thing is being real with yourself, about “yourself.” James 5:16, tells us “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This is what self-accountability looks like. This lady doesn’t know me beyond FB, her reason for calling was to discuss $8 eggs she saw posted. BUT GOD HAD ANOTHER PLAN! She ended up confessing, and confiding about Things she's NEVER shared with ANYONE......Why? Out of fear of being judged. Fear of it being used against her later. Fear of rumors. Life, has a way of humbling us, so that we are compassionate to others. Romans 12: 3, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” That's the love of our Father! When he is pulling out of us, the ugly parts of us it's so his glory can be revealed, on display. I was able to love, pray, & encourage without being judgmental. She said to me, "I wonder how many other women are struggling remaining silent?" God won’t give you everybody, but he will give you somebody. Allow him to work in you, so you can do the work for him! Be a safe place for other women. CONVICTION, CONFESS, CORRECT, COMMIT, CONFIDE Guest Blogger, Crystal Hooks
3 Comments
teresa cooper
3/8/2022 12:30:06 pm
A comment from the blog by a SisterFriend,
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Crystal Hooks
3/10/2022 09:36:05 am
I agree. It goes to show struggle and pain doesn't discriminate. It amaze me, the thought process of individuals who assume because of a position, you're exempt from certain things. Not at all! I've learned sometimes we have to go through certain things, in order to show compassion in that area. As well, as being a safe place.
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Author Bio
Pastor Teresa actively travels throughout the country imparting the Word of God in a candid and refreshing way. Teresa is the host and creator of SisterFriends Cups and Conversations, an Internet Talk Show providing a platform for women to engage. www.newcreationfamilychurch.com to learn more. Archives
April 2022
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