If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Is there some area in your life where you feel like a failure? Is there some sin that no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to remove it from your life? Well, if you read yesterday’s blog, then you know that you trying to remove it is your first mistake. Trust in God and He will cleanse you from your unrighteousness.

Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We know that we will not reach perfection until we are living in glory with our Heavenly Father. But until that time, we should strive for righteousness. While we strive for this righteousness or this sin free living, we must rely on God’s power and God’s strength. We are just not strong enough to do this on our own. The Bible tells us that we can do all things, however, through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Hebrews 10:26-27 tells us that if we deliberately sin after knowing the truth that we no longer have a sacrifice for our sin, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries. If you can’t let go of your sin, God will help you if you will only ask.

So, let’s assess your situation and see where you are. First of all do you believe? Do you believe that God loved the world so much that He sent His one and only begotten Son to save us from our sin so that we might not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16)? If you answered no, then this is your starting point and I strongly encourage you to read the book and watch the documentary and the movie, A Case for Christ. Lee Strobel was a reporter for the Sun Times in Chicago and he didn’t believe either. He set out to prove that Christ never existed. So start by reading that and keep your Bible handy because you will need to reference and read that as well.

If you do believe, then you must believe our scripture passage. But, the next question is do you really want to change? When I was telling my sister that I wanted to lose weight but couldn’t resist the temptation of sweets, she asked if I had prayed about it. I realized that I had not prayed about it because I knew God would help me to resist them and I wasn’t ready to give them up.

The next question you must ask yourself is, what’s in it for me? Let’s face it, we all want some kind of return on any investment we make. Well, my friend, I can tell you from personal experience that of all the things that I have given up, I have gotten so much more. I gave up things like going to the bars with my friends and even had to give up a few friends that didn’t understand why I no longer wanted to hang out in the bars. But I got peace and joy. I can be happy no matter my circumstances. I got an awesome church family that supports me in times of need and prays for me when I have troubles. I got God’s protection in my life. I have security in Him. I got rid of the baggage of shame and regret. I am a blood bought child of God. I have made mistakes. I took way too many years to take what should have been a very short journey, but I made it. I finally came to realize that my sin would do nothing but cause me heartache and pain. Oh, it might be fun for a little while, but ultimately it would do nothing but drag me down.

My friend, none of us know how much longer we have on this planet. Make today the day you stop saying, “I’ll go to church next Sunday, but not this Sunday” or “I’ll give up my sin next Monday” or “I’ll forgive my brother later”. Later might be too late, the time to repent and come clean and do God’s will is right now. Please don’t delay.

I don’t know what you are dealing with today. I don’t know how many times you have asked God and/or a loved one for a second chance, but I know that this could be the day that you defeat the devil. This could be the day that you have victory. If you are willing to truly give it over to the LORD. Trust in Him with whatever it is. Give your troubles and yourself over to him completely. You will be so glad you did!

Have a great day!