What's a Girl to Do?

It's come to my attention recently, that I have some deeply ingrained sins that need to be confronted: a judgmental mind, a grumbling spirit, an unteachable heart.

Ah!!!

What's a girl to do?

When you are made ware of sin in your life - by God's Word, the Spirit within, or others - what happens?  I tend to go in one of two directions: try to explain it away - it's not that bad - or hang my head in shame and defeat - I can never change.

Neither of these responses is right or helpful.  The first proudly denies that sin is a problem, to which Scripture says "foolishness!"  The second miserably denies that Jesus' death on the cross was of any value.


What is a girl to do?!

This verse comes to mind when I think about sin:

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation

and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Corinthians 7:10

What does this look like in practice?  From this verse we read that Godly sorrow leads to repentance - acknowledging or sin to God.  That can be a pretty big step, sometimes feels like swallowing pride as big as an elephant.  My name is Heather and I have a judgmental mind, a grumbling spirit, and an unteachable heart.  (Makes me seem like a real peach, huh?!)


Beyond simply acknowledging the sin, we have to confess our dependency on God to both be forgiven and be changed.  This is the part that leads to salvation rather than death.  Jesus death and resurrection are sufficient for any sin you throw at God's feet - ANY - whether a one-time heinous crime or a sin pattern that's been a companion from childhood.  We are left with no regret because when we confess faith in Jesus, not only does He take our sin, but he gives us His righteousness - that perfect record he maintained while living as a man!


There is now no condemnation ... Good news, indeed!


We can confess our sin, repent and believe, because that Godly sorrow is given to us to bring life.  The Spirit convicts us of sin that we may draw nearer to God, cling more tightly to the cross, give greater thanks, all to God's glory.


There is no other God like Him.

Over the last week, even in the midst of greater awareness of my sin, God's giving me hope:

• Though I'm not what I ought to be, I'm not what I used to be;
• He's changed me in very specific ways in the past, so I can trust Him with these.

What a loving Father we have!

My prayer for you today:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13