Sin doesn’t have to keep you from Jesus. In fact, Jesus intentionally walked into the lives of people caught in the trap of sin.
He knelt with them.
He sent them in new directions.
He healed their hearts.
What we learn from this is that Jesus doesn’t shy away from sin. He is your safe place to talk about it, to heal from it, and to find new direction and life.
As we end Chapter #5, this is your Mended Heart challenge.
- If the old temptation still lingers, count the cost
What do you stand to lose? Who will it hurt if you go down that old path?
- Look in the mirror and tell yourself why this choice is contrary to God’s best for you
Don’t you hate it when people lie to you? And yet we often lie to ourselves.
If you are playing with the “feeling” or with temptation, seeing how close you can come without actually crossing that line, be honest about it.
Invite God into that conversation.
- Talk about your temptation (or sin) with someone who loves you enough to be honest
Who we choose as a confidant is key. If it’s someone whose life you don’t want, and yet you know they’ll tell you what you want to hear, go in the other direction.
Choose someone whose life reflects where you want to be. Whose relationship with God is genuine. Whose relationships with others is drama-free, reflects integrity, and who will speak truth into your life, even if that is hard to hear.
Next week we move into Chapter Six – When a Thief Steals Your Heart. If you’ve ever been wounded by inappropriate touch or harmed by someone who should have nurtured you instead, I pray you’ll meet me right here.
I just want to say “Thank You” for the words of encouragement.
Thank-you! I do want to to talk to someone who I trust. You encouraged. I prayed yesterday.
It’s easy, in the rush of life, to forget from where I have come. The history is tragic, but the healing along the way is amazing. It is God’s healing, and I am ever greatful!
I am so thankful to be forgiven at the foot of the Cross! Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Hi, I just came over from Glynnis’ blog, and I have just subscribed here. Your topics are very pertinent and I’m excited to read more from you. Thanks!
Thank you Suzie, it is so true that we often lie to ourselves. I am surrendering the “comparison game” to God, and it is so freeing! Love your message of choosing the right confidant. Our church encourages “Life Transformation Groups ” aka LTG’s. Meeting with one or two other women weekly who are also committed to Christ has been a true blessing.
Dear Suzie, I have always been a perfectionist, wanting to be liked and always seeking for approval. Now I am realising that even those closest to you can hurt you badly. Putting your life in someone else’s hands can be dangerous. However I am also a child of God. He has never stopped showing me His love and mercy. He continuously powers His out out to me and I am slowly reaching out to Him and letting go of what I have always believed to be true. Thank you for your encouragement. God bless you.
I needed your message from God today. My son is fighting a battle that as a mother is just heart wrenching. Addiction is straight from the depths of hell and I do feel guilt about what did I do wrong what could I have done differently and why didn’t i do it. God is working on me daily in this area. Thank you again!
Connie Koken
I’ve just read your blog and it touched my heart. Like so many I suffered internally and tried to cope with food and I still fight that battle. My daughter is home now with a broken heart and unemployed and I’m going to pass this on for her to read. I’m sure your book is a blessing to many, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read. Thank you for your words that encouraged my heart!