Grace For Your Waist-Living A Lifestyle Fitted With HopeSample

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Ever been in the right place at the right time? One Sunday morning at church, that place was in the third row, third seat in. It was as if the words of my pastor’s message were spoken right to me—like I was the only one in the room. Although I’ve not heard the audible voice of God, I knew that Sunday, God was near and prompting me to take action. I sat quietly and listened to the pastor, who encouraged us to think about idols that hindered our walk with God. He then issued a challenge to fast for three days, putting said idols on the altar. I checked off my mental list, including social media, TV, recreational time, gossiping, food, Facebook, etc. I thought, hold the microphone….did you say food…God? You want me to fast from food for three days? In that moment I felt so small; I realized I needed more than my own strength and hope to face the long journey ahead of me.

We can get legalistic about the ways to lose weight and exercise. I thought somehow I had to muster up my own courage to battle my bulges. I also thought I had to clean up before coming to God. The irrational grace of God will clean up your closet of guilt, blame and shame. It’s time to get serious with God about the idols in your life. They take up too much space in your soul’s closet and edge out God. I certainly didn’t want to give up food, but I knew I had to choose this spiritual cleansing to get free from its chains. 

The Grace of God helps you trust the process in the deep heart work only God can do. He wants it all: your heart, soul, strength and mind. And if you don’t let go, there is a stronger temptation to go back to your old ways. Those idols must GO! Grab on to Grace! God meets you right where you are and helps you walk this path to freedom. He died to set you free and by His truth He will free you.

Is there an idol in your life? What’s a first step you can take to “clean” those hindrances out of your soul’s closet?