Experiencing Jesus Together Through LentSample

Day 24:

Scripture:

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 NLT

A Call To: Repentance

I have always found confession of sins a fascinating aspect of our faith. I am sure each of us has different views on this very idea. My ideas have evolved throughout my faith journey. At times, confession can feel religious-like something mandatory. There was a point in my journey when I discovered the power of confession. A pastor was giving a sermon on James 5:16 and the gospel account of when Jesus healed the paralytic man in Matt 9:1. In James, it says, "confess your sin to one another and pray for one another, for the prayers of a righteous man is powerful and effective." The paralytic man wasn't necessarily confessing his sin, but he made his needs known to his friends. His friend's belief that Jesus could heal him was so strong that they pushed through the crowds of people and broke a hole in the roof where Jesus was holding a meeting. Here is the interesting thing; Jesus responded by saying, "Son, your sins are forgiven." At that moment, a crippled man received a revelation. Jesus is more than a miracle worker. He is the Son of God who can forgive us and heal us at the same time!

Imagine a child skinning their knee, doing something they should not have been doing. They hide it from their parents because of the shame they feel. Then because they did not seek treatment for the wound, it becomes infected and gets worse. I imagine God feels this way when we think we have sin under control or when we wait for it to get so bad before we confess and ask for help. The funny thing is that God already knows what you have done. He is just waiting for you to expose the problem to a trusted believer who joins you in faith and approaches God for healing. Not only does God promise to heal, but He also gives mercy, not punishment. 

Reflection:
Could you use a few friends fighting for you in prayer? Ask Jesus who your praying friends are for this season of your life.

Praise + Prayer:
Lord, show me friends who I can trust and begin to build deep bonds and relationships with in this season of my life. I pray that these friends will go to great lengths to help hold me accountable towards my healing and wholeness. I pray that I will be brave to share my struggles with these trusted friends and that You would be working in their hearts to hear my heart. I pray that as I bring these areas of my life that I have kept hidden, I will be able to start walking out my freedom that is found from the cross. Thank You for going ahead of me and working everything out for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.