Hurt But Not Held Back预览

Step 3 - Deep clean walls, windows, glass, and anything that may have absorbed the smell.

The enemy will always try to use people or situations in our lives to divert our attention. If we let it, the hurt we experience can take up residence in our hearts and minds, distracting us from fulfilling our God-given purpose. 

In order to remove the smell of smoke from our lives, we may need more than an odor eliminator or air purifier. We may have to throw on some work gloves, pick up a scrub brush, and do some deep cleaning. 2 Corinthians 7:1 declares our need to cleanse ourselves and pursue holiness. The Message translation says, “Let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.”

It’s not a question of whether or not distractions will come. They will. When they do, we have to recognize them for what they are and choose not to let them knock us off course. 

Last year, I walked through a particularly rough season. Truly, I was walking through the fire, and I was starting to reek like smoke. The final straw came when my car started acting funny, and I visited the mechanic to figure out what was wrong. Apparently some type of creature chewed the top off my gas tank. When I called the claim into my insurance company, they told me they classified it as vandalism by woodland creature. Hilarious. At that moment, I realized the tactic of the enemy—to keep me focused on the wrong things. I could either take on the smell of more smoke and focus on the havoc from that woodland creature or I could turn away from what I was experiencing and refocus on Jesus.

I immediately took my eyes off what I was experiencing and put my eyes on Jesus. 1 John 1:9 KJV says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I repented for not trusting God in the midst of my circumstances, and He immediately cleansed my heart.

Is there an area in your life where you need to repent? If so, do it now. Let God’s forgiveness give your heart a deep clean.