Girlfriends in God - Oct. 26, 2007

October 26, 2007

Sweet Freedom

I hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Cindi Wood.

Today’s Truth

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Friend to Friend

I’m not sure there is anything more spiritually exhilarating than hunkering down in the sheer joy of forgiven sin! Weeks ago, I had one of those unexpected (and unwelcome) life experiences that zeroed in on the reality of being forgiven.

My defining moment of the sweet freedom of forgiveness came hours after I had made a poor choice; a life-threatening choice. Approaching a long line of traffic, I did something that I had seen countless others do; declaring that I would never do anything so stupid! Being waved on, I squeezed through that string of cars right into the path of a speeding car in the next lane.

In seconds, my car was lambasted and hurled around, allowing me to look straight into the face of the driver who had just rammed me. Instantly aware that it was my fault, I could only stare into his shocked face and mouth the words, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

For two solid hours I cried, “I’m sorry.” Then the gentleness of the Holy Spirit invaded my sobs, “You can confess this sin of making that stupid choice and be forgiven, you know.” So, with my heart breathing the prayer of 1 John 1:9, I accepted my forgiveness. Then with an act of will, I forgave myself and moved beyond the deep guilt of those moments.

However, the beautiful freshness of forgiveness came later as I realized that many women are living their lives with deep guilt over past sins of poor choices; even stupid choices. God’s Word is true! After sin, each of us has the opportunity of another choice! And that next choice is the best choice; confessing our sin and choosing to move forward in the freeing forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray

Dear Jesus, I’ve sinned and I’m asking for forgiveness. Please give me the fortitude to forgive myself so that I may experience the sweet exhilaration of freedom that comes with forgiveness of sin!

Now it’s Your Turn

1) Confess your sin. Whether it’s “big” or “small”, confess it. Whether it’s recent or happened years ago, confess it.

2) God’s Word is true. So know - in your mind - that you have been forgiven!

3) Thank Him from your heart, that His shed blood on the cross covers every sin; past, present, and future.

4) Determine to enjoy your freedom!

More from the Girlfriends

Dear Sister, perhaps you’ve been carrying a heavy weight of guilt over past sin in your life. If you’ve confessed this sin, then the condemnation you feel is not from your Heavenly Father. I pray that you will not allow Satan one more moment of triumph in your life over this. If Jesus lives in your heart, your victory is certain. Accept the truth intellectually, and soon your heart will follow! Need help? Check out Mary Southerland’s CD, The Power of Forgiveness.