Did you mess up?
Did you blow it?
Honestly, how did that feel?
Convicted? Guilty? Ashamed?
When, as Christians, we fall to sin, it does not, and should not, feel good, or right, or free.
It should most definitely bother us.
One of the Holy Spirit’s jobs is to “bother us” about our sin. (John 16:8).
So, the question is…are you bothered? How does it feel when there is unchecked sin in your life?
It should feel quite terrible because God loves you too much to allow you to remain in bondage to misery-making sin.
In John 16, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the Helper” and says He convicts the world concerning sin because they do not believe in me (v9).
And, if we think about it, the root of most sin is unbelief.
Sin results from not believing Jesus can really be my hope, joy, peace, provision, help, healer, delight, satisfaction, or sustainer when it comes to some situation in my life.
I don’t believe He will do something or be something I need so I take matters in my own hands, give in to temptation to go my own way and I sin.
And when I sin, I’m outside God’s will. That’s where I miss His best for me because I didn’t trust Him enough to believe His way is the better way.
Maybe I….
I thought I could make things better if I controlled my husband with my anger in that situation.
I thought my kid would be happy if I gave in and let them do what everyone else is doing.
I thought I’d have more fun if I just got a little tipsy or a little high.
I thought I’d finally get a husband if I gave in and had sex with that guy even though we weren’t married.
I thought my future would be ruined so I had that abortion.
I didn’t think I’d have enough money so I just cheated a little on my taxes.
But the entire time, if we are children of God, the Holy Spirit is pleading with us to believe in Jesus—to believe that He really is the better way, the real truth and the best life in every situation.
And when we choose to listen to the Holy Spirit, to believe Jesus and to follow Him in the things we face in this world….God guides us to walk in plans that are exceedingly better than we could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).
Yes, His power, that Holy Spirit power is at work within us when we obey God.
He will strengthen our weak knees and conquer our fears as we believe Jesus enough to listen to His voice and choose to follow Him!
Oh friend, stop taking matters in your own hands. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit helping you.
Fear the Lord. Serve Him in sincerity and faithfulness.
Keep believing in Jesus so that you can conquer sin; and as you do, you’ll find yourself walking in incredible freedom and abundant joy!!
And oh, THAT feels good!
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Kim Jaggers Ministry 