Prayer & Confession
A decade ago, I shared with a trusted friend the temptation and skewed thinking I was battling. It was a slippery slope, and I was miserable. I don’t recall the details of the conversation, but my friend listened and her response was compassionate; without a doubt she prayed.
What I know for certain is that I was invited to meet with her in a weekly small group to pray and read 1 John. This spiritual mother led me to the Word that ultimately renewed my broken mind. That is the power of confession in Christian community. Since then, I have learned to keep a short account with God through daily confession in prayer, and if necessary, in Christian community for support.
Like Adam and Eve, we have the freedom to hide our sin and our weaknesses. However, we also have the freedom to confess, bringing our struggles into the healing light of Christ. When we confess our sin to God we are forgiven, cleansed, and given a fresh start.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Confession is asking Christ to wash us clean, not wallowing in shame and condemnation. It’s running to God and it’s good news.
Keep in mind, our battle with temptation is more like a war than a skirmish. Believing God is not withholding something good from you can be a challenge. This is when we wish there was an easy way out, but you were not made for easy. You were made for intimacy; intimacy with God and intimacy within the family of God. Engaging in Christian community through prayer and confession is vital to living a dynamic life with Christ.
Years ago I read an account of an African tribe that would surround a guilty person and proceed to remind them of who they are apart from their mistake. They were cared for and known. I imagine our Heavenly Father, who gives only good things, may have something like this in mind for Christian community.
In His mercy, God has provided believers prepared to remind you that you are no longer a sinner, but a saint with the capacity to sin. The loving truth of who you are in Christ and this sense of belonging is available where Christ dwells through His Spirit.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
I am eternally thankful for the freedom the Lord provided for me through prayer, scripture, and fellow believers. If you are wrestling with darkness, please know you are not alone and freedom is God’s intention for you as well.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I surrender to You not in defeat, but in victory knowing that You are for me, not against me. Please call to mind where I am not following You that I may confess and agree with You. Please lead me to my next step. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.