Have you ever failed miserably? Whether in secret or in public? Join the club! Maybe you screamed bloody murder at your kids recently or your past is filled with promiscuity. Maybe you grew up being the “good girl” but secretly succumbed to temptation.
We all have dark corners in our lives that we’re ashamed of.
For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! (Psalm 40:12 ESV)
The Best Thing
Sometimes we live in fear of being exposed. The best thing that could happen is that people would find out who you were before Christ and that you’re not perfect. They don’t need to see your “spotless” life. They can see right through it anyway. Yes, we should strive to live holy lives so that Christ would shine through us but there’s also light to be shone in redemption when we fall. Unbelievers need to witness failure and mercy as well. Fellow sinners desperately need to see that we too are in need of a heart change. But it shouldn’t stop there. They need to see us flee to Christ for his amazing grace that chisels us into his likeness.
There have been times at work where I have become frustrated and sinned out of anger. I’m always tempted to think that I’ve ruined my witness to my fellow coworkers but if we allow ourselves to be humble he can use our mess-ups as well. Asking for forgiveness is typically foreign to those outside of Christ. When we ask for their forgiveness they see that we are actually living out the Gospel we preach.
It’s interesting to me that unbelievers assume I have a cookie cutter past. They think I grew up with Christian parents and never rebelled. And when they find out that I was anything but a “good girl”, they’re almost astonished. They should be because the only explanation for the changes in my life is grace. I couldn’t have done it. I’m only a product of God’s transforming grace and so are you. We have to tell our stories to the world. When we do, we hold this banner over our lives: I am a terrible sinner who has done terrible things but look at how God has changed me!
I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. (Psalm 40:9-10 ESV)
Your sisters in Christ need to see this too. I know I’m not the only one who has fallen prey to comparison of godliness. “That girl seems to have it all together while I’m over here throwing a fit because the store doesn’t have my Ben and Jerry’s!” Yeah, that happened last night. I’m not proud of it… All joking aside, I have wrestled with some difficult sins and have felt very alone at times. I guarantee I’m not the only one. We have to be more open about sin, ladies. When we pretend to have it all together we darken the light of the Gospel to a dying world and leave our sisters feeling isolated in their sin. In other words, we partner with Satan in his work.
I have met women that have the burden of struggle written on their faces and yet when asked if they’re okay they remain quiet and assure everyone that they are the most joyful person to walk the earth. I just want to shake them out of it and let them know there is healing in opening the doors to our struggles for other women to see. Chains can be broken and hearts can be changed.
Tell the World
It’s my goal to shout from the roof of my little home the wretched pit that was my life before Christ! People may look down on me. They may judge my mistakes but if even one person is brought into fellowship with the Savior because of my testimony, it’s worth any amount of embarrassment that may be placed upon me. Don’t hide God’s deliverance in your heart. Tell the world about his steadfast love and faithfulness! (Psalm 40:10)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:1-3 ESV)
“Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” because his Children will tell them of his wonderful deliverance. Will you keep quiet?
12 Responses
I enjoyed reading this post. People who know my past are amazed at how God has transformed my life. I thank God for his grace. I also appreciate your transparency.
He is so good to us! Thank you for reading!
We overcome by the word of our testimony. There is power in procliaming his deliverance. Great reminder!
Amen!!
Great post. I was blessed. Thank you for sharing.
I’m SO glad to hear the Lord used it to bless you! Thank you for reading!
“When we pretend to have it all together we darken the light of the Gospel to a dying world and leave our sisters feeling isolated in their sin”
Beautifully said sister-
Thanks Angela!
Thanks for sharing. If only more people had the courage. We are looking for more people to say me too. We are not perfect nor are we supposed to be. There’s only one. GOD
Thanks again, great post
Amen Sister! Thanks for reading!
Love this! I shared a little about my testimony on my blog because I feel it is imperative to reveal my past so that people can relate. It’s the first of many posts like it and I agree with you wholeheartedly. We aren’t perfect, so why do we try to put on a facade? I think many of us get scared about opening up because of the fear of being judged by other women. If only we could all see through the lens of grace.
Yes! How different would this world be if we did look through the lens of grace?! So true! And I agree that laying a foundation for people to relate to us is so important!