Tough morning; tough night. And I don’t like tough nights. Every now and again, one comes along, and I have to wrestle my heart out before Jesus. I bring the load I’m carrying, the heaviness that’s weighing on my heart, and cast it all at his feet.
What now, Lord? How does this fit into what we’re doing here together?
Condemnation is a wretched load to carry, one of Satan’s favorite weapons. If he can get us to discredit ourselves, continually demean ourselves regarding the sins from our past, then he has accomplished what he’s set out to accomplish—to steal, kill, and destroy.
Steal our testimony.
Kill out witness.
Destroy our fruitfulness.
This is the enemy’s goal for any soul who’s known the cleansing work of the cross. The cross is powerful and beautiful, the undeniable witness of a Father’s love. It is a grace unspeakable and full of glory. The cross trumps our sin. Period. But every now and again, a tough night comes along, and the devil finds his opportunity to put us back on the witness stand so that we might plead our case for a mercy that’s already been given. My case was resolved at Calvary. So was yours. Accordingly, we should no longer take the witness stand on our behalf. Instead, we should allow Jesus Christ to do what he came to earth to do.
That doing? To be our saving grace. This is the crux of our faith—the heart of the Christian life. Christ has taken our place as the accused, and he is far more equipped to handle the case against him than we are in handling the enemy’s case against us. And so, this morning, I step away from the bench and walk down the courthouse steps as a free woman. What the enemy has meant for evil, God has resolved for his good and for his kingdom through the power of his cross.
Friends, if you’ve had a tough night like me, maybe even a tough season where you’ve felt the weight of the enemy’s condemnation pressing heavily upon your heart, you can unload that heaviness today. Give it all back to Jesus, place it in his capable hands, and live your freedom.
Share your testimony.
Live your witness.
Sow generously; reap fruitfully.
This is God’s goal for all of us who’ve known the cleansing work of the cross.
Amen. So be it.
(As you might surmise) I needed this! Along with Louie Giglio’s tweet this morning: “When the enemy comes w/ shame and blame, tell him to go measure the distance from east to west and get back to you. Ps. 103”
I love your heart, Elaine.♥
Awesome! Love that quote, and love you, friend.
Elaine, I so needed this today… I’ve been up wrestling with accepting God’s grace since the middle of last night and desperately seeking the peace that He offers.
Thank you for this eloquent reminder Dear Lady.
Me too! It doesn’t take much, does it? A word here; a thought there, and BOOM! We’re in it, up to our necks in wretchedness. It’s not an easy wrestling, but I know it’s one we all experience from time to time. Perhaps knowing that we’re not alone in the struggle is enough to move us forward in faith this morning. Blessings, brother.
Words of encouragement, hope, and love, my friend. A much-needed reminder for me. Much of my week, last week, was restless slumber. You always seem to write what is on my heart, reminding me to rise above my circumstances…
“Share your testimony.
Live your witness.
Sow generously; reap fruitfully.
This is God’s goal for all of us who’ve known the cleansing work of the cross.”
Doing my part to reach this goal.
Love you…
I know you’re doing your part, Beth. You do it so well, blessing my life and the lives of countless others who come across your path. Don’t grow weary in your well-doing, and don’t forget the Father’s love for you. Well done. Receive it. Believe it!
What an assurance of God’s love and care for me that He should have you write such a post today! I had a restless night last night trying to ”chew on” a decision that I had to make concerning something at church. My stomach was churning as I worried about. Finally, I was able to just say, “Lord, have Your will in this matter!” Your words today hold much encouragement for me!!
Love you my faithful friend!
Isn’t church fun some times? Sadly, it’s often there where many accusations to our spirits begin. Praying that God’s will be done in your situation, Marilyn.
You’re speaking to my heart Elaine! Thank you!
Thanks for stopping in, Maggie. Peace and prayers. Walk freely in the love that Christ has for you.
Beautiful, Elaine. You know, it’s kinda weird, but since my dad’s passing, I’ve had issues of past guilt about things in my life crop up again. I think it’s because my dad’s death has made me ponder how short my life is, and what have I done with it, etc. And then that leads to my remembering the mistakes (sins) I’ve made. There is one big time in my life when I really screwed up, and lately the enemy has been re-bashing me about it. And yes, it most often occurs at nighttime.
Like you, I fling myself at the foot of the cross – and I beg the Lord to fight for me against the accuser. The devil would have me concentrate on the scars I’ve caused in the lives of others – but the Lord would have me fix my eyes on His redeeming wounds.
GOD BLESS!
I’m making the mental choice to move away from the witness stand and place Christ there instead. His shoulders are wide, and he can handle it far better than me.
Share, live, sow!! A good word for today and everyday. Thanks for “sharing”
One thing I’ve come to deeply appreciate is my blog friendships. God speaks to me always in a timely manner whenever I visit your place… Reading your post also tells me where you are, and guides me how to pray for you. I love feeling connected to you, Elaine. Be encouraged to know that someone from this part of the globe is thinking of you, and praying for you today. Much love, Lidia
Love and prayers to you my friend.
wifeforthejourney:
The burden of guilt is never far from the believer’s heart – a temptation we fall into so easily – especially when we are so well acquainted with our past and present sins and shortcomings. When guilty feelings pursue, what a joy it is to be reminded that Jesus is not only our Savior, but our advocate with the Father!
Love you,
Billy
Elaine, I struggle with feeling the weight of condemnation quite often. And you’re right, the enemy loves to destroy our fruitfulness and steal so much from us. This is a wonderful reminder of all we have and all we are in Christ. So thankful for his ongoing grace!