I really wonder if the issue is honesty or a direct matter of authentic repentance. I think many Christians do not have any problem about wanting to be honest with God about their sins. After all, as referenced, "He knows everything (1 John 3:20)". Often times we actually try to run from God's confrontation with us regarding our sins. Yet the problem I suspect is true and complete "trust" in Him when addressing authentic repentance. We can pray daily about a sin, and I am sure many Christians sincerely believe they do. In fact, the repetitive praying may then actually become the honesty issue. If that is the case, are we really repenting? Do we really want to repent of these sins? I think many times we do not want to give up these sins, although we would never reveal it for fear of the consequences. But until we are ready to authentically repent, I doubt we will see the results we need and desire.
Honest Prayers
- Life Action
- Wed, Jan 26, 2011
- 3 Comments
- Ministry Updates
Are you ever afraid of being honest with God—even though He knows everything (1 John 3:20)?
In a recent Life Action summit, the revivalist asked those in attendance to write a letter to God, beginning with the words, "Dear God, I believe You are sovereign. Tonight I choose to trust You with ..." Praise God for the people's honest prayers!
- I trust You with my gluttony. I am helpless against this. I am so focused on it and crave food instead of you. You alone can deal with this area of sin in my life.
- I trust You with my anger, my cursing, my pride, my guilt over an affair, my prejudices, my running away from You, my impatience...
- I trust You with my finances. I want to follow Your leading and not put my trust in the emergency fund.
- I trust You with my son and his struggle with his sexuality.
- I trust You with the ache I have in my heart for our family to move forward with our adoption with support from our parents.
- I trust You with my continual battle with pornography. I really can't do this by myself. I need Your help badly. Will You please come to my rescue? I give this completely up to You.
Comments
- #1
- Gordon Stueber
- January 27, 2011
- #2
- Jane Kline
- January 27, 2011
I always remember the fact that God loves me with a love that is so overwhelming that I can't even comprehend it. So whether or not I am truly repenting is understood by Him. What I do in my spirit is truth, not what I do in my flesh. In my spirit I want to please God and be wholly His. He must work this yielding that I have given Him out through my flesh. Only He can do this.
- #3
- Rebecca
- January 31, 2011
I think my struggle is wondering what God will do with the issue I entrust to Him. What will He require? I am unwilling to submit to whatever "indignities" God might choose in order to rectify the situation. I desire control. I mulishly refuse to repent and bow my will and my plan and my sin to His sovereignty. If I am honest with God, I give Him access to my life and my world. I can no longer control the outcome. I am vulnerable. He is powerful. My desires and compulsions will be overcome. I am lost-- the pleasures to which I cling, the idols I worship, the facade I project. His strength and perfection, His dangerous love and life will be there to take "my" place. My honesty allows Him to change me.