The phone rang and I answered. Something in me was a little worried. You know when you feel something painful coming?
We talked about the weather and the kids, skirting around the reason why she called. Maybe she was just softening me up preparing me for the blow. Or maybe she dreaded it herself.
Then she asked how I was doing, and I told her I was struggling, and that was the open door for her advice. Like Jonah at Niniveh, or Elijah talking to Ahab, she proceeded to tell me I was idolatrous.
Now, I know I’m not perfect– that’s why I need Jesus everyday. I know that this whole idol thing was something I truly worried about and wanted to prevent. But when you are worried about something, and you fear it may happen, God wants to free you from its talons.
And so He may allow you to fall, or He may send a friend to tell you you’ve fallen to get your attention, so that He can free you before you really do bite the dust. [sorry, that was a really long sentence!]
I got off the phone and fell to my knees. A deluge of tears poured rivers down my cheeks. My carpet was anointed that day. I got up and slowly began to try to do my day, but the condemnation would not leave.
And it would not leave.
And it would not leave.
Like a dark , thick gray cloud, condemnation would not dissipate. Something was not right with this feeling.
Romans 8:1.
As I wrestled with God asking Him why I still felt condemned after repenting and confessing my sin, He showed me where my real idolatry lay. It wasn’t in things or accolades or success, it was in people–people I placed on pedestals.
People I trusted more than the Holy Spirit.
A memory flashed in my mind when I decided to trust a person’s judgment over God’s voice inside me. That decision led to a long, dark, lonely year without Jesus.
As soon as the conviction of that memory came, so did freedom. And the heavy oppression of condemnation evaporated.
It. Was. Gone.
I love Romans 8:1.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death.”
Check this out.
The word “sin” was chosen to translate the Greek word Hamartia and the definition says, “The fundamental idea of this word is that of failing to meet an objective, maintain a standard, fulfill an obligation.” (Key Word)
Of course that objective was holiness and righteousness, but there’s just something about that word “failure”. We hate that word don’t we? It’s a word that brings condemnation. But.
We have been set free from the law of failure.
The word “death” implies separation from God.
We are no longer separated and will never be separated from the one who gives life.
If a good intentioned friend’s words condemn you or even a verse from the Bible feels condemning, stand on Romans 8:1 and wrestle with God. Ask Him to show you why you feel that way and free you with His truth.
When we are free, we can spread the Spirit of life.
Be a life giver today.
Leave a comment: Do you know anyone who doubts his or her salvation because they feel they keep on failing? Are you one of those people? Will this post help?
Jesus loves you,
image made by Samantha Tracy on You Version. See Samantha’s other beautiful creations on our Fellowship page.
This really lit that light bulb over my head, so to speak. I have always struggled for approval of my 5 older sisters and other family members. Believing they were above me better than me in some way. And I always feel like I’m just falling short of that approval. Now realizing I’m good enough for God and He approves of me no matter what!! It’s like all that heavy has been lifted! Lifted by the cross! Awesome share thank you!
Praise God, Noelle! You are free! Thank you so much for sharing what God has done! Hold onto it!
Andy, this one hits us all. Thank you for your honesty. I know the feeling of allowing idolatry to sweep me off my feet, especially in the form of people I love and their opinions. Praise God for His faithful deliverance!
Yes, praise God for His faithfulness, Jan! He won’t let people stay on the pedestals we place them on!Love you!
Andy,
Love this because I too suffer with putting people over what God says.
The Greek word for sin is also used in the Greek word (syn) which is used in archery. It is used for anytime your arrow misses the mark, target, or bullseye. Let’s not get into how many times my arrows fell short of the target when I first started taking archery in high school. Nor, how many times I have missed the target in my Christian life because I let my own thoughts or others influence me because I thought they knew more of what was going on than what I was hearing from GOD.
Hey Bonnie, praying for discernment for both of us! And thankful for grace and that Jesus hit the target. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
In my world (circle of friends/faith), no one would call another out on sin. I actually long for that kind of community – one that will hold each other accountable in LOVE. I understand the danger in it though. I sense you felt stung by the person who delivered God’s warning. I’m sure that’s a tough one to let go and depends on how the message was delivered. Thank you for sharing this. It’s much harder to release our own feelings than to ‘accept’ God’s forgiveness.
Hi Cathy, I did feel “stung” until I felt God’s conviction. Then i could even be thankful because her words brought me to a new place of freedom and assurance.
Powerful word of truth and encouragement! Thanks so much! I’ve anointed a few carpets in my day, too. :) Love you!
Thank you Jean! Thanks for sharing this post. Love you too fellow carpet anointer. :)