Confessions of a secret sinner (2)

Julie Ann Barnhill continues: ‘The “father of lies” (John 8:44 NIV) wants us to believe there are things we’ve done that can make God’s love for us end. On occasion, I’ve swallowed three of his favorite lies. Lie number one: You’re the only person who ever did that. Few things can send me down the road of condemnation and guilt like anger issues…While outwardly I came across as “together,” I knew the verbal and physical boundaries I crossed behind closed doors. I confessed to friends, hoping to hear I wasn’t alone. But there was dead silence, and the enemy whispered, “I told you nobody else had done those things. You’re beyond help.” I believed this until God drew me back to Bible truths I learned and believed since childhood. a) If I confess my wrongs, He’ll forgive me time after time. b) If I allow Him, He’ll change my thought patterns and strengthen me to do what’s right. c) And even if I fail, Jesus remains faithful; it’s impossible for Him not to…Three years later…before a packed audience, I told hundreds of mothers where I’d been and assured them they weren’t the only ones who’d said, done, and thought whatever they were currently beating themselves up about. Women lined up to speak to me. Some stood quietly with their heads bowed. Others fought to maintain their composure as the enemy’s lies were exposed and defeated…I never grow tired of hearing another [person] say, “Thanks for being honest!” The Lord has shown me I’m not the only one who’s done the things I’ve done.’ Now that’s real freedom!

Prayer Point

Father, I feel isolated from You when I believe Satan’s lies. Please help me draw closer to Your side so I can be confident of the truth of Your love and not allow his deceptions to guide my thinking. Thank You that You’re always faithful and that even if my friends don’t understand how I’m feeling, I can lean on Your reassurance and strength to get through.

Barnhill, Julie Ann, ‘Confessions of a Perfect Christian Woman,’ accessed April 4, 2011, todayschristianwoman.