Freedom for Ladies: A Journey to Freedom in ChristSample

The Gift of Repentance

Have you ever thought of repentance as a gift? Repentance brings times of refreshing—doesn’t that sound appealing? A lifestyle of repentance has changed so much of my life.

I wish I didn’t have so many of these stories. I was teaching a class at my house with 26 women, most of whom had been sexually abused. One woman had been molested three times in third grade by her uncle at family reunions. After the third time, she was finally brave enough to tell her mother, and he was in jail by that afternoon. But this woman had already lost so much—her innocence, her childhood—and she had gained bondage that was hindering her walk with the Lord. She was paralyzed by fear and anger.

You might ask, “Why does she need to repent?” What was done to her was wrong. But she had also picked up many unbiblical traits that God wanted to heal. We began by talking about forgiveness. The next time I saw her, she had a different countenance. We began to break the fear and mistrust. She had been extremely overweight, and she began to move toward a healthier body. She has become a part of my spiritual family, and I am so proud of her.

Another woman from the class said, “I hadn’t realized how many doors I had opened to the enemy. Repentance shuts those doors and brings freedom and clarity. I’m taking responsibility for my own sins daily, and it’s life-giving. Repenting quickly brings so much fruit in my life.”

Repentance is a true gift. Repentance is not just the way to salvation, it’s an ongoing lifestyle. When we repent, unhelpful things break off and spiritual regeneration takes place. Repentance keeps the communication lines open for us to hear and see spiritual truths. It is not guilt, blame, or self-condemnation. The Word says that His kindness leads us to repentance.

Do you ever get tired of tripping over the same things again and again? Satan is the father of all lies and loves to push our buttons. When you fall, if you confess your sins, you will feel refreshing come to your body, soul, and spirit. Repentance is like a refreshing shower of His cleansing. 

Pray:

Lord, I want new insight on the gift of repentance. Give me the desire to be quick to repent and forgive. Show me any areas I need to deal with through the gift of repentance. 

Be Still:

On Day 3, you described what’s in your vessel. Now be still and repent for anything in your vessel that is not of God and replace it with biblical truth. We call this “repent and replace,” and it’s key. Example: Father, I repent for my anger toward my earthly Dad for being verbally abusive toward me. Father, replace my anger with a spirit of love from You.