I am sometimes amazed at Satan’s ability to play just the right tune to keep me in bondage for days. He is the master fisherman (KVD style–shout out to Kelley) and knows the exact lure to use on me. I respond so well to guilt and shame. If he can accuse me and make me feel guilty, it automatically transforms into shame. And I mean…it can get so overwhelming I can hardly lift my eyes to God and pray. Usually when this happens I must medicate with truth from God’s word. I generally begin in Romans Chapter 5 and revisit the doctrine of Justification by grace through faith alone. I continue through to Chapter 7 and read about Paul’s ongoing struggle with missing the mark of perfection. This is the climax of the Book; ending in the beautiful statement of Chapter 8 of “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Jesus Christ.” I praise God for Romans 8:1. Without it there is no telling how long Satan could keep me in bondage to shame.
So now the question comes…when is it Satan guilt-ing me and when is it the Holy Spirit convicting me? Should I repent or should I ask God to protect me from the enemy. I always want to be responsive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and his counseling me onward toward holiness…but I don’t want to be in bondage to some moralistic idea that God is no part of. (I am not talking about things that are outright abominations of God…rather things that are not found specifically in the Bible… i.e. Spending time with your children. Should they be my only priority or should I be sharing life in ministry to others? That kind of question) I suppose discernment is key here. Praying that God will make his conviction so heavy on my heart that I will not get off my face until I repent. Also that he will shield me from the enemy, his accusations and allow me to feel Jesus’ covering of righteousness. Either way that the guilt will be abundantly clear…it is from God or it is Satan mastering me with guilt and shame once again!!!
My sweet friend Carrie (check out her amazing blog on my blogroll) is so amazingly sure of God’s grace. She totally gets the “if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” I love her for this. She and I can read the exact same passage of Scripture and I will be on my face afraid to look up and she will be gloriously freed by it. God is continually teaching me about His love, His Grace and His favor to me!
Laura,
Our Honeymoon pics are up on our blog.
Ashley and William
Hey Laura!
I just found your blog and I’m so happy I did. I too have struggled most of my adult life trying to grasp and practice Godly discernment. One thing I have become certain of….is that God wants me to know Him, to hear Him, and to follow Him. Whenever something is ‘wrestling’ in my Spirit, and it’s from God, there is clarity, acceptance, assurance, and deliverance. He gently restores me!! Satan on the other hand, is condemning, hurtful, belligerant, and relentless. The “take home” experience is very different when it’s God. We are moved to trust Him more, and to hear Him more clearly. When it’s Satan’s condemnation, it causes confusion…because our Spirit is not testifying with the spirit that is assaulting us! God’s Spirit speaks clearly, with authority, with Truth, and with an invitation to “agree” with God! In this agreement, is where our Freedom is found.
Thanks for the challenging thought! Blessings!
Man… thank you Laura Horton that was an awesome comment and very helpful. Rejoicing that God has put mini-Beth Moore’s in my path!