Your Story: His Story

I’ve been seeing a lot of people lately that have been put in chains with shame or embarrassment because of past mistakes. People can be cruel to spread gossip or share what is deemed private or personal information. It seems we are still held captive by “what the world thinks” or being “judged.”

Most of us have a slew of stupid things we’ve done in our teens and early 20s ranging from drinking escapades, sexual encounters and drugs. Trust me when I say that I’ve repented a lot over those years and beyond!

First, go to the people you’ve hurt or think you might have caused grief, openly admit with specifics what you did wrong, without any excuses or redirecting. Even if they start pointing out other things you’ve done, if they poke and prod, stay focused on your side of the street. The enemy could use this forgiveness exercise to cause more conflict. Stay focused on what you want to wash, stay calm no matter what is said. Silence during attacks is golden. Avoid saying: ” You.”

Repentance is the heart of Yhwh. I believe it touches his heart to see someone really own up, laying it all out with heartfelt admission and regret. When you authentically apologize to man and to YHWH, then your sins are covered by the blood. They are gone.

Avoid repeating the same sin, because if you stay in your sin you’ve got some serious spiritual work to do and frankly your salvation maybe in jeopardy. That’s hard to hear, but we don’t have a “get out of free jail card” for repeat violations. Just because He died for our sins, doesn’t give us a permission to do whatever . Many think we are in the end of times, regardless, we need to be ready for His return everyday, keeping our garments clean with thanksgiving, praise, right living and serving others.

Once you’ve asked for forgiveness, this means you are liberated, freed from the bondage of that shame. Now that once shameful story, becomes HIS story, meaning that your testimonial can be used boldly to glorify Yhwh’s grace, mercy and love. Even if your story is not something you’ve done, perhaps it’s something that was done to you. Forgive and do not hold that experience in secrecy, believe me there is someone else out there that needs to hear it.

Be aware the enemy wants to hold you in a place of shame because he knows once you start sharing your story, highlighting the love of G-d, hearts will be moved towards Abba Daddy- souls will be saved. So armor up in prayer.

We are in a real battle for souls right now. Things have ramped up. We have to use everything in our arsenal belt to move people to give their life to YHWH now before it’s too late. Don’t forget that your story is a powerful tool that He wants to use for His greater good and purpose.

A heartfelt testimonial draws a crowd in through real raw emotion and relatability. There is nothing like a story to move people towards God. When people are struggling or in the midst of sin, a story of hope is often the inspiration they need to: keep going, to pray, to reach for God and to have Faith.

Do not let the enemy hold your story captive with shame and condemnation. Know, that you know, that you are forgiven and that story is a powerful testimonial for the kingdom. Don’t guard it, share it. Share it at the grocery store, the gas station and at bible study. Share your stories everywhere, always glorifying, pointing to the saving grace of Yah.

If a rumor comes out or someone asks probing intrusive questions, say “Yes thank goodness for the grace of God. ” Even idle gossip that could cause you stress, anxiety and embarrassment, can be turned into an invitation to witness, glorify and share how you are an overcomer in Him.

So embrace all the stupid stuff you’ve done, embrace all the events of your life, throw away the shame and blame, and walk forward through your authentic repentance and forgiveness as a Child of Light, redeemed by the blood.

**Be careful not to disgrace others when you share your story. If needed, ask anyone in your story for permission or avoid specific names or identifiers. You never want to hurt anyone else.

1. Is there a life event or sin that if revealed would cause you shame or embarrassment?
2. Have you been pointing or highlighting others mistakes instead of taking ownership of your side of the street?
3. Repent, Forgive and think about how you can use that once shameful sin or secret to glorify the Father.

Prayer: Father, I want to thank you for sending your son to die for my sins. I want to ask that you will take all shame away so that I can use my stories to glorify you and bring others to you. Help me to see others through your eyes, to not react to words or events in angst. Give me perpetual inner peace that surpasses understanding. Fill me up with your strength and self control to live a life that is completely pleasing to you. Help me to capture every thought and make it holy, positive and encouraging. I want to thank you for allowing me to use my mistakes, shortcomings and life events to glorify you. Thank you for your patience with me and for saving this little lost sheep that has come back to you. My story is yours. I will use it without hesitation.

Amen.

Scriptures of Day:

Isaiah 54: 4: “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.

1 John 1: 19: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it