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I know that I am not the only one who struggles with trying to please God. There have been many restless and sleepless nights in which I felt that I had “let God down.” I believed that my language, thoughts, and actions did not bring delight to God. How could God love someone as inconsistent as me? Why would God even bother caring for, or about me? These are the kind of questions I would raise when I allowed guilt to consume and cripple my life.
Guilt is truly a sneaky foe. It has a way of making you feel unworthy and undesirable. Guilt will convince you that God cannot use you because your life is so wretched. Guilt infiltrates the dark corridors of your mind, sets up shop in your spirit, and wreaks havoc on your soul. When guilt is successful in its efforts to distort your view of God and yourself, it then invites some of its friends: misery, pain, and anxiety. Once these forces are at work, depression will soon follow. The very nature of guilt is that it seeks to disconnect you from God, people, and yourself.
The question remains: “How does one overcome the power of guilt?” I’m glad you asked. First, understand that God did not call you to be perfect. God called you to be faithful. This does not mean that you allow your faults and imperfections to become excuses, but it does mean that God is working on you as you seek to please Him.
Secondly, recognize that you are not alone in your struggle to honor God with the way you live your life. Abraham struggled, Noah struggled, Moses struggled, Esther struggled, David struggled, Jonah struggled, Peter struggled, and Paul struggled. The Bible is filled with persons who struggled, but their struggle did not disqualify them from being recipients of God’s love and grace. Again, God used them while God was working on them. Lastly, rejoice in the fact that God is not finished with you! You are a “disciple under construction.” This means that although you have not arrived at your divinely ordained destination, you ought to celebrate the transformation that God has wrought in your life. You can overcome guilt!
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Mike
LaKeis ha Joe
/ March 18, 2010Wow, as I sit at my desk, reading most of your entries, this particular message hit home. I should be working yet this type of intermission is good for my soul….lol
These past few weeks have definitely been a “LaKeisha struggle”. There are times when I feel I have fallen short with being consistent. Nothing God speaks into my life is easy to endure. I’m not suggesting that it should be, I’m just saying it is not. The obvious is, it’s much easier to do meaningless things than it is to remain diligent in the purpose God has spoken into my life. My moments of feeling like I let God down, usually don’t sit well with me. There are times when I desire to be alone but than I stop myself because I know most of the time, its going to be spent overthinking & re-thinking whatever I feel I could have done differently. Total waste of time!
As I’m experiencing my “pruning” Season.
I have learned to deal with some people & things in doses. Everyone is not going to be in agreement with me or my choices. (So what) I am set out to “Do Better” by God! Whether “people” see me as being better or not. Who cares, my journey is my own!
This note is a reminder that there is purpose in my struggles. I realize my progress and know the road ahead is long…………yet I understand the only way out is through!!!!!
Thanks Pastor Mike for always remaining true to yourself and obedient to God!
You are a wonderful Teacher, Preacher & Leader to learn from!
I’m grateful