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Sometimes I wonder how I can go from being in such a good place with God … feeling peaceful, loving and patient.. but then something happens that sends me into an orbit of aggravation!!
It happened just the other day…
Things were going well. I’d had a lovely afternoon working from home. Alone. Life was peachy.
But then school got out and kids came home. Within 15 minutes of arrival, one of my boys did something and said something that wasn’t so peachy. Then he did NOT do something I’d asked him to do and let’s just say… I lost all my peace and patience right there in the middle of my kitchen.
I was not happy.at.all. And I let my precious boy know it in a not-so-nice kind of way.
Then I felt GUILTY and like the WORST MOM on the planet.
For a few minutes I was pretty sure that’s exactly how God wanted me to feel ~ so I wouldn’t act so ugly the next time.
But finally, after I’d almost convinced myself that I was the worst mom and had no business in ministry, I remembered something a pastor said about the difference between conviction and condemnation. He explained it like this:
Condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements such as, You’re such a failure, You’re so hypocritical, or You can never be counted on. That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame.
But the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific. He will reveal a sinful action or attitude and instruct us on what we need to do to right the wrong: whether it’s restoring a broken relationship or returning something that isn’t ours. He’ll give us steps we need to take to change our behavior or attitude.
• Instead of You’re such a failure as a [wife, mom, daughter, friend], the Spirit might say, You were really critical the way you talked to _________ (your husband, child, parent, etc). You need to say you are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Then tell them something that will build them up instead of tearing them down.
• Instead of You’re so hypocritical, the Spirit might say, You judge others for gossiping, but you are doing the same thing when you talk about your neighbor at work. Tomorrow at lunch break, apologize for what you said and share a few things that are positive about her.
• Instead of You can never be counted on, the Spirit might say, You didn’t keep your promise to go see your mom today. Call her to apologize and maybe set up a lunch date for this weekend.
Satan condemns accusingly, to make us feel guilty. God convicts lovingly, to lead our hearts to repentance. {tweet this?}
Jesus’ convictios draws us away from destructive behavior that hinders our relationship with Him and with others. His goal is to bring us out of the darkness of sin and back into the Light, so we can walk with Him in the freedom of forgiveness and the confidence of His love.
The next time we blow it or lose it, let’s ask Jesus to replace our guilt-induced doubt with HIS grace-infused confidence, as we hold onto the promise that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
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Thank you so much. This devotional is just what I needed today.
I was reading one of the Proverbs 31 Devotional books and I really related to your entries. Your honesty about yourself and your marriage was refreshing for me to read. Thank you.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I feel as though I have those days quite often, and I wonder how can God use me when I mess up. We all need that confidence to do what God has called us to do! Thanks again!
Very encouraging and uplifting. Excellent message. Thank you!
Oh my goodness…I could have written today’s excerpt. Thank you for your wonderful transparency and God’s grace which covers all our “Dad said you would be mad…” experiences! Thank you, Jesus, you love us and care for us and forgive us no matter what!! I am worthy in the eyes of my Beloved!!
Oh thank God for His grace! Nothing quite convicts like my kids. In a not-so-glorious moment this morning, I completely freaked out when my 8 year old had a spot of chocolate from his granola bar on his shirt and with the bus pulling up, no time to change. I told him that other people will think his mom doesn’t care anything about him when he goes to school with stains on his shirt. He actually apologized while walking out. (Jesus forgive me for my mommy fail moments!) I sat in my car about to rush off to work in a huff and thought, how can I teach my son that Jesus only cares about what’s in our heart, not our outward appearance when I’m freaking out about a spot! Oh, Jesus, pour your grace on me. I wanted to somehow chase the bus down and pull him off so we could talk about this and get it resolved. How it doesn’t matter one bit what others think about what we wear. God is so pleased with my Braden’s inside heart, and so am I. A little spot on a t-shirt means nothing. I can’t wait to see him this afternoon. We have something to get straight before anything else is done. Thanks for sharing, Renee!
What a great message! I needed to read that today. 😉
I’m looking to connect daily…and find peace consistently.
Especially challenging at times with a three year old and 10 month old twins.
This devotional could not come at a better time. I switched jobs about 8 months ago and feel that I do nothing right. This morning I decided maybe the problem is me and I am not perfect. I started to look for a new job. Nothing grabs me and I know this is where GOD put me, but at the same time I feel that he has made a grievous mistake and I should not be here, or have any employment as I am not good enough.
Thank you,
Karin
I am always guilty! Guilty that I am not super woman and can’t be everywhere and do everything. Somedays the more I try the more I fail. I allow the condemnation to take hold and then I become the monster I don’t want to be. Thank you for your encouragement! It is amazing how knowing we are all not perfect helps!
Loved the devotion. Look forward to being lifted daily by your book.
Thank you for sharing what the Lord taught you about condemnation and conviction. It is good to know we can relate and are not alone, we are all daughters of the King and His grace is sufficient for all of us.
Bless you, Renee
Thank you for the wonderful encouragement and reminder that we have a great inheritance in our Lord. May we all know today that we have great confidence and strength as we walk along with God each day.
Loved your Encouragement for Today devotion. It’s so much better to know that you are human! I have read devotions and books before by authors who make you feel that they are perfect and while of course I know that no one is, when an author shares their less than stellar moments, a connection is made with the reader (as opposed to the reader feeling that they can never measure up).
Love the condemnation vs conviction post as well.. Sometimes the condemnation comes from others spoken in anger and we need to turn to God to see if there is a grain of truth (conviction) in the words spoken but not to internalize the condemnation. Thank you!
REALLY struggling with my ill husband and the issues that has created. I am weary and am struggling to find the words to pray. Asking God to give me strength and wisdom. Would love to hear His words through yours. Thank you.
I will remember this next time Satan tries to trip me up..Thank you for this awesome devotional.
What a wonderful reminder of God’s grace and mercy. Thank you for reminding me that I can confidently approach God and he will gladly replace my guilt with his grace. Always.
All my life I have struggled with what you have written. I want to get past this feeling of guilt. Thank you for describing the difference between what Satan wants me to hear and the grace that God wants me to receive. May God continue to keep growing you just as He keeps growing me.
Thanks for sharing! VERY helpful!