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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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Based on honest struggles we all have with comparison, self-doubt, fear of failing, and the life-changing lessons God’s taught me and ten other women, {whose stories are in the book} you will discover how to change the way you feel by changing the way you think – which will transform the way you live!
Expanding on what readers of my first book LOVED most: “When I say … God says …” statements, I’ve written 60 new devotions and new {WISGS} statements to equip you with a new a thought map and a promise – to live in every day!
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Robin says
I can relate today, and many days to your post. Because of a great co-worker, friend, I have been able to enjoy daily inspirations. Some confidence has started, but to have the book by my bed every morning to get my day started would be Fantastic! You and all the Proverbs 31 staff are truly an inspiration!
Lisa says
Thank you for sharing your stories and I truly related to this specific one. I am constantly condemning others but I guess what is really happening is me not being able to forgive myself for things I’ve said and done in my past so I’d love for more inspiration and guidance along with scripture 🙂
Mandy Zipfel says
This was exactly what I needed today!!! Being in the ministry has its ups and downs!! So thankful God daily equips us because I could not do this without him.
Rosa Maria Debroy says
I sólo need es to read something like this today. Thank you for letrina yourself be used. God bless you!
Erica says
I have this same problem. I’m a planner, and get extra frustrated when my plans are drastically changed when it could have been easily avoided. I find myself snapping and missing the mark Jesus set for us with patience and forgiveness. This part of my sanctification process is especially painful for me.
Lisa H says
Bless you for your humility to share with us this powerful lesson on conviction vs. condemnation as guilt-induced doubt. Having enjoyed your Confident Heart study last fall with P31’s OBS, it offers tremendous hope to me that even someone who so passionately wrote a study on confidence, has moments that she stumbles and crashes allowing the flaming arrows of the enemy to penetrate your mind. Wonderful to have your study’s biblical reminders and other tools from the awesome teachers at P31 ministries as weapons to allow Jesus to draw us back to the light and not stay where the world would have us stuck in the dark. Thanks for sharing & God Bless!
MIchelle says
Thank you I really needed to hear this!
Julie says
Love reading the daily devotions on Proverbs 31! It is mind easing to know other women are striving through the same obstacles.
Amy says
Thank you so much for this! I needed to read this. today. Guilt about my past has held me back for too long! I have got to stop listening to the accuser and listen to the Spirit. God bless
Elaina Hunt says
This is such a beautiful reminder of God’s grace. I am soooo in need of this today. Thank you for being obedient to the call of sharing your witness with us. You bring Him glory!!!
Vicki Shannon says
Your devotion today was so real. Thank you.
Shalonda Todd says
I really related to the article of the day starting off well and all of a sudden a tailspin. Then the words that are spoken out of frustration makes a mountain out of a mole hill. #powerfullesson
Krista Stewaret says
I just read your devotional that came as part of my daily readings from Bible Gateway. I appreciated your message and the thought “You were appointed and anointed for this…” has lingered with me. I needed to hear that today as my failures and setbacks try to assail me and keep me from the ministries that God has given to me. Thank you.
Jessica says
I needed to read this today!
Cheryl says
I find that doubt in my ability to be used by Christ can really trip me up at times. I so appreciate knowing that I am not alone in this. When my head knows the truth but my heart response is in the flesh, the outcome is messy. The Holy Spirit keeps me humble and graciously allows me to be a part of the things that He is doing. I wonder if I did not struggle in this way if I would be less aware of what God is up to in this world. Would I be prone to focus on my own effort and strength? So, I strive to praise God for my weaknesses, for it is there that His glory shines brightest in my life.
Delaine Shay says
This meditation spoke to me words of God’s grace and mercy. Thank ou. I’m saving it to read again.
Tree says
Sometimes the negative, condemning words come from those around us and it is hard not to believe them. Thank you for reminding me that God does not condemn but convict…
Gayle says
Thank you so much for sharing this. This really relates to how I feel somedays. I feel like I am not good enough or worthy enough for God’s grace. I have in fact questioned/doubted my self and had to do some deep soul searching. I really feel like God Himself sent this message to me today. It really spoke volumes. Thanks and God bless you.
Sandra Gates says
It is so easy to recognize your own faults and feel so unworthy of the saviors love. It takes courage, strenght and faith to believe that even in our “imperfectness” we can be an instrument for good. I struggle with this on a daily basis. I need the constant reminders and encouragement. As I pray and read scruptures each day it helps, but I have a long way to go. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.
MDO says
Thanks for this reminder. I have been living in guilt and doubt over the past week and desparately needed to hear and be reminded of God’s grace and the tactics Satan uses to discourage us. This was like shining a light in the darkness, a place to start, a ray of hope!
Cindy says
This speaks so strongly to my heart. It’s one of those “hit me in the face” moments. For the past 45 days, I’ve been doubting the work I’ve been doing within a 19 year ministry. Your “No More Guilt Induced Doubt” devotional is exactly what I have needed to hear. Thank you for sharing. I would love to receive the book to continue the healing and guidence.
Kyndra says
I so needed to hear this today. Thank you for being real with us!
Jill McIlnay says
I enjoyed this today! I sometimes forget that i am still loved by God as messy as i can be sometimes. I am my own worst critic. Sharing our humanness and mistakes helps us to relate to one another, and know we are not alone or unique in our being human!
theresa says
This post really resonated with me. I so often can go from feeling “peachy” to an “orbit of aggravation” in a split second and then the feelings of guilt and unworthiness take over. Thank you for this post!
Becky says
Love your messages!
Emily klassen says
Thankyou for all your encouraging devotions! I esp needed today’s. That’s me exactly. I struggle with guilt so often, feeling like I can’t possibly be good enough to raise these kids that God gave me. But I’m so grateful for Gods grace.
Dorre F says
I’ve never been the speaker for a women’s retreat, but I was the speaker last night at our monthly ladies ministry get-together. I could very much relate to your feelings about not being qualified and not living up to what I was sharing… I so appreciate your honesty in what you shared, along with a scripture that covers this (and gives us peace and joy) so well…. Well done!!!
Irma Breaux says
This was just what I needed to hear this morning. I am very critical of myself and don’t always feel worthy of God or his love. Thank You for this devotional on this day.
Michelle Torres says
Thank you for your heart. I love your book The Confident Heart as well as your devotional. My husband and I have been reading them together. I would love to share them with the ladies in my ministry. God bless all that you do.
Jennifer says
I have done the same thing this past week with both of my boys. I am so glad you shared this as I was feeling Satan attack and God convict. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa says
God is so good. I really needed this today!
Lisa says
Thank you so much for the reminder that Satan wants to condemn us and hold us in the pit of guilty shame. But the Holy Spirit will convict us and provide us with a way to repent and turn our wrong choices around for good.
This reminds me of when I have not been keeping in touch with someone. I start to feel guilty for not calling them, the shame of the guilt keeps me from making the phone call, then with out realizing it another week or two has passed and I still haven’t reached out to them. When I finally get over my guilt and make the phone call, apologize for not calling, then everything is okay. Instead of feeling guilty and being stuck in a mirey pit, i will choose to see this as conviction and take ACTION to repent and make things right!!!
Putting some “to dos” aside and making some phone calls THIS MORNING!!!
Lynda Munsey says
Thank you so much for today’s devotion. I have been in these spots more often than I care to count. You are a blessing to me and I am thankful that God uses you like He does. So often, we hate to admit that we are very much human and in the flesh and that even through these times, He can and will still use us. We must praise Him in the storms as well as the good times. He can call on a rock to cry in our place. His grace is unlike anything that any of us have ever experienced except through Him, or at least it is to me. May my life glorify Him every day.
Sara says
I just wanted to thank you for this devotional today. It really registered with me. Especially the whole confidence building. When you ask the Lord to help build confidence in you really have to watch out for him to send a challenge and a lesson builder too. That’s what I feel he is teaching me this week. Thank you for reminding me that he is there to give grace along the way.
Lorraine Furtner says
I do this to myself over and over. I am like Paul– a chief of sinners! Thank you so much for posting this. I am plagued with self-doubt every time I start to do something for God. There’s the enemy right there shutting me down, making me think I’m not good enough. And I’m not. But God’s grace is. “My grace is sufficient for you.” God has given us all we need to succeed in our ministry for him. Wow. Thanks for being real, Renee.
Sheila says
I’m finishing up my Master’s at the age of 46. This week is hitting me as to exactly what I will do with it. I don’t feel equipped enough to speak even though I have been a worship leader for nearly 10 years. I see God pulling me in a direction that I would love to go, but lack the confidence to ‘pull it off’. All my night time dreams involve me doing what I believe He is calling me to do, however. I read the email devotional and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that I need to press toward the mark of His goals for my life and even though I do not feel the confidence to be what he’s calling me to be, He will give me what I need. Thank you Renee for your words today.
Brooke says
Found your blog via P31. I can’t wait to read more of what you have to say.
Linda F says
Just yesterday I said I was a failure of a mom after I had yelled at my son and totally lost my patience-I did “get up” and I repented and apologized to my son and he also apologized to me-point is Satan played on my sin and caused guilt to take hold and thoughts to run wild. This devo helped me see the forgiveness of God is there even tho I really messed up. I need to hold on to the Spirits voice especially during rough times when i sin b/c that’s when Satan will try to pour on the condemnation. I really liked your pastors example of the difference between guilt and condemnation-so thankful for a devo that meets me where I’m at-God is good and I pray for a better day today b/c this is a new day-made by God who is here with me as I do my ministry as wife and mom.
Teah Griggs says
I really enjoyed the devotion today. It spoke directly to me and gives me the encouragement that I need as a wife and mom. God’s grace is awesome! Thanks for taking the time to share.
Bobbie Gardner says
What a wonderful reminder today that Gid doesn’t call us to be perfect! He calls us to let His forgiveness be revealed through us and His wonderful, amazing grace be perfected in us! Thank you for your ministry!
God bless you today. I pray you continue to reach the thousands!
Rachiel says
I confuse those two often. I will start to be down on myself after one mistake, instead of accepting it for what it was and learning from it. Thank for this message. I needed it.
Amber M. says
Thank you so much for your words here and on the P31 devo. I am like so many other mom’s and we all slip up and then seems to beat ourselves up. Peace is something I feel like I am constantly chasing…. and that is anything but peaceful. I am so grateful for the wonderful resources you offer that provide insight into a better way to do things…. God’s way.
Melanie says
The devotion today really hit home because I have done the same thing this week and then felt like I needed to be put in a hole somewhere. This reminds me that God can use me because of the experiences and failures I have done for His glory.
Stephanie says
We can all use such a devotional to help with the everyday attacks of satan.
Christine Arsenault says
I really enjoy reading your devotionals I get so much from them.they really do give me the encouragement that I need.thank you
April Winn says
God has spoke this message to me over and over again this week. On my own, I am not good enough, but because of his grace, I can do what he has called me to do.
jane says
Thank you for all your inspirational messages. It helps to know others struggle with the same things I do at times. Thankfully God sees past our flaws and loves us despite our shortcomings. Have a blessed day!
Julie Boone says
I love this devotional. I so see myself in it. I let all those things get to me, then get so overwhelmed and start snapping on everyone. And now I see myself in my kids. I need to change ME so I can help change THEM with God’s help!
Molinda Bailey says
What beautiful words Renee, Thank you for being so real with each of us. We as wives, mothers, friends, sister, etc can always look and see our faults and weakness but God’s grace is always there in every situation. When we can look at our weakness that’s acutally a blessing because when we are weak He is made strong! Amen!
HAve a blessed day sweet friend, thank you again for your kind encouraging words. They were just what I needed today!
Cathy says
This was a great devotion and touched my heart this morning. As i sat a read these words, tears came to my eyes just realizing how God’s loving grace is sufficient and he loves me despite the messed up package that I am. I too often find myself doubting him when i should have the confidence that his grace should give. It is so difficult to let go of the things we always thought was right and start living a life guided by our heavenly Father–his way, not our way. I pray for this confidence and peace from him to control my life in every situation and stop beating myself up when i do mess up– I need to realize all of this struggle is a result of “Me” being a work in progress.