Gutsy Guilt (HT: John Piper)
Tempted to despair (yet again), I did a quick search this morning for a biblical and practical reminder of the gospel (you know, the Truth that I really DO believe, but I am SO quick to forget).
In my reading, I found this great Pastor John Piper sermon:
How to Deal with the Guilt of Sexual Sin
Thankfully, I’m not struggling with this particular temptation, but MAN! Am I struggling in other areas.
This brief excerpt, in particular, blessed and encouraged me:
“Trusting Christ to the hilt with gutsy guilt. Micah 7:8-9 is a picture of what you say to your enemy when he scoffs at your defeat. Here is what you say. My summary of these words is to call them gutsy guilt. I call it that because the believer admits that he has done wrong and that God is dealing roughly with him. But even in a condition of darkness and discipline, he will not surrender his hold on the truth that God is on his side. Listen to these amazing words. Mark them. Memorize them. Use them whenever Satan tempts you to throw away your life on trifles because that’s all you’re good for.
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (Micah 7:8-9)
This is what victory looks like the morning after failure. Meditate on it long and hard when I am gone. Learn to take your theology and speak like this to the devil or anyone else who tells you that Christ is not capable of using you mightily for his global cause. Here is what you say …”
I hope you’ll click on over and read the entire sermon.
God never tires of forgiving His children.
Never.
I’m clinging to that truth today!
Yours,
Tara B.