Devo Week 17 - Discerning the Unseen Realm
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16
The Great Escape - Forgiveness
When it comes to the blame game, we’ve all played and lost. Our attempts to avoid responsibility and accountability have only caused greater harm and destruction. No one wins, except Satan, when we’re pointing fingers at others, deflecting, denying, and defending ourselves.
WHO IS FOR US
The Good News is not the ‘gospel of sin management,’ but the power of God through our relationship with Jesus. While fear entices us to hide, faith empowers us to repent. Instead of blaming others to protect our reputation and prevent guilt, if we repent and confess our sin, we are promised cleansing and forgiveness. (I John 1:9)
Confession of sin is one of our spiritual weapons. The world says that confession is weakness, but its a doorway to forgiveness. By faith in Christ’s sacrifice, we are released and cleansed from sin through forgiveness. (Hebrews 10:22) When our identity is in Christ, we also have the grace to face our consequences and learn from our mistakes. This allows Christ’s character to be formed in us.
WHO IS AGAINST US
Playing the blame game tricks us into thinking we’ve won or that we’ve found a way out. In reality, we are simply running from the truth. This keeps us immature and bound by sin. Every world religion tries to deal with the weight of sin through appeasement or merit, but only through relationship with Jesus is our sin carried away completely. (Psalm 103:12)
Playing the blame game destroys trust, breaks relationships, and creates toxic environments. Satan and the demonic realm will seek to trap us in sin. If we cannot be trapped in sin, then Satan will seek to accuse and condemn us. Through Christ, as we confess our sin, we are no longer under the condemnation of the law. (Rom. 8:1-2)
In spiritual warfare, it is possible to win a battle and yet lose your testimony. Our calling is first to ‘be a witness’ for Christ. It is our testimony that matters most. (Rev. 12:11) The winning or losing is left in God’s hands, as the battle is the Lord’s. (I Sam. 17:47)
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
Lord, give us revelation that our sins have been atoned for, cleansed and forgiven by Jesus. Thank you that we have been released from the law of sin and death and given freedom from sin in Christ. Let our lives be a powerful witness for Christ! We pray our testimony will reveal the power of the Gospel to those around us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.