Guilty As Charged
October 22, 2009 by Tara McClenahan
It was after a long self-imposed spiritual dry spell that the fresh in-filling of the Holy Spirit had been so refreshing in so many ways. But I had somewhat hazy memories of how it felt when the Holy Spirit convicts. Man, it stings!
However, as much as I don’t like it, I need it, want it and respect it.
But have you ever seemed to be harder on yourself than the Holy Spirit is being? Not that He isn’t serious about conviction of sin – I don’t mean to minimize the sin at all. What I am saying is that once I feel that conviction, I get so angry at myself because I know better than to do the things I’m being convicted of! (like pride, frustration, health habits, etc.)!! And the Holy Spirit used to have the control over those areas in my life but the flesh has reigned supreme for a while and I guess I need to go through another surrender process for my Spirit to subdue my flesh again.
I am so very thankful that the conviction and correction are there for us as God’s children through Jesus Christ! I could never be good enough on my own no matter how hard I try! Through the saving work of Jesus on the cross, I can know that I am secure in Him no matter how many times I fall short.
And I am continually reminded that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is as our Counselor, Helper and Revealer of Truth! He does His job well and I am convicted of my sin. I need His grace to surrender, confess, repent and get up again. I feel like I am starting over again in a lot of areas! But then again, maybe that’s what Abba wanted all along.
What area is the Holy Spirit pointing out to you that is in need of surrender, confession and repentance?
Oh Tara.. that gavel gives me a shiver!
I feel God’s hand on my right now. He’s letting me know that it’s time to give him some more of myself.
Bare baked honesty? I’m scared to pieces!
Yet, inside I know He only calls me to come closer to him and accept changes that are best for me.
I think the image of God as judge should definitely cause us to stop and evaluate our hearts and lives! And it is scary to give more (or all) of ourselves to God. But that’s when our trust in His goodness grows. When we give our all to Him, He won’t let us fall and He most surely won’t drop us!
Praying for you!