Ever Felt Condemned?
Ever felt condemned?
Jesus came so our life could be abundant, full, and overflowing. He came so we would be free to live and free to love. When our life is not looking like this, we know it is the work of Satan. He loves it when we cower in fear and when we feel condemned, broken, and useless. And for this he sometimes uses people around us, situations and circumstances, social media and even our own minds.
John 10:10 NIV
The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy: but I (Jesus) have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
Romans 8:1 NIV
There shall be no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
This week I want to start with a song which explains this beautifully. The words come up so I encourage you to sing along and note any words or phrases which pop out at you.
At one time in my life, I felt so condemned and broken. I remember huddling in the corner of our cold kitchen tiled floor with my head buried between my legs. I was distraught as I heard words in my head saying I was doing everything wrong. I did not measure up in the many roles in life. I was reminded of my words, attitudes and decisions.
During this time, I am glad that I ran to God instead of to anyone else. I kept 3 things going consistently in the home front, and that brought some order as God worked in me.
1 Corinthians 14:33a NIV
God is not a God on disorder
I made sure I prayed daily by myself and with Michael and Meshak.
I made sure we went outdoors to play and laugh and be with friends, the boys were regular at school
and we had home cooked meals and once a week takeaways.
On Sundays we went to church and loved studying the Bible as a Sunday School team.
For me personally I started studying the Bible instead of just reading it quickly in the morning. I joined a TAFTEE course (run by a theology college nearby) and then went on to be a leader holding a small Bible study group at home. A couple of years later my aunt Chitra invited me to BSF, I joined so hungry for God’s word and to make Godly friends. Bible Study Fellowship was then my training ground for the next several years.
IF YOU FEEL CONDEMNED AS A MOTHER, AS A WIFE OR JUST AS A WOMAN, DIG INTO GOD’S WORD. STUDY IT FOR YOURSELF.
These are some verses which helped me so much when Satan reminded me of my wrong words, my messes, my bad choices, and my weakness.
Read them from a version you prefer, mark them in your own bible (I write the date beside the verse- the date when the verse spoke to me, freed me, and when it lifted me from the pit of despair)
1 John 1:9 NIV
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
What does the verse call us to do?
What 2 words describe God?
God 2 things will God do according to this verse?
Isaiah 1:18a The living Bible NIV
Come, Lets talk this over! Says the Lord, no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make it as freshly fallen snow.
What is God calling us to do?
How can you make time to talk it over with God today?
What does God promise to do?
You may want to draw a snowflake and write ‘God makes it as freshly fallen snow’.
The next few verses are from Exodus 14 which talks about the time when God led the Israelites out of Egypt across the Red Sea, with Moses leading them.
Exodus 14:21 and 22 NIV
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wing and turned it (the sea) into dry ground. The waters were divided. And the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground with a wall of water on the right and on the left.
What seemingly impossible thing was God doing for the Israelites here?
What do you want Jesus to do for you in your life, now?
Exodus 15:25 describes the reaction of the Egyptians seeing what had just happened.
‘Let’s get away from the Israelites, The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt’.
Exodus 15:31 describes the reaction of the Israelites.
When the people saw the great power that the LORD had displayed, they feared the LORD and put their trust in him.
What is your response to the display of God’s power in your life?
In my own life, God has indeed displayed his power. He has turned my mess to a message. I can boldly proclaim that God fought for me. So I will fear the Lord and trust in him.
Memorize these verses so you have them ready to speak out and claim over your life. I do that and that is such a treasure.