Don't Allow It

And you shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

Earlier today I was speaking with another prisoner who...

like so many of us, has difficulty with letting go of the bad memories of his past. I've spent many years battling this very same thing. I also believe, from my own experience, that this is something we have to learn - how to walk in the newness of life, and to live as one who has truly been forgiven by God.

Frankly, it's not as simple as it sounds to wrap one's mind such a wonderful truth. After all, many of us have been taught since childhood that we have to earn forgiveness by making amends, and so forth.

I would liken this to a prisoner, already having spent many years locked up, to unexpectedly find out that he's been pardoned and set free. It would no doubt seem surreal as he stepped out the doors of the prison to an open sky. He would no doubt be in a state of total disbelief. I could see him saying to himself over and over, "Is this really happening?"

I recall that when I first asked Jesus Christ to forgive me of all my sins, I accepted his forgiveness in my mind. I had at least an intellectual understanding of this biblical truth. But when it came to fully accepting it in my heart, I wasn't ready to receive it. I was still covered by a dark cloud of guilt, regret, and shame. In other words, I was forgiven, but I didn't feel forgiven. I still felt unworthy. I still had my doubts and fears, as well. 

Like the prisoner whose release was unforeseen, I went from darkness to light in a moment of time. From sinner, to saint. From a servant of Satan, to a child of God. To a man condemned to an eternity in hell, to a man now fully justified and bound for heaven.

You could bet Satan wasted no time coming at me with his lies and false accusations. "Oh, so you think you've really been forgiven?" And, "Oh, do you really think you could escape your past and your crimes"? The list was endless. 

These thoughts had indeed crossed my mind. I did, at times, question God's forgiveness. In fact, I questioned it many times. As a new believer in Christ, Satan was already at work trying to keep me oppressed and enslaved with guilt and shame. But thankfully the Lord was watching over me.

Jesus was keeping me safe from the attacks of my adversary. It was a time of innocence as I had yet to become knowledgeable in the Scriptures. But as I became more skillful in using the Word of God, which the Bible calls the "Sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), I realized that I have authority over the Devil and all his schemes and lies.

As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have the God-given power to resist Satan and to counter his lies with the truth of God's word. Through Christ I am the victor. I'm an overcomer. And this is nothing to take lightly.

Having learned who I am in Christ Jesus, I hereby refuse to allow the Devil to oppress me. I am not to allow him to enslave me with thoughts of guilt and regret, nor the memories of my past sins and the shame that was associated with them. 

I am forgiven. I am a new creation in Christ. And I refuse to allow the Devil to keep me in bondage. I've been redeemed by the blood of my Savior. The Devil can no longer hold me back. I will not allow it.

Dear Christian friend, don't you allow him to rule over your emotions and your mind. In the name of Jesus Christ our King, don't allow it.

D. B.