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. . . when anything is exposed by the light,
it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.
—Ephesians 5:13, 14
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Did you happen to read the verse above? If you didn’t, please do.
I’m curious, What came to your mind when you read those words?
This is one of those moments in Scripture that requires a double take—did Paul really write “anything that becomes visible is light . . . anything”? The short answer is, yes. I think we’d be more comfortable, though, with him just saying anything exposed becomes visible, but that’s not where he stops. He says that anything that becomes visible is light—and there’s a reason for that.
Sin does its best work in the dark. It fractures, separates, distorts, dealing in deception and delusion. Sin is powerful but it doesn’t stand a chance against the light. When brought into the light, its holes are exposed, and those holes become portals, if you will, for us to receive God’s redemptive holiness, a wholeness only made possible by grace. Within the light, even sin must bow its knee, surrendering to God’s plans to redeem, restore, and transform.
Response
This week’s response is simple: Is there something in your life that needs to become visible? The Accuser is terrified of you discovering the clarity and grace that come with bringing sin into the light. He wants to keep you from knowing God’s power to redeem and restore, so he’ll whisper, “God can’t make [fill in the blank] light, so let’s keep it hidden.”
But take a look at Revelation 12,
. . . the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony . . . (vv. 10, 11)
Jesus shed blood to undermine sin’s stronghold over us. That is why we can bring any sin, whether it be “big” or “small,” into the fold of his holy grace.
Closing Thoughts
There is power in confession. If the Spirit of God brought something to your attention, please surrender that thing (or things) in prayer and talk to your spouse, a trusted friend, pastor, mentor, counselor, or therapist. Don’t allow the darkness to distort what’s really going on inside of you. There is hope, there is freedom, there is forgiveness.
Confession isn’t about appeasing God or clearing the ledger. In fact, confession isn’t for God; it’s for us. Take a step of courage and watch God turn whatever it is, whether it be big or small, into a testimony of his redemptive power.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Confessing with you,
Addison
P.S. There’s a whole chapter in Words with God about the healing power and purpose of confession. If you’re new to these prayer guides or don’t have the book yet, you can click here to get a copy through the Messenger store. Or you can always go through Amazon. Until next time.
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