POWER IN THE BLOOD, PART 2

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As the mom of several kids I’ve observed that children who are not properly disciplined for their sins tend to collect a dark conscience and are tempted to sin even more. Their little countenances grow more clouded and they are pushed to do more wrong. The blessing of proper discipline, including a loving hug at the end to let the kid know they are back in fellowship with dad or mom, is that the child’s conscience is now clear. He tends to brighten up and go on his merry, peaceful way.

I’m noticing this in big people as well. 

The analogy is not quite parallel. But here are my thoughts. 

It’s not so much that the person is not confronting her own recent bad behavior, but battling a life-time accumulation of inherited sin or emotional woundings. 

She struggles. 

He senses that something is not right deep in his heart, and he is pushed to do wrong. 

Often she gives in. 

And feels bad. 

And repents. 

And determines to never do that again. 

But she does it again. 

And again. 

And again. 

Because those things are still there, pushing him, pushing her. 

And this process is repeated ad nauseum until they finally say, “What’s the use?”

They give up.

Ok, I’m not blame-shifting here. Of course, we are responsible for our own choices. However, what if the push is so strong and we feel unable or unworthy to access the promises and power of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit?

I know people - good people who truly love God and who have become Christians in the prescribed Bible manner – who have given up trying. There is no victory. No power. No abundant life.

I know. I've been there.

There is only a hopeless amassing of pain: 

The woundings passed down from great-grandparents to grandparents to parents to them. 

The distress inflicted by broken parents. 

The anguish they have brought upon themselves by bad choices. 

The misery aimed at them by the people around them. 

The accidental damage 

and

the intentional harm. 

The physical suffering and the sting caused by words spoken or yelled or cursed at them. 

For some people, that collection of pain is simply too much.

Thankfully, I also know people who have discovered that it’s okay to ask Jesus to do more than just save them from hell-fire. They have discovered that it’s more than okay to ask Him to heal all those hurts. 

They have discovered that it was actually Jesus Christ’s mission on this earth to not only rescue their souls from damnation, but to heal their broken hearts and to set them free to receive and give His love. 

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Free to choose obedience rather than sin. 

Free from giving in to the oppression of the Enemy. 

Free to enjoy unbroken fellowship with their loving Creator. 

Free to walk fearlessly, gratefully, peacefully and joyfully through this life. 

Free to proclaim to others who are experiencing sin-pain that THIS is the acceptable year, the acceptable day for them to also know that same cleansing power, joy and freedom.

Yes, Virginia. Christ’s blood does more than cleanse. It heals. There really is wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb – our Gentle Shepherd.

Amen.


P.S. I add here that some people are not able to find that victory on their own. That's where those of us who have found it come in. We come alongside them and patiently, graciously guide them.

What is one way the Lord has helped you be victorious this week? Comment below!

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[See POWER IN THE BLOOD, PART 1 here.]