If we confess our sins | Anchored in Hope Devotions

Temptation to sin usually starts out very subtle. We may not even realize it as temptation at first. But "little" sins can lead to "bigger" sins until we find ourselves very far away from God. We might think "I would never do that", but the truth is that we all have "desperately wicked" hearts according to Jeremiah 17:9.

To fight off temptation, we must spend time with the Lord Jesus Christ through His Word and prayer. We are reminded of this in Ephesians 6:10-20 which tells us to "put on the armor of God." When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He used scripture to fight against Satan's attack. If Jesus used Scripture, how much more should we? 2 Timothy 2:22 reminds us to "flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

The sin we are drawn to leads to empty and broken lives and ultimately destruction, but when we run to Christ, we find Him to be all our hearts have ever desired. Only Christ can truly satisfy!

While it is certainly better to resist temptation before it can take root in our lives, God is also full of mercy and grace. If we find ourselves far away from Chtist, He is closer than we think. He is just one step away, waiting and ready to forgive us of all our sin if we simply turn in repentance to Him.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Jesus paid the price for all our sin at the cross and rose again three days later conquering sin, death, and hell. As believers we don't have to be slaves to sin. We can live victoriously through the power of the Holy Spirit, and when we do sin, we have the promise of His forgiveness when we confess our sins to Him.

What a merciful God we serve!

- Christine L. Franco