The Power of the Gospel Over Shame

Stop Being Ashamed & Find Freedom in Faith

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.” John 17:1b-2

Why is there suffering in this world? Sickness? Disease? Violence? Governments over-powering their citizens they have sworn to protect. Citizens devising to overthrow governments. Men building wealth so they may lord over the poor and the frail. Women depriving their own bodies, seeking to be desired by men and envied by women.

Compassion is a rare treasure.

I can cry, “Why, Lord?!”

I can ask, “Who will save us?”

With shame, I failed to control my own desires. I thought that I could be stronger than the day before. My plans to do better were concocted with pride. When temptations came, I would give in once again because I wanted to fit in, meet others’ expectations, and, sadly, I desired a fun “escape” from myself. The fun escaped with the dark and the morning light gave birth to regret.

An alcoholic can deny the fact that they are an alcoholic, but denial doesn’t stop the corrosion of the body, depreciation of relationships and finances, nor can denial eliminate the guilt of intoxicated words or deeds.

My freedom came when I delved deeper than the surface – down to my deepest pains, and asked, “Who?” Who was I living for? I was living for me. Going to church on Sunday and talking in Christianese could not expunge the sin in my heart. I had been trying to drown sin with sin.  I had hidden my sin from everyone – except the One person who wanted to take my sin away once and for all. I thought if no one knew about my lust for alcohol, I could still praise Him and testify of His goodness.

Jesus came to not only be glorified but to glorify God. If I am to bring hope to the hurting just as Jesus demonstrated, then I had to live a life that also glorifies the Father. I am to break free from all temptations, all sins, all addictions, by His power. Only the Creator of the body can truly heal the body. The One who sees the heart can cleanse the heart. Nothing is hidden from the Author of Life.

I stopped begging God to grant me the strength to resist finding my way to the bottom of the next bottle. I finally said that I wanted God more than I wanted the alcohol and I meant it when I said it. I could feel His hand gently taking the drink from my hand. His boundless grace washed over me.

Each time the urge comes to me, which has been fewer and farther between, I ask myself if I want to trade my relationship with Jesus. “No!” I had once lived in the amber glass prison cell of shame, but no more! I now drink from the well that never runs dry. A spring of eternal living water. The joy that comes from freedom in Christ is intoxicating!

Why is there so much suffering in this world? Perhaps it is because we have spent far too long asking Why? What is your question? Are you asking why you suffer or are you seeking the only One who can stop the suffering?

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lam. 3:22-24