Wednesday, November 13, 2024

During my mother’s funeral in 2001, I noticed a woman who looked like a member of my Cephas family. Plenty of distant cousins from Maryland made the drive to Ohio to say their goodbyes, so I shrugged it off. Besides, as a 21-year-old, I had other things on my mind.

When I saw her again at my grandfather’s funeral three years later, she introduced herself as my aunt. She was there to say goodbye to her father. I had no idea my mother had another sister. It was then that the older family members determined enough was enough. It was time for my generation to learn the secret that had stayed hidden from us throughout our childhoods.

Secrets had prevented our family from forming significant relationships, and they will do the same to yours. For decades, an entire generation missed out on knowing this aunt, though fortunately, she and her siblings eventually bonded, and I’ve gotten to know her as well. Today, she’s in the group chat with my uncle and other aunts, and I’m glad she gets to be a part of my kids’ lives.

God meets us and heals our brokenness when we admit our part in breaking ourselves.

1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

You must name the sin. Acknowledge that you understand what God already knows. Then, turn to the people God has placed in your life and confess your sins to them.

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Can you remember a time when one of your secrets entered the light? The fear of discovery fades quicker than expected, but the freedom gained from finally crawling out from under its weight produces unimaginable blessings. Confession isn’t a one-time thing. Name it, admit it, ask others to pray for you, and pray over their confessions too. Be vulnerable so you may heal in time.

If you have never experienced such freedom, then maybe it’s time to start.

Questions:
What’s holding you back from confessing your sins? Who can you trust with the truth?

Next Steps:
Pray about your sins and name them out loud. Give your sins to God and begin telling trusted people about them. Be willing to pray for those who confess secrets to you, and pray to God about what others reveal in your presence.

Prayer:
God, why is it so hard to admit our mistakes? I pray you take my truths and the shame I’ve attached to them. Give me the strength to confess my troubles to others without fear, and help me be mindful as people gather strength to share their secrets. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.