There are times in life where we may find ourselves in need of a breakthrough. Whether that is in our relationships, finances, physical bodies or other areas. One of the most powerful tools we’ve been given to bring breakthrough is Repentance.
Acts 3:19 (AMPC) So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;
Recognizing sin and its impact in our lives in the first step towards repentance. The psalmist said in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Pray and ask God to show you areas that you may need to repent in. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and examine your hearts and show you what needs to change.
When we’re open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we can identify harmful patterns and attitudes that need to change.
Next, confess sin that the Holy Spirit reveals to you.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
He is FAITHFUL and JUST to forgive us our sin, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Remember that when you confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness, you are immediately forgiven and cleansed. It’s important to receive that by faith!
I always say, “unrighteousness” is just “righteousness” with an ‘un’ on it. God takes the UN off and makes you RIGHTEOUS! Hallelujah.
Lastly, turn from sin. Sin is disobedience to God. Sin opens the door to the enemy to attack your mind, body and everything around you. The Bible tells us to “neither give place to the devil”, nothing gives place to the devil like living in sin.
Repentance means that you are turning FROM your sin, and you’re turning TO God! It means you might have to get out of a sinful relationship, or throw away drugs/alcohol, or delete something from your phone/email, change your attitude, or stop listening to certain kinds of music. Whatever it is, do it, and do it fast!
As painful as it may feel, the pain will be short lived as repentance as a reward attached to it: Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
TIMES OF REFRESHING! No Christian is happier so more full of life than one who has truly repented and stopped holding on to sin.