DAY 2

“I Have A Sin Issue”

Read: John 5:14; 8:3-4

By: Pastor ATP, Esq.

 

It was not until the Lord revealed the theme for this year to me that I understood the similarity between these two passages. In John Chapter 8, we know right away that the woman has a sin issue as the selected verses tell us that she was caught in the very act of adultery. However, it is so easy to overlook the sin issue of the man at the pool of Bethesda. It is not until after he receives his miracle that Jesus finds him in the Temple and tells him to stop sinning or something worse may happen to him. The similarity is this: both individuals had sin issues that if left unchecked would bring to a disastrous end their Fresh Start.

 

We will not have a successful Fresh Start in 2024 if we cannot admit or own up to our sin issues or weaknesses. These passages bring the following questions to my mind. Would the woman have ever acknowledged her sin issue if she had never been caught? Would the man at the pool of Bethesda ever acknowledged his sin issue had Jesus not found him in the Temple? What will it take for us to stop and admit that we have sin issues and need the Lord’s help? You cannot have a Fresh Start if you never admit that you need to stop something.

 

What are some barriers to acknowledgment of sin issues? One barrier is that we enjoy what we are doing even if it is wrong. A perfect example is spending beyond our budget (living beyond our means). We may not call sin, but it is a destructive habit. We may not want to stop because we enjoy shopping or just buying things on impulse. Do we really need a utility bill to be cut off or a vehicle repossessed before we acknowledge our issues?

 

Another barrier is believing that we have control over our issues. In other words, it is not that serious. This mindset reminds me of those who say they can quit the behavior (illegal drugs, sexual behavior) at any time. The fact that they do not or will not suggest that they have an addiction but refuse to admit it.

 

Another barrier is refusing to admit that what you are doing is wrong. The mind is very tricky. You can convince yourself that something is right. You can rationalize why it is ok to do what you are doing and even get people to co-sign your behavior. However, right will always be right, and wrong will always be wrong.

 

The bottom line is that until you acknowledge that you need help you cannot take advantage of a Fresh Start. Jesus is here offering a clean slate and all you must do is refuse to continue engaging in the wrong behavior. You do not have to fight this battle alone; the Holy Spirit is available to empower you. I challenge all of us to be initiative-taking and take advantage of this Fresh Start before we are caught in the very act of what we are doing wrong.

 

Let this be our prayer: “Lord, please give me the strength to acknowledge where I need help and the wisdom to accept your help. Thank you for my Fresh Start, thank you for your Grace.”