Repentance Saved Me

Repentance is the foundation for sanctification to take place as the power of the Holy Spirit moves and works in our lives. What does true repentance look like? Repentance includes a change of heart with accompanying actions which will demonstrate the fruit. It also means to turn away from sin. We must admit our sinful ways, receive God’s forgiveness, and continuously work on building our relationship with God.

I experienced a life-changing encounter on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Due to technical difficulties while serving, my pastor ultimately called everyone into the sanctuary as she led service. The power of God rested upon me so heavily all of a sudden and I was completely slain. Prior to this, I noticed my heart had become quite tender. Although I’m a compassionate person, I was feeling emotions more deeply. Around this time, the song Bow Down and Worship Him kept resonating in my spirit. It was in that moment at service I physically experienced what God had been doing internally for months.

Legend has it the carcass of the part of me that surrendered is still slumped over that row of chairs.

There's freedom in surrenderance.

The COVID-19 virus completely altered life as we knew it. The pause that resulted from the pandemic was a wake up call for me. I was involved in various things which inadvertently became idols. The busyness of life consumed me, and God really did the most to get my attention. He took and temporarily removed some things until I reconciled back to Him.

Travel plans? GONE

Serving at church? GONE

Dating life? GONE

I was also placed on administrative leave from work for a period of time due to the virus.

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” -Matthew 16:26.

I can admit being caught up in the wrong things interfered with my relationship with God. Although I've been consecrating since 2019, I wasn't seeking God like I was supposed to so I couldn't hear from Him like I needed to for my next elevation. At this point, I had nothing but time and no other choice than to get right with Him. The aforementioned encounter realigned my focus and provoked me to reconcile back to God.

It's possible for me to have it all according to God's will. I just have to do things HIS way and not mine. This is how I gained a better understanding of Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” My consecration consisted of giving up secular music as a way to get out of my feelings and into the presence of God. I began to seek guidance and manifestation of my heart's top three desires. Although I've only received one of those things thus far, I've gained so much more. I have a clearer picture and better understanding of the other two things. The key is timing. I've also become more grounded. I'm less emotionally reactive and more spiritually led. This has helped me to be more submissive to God by flowing in His will rather than my own. I believe I had the right idea of how to manage my values, but they were mishandled. My priorities have now shifted which has allowed me to recognize and value what truly matters.

-I put God above everything else.

-I’m intentional about giving God glory in all I do.

-I make it a priority to check in and spend quality time with my loved ones.

-I seek God for directions and answers rather than aimlessly doing things. I’ve become very sensitive and careful to not do anything that would grieve God's heart. He’s brought me too far for me to allow poor decisions to offset the growth I’ve undergone.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” -2 Corinthians 5:17-20

If you’ve fallen off like I have and possess the desire to rebuild your relationship with God, this is your clarion call to repent. God is gracious and merciful. It doesn't matter what you've done or how long you've strayed. No sin is too great that He won’t forgive you of. Come on home and get back to the Father. All it takes is one purposed decision. “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

Repentance is necessary for salvation. Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, I come before Your throne asking for restoration in my life. Thank you for reconciling my heart back to You after everything I’ve been through. Let Your power reign in my life as I submit myself completely to You. Where there is brokenness, bring wholeness. Send confirmation in the midst of confusion. I trust that You will restore all that has been lost in due timing and will replace what doesn’t belong with something better. You are in control so I surrender my desires and plans over to You. Your word proclaims, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You know all of what I have had but is now gone, where I am today, and what is next to come. I believe in Your promises You have predestined for me. Where I currently am isn’t the end, and You have so much greater in mind for me even if it’s not what I would think, plan, or expect. My story is changing and will be an encouraging testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness. I thank You in advance in Jesus' name. Amen.

Written with grace,

Kiala

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Worship playlist:

Tasha Cobbs-Leonard- Never Gave Up

Jekalyn Carr- You’ve Been Restored

Bishop Paul Morton- Bow Down & Worship Him

Travis Greene- You Waited

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Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!