I went through a period of time where I was continuously striving for a level of perfection that is impossible to achieve in this life.

One day I’m feeling great, full of joy and content because I feel I’m in alignment with Gods word and His will. And then..
I lose my temper on my husband, or my child. I say something about someone that I shouldn’t have. I do something God had previously convicted me of doing. I doubted, or struggled in my faith. I didn’t prioritize God over my own desires.. the list goes on.

I felt like I was running in an endless cycle of redemption, failure, condemnation and shame. It seemed like I could barely make it one day before falling short yet again. And I told God over and over how sorry I was that I couldn’t seem to get it right, no matter how hard I tried.

In prayer one day I was led to Zechariah 3:1-4: “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

I read something once that said when you feel convicted of something, that conviction is not there to shame you but it is actually a sign that you are in the presence of God, and Gods holiness reveals the darkness in us, not that we would be condemned by it but instead we would turn to Him, repenting and allowing Him to make us new. Or in this example, exchange our filthy rags for clothes made for royalty.

Whatever it is you think you’ve done that is beyond forgiveness, remember that it is not God who is the accuser but it is Satan, who constantly attacks our minds to believe we stand condemned when in reality God rebukes the devourer and restores those who turn to Him. You are deeply loved, known and chosen by God, my friend. Clothe yourself in the garments of grace He died to give you, and keep going!

Photo shared from Servant Hearted Sisterhood