Dear Heavenly Father,
The Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16 (NLT), “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” It is sad, Heavenly Father, that Paul wrote this thousands of years ago, at a time when many people were ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet today, just as there was then, there are many of Your sons and daughters that proclaim to love You, but they too are ashamed of the Gospel.
David, the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:133 (NIV), “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” As Your children, we should be different because our lifestyle is one of faith. This means that we will not let sin rule over our choices and decisions. Sometimes we are ashamed to stand on our commitment to Jesus Christ because there are instances when sin seems easier and more pleasurable.
Not too long ago, I was in a relationship with someone that I cared about deeply. I felt as if the sun rose and set on him. Our relationship started to become uncomfortable for me because he didn’t possess the same level of faith as I did. Like many young men that don’t have a strong relationship with You, he wanted to become sexually intimate. When we began our relationship, I made it a priority to let him know that I was committed to Jesus Christ, and that pre-marital sex was out of the question. At the time, he seemed to accept this, but four months into our relationship, he started to pressure me.
Heavenly Father, You tell us in 1Thessalonians 4:3(NLT), “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” In 1Corinthians 6:18, You tell us that no other sin affects our physical body as sexual sin, because it is sinning against our own bodies. I know that we should never make anything more important than pleasing You, Heavenly Father, but when I was accused of withholding something special from someone I loved, I experienced very uncomfortable and sad feelings. I realized that I was going to lose him because of my choice to abstain from sex.
Father God, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit, and for helping me to be strong and stand by my conviction. I am so thankful that the Spirit comforted my heart during those sad feelings, and that I was spiritually strong enough to resist the temptation of the devil. My heart and soul rejoices today because I chose to walk in Your love, and not sin.
I know so many young people that say they are Christians, but they are ashamed to stand firm. They are afraid to lose friends because of the faith. They don’t understand that they are denying Your power. They are allowing people and sin to cut off fellowship with You, and this grieves the Holy Spirit. Father, right now, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray that You will strengthen that young man and young woman that is being pressured to sin. I thank You for strengthening them just as You did me. Open their eyes, like You opened my eyes. Let them see that taking a stand for the Good News of Jesus Christ and living by his example is the greatest, most rewarding thing that any of us can do.
Knowing what I know now, I can’t imagine going back to a place where I would even contemplate letting a relationship with someone interfere with honoring You. You’re so Holy and worthy to be praised. Now that I know more of Your Word, I’m so excited and satisfied by spreading the Gospel. I know how much it pleases You. I love You so much, Father God. I am so thankful to be saved and filled with the power and strength of Your Spirit. I am honored to be Your daughter. I choose You, Father, in everything that I do. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“I Am Not Ashamed of The Gospel”, written by K. Lizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.