This story of the woman caught in adultery always brings me back to a time where I was stuck in sin, and a time that I chose that sin over Christ. I felt trapped, because I was so addicted to the sin. My love for Him was there, but not strong enough for me to put down the idols.
During those years, I felt like Rachel hiding her household idols in her bag as her family fled in Genesis 31. Why did she believe those little statues had any power? Probably the same reason I held onto my sin for deeper desires in my heart…desires like love and belonging.
As I look back on those years all I can say is “God, thank you for not giving up on pursuing me!” He never gave up, no matter how entrenched I become in the sin and no matter how much I turned my back on Him in the pursuit of other things.
His call for me to come home was steady, constant, and unchanging. I’m sure that is how this woman felt as she stood next to Jesus…the only One who could condemn her, but still chose to forgive.
When He told her to “go and sin no more” as she got a second chance at life, I wonder how those words impacted her. Was she eager to do what He said, or did she doubt her own ability to really carry that out?
I know for me, the enemy kept me in the lie that I just wasn’t “strong enough” to overcome this. This was similar to what Pastor Jason said when we say things like “this is just who I am” or “I was born this way.” In a way, we are accepting our fate before giving God a chance to transform it. What if He doesn’t want to leave you there…what if He has plans for you to live a “different way?”
This doesn’t mean we will never struggle with sin again, or that we won’t fall into temptation — we are human, so we most certainly will! But over time, as our hearts draw closer to our Savior, we will let go of the things of this world more and more. Our desires will change, and our heart will change.
I have to wonder how this woman’s heart changed that day. What inside of her began to feel different? What new thing was springing forth inside her soul? How did she walk, and talk and act differently now that she encountered Christ?
In the Pharisees’ plot to trap Jesus, we actually receive out of this chapter in John one of the most beloved stories of redemption. No sin is too big for God to come in and transform. No wayward son too far off the path. No daughter too deep in shame.
In probably the most humiliating moment of her life, this woman was met with the most grace she’s ever been shown, the most help she’s ever been given, and the most redemption she could ever hope for. She met Jesus. The Author of her faith.
I wonder what story of redemption God is weaving in your life? How has He changed the desires of your heart? What idols has he pried from your hands as you slowly let go of your need to live for the world?
If you haven’t seen much change yet, maybe it is time to examine. Maybe it is time to release what you’ve been holding on to. Maybe there is work to be done in your heart. Only God can do it; only He can perform the heart surgery we so desperately need. As you examine your own thoughts, mind, and actions this week — let God speak into those parts of your life that need His redeeming touch.
During those years, I felt like Rachel hiding her household idols in her bag as her family fled in Genesis 31. Why did she believe those little statues had any power? Probably the same reason I held onto my sin for deeper desires in my heart…desires like love and belonging.
As I look back on those years all I can say is “God, thank you for not giving up on pursuing me!” He never gave up, no matter how entrenched I become in the sin and no matter how much I turned my back on Him in the pursuit of other things.
His call for me to come home was steady, constant, and unchanging. I’m sure that is how this woman felt as she stood next to Jesus…the only One who could condemn her, but still chose to forgive.
When He told her to “go and sin no more” as she got a second chance at life, I wonder how those words impacted her. Was she eager to do what He said, or did she doubt her own ability to really carry that out?
I know for me, the enemy kept me in the lie that I just wasn’t “strong enough” to overcome this. This was similar to what Pastor Jason said when we say things like “this is just who I am” or “I was born this way.” In a way, we are accepting our fate before giving God a chance to transform it. What if He doesn’t want to leave you there…what if He has plans for you to live a “different way?”
This doesn’t mean we will never struggle with sin again, or that we won’t fall into temptation — we are human, so we most certainly will! But over time, as our hearts draw closer to our Savior, we will let go of the things of this world more and more. Our desires will change, and our heart will change.
I have to wonder how this woman’s heart changed that day. What inside of her began to feel different? What new thing was springing forth inside her soul? How did she walk, and talk and act differently now that she encountered Christ?
In the Pharisees’ plot to trap Jesus, we actually receive out of this chapter in John one of the most beloved stories of redemption. No sin is too big for God to come in and transform. No wayward son too far off the path. No daughter too deep in shame.
In probably the most humiliating moment of her life, this woman was met with the most grace she’s ever been shown, the most help she’s ever been given, and the most redemption she could ever hope for. She met Jesus. The Author of her faith.
I wonder what story of redemption God is weaving in your life? How has He changed the desires of your heart? What idols has he pried from your hands as you slowly let go of your need to live for the world?
If you haven’t seen much change yet, maybe it is time to examine. Maybe it is time to release what you’ve been holding on to. Maybe there is work to be done in your heart. Only God can do it; only He can perform the heart surgery we so desperately need. As you examine your own thoughts, mind, and actions this week — let God speak into those parts of your life that need His redeeming touch.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.