It did not take long to seek for help for my toothache. I was able to put up with the increasing pain for only a day. A phone call was quickly made and an appointment set for dental evaluation. I was yelping in pain when I was told that the tooth had to come out.

It was done, but afterwards, I felt as if I had been hit with a hockey stick and a puck to match. It took several days for the oral surgery to heal, and after going to a follow-up appointment, the dentist asked me if I was still speaking to him. I answered that I might!

I see something similar about a stubborn sin — acquired or inherited — any form of sin causing pain in our spiritual health, particularly deep-rooted sin brought to daylight in the matters of God.

Extraction is needed in a fast way to settle the matter. Sin needs to be openly and traumatically made clear. A deep cry for help for the innermost truth about sin in the soul becomes a cry for mercy from God Almighty.

The excruciating pain of the sin subsides by the forgiving grace of God, and peace falls into the tormented soul. The value of that soul is restored by the love of God through Christ Jesus.

We all have defining moments when we face sin as it is. "The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation," said Martin Luther.

Psalm 16:11 – You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (NLT)

Prayer: Dear God, guard our hearts by schooling us through hardships. Bring back the sheep that stupidly wanders away. Jesus, our good Shepherd, gave His life for us sin-bound slaves, to set us free from bondage into the light of His glory and grace. Thank You, that in Jesus' death, our dark sins are dead. Thank You that by Your grace, our souls are set free. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Kirsti Sipila <kirstiksipila@hotmail.com>
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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