Today’s Bible Verse
And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed; for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:13-14 (GNT)
The Joy of Exposure
Who likes being exposed? Anyone? Well, for most, the response would be, “Certainly not!” The definition of the word expose is to reveal the true, objectionable nature of (someone or something), not concealed, not hidden, make something visible by uncovering it, in a vulnerable position.
God does a lot of exposing in this process. He exposes the condition of our hearts, what’s in our soul (mind, will, emotions), habits that need to stop, lies we believe, the list can go on and on. He exposes so we can be free, grow and mature.
There are many different ways that God does the exposing. Some of the ways can be:
- Privately at home, during your time with Him (prayer, reading the word, fasting)
- By speaking directly to you
- Publicly (yikes!)
- When you’re under pressure
- Through your leader or abrother or sister in Christ
The Bible tells us, “For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves” (Hebrews 12:6); it also instructs us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5).
What does Ephesians 5 say comes after the exposure? “… anything that is clearly revealed becomes light…” This is to bring things not of God to the surface or out in the open, so YOU can be set FREE!!
FREEDOM is at hand after the exposure. Be encouraged!!! Going through the process can be very uncomfortable – a lot of different challenges arise…emotions, arguments, self-justification and offense may come to the surface…but don’t give in to those moments! Embrace the process because God wants to take you to a new level with/in Him! He is the Potter and you are the clay! Trust the process! (Jayna Howard)
An Uncommon Life
The Lord wanted me to share this…four years ago I was exposed publicly (yikes!).
1st Exposure: I behaved unbecomingly at my job. I was supposed to get fired, no doubt about that! BUT THE GRACE OF GOD!!!
2nd Exposure: When I got pulled to the side from the manager (whom I never worked with), it deescalated the situation. He spoke to me professionally, then he got personal. All I remember him saying was, “Aren’t you a Christian!?” “I know you are a Christian ‘cause I am one too…and I have to do what’s right, no matter what.” When he said that, I broke. But the Lord was with me!
A couple of days later, I got called in by the General Manager to write a statement and explain what had transpired. I HUMBLED myself…said a prayer before going in…and repentance happened! As soon as I sat down, the presence of the Lord filled that room! I never had so much peace and the comfort from the Holy Spirit was like none other; but I didn’t understand it because of the natural circumstances that I had to face ahead. I was officially suspended for 3 days.
3 days later, I got the call from the GM and he said, “You will not be terminated and you can report to work.” Right then and there the Holy Spirit said, “I am your Advocate, I will fight for you!”
3rd Exposure: Back to work I went! I no longer had the position of a supervisor. I got demoted. For the next month, shame and guilt tried to grip me each time I went to work – having to show my face to the over 125/500 employees I oversaw. But my God saved me and fought for me, and God did a work in me! I leaded the importance of HUMILITY and having a SERVANT’S HEART.
I look back because the Bible tells us to remember where God brought you out from, and you know what? I WOULD NOT CHANGE A THING!! I thank God for delivering me from pride, certain mindsets of how I was raised to have acted unbecomingly, and fleshly anger.
Respond by EMBRACING THE PROCESS, and don’t run from it because it gets too hard or uncomfortable. God’s grace is sufficient! God loves us so much that He doesn’t want us to stay the same. He wants to take us all from faith to greater faith, strength to strength and glory to glory!!!
In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Later in John 15:8 He says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Today’s Declaration
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You for loving me so much that You don’t want me to stay the same! Expose what needs to be exposed so I can wake up, rise from death, and Jesus Christ (the Anointed One and His Anointing) can shine in and through me for His glory! Prune me and cut off things that only You can, so Your fruit is evident in this life You have given me! I love You Lord, I am Yours, Amen!
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 3-5; Psalms 139
- New Testament: Luke 10:17-24; 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
