This past week I was in a midweek service where my friend Bernie Tompong (BT) was speaking on shame. He made some really great points that I wanted to share with you and of course add some of my two cents in!
Definition of shame:
1. a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety
2. a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute
3. something that brings censure or reproach; also: something to be regretted: pity
Shame has so much power in changing one’s life direction. It has the ability to change your life for the better, and it also has the power to change it for the worse if not properly dealt with. Shame when deep rooted can be something very hard to overcome.
Look at my testimony; it took me over ten years to be able to tell “My Braveheart Story.” Why?! I was full of shame and how people would look at me and judge me once they knew my full story. I felt like they would look at me as the girl who was an escort, or the girl who was molested or beaten, and they wouldn’t look at ME, at who I have become, or the daughter God has called me to be.
I made a choice; to start telling my story, despite what others would think of me, I was able to release the shame. The devil can no longer use it as a tool against me. When you truly know your worth and who God has called you to be; shame will begin to melt off of you. Revelation 12:11 says “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” NLT
Bernie gave the audience a question to ponder on; he said: Are you Judas? Or are you David?
This was so powerful to me because it is a perfect example of what shame can do to you. Let’s look at these examples:
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus disciples who gave up Jesus for some silver. He later ended up committing suicide because he felt guilty for betraying Jesus and he couldn’t forgive himself for it.
Now we have David, who has committed murder and adultery and although he felt shame and guilt, he didn’t stay there. “David corrected his behavior and continued to chase after God.” -BT. He was known as a man after God’s own heart. David knew his mistakes, but he also knew about God’s love and grace.
You defeat the enemy by speaking about your testimony. He uses shame to keep you bound up sometimes so much that it will make you want to commit suicide, or make you think you’re not good enough, or you’re not worthy enough, or you don’t deserve something better.” Let me tell you, that is a lie straight from hell. You are good enough, despite what you have done. God still loves you and there is nothing you can do to change that. “Your mess or problems does not scare Jesus away. God chose you; you can’t unpick yourself.” -BT
There is freedom in releasing the shame and telling your story. “Grace sets you free; Faith brings you out!” -BT. You can’t give yourself grace; God gave it to you as a gift. Your faith is going to be the key factor to help you overcome. I have a tattoo that says “Faith conquers all!” My faith can get me through anything that comes my way; it has never failed me!
So… What will you decide?! Will you be Judas? Or will you be David?
Decide to let go of your shame and walk into freedom. Shame will keep you bound up as much as you allow it too. There is nothing you did that will change God’s love for you. He loves you just the way you are; mistakes and all!