Daily Delight

I have to admit, I did not have a clear understanding of repentance. I thought it meant listing out all the things I did wrong everyday. I would list out my faults and failures for that day, but afterwards I didn't feel any different. I knew my sin wouldn't be held against me, but I did not feel like my repentance was real and I found myself returning to the same old behaviors and the cycle would begin again.It felt pretty hopeless until I truly understood.Recently during prayer, God revealed to me that I haven't trusted Him in every area of my life. There was a promise spoken over my life and when it failed I unknowingly held a grudge. I couldn't call God good in everything because of this and it was holding me back in my walk. As tears poured down my face, God spoke the promise again. I replied, "I don't believe you."God is so kind and gracious. He didn't yell at me in this weak moment. He didn't walk away. He quietly said, "I know, and have known this for a long time. I needed you to know it, too. Now we can move forward."I broke down. I repented.In this one area of my life, I've called God a liar with my unbelief. Numbers 23:19 states: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" God loves us and will never withhold good things from us. He may delay things because the time is not right. He may say no, because His plan is better. But He'll never lie.I called God a liar with my unbelief and instead of condemnation, I received mercy. God's kindness truly leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Repentance isn't a shameful thing, something to dread. Repentance removes us from bondage from the enemy and restores our relationship with God. It's a beautiful thing. 

About the Author

Alexis Newlin

Alexis is a 34-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, rollercoasters, and adventures. Originally from Marietta GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA where she works as a recreation therapist at Valley Children's. Alexis enjoys teaching and encouraging kids that they can do and be anything they want, despite their disability.

When not at work, you can find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip. Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and a cancer diagnosis.

Through her trials and triumphs, God has pushed her to share her faith and encourage others through her writing. Writing is something she is passionate about and it is a joy for her to share her walk with God and encourage others.