September 21st, 2013 
Jessica 
Today I got up at around 6:35am and was out by 6:55am. Have I mentioned that I am NOT a morning person? I love naps, and I would love to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. So willingly getting up before 7am when it’s not absolutely necessary seems a bit crazy to me. Today in following the ACTS Prayer Model, I moved on to prayers of confession. As I struggled mentally with getting up and going for the third day in a row, I confessed all the reasons I find not to do what God wants me to do:
- I’m a homebody.
- I’m a night owl.
- I’m not a morning person.
- I’m not athletic.
- I’m shy.
- It’s dark.
- It will cost money.
- I don’t have a second car.
- I’m stressed.
- I’m discouraged.
- It’s dangerous.
- I’m too busy.
- I’m afraid.
- I’m distracted.
- I have three kids.
- I’m tired.
- I don’t have time.
I blame my personality, my lack of discipline, and my lack of commitment on anything that comes to mind. I procrastinate when I know what God wants me to do. As the quotation above says, “If something is important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” I am all too good at finding excuses for not doing God’s will, instead of trying to find a way.
It is so easy to get depressed and discouraged during times of confession. However, it is good to remember that my sinful self has been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). God can transform me by renewing my mind (Romans 12:2). Remember 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Although times of confession are difficult to face, they remind me all over again how great my need is for God in my life. I am so thankful for his faithfulness and forgiveness for my sins!
As you pray today for your high school students, I hope you will struggle through this time of confession and reap the joy of knowing that your sins have been forgiven.
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