THE POWER OF CONFESSION (I)
“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” Acts 5:3 NIV
One of the hardest things for us as human beings is to be vulnerable about our struggles and weaknesses. If we had the choice, we would always present ourselves at our best. Yet the truth is that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Our flaws are not hidden from the One who sees the secrets of the heart.
The strength of sin lies in secrecy. As long as Satan has leverage through hidden sin, he will use it to torment and weaken us. This is what we see in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Peter does not confront Ananias for lying to him as a man, but for lying to the Holy Spirit. The hidden deception they tried to keep was already fully exposed before God.
Confession, then, is not merely about telling another person what we’ve done, but about walking in truth before the God who already knows. When we confess honestly, without twisting or disguising our failures, we rob Satan of his power to accuse us in the shadows. What was hidden loses its grip once it is brought into the light of God’s presence.
True confession is powerful because it aligns our hearts with truth, humility, and freedom in Christ. The story of Acts 5 warns us that half-truths and disguised admissions are no different from lies. Sincere confession however, though humbling, brings cleansing, restoration, and peace with God.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. I thank you for the holy spirit who gives me the courage to walk in truth before You. Strip away the fear of man and the pride that seeks to hide weaknesses. Teach me to confess in honesty, that I may live in and enjoy the freedom of Your grace. Strengthen me to never give room to the enemy through secrecy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Proverbs 28:13
• Ephesians 5:11
• Psalm 32:5
