The Power of Confession
James 5:16 (AMP) – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”
Revelation 12:11 (KJV) – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
Some of my greatest failures, the most detrimental choices I have ever made, happened after I was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Spirit. Each time, I convinced myself that I was the exception to the spiritual laws laid out in Scripture. But the truth is, I wasn’t. And I know I’m not alone in this—because at some point, we’ve all believed the lie that when we choose to sin, we’ll somehow be exempt from the consequences.
Why Do We Think This Way?
The Bible tells us that the pride of life, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh are the three areas we will all battle on this side of eternity.
But what kept me from quickly repenting? Why did I let my carnal nature win so many times?
It wasn’t that I wasn’t sorry. I spent so much time crying out to the Lord - at the front of the church, in my home, in my car. But looking back, I now realize that fear, or more honestly, pride held me back from true freedom.
When I wanted liberty—when I wanted real breakthrough—I had to do what Scripture commands: confess to another believer and seek healing through that process.
The Power of Confession
If you’ve been in a local church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard pastors and teachers talk about the freedom that comes from confession. But most of us delay it because we believe the lie that “No one else struggles like I do. No one will understand.”
Let me tell you: That is NOT true.
Do not put it off. You are not alone.
Every single time I have obeyed Scripture and confessed my struggles to a trusted believer, I have experienced immediate breakthrough.
• The weight lifted off my shoulders was tangible.
• The enemy lost his grip on that area of my life.
• I was no longer bound by fear and shame.
I used to believe I was one of maybe one or two men out of 400+ in my church struggling with a specific issue. But the moment I spoke to another brother about it, here’s what I discovered:
There was no judgment—only grace.
I was NOT alone. Others were working through the same struggles.
A huge burden was lifted. Jesus never intended for me to carry it alone.
Confession freed me, and that freedom allowed me to help others.
What Now?
Most of us will never need to confess our struggles publicly to a large group. But we do need to find someone—a trusted friend, mentor, or leader—to share with.
And when we do, we not only gain freedom for ourselves but also gain the ability to help others. That’s discipleship. That’s what Paul was talking about when he shared his own struggles in Romans 7:15 (ESV):
“For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
But thank God that Romans 8:1 reminds us:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Final Encouragement
Don’t let the Enemy of Your Soul tell you that your struggle is unique. That you’ve hidden it this long, so why stop now? That is a lie.
The very thing you’re afraid to confess is likely the very thing that will set you free—and empower you to help others.
Humble yourself before the Lord so He doesn’t have to do it for you. Obey His Word. Find someone you trust, confess, and walk in the liberty Christ has already provided.
You are not alone. And you are not beyond redemption.
Closing Thoughts
If this spoke to you today, I encourage you—take the next step. Don’t wait. Pray, ask God to direct you to the right person, and have that conversation. It could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Just Think About It
