From Hopscotch to Holiness

Growing In Supernatural Ministry83used in some of the sacrifices and purifications of the Jews. The priestsused the hyssop branch to sprinkle the items in the Temple as a meansof purification and consecration. The ordinary implements in the Templebecame holy and set apart for God’s use when purified.We also see from this psalm that David had assurance of God’s forgiveness.He knew God was faithful to cleanse him completely. That is vital. Doyou have that assurance? Finally, David prayed beyond forgiveness torestoration of relationship and a return to joy. Restoration and joy wereso necessary in my life. I found them in Christ. Joy and restoration are theresult of the true gift of repentance.For some, we have a love/hate relationship with the cross. As Christians,we readily receive the benefits of Christ’s death on the cross. We love thecleansing that comes to us because of Jesus’ shed blood. But sometimeswe hate coming to the cross. It is a mirror for everything that is out oforder in our lives. If we’re honest, approaching the cross of Christ in aspirit of repentance is often not our first response to sin or strongholds inour lives. Often we prefer denial or delay in dealing with the issues Godwants to highlight in us. When that is our reaction, we often miss out onthe victory over the enemy that the Lord provides.Have you ever thought of repentance and coming to the cross as a signof weakness? Some may think that way. A better way to think aboutrepentance is the recognition that we have a holy desperation for God’sways. When we embrace the gift of repentance we come to the place inour heart where we are desperately dependent on God. Then we come tothe end of our own strength and the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s powerover sin. Those who do not admit their sin, see no need for forgiveness.Those who will not admit their spiritual sickness, admit no need for theGreat Physician. Only those who admit their need for God’s grace cantruly receive it. That’s how God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.And that, Beloved, is supernatural ministry.