Broken Pieces: Repairing the Damage of InfidelitySample

One of the most liberating feelings in the world for me was finally laying aside the weight of my past sin and secrets. I finally admitted to my wife that I was unfaithful and took responsibility for my actions. No longer making excuses or trying to justify it, I owned it and was ready to face the consequences for my actions. Coming clean and admitting your guilt is a daunting task. It comes with vulnerability, fear and apprehension. I would be lying if I said it was easy for me and any other man who has ever been in that situation would tell you the same. Nonetheless, it is emancipating. To no longer have the anxiety of possibly getting caught in a lie or the shame and embarrassment of being exposed by an ex-girlfriend or another woman I cheated with is equivalent to being freed from prison. I am no longer bound by the chains of my past failures and I now have the freedom to live a life of victory in Christ. But just because Jesus set me free, that does not exempt me from spiritual warfare or from the attacks of the devil. In fact, he typically intensifies the attacks because he realizes I can now testify to others about the redemptive work of Jesus in my life.

I’m reminded of the story of the children of Israel who were enslaved by the Egyptians for over 400 years and when God delivered them out of their bondage, they fled and were on their way to the Promised Land. But after a while, we find in Exodus chapter 14:5 that Pharaoh and his army changed their minds and thought to themselves, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!” (NIV) So Pharaoh and his troops made ready their horses and chariots and pursued the children of Israel. And just like Pharaoh, the devil won’t let you go easy. He is going to try every trick in the book to discourage you, distract you and deter you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life and your marriage. Coincidentally, as soon as things begin to turn around for your marriage, he’ll be back. But here’s the best part of it all. In the text, we see when Pharaoh and his army were on the heels of the children of Israel, Moses told them in Exodus 14:13-14 “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” That’s a word for someone today. Although you might have encountered some of the most tumultuous storms in your marriage and it seems like there was no way out of the trouble you got yourself into. Just when the devil had you in a submission hold and you were ready to tap out, God stepped in and delivered you. The enemies you see today, you will see no more, forever!

Man of God, there is hope for your situation. And right at the point it seems like it's the darkest hour of your life, God has a knack for turning things around. I pray that the guilt and shame you feel from all the mess you’ve made will be overshadowed by the grace and mercy of God. And that the Holy Spirit would remind you of how much God loves you and that He has a plan for your life in spite of your failures and past mistakes. God says in Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and remembers your sins no more.” Be encouraged today, my friend. Better days are ahead for you. I promise.

NEXT STEPS: Take your wife by the hand and ask her to join you for a walk. During your walk, take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on the good times you two shared together, the milestones in your journey and rekindle the love, joy and excitement of courting each other again.