I’m Free, No More Condemnation, My Testimony!

I want to share my testimony of how God set me free from shame and self-condemnation, a freedom that transformed my life.

For years, while being married but separated from my husband, I struggled with fornication, along with other sin ! I carried shame and condemnation with me everywhere I went. In 2023, a moment came that would change everything. My child’s father( not my husband) needed a place to stay as he was transitioning between states. I agreed, feeling strong enough to live alongside him without engaging in anything sexual. A couple of weeks later, however, I initiated a sexual encounter. In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about Scripture; my flesh took over, and I acted on my own desires. I don’t regret the experience itself, but immediately afterward, I felt disgusted with myself. I felt as though I had let God down & yet again I failed!

Hours later, the instant that feeling hit, I prayed, repented, and entered a period of fasting. During that fast, God showed me something profound, yes, I had given in to the flesh, but the real stronghold wasn’t the act itself,it was the shame and self-condemnation I carried afterward.

God reminded me that He had forgiven me the moment I repented, yet I had not forgiven myself. I realized that self-condemnation can keep us in chains even after God has set us free. I also repented to the other person involved, recognizing that I had not exemplified the love and holiness God desires of us.

Through this process, God began to bring Scripture alive in my heart and mind. I began to truly see who I was in Him, and I experienced freedom in ways I never had before. Within a week or so, I was tested again. Lying in bed, I felt the stirrings of the flesh, but this time, I immediately prayed, spoke Scriptures over myself, and renounced the temptation. 

I entered covenant with God’s Word, and His Spirit left me in complete peace. That same night, the situation resolved naturally,my child’s father left for a new city, and God had protected me without me having to fight alone. This experience taught me perseverance and vigilance. It taught me to immediately call on the Lord when I notice anything that is unlike Him in my heart or actions. It reminded me of Paul’s words about the struggle between the spirit and the flesh, but also of the victory we have in Christ. Through Christ, I can do all things; I am more than a conqueror.

Today, I live a life of consecration. I am free from the chains of fornication, shame, and self-condemnation. God has truly and completely delivered me, and I share this testimony to encourage anyone struggling: when your heart is for the Lord and your desire aligns with His, no stronghold is too great. Repent, turn from sin, call upon God, and trust His Word, freedom is waiting.

Stay encouraged, why because YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES YOU STRENGTH! 

— Erica