The Surprise Within
Even when the mirror is fogged, what’s true remains underneath—Christ in me, my only life.
Scripture: Leviticus 5:14–15
Devotional Insight Credit: Ray Stedman, Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
Today’s devotion shines light on the deeply embedded sin nature that lurks even beneath our best intentions. Leviticus 5 introduces the idea of unintentional sin—a concept that rattles the illusion that we’re mostly good people who occasionally mess up. Ray Stedman, with grace and honesty, reminds us that these “surprise sins” are not merely accidents, but reflections of a deeper nature we cannot manage through effort or moral resolve.
We are startled when we react in anger, jealousy, or pride—especially when we believed we had long since “dealt with that.” But Scripture makes it clear: even our unintentional sins—sins we didn’t consciously choose—require atonement, for they stem from the same corrupted source. This is not about what we did, but about who we were before Christ made us new. The law demanded a guilt offering to cover even these moments of unawareness.
Stedman shares a fable from Dostoevsky to illustrate the tragic truth that even our good deeds are often laced with self-interest. Like the woman in the story, who gave an onion to a beggar, there is a darkness of self lurking under the surface—even in our charity.
But the beauty here is this: in Christ, the guilt offering has already been made. The ram has already been slain. We are no longer trying to clean up the old nature—we have been given a new one. The Cross didn’t come to make our sin nature more manageable; it came to crucify it and raise us into newness of life. Now we walk by the Spirit, not trusting our old self or being shocked when it shows up uninvited, but continually depending on the indwelling life of Christ to live through us.
Personalized Journal Entry (in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture)
Child of Mine, do not be surprised when remnants of your former self surface unexpectedly. The old nature, though crucified with Christ, still attempts to echo its patterns in your soul. But you are not that person anymore. You have been raised with Christ—your life is now hidden with Me in God.
You once walked according to the desires of the flesh, governed by its impulses and unaware of your need for Me. But now, your heart is Mine. I dwell within you, and the life you live, you live by faith in the One who gave Himself for you. So when you stumble or are caught off guard by a moment of anger or selfishness, remember this: it is not your true self acting—it is the residue of what I have already overcome.
I do not condemn you. I remind you. I draw you near. When you see that old reflex, do not retreat into shame. Reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to Me. Turn your thoughts to what is true—that I am your peace, your patience, your love, your self-control.
I have cleansed you from all unrighteousness. Even what was hidden to you was never hidden from Me. And I have already made provision for it. You are not defined by your worst moments or your best efforts. You are defined by your union with Me. Trust My life within you. Let Me express through you what you could never manufacture on your own.
I am the One who works in you both to will and to do for My good pleasure. I have begun this good work in you, and I will carry it to completion. You can rest in that. You are Mine, and I am your life.
Scriptures woven into the journal entry:
Colossians 3:1–3, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11, 1 John 1:9, Philippians 2:13, Philippians 1:6
Prayer of Confident Trust
Father, I praise You for dealing with even the parts of me I wasn’t aware needed cleansing. Thank You for the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus that covers not just the sins I can name, but the ones that surprise me, too. I trust that the indwelling Christ is my life, and I no longer live under the illusion of managing the old man. You have exchanged my weakness for Your sufficiency, and I yield to Your life in me today—not with fear of failure, but with joyful assurance that You are always enough. Thank You for exposing what no longer belongs so I may more freely enjoy what now defines me: Your righteousness in me. Amen.
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