One woman was troubled over her past life, feeling that she should make
a public confession, which would endanger the lives of others. She said
it seemed that God was far away from her. Upon investigation it was
learned that her trouble was of such a nature that it would do her or
nobody else any good to make such a confession, but was a matter that
could be settled only between herself and God. Not until she learned
this could she have peace of mind and reach the place where she could
find deliverance.
An actress was married to a respectable young man in Ohio. Their home
was an ideal one in the country. Three children graced their domestic
circle, and there was apparently nothing to mar the happiness of their
Christian home. One day the wife and eldest daughter went to visit the
pastor who had for years been their spiritual advisor. He expressed
his congratulations to her for her attainments in life, pleasant
surroundings, and the extraordinary abilities of her children.
Just before leaving the house of the pastor, she requested a private
interview with him. When alone with him she said: "Judging from outward
appearances, you have believed me to be a very happy woman. But for
many years my heart has been sad, and I have constantly carried a heavy
burden. Sometimes it seemed to be more than I could bear. Before my
marriage I was allured into sin of a disgraceful nature, but my husband
believed me to have always maintained an irreproachable character, and
I have never told him otherwise. Since our marriage I have always been
true to him. Many times during these years I have been just at the point
of unburdening my heart by revealing to him this secret and placing
myself at his mercy; but somehow I have always been checked or prevented
from doing so. I have carried the heavy burden until I can carry it no
longer. Please tell me what to do."
The wise old pastor, with deep feelings of compassion, said: "Good
woman, you have carried an unnecessary burden all these years. Your
husband knew nothing of your sin; it will do him no good to know of
it now, but, on the other hand, a knowledge of it might bring an
unnecessary burden upon him, and cause his implicit confidence to give
place to suspicion. Why should you thus bring feelings of reproach upon
yourself and family? They are a thousand times better off without a
knowledge of it. Go bury it in oblivion; cast it from your mind forever.
God has forgiven you long ago. Such matters are to be settled between
you and him alone; go and sin no more." She obeyed and went forth a
happy woman. Her burden was gone.
If all spiritual advisors were as wise as this pastor in giving
instruction to those in need of help, much suffering would be averted.
There are thousands of people today carrying heavy burdens that God
has not placed upon them, but has long ago forgiven because of their
repentance. Such persons have allowed the enemy of their souls to
unnecessarily burden them with accusations and false impressions.
These they should have cast aside, declaring their freedom in the name
of Jesus.