Perhaps you had a visceral reaction to the two pictures I sent you a few days ago.  One showed a beautiful home surrounded by a pristine white picket fence.  Roses and green vines spilled over the rails, creating a feeling of home.  The other picture showed an abandoned home bordered by a dilapidated fence.  Sections were missing, and much of it sprawled on the ground.  As inviting as the first picture was, the second was a chilling contrast. 

What if our spiritual fence line is compromised, like in the second picture?  Can it ever be restored to its former glory?  Yes.  Let’s explore five ways we can do that.

1.   We go to God humbly, with a childlike spirit, and ask for help.  We decide to be teachable rather than defensive; whatever He reveals, we ask for the grace to accept His words.  

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:3

2.  We ask God for revelation about any gaps in our fence line.  What does each downed timber represent?  Unconfessed sin gives the enemy access and God wants to show us the complete picture because He desires to bring hidden things to light.

I shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide their feet in a straight line into the way of peace. Luke 1:79

3.  We repent and renounce. Are there alliances that need to be revoked?  Have vows been made to people and organizations that Jesus never would have made?  These create gaping holes in our fence line.  Repenting and renouncing secures them again.

Remember from where you have fallen and repent. Revelation 2:5

4.  We ask God to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Repentance not only brings forgiveness, but deliverance. The enemy must leave as he loses his legal right to continue to oppress us.    

If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  I John 1:9

5.  We remain vigilant to guard our boundary lines. There is no place more tenuous than a recently confessed sin.  Satan smells fresh paint on new timbers.  He will do everything he can to get us to fail in that same area again. We must be prepared with well-chosen scriptures, written out, ready to speak when customized temptations invade our space. 

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17