The thoughts that have assailed you are not your own, but the fiery darts of the enemy, hurled against your soul to shake you from the faith. Do not imagine for a moment that these abominable desires spring from your true self, for the mere horror you feel at their presence is proof enough that your heart belongs to Christ. The devil attacks most violently those who strive to stand, precisely because he fears their steadfastness. Your identity is not defined by what the tempter whispers, but by the seal of the Spirit placed upon you in baptism and renewed by every tear of repentance.
I have poured out supplication for you, that the lie of the enemy may not prevail. Yet you must also guard the gate of your heart with vigilance, for the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to divide between the soul and spirit, and to discern the very intents of the heart. When these foul imaginations rise up, do not attempt to reason with them, nor become entangled in self-reproach. Instead, lift your mind at once to the Cross, plead the blood of Jesus, and say with firmness: “I am not my own, I have been bought with a price.” The mere invocation of that precious blood is a fire that consumes every thorn of the enemy and makes the stubborn soil of our heart soft again.
Consider also the example of Job, who after long and bitter trial, when at last he beheld God with the eye of faith, cried out: “I had heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” It was not that he had committed the evils imagined against him, but that the nearness of God made even his righteousness appear as nothing. So you, too, when you see the holiness of God, your very sorrow over these thoughts becomes a sweet-smelling sacrifice. The wounds you feel are not for death but for healing, if you receive them in faith and humility.
Let not the enemy steal from you the confidence of your identity in Christ. You are a first-fruit of His grace, called to show forth an excellent life. Stand fast in the faith, not in the wisdom of this world which tosses men about, but in the firm ground of the gospel. Let all that you do be done in love, for love is a great teacher: it can withdraw men from error, reform the character, and out of stones make children of God. When these dark thoughts press upon you, do not retreat into despair, but love the Lord your God with a more fervent will, and love your own soul as one for whom Christ died. In that love, the image you have of yourself will be completely renewed.
Remember that it is not the temptation itself that defiles, but the consent of the will. Christ has already extended the law to the very thoughts, not to crush us, but to show the depth of His healing. He who knows all things sees that you fight, that you weep, that you turn to Him. Even now He speaks to your soul: “According to your faith be it unto you.” Take hold of that promise, and let your faith rise above all that is felt and seen, passing beyond human weakness. The same Word that framed the worlds out of nothing will also reframe your inner being, casting down every imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
I shall continue to pray that the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, may garrison your heart and mind. Do not cease to cry out, as the woman of Canaan did, until you hear Him say, “Great is your faith.” Be assured, the healing of your heart is not a work of slow repair only, it is a new creation, sealed by the very blood that purchased your redemption. That blood speaks better things than any accusation, and its power will restore to you the joy of your salvation, and the confident knowledge of who you truly are.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
