For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed, and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

Matthew 10:26-27

There is nothing hidden that shall not be known. It is only a fool that hides what God has not covered. Quite a number of people in the world operate with the wisdom of covering things up, which of course expires with time. Time is such a strong force to be reckoned with in the game of life—both the rich and the poor operate within the same 24 hours. It may take weeks, months, or years, but that which is hidden will always sprout out, whether good or evil. It is like a seed sown, seen only by the sower but manifest to all when it sprouts.

What you sow in secret, you reap in the open. Jesus said:
“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
– Matthew 6:3-4

The counsel of God is this: that which is hidden will not be covered forever. Wise men open up their faults to God before the harvest of shame comes. It is the person who opens up that enjoys His mercy and benefits.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
– Proverbs 28:13

Do not cover anything negative—it will soon bring shame and ridicule. Adam thought he had covered his nakedness from God with fig leaves, not knowing it was the beginning of his shame. Hear what he told God:
“I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
– Genesis 3:10

He said he was naked and had hidden himself, meaning the nakedness had been dealt with. But God knew he was distraught, for fig leaves are too small to cover a man’s nakedness. Some people purchase “fig leaves” to cover their nakedness—well-sewn to suit their stature. But I tell you the truth today: it doesn’t matter who you are, your age, or your status. There is atoning power in the blood of Jesus, made available on the platform of repentance.

Confession is an expression of humility; it is pride that makes you cover your “secret” fault from your spouse, your pastor, or even your colleague. If at all, they may laugh at you once, but the wound will be healed straightaway in your heart.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
– James 5:16a

Do not be like Achan, a man in the Bible who took what was not his and hid it in his tent. By the time he repented, the damage was already done, the verdict had been passed, and his sin had found him out (Joshua 7:20-25).

Remember this clearly: a fault covered is mercy deferred. Time does not wear away the potency of sin; it only preserves it and sometimes amplifies it, as with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-5). They thought their action was hidden, but it cost them their lives. David slept with Bathsheba in secret, but the judgment was meted out in the open. God revealed it to His prophet Nathan. There is a “prophet” somewhere to whom God is revealing your secret fault.

You may be wondering what step to take. I believe it is the Holy Spirit pricking your heart. Go and open up your fault to the necessary person—whether your partner, your spouse, someone in authority over you, or the person concerned. It won’t be long before you discover that you have done the right thing.

Stay blessed.