Finally, The Beginning
As we wrap up this series on Church and Ministry wounds, I hope you were encouraged and that you felt validated. Although some of us have been wounded much deeper than others and some of us will heal quicker than others, it is a painful journey none the less. It is also one that we shouldn’t do alone. If you are still struggling:
~Seek Christian counseling (I did…4 of them to be exact. Keep searching util you find the right fit). I don’t hide the fact that my wounds messed me up! Remember, I had to start over with John 3:16!
~Surround yourself with godly friends who will pray for you and remind you of Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. Find the people who want you to be better not bitter.
~If you can do it, get into a healthy safe church as soon as possible (none are perfect). DO NOT get involved right away. Take your time. Heal. Be fed. Keep healing.
~Go back and listen to previous videos as often as you like!
The most important thing to remember is to fix your eyes on Jesus. As we make the decision to continue to trust God in the midst of our spiritual wounds, and we do our part in allowing God to heal us, we will eventually see the fruit. You WILL witness what God can do in your situation and through it. Take that satan!!
Today we will focus on the good news of Psalm 103, please take time to read the entire passage!
Verse 4 declares that God is the One “..who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion..“
When a king is crowned, he is a king. When God redeems us from the pit (valley of dry bones), He will crown us with love and compassion. Because of who God is and the power of His Holy Spirit in us, we are love and compassion. It is with that knowledge and power that we can love and pray for those who hurt us. We will also love those who are suffering like we have suffered. What if your “breath of life” (story of healing) revived someone else?
Have you felt cut off from the person or group that you were a part of? I love what is spoken to Ezekiel in verses 11 and 12:
‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.
I pray God will lead you to your land. I pray He will show you where your church or ministry “home” is. I pray for a place where you feel loved, valued and appreciated. Somewhere where you are celebrated, not just tolerated. A place where your gifts and calling are recognized and encouraged. God CAN do it!
Our experiences and how we handle them aren’t just about us. We have learned in this series that others need us too. We can comfort and encourage those with the same comfort that God showed us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). But if that is not important enough for you, what about your own family?
Psalm 103:17 says, “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children…”
Don’t let the enemy keep you in a valley and change the direction of your family. Your decision to honor and believe God; to let Him heal you and teach you, will have an effect in the lives of your family for generations!
I trust that God breathed life into your crushed spirit through this series. Knowing that hurting people hurt people, knowing Jesus died for us all, please believe and confess with me:
GOD IS GOOD!
OK members of God’s vast army, it’s time to get marching!
For One,
Lisa