In case I didn’t quite hear God correctly regarding sharing my story, He felt I needed to hear a specific message last night in our Recovery ministry titled, “YES.” Here is a short summary of the message:
Yield myself to God’s plan
God desires me to find victory so I can tell my story to others. I must deny myself and my pride so I can humbly present myself to Him and others. He reaches others through what He does in and through me.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Example is what’s important
If I want to share Christ with others, I need to live so they can see what Christ has done to and in me. What kind of example am I being? Am I living in such a way that others are able to witness the amazing victories and freedoms Christ has given me?
“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” I Timothy 1:5
Serve others
Tell my story. What do I relate to better…a book by some well-schooled professional…a song I hear by an unknown band on the radio…a sermon preached from the pulpit…or someone’s personal story of heartache, redemption, grace, and victory? God never wastes a hurt. My story is meant to glorify Him, and in doing so, I’m serving others by ministering to them.
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:14,15
As I sat through the message, I couldn’t help but to smile and feel His glorious peace and joy fill me. I have a Lord who loves me so, so much, that He felt I needed that extra hug of comfort and affirmation last night. Oh how I love my precious Jesus!
~joyfully broken
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Blessings
This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to attend my first Exodus International Freedom Conference. A few years ago I attended a mini-regional conference, but it was nothing in comparison. A few years ago it was much smaller, shorter, and I went by myself as my husband and I had recently separated. This time not only have we been reconciled for 1 1/2 years, but he attended as well.
To say I was blessed is an understatement. I think I'm still processing the right words to describe just how much God did for me (and us) during those few days.
The first thing I noticed was the most amazing sense of FREEDOM. There was no more walking on egg-shells about saying the right thing, or not saying something. There were no mincing of words to make sure someone wasn't offended, or the wrong thing assumed. There was no worrying about whether or not people were "safe" or would start rumors about what was shared. I could freely say, "I am a spouse of a husband who struggles with SSA" and feel no judgment or condemnation. Rather than uncomfortable looks or stares, I got hugs and encouragement. For the first time, I felt like my protective mask was finally off. I could be me and my husband and I could be us in our purest forms.
The second thing I noticed was the instant and deep friendships and bonds that were developed. We sat with other couples who have been there, are still there, and are walking their own journeys right alongside us. We could openly share about our struggles, hurts, and victories, and not only do they understand, but have walked the same paths. Even when we'd talk with people who weren't couples, but individual strugglers, or family members, there is an instant connection that is difficult to explain. There is just something about people taking off their masks, and being completely vulnerable and transparent with one another. In a way, I felt I experienced a little piece of heaven...we were fellowshipping and treating one another as God intended us to.
The third thing God revealed to me was how far I (and we) have come from that life-altering day in October 2007. As workshops were given and testimonies were shared, I marveled at where I had been and where God has me now. But on the same token, God also showed me how much further I still have to go. I have some wounds I thought had healed, but this weekend revealed I had only put band-aids on as they were still very raw and needed to be addressed.
And lastly, God encouraged me that it's time for me to step out of my comfort zone and begin using my journey for His glory. Within the next few weeks we are meeting with our senior pastor to discuss starting an SSA ministry/support group in our church. Our Recovery ministry has already expressed an interest, but they've needed leaders and more information to do so. This is a huge step of faith for each of us, as know we are going to be attacked for our obedience. But from the beginning of our healing journey, I have felt called into this type of ministry...but it wasn't until this past weekend where I felt released to go and begin it.
I'm scared, and excited, and terrified, and encouraged all at the same time. But I know I have God always watching over me and always going before me.
I'm so excited at what He has in store...
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1,2
~joyfully broken
To say I was blessed is an understatement. I think I'm still processing the right words to describe just how much God did for me (and us) during those few days.
The first thing I noticed was the most amazing sense of FREEDOM. There was no more walking on egg-shells about saying the right thing, or not saying something. There were no mincing of words to make sure someone wasn't offended, or the wrong thing assumed. There was no worrying about whether or not people were "safe" or would start rumors about what was shared. I could freely say, "I am a spouse of a husband who struggles with SSA" and feel no judgment or condemnation. Rather than uncomfortable looks or stares, I got hugs and encouragement. For the first time, I felt like my protective mask was finally off. I could be me and my husband and I could be us in our purest forms.
The second thing I noticed was the instant and deep friendships and bonds that were developed. We sat with other couples who have been there, are still there, and are walking their own journeys right alongside us. We could openly share about our struggles, hurts, and victories, and not only do they understand, but have walked the same paths. Even when we'd talk with people who weren't couples, but individual strugglers, or family members, there is an instant connection that is difficult to explain. There is just something about people taking off their masks, and being completely vulnerable and transparent with one another. In a way, I felt I experienced a little piece of heaven...we were fellowshipping and treating one another as God intended us to.
The third thing God revealed to me was how far I (and we) have come from that life-altering day in October 2007. As workshops were given and testimonies were shared, I marveled at where I had been and where God has me now. But on the same token, God also showed me how much further I still have to go. I have some wounds I thought had healed, but this weekend revealed I had only put band-aids on as they were still very raw and needed to be addressed.
And lastly, God encouraged me that it's time for me to step out of my comfort zone and begin using my journey for His glory. Within the next few weeks we are meeting with our senior pastor to discuss starting an SSA ministry/support group in our church. Our Recovery ministry has already expressed an interest, but they've needed leaders and more information to do so. This is a huge step of faith for each of us, as know we are going to be attacked for our obedience. But from the beginning of our healing journey, I have felt called into this type of ministry...but it wasn't until this past weekend where I felt released to go and begin it.
I'm scared, and excited, and terrified, and encouraged all at the same time. But I know I have God always watching over me and always going before me.
I'm so excited at what He has in store...
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1,2
~joyfully broken
Monday, June 28, 2010
Welcome
For the past few years, God has been laying this page on my heart…I just never knew the details of it until now. The purpose of this page is multi-faceted: to journal, to process, to share with others, to minister, and to glorify the awesome God who is forever taking me on my journey of being joyfully broken.
As David wrote in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” A few years ago I found myself utterly and completely broken before Him; everything I thought I knew and everything I held dear to my heart was shattered. I spent months picking up the pieces of my life and ever so slowly began handing each broken piece to my Savior so He could carefully put them back together. It was during that process that I started to find my true JOY. My God loves me so much more than I can begin to comprehend, and my painful times are never meant to punish, but to cleanse and purify so He can mold me into the beautiful creation He intended.
My prayer is others can learn and be encouraged from my journey as God never wastes a hurt. So welcome…I hope you’re ready for a journey that has forever changed my life.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
~joyfully broken
As David wrote in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” A few years ago I found myself utterly and completely broken before Him; everything I thought I knew and everything I held dear to my heart was shattered. I spent months picking up the pieces of my life and ever so slowly began handing each broken piece to my Savior so He could carefully put them back together. It was during that process that I started to find my true JOY. My God loves me so much more than I can begin to comprehend, and my painful times are never meant to punish, but to cleanse and purify so He can mold me into the beautiful creation He intended.
My prayer is others can learn and be encouraged from my journey as God never wastes a hurt. So welcome…I hope you’re ready for a journey that has forever changed my life.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
~joyfully broken
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