During the last couple weeks I have changed what I have wanted to write about today almost daily. Each day all of our writers have selected such great verses to reflect on. Similar to hearing an amazing Sunday message that seems to been written for your current circumstance. I once again felt this after Stephanie’s testimony on Saturday.
Today, I came upon that in a message called, “Wounded Healer” which was a reminder how we make a difference in others. The statement that struck me was, ” Our deepest wounds can often be your greatest opportunity for ministry.” As we go about this day we don’t have to hide the current hardships we are going through, or even the ones we try to hide from the past. 1 John 1:9 I understand that as adults, teens, parents, employees, leaders, and colleagues we are suppose to have it all together according to earthly norms. But, lets put down our guard, fears, and worries remembering God told us that in our weakness he is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Remember the Samaritan women who talked with Jesus at Jacob’s well in John 4, she was afraid to share her story with him, until she realized it was Jesus and He already knew everything about her. She left that well and went back to her hometown and was able to share the story of a conversation with Jesus. Her testimony changed lives. Your testimony will too!
John 4:39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
It’s very hard to share our pains, regrets, and failures. We can be afraid that others may truly get to know us. That we may not be as close to perfect as we try to pretend to be, or that our family goes through struggles, or maybe you were raised in a difficult environment, and that even in adult years you don’t actually have it all together even after you landed your first job. It’s Ok, I know no one is perfect, actually not even close, but we don’t have to hide. I’ve been the master at this growing up at a young age with many things going on in our lives as a child. (Check my ACES score). My youthful insecurities that can still appear every now and then allowed me to keep others away so they couldn’t get to know the real me. Romans12:2 The truth is, the more I searched for God, the more I was able to see that He has always been with me. Knowing me completely the whole time. He knows you as well! Seek the Lord always. 1 Chronicles 16:11 When we know the Lord our insecurities can come down when facing the world and we have a platform to share how God has been faithful then, and how he will be faithful now. So this Christmas season, share the amazing story of the birth of Immanuel. We can also share our own story without fear, and through that story you can change lives through your love and faith in our Lord. Who knows us more than anyone! He has great plans for you and your story.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Merry Christmas Bible Journal brothers and sisters. – Keep sharing God’s love.
Listen to the sermon on Wounded Healer by JT English from the Village Church.
