The past doesn't have to be a curse It can be recycled as a motivator. It doesn't have to put us in the "damaged goods" pile. It can be the springboard for victory & freedom. You don't believe this? You think the traumas you've suffered- have doomed you? You don't see yourself rising above the past? You see all the "defects", and have given up on even trying anymore?
Hello! My name is Susie, and I am the mother of trauma. "Trauma Mama". I'm telling you when you reach the end of yourself, it's only the beginning. I'm telling you that when you've given up, there is someone who hasn't given up on you. He sees your value, and the jewel of a person you are at heart. He isn't looking at the outward appearances, like we do. He looks straight into the heart at our potential in Him.
When you quit, and admit you can't change yourself, He can pick up from there. And you can cooperate.
If you've invited Jesus into your life, know that it's not a fan club you joined. It's the precursor for a relationship. A relationship with Christ is not a last resort.. We've witnessed the best we could do- without His help. We see the results of our own efforts, and the damage we can do to ourselves, the impotent ways we try to fix things. We see our labels...addictive personality, limited, loser, mentally ill, inept, the best we will ever be, a lonely jerk, as good as it gets, etc... and we let these labels remain when we have Jesus.
Anyone who chooses to use their own remedies & strength outside of God, are limiting themselves, and subject to fail. We find ways to make ourselves feel good and have relief, while missing out on the greatest relationship we'll ever know. The goal isn't to "mask" the existing weaknesses and limitations, or to perpetually drug ourselves from the issues that plague us, but to become victorious and free from them entirely. That's what God wants for us, and will help us to do just that. The goal is to "overcome" and be healed of our weaknesses and limitations. To be rebuilt from the inside-out by a perfect, master builder, in personal relationship with Him.
It isn't a surprise that the scriptures refer to man in his own strength- as inept. It isn't weakness to admit we need God, it is the smartest thing we will ever do. Guess what? When we get sick enough of our own lives the way they are...suddenly, God begins to look better and better, and all our fears and hesitant thinking falls to the ground. Yet, we shouldn't wait until then, because life has surprises of it's own.
I'm talking to those who made a commitment to Him, but haven't allowed Him to take you where He wants to-to become victorious over your own weaknesses and faults, and healed in your minds. Your trust in anyone outside yourself is damaged, and you are trapped in a mind that thinks it must keep some level of control over yours life, for fear of facing fierce "giants". Give it to God.
Using escapes, and medicating ourselves actually keep us from the most exciting and wonderful journey which leads us into victory over ourselves & in praise of God-the ultimate, righteous opiate. Truly "feeling good," comes upon the embarking of this journey with your God, towards victory, and it's permanent, with no "relapses." Psychiatrists, therapists, medications and self-strength can only take us so far.
It takes little guts or courage to do a "patch" job on ourselves. There's no assurance in it. It's like patching holes in the lining of a swimming pool. It's dependent on the patch, and patches aren't full-proof or permanent. But allowing God to get involved in- and be Lord over our lives... is the wisest thing a person can do, which leads us into victory and true, permanent wholeness. It's what He wanted from the beginning.
I once thought that settling for- and accepting what-is, was my only option. Until I met Christ.
