Hope in the Mist of Brokenness and Despair

“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds -healing their pain and comforting their sorrow.” Psalm 147:3 AMP

Our wounds can be the beginning to something beautiful. And our weaknesses can be a container  for God’s glory. We all break because of what has been done to us or what we’ve done. Most of us probably experience both kinds of brokenness. But Jesus allowed his body to be broken for our  brokenness. God invites us to exchange our brokenness for his wholeness. So don’t hide your  broken bits in shame or denial. Can you hear him inviting you to come close and allow him to  change you from the inside out? Are you willing to be transformed? Bring what’s broken to Jesus.  Let him transform it with his love and Spirit’s power. And find hope and freedom to be transformed  by being in God’s presence. 

We all have experienced pain, in our hearts, our souls and our bodies. Very often the way we deal  with the pain is either trying to numb it or hide it. In our heads we are preserving our dignity by  denying our reality. But we can be free from our pain, but first we must be honest and walk  through it! Sometimes the pain is so great, we might feel it’s unbearable. But there is good news; our  suffering is limited to this life. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there  will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And even greater news: God’s comfort, contentment and joy will last forever.  

When our reality or pain is hard, we want to hide it or forget it! When we do that, that secret is the  very thing that the enemy uses to torment us. Most of us keep secrets because we fear to be  rejected or judged! We desire to feel accepted. We are afraid of losing a relationship, losing our  reputation or “losing our security” Matthew 10: 26 says: Therefore do not fear them, for there is  nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. “What I tell you in  the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the  housetops. “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear  Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?  And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. “So do not fear; you are  more valuable than many sparrows. In this verse Jesus speaks to you and me directly: Your value and  your worth are in Him, not in whomever we think it is! Stop seeking approval and finding your  worth in people! YOU ARE WORTH JESUS’S BLOOD AND DEATH. 

As humans when our innocence is abused and our beauty is tarnished we feel shame. We might  even believe that whatever happened to us is our fault, we start believing that we somehow  deserved it and we start living a life of ashes. We feel worthless of living, worthless of love and  worthless of our calling. But I am here to tell you that Jesus does not see our shame! If we have  Jesus in our heart and have proclaimed Him as Lord and savior! We are made new!!!! We have been  redeemed, made beautiful and dignified. His blood and His grace covered our shameful past, all our  mistakes and all our shortcomings. Isaiah 54:4 “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your  youth and the sorrows of widowhood.” So wherever it is that is causing shame in your life, FEAR  NOT! His grace is enough!!!! “2 Corinthians 12:9 says: My grace is all you need, for my power is  greatest when you are weak.” He promised us in Isaiah 1:18 (listen well) “”Come now; let us  settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as  snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 

When we keep secrets and live in shame, we believe lies! We are pretty much giving the enemy the  weapon against us. Think about it, we all know that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. If  you find an intruder in your house, would you hand him a knife or a gun to hurt you? I DON’T THINK SO! So why would you give the enemy authority over your mind and your life and why  would you allow him to steal your joy, to rob your identity, to hinder your calling and to destroy your future??? It doesn’t matter what you have done!!!!!!

You might be thinking Oh Karla, but you  really don’t know what I’ve done…. You are right! I don’t! But I can tell you that the enemy does,  BUT guess what? GOD also knows!!!!! Genesis 50:20 says: ”You intended to harm me, but God  intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 1 John 4:4  says you, dear children, is from God and has overcome them, because the one who is in you is  greater than the one who is in the world. STOP giving the enemy more power than what he has; he was put to shame when Jesus conquered the grave. When Jesus was crucified the enemy  thought he had won. But then GOD turned around for good! For our good!!! So we could be saved  and so we could have an eternal life and abundant life through Him, in Him and for His glory!

So  yeah, I don’t know what you have done…But I know what I’ve done and what God has done in me!!! God has redeemed me from the effects and the pain caused by: Abuse, alcoholism,  pornography, promiscuity, depression, anxiety, abandonment, rejection, suicidal attempts, eating  disorder, codependency, anger, bitterness, compulsive behaviors, PTSD, fear, etc. Did I ever want  to admit all those things to anyone? NO. Did I ever think God could redeem someone like me?  NO. Did I ever think I was going to make it through? NO! Did I ever think that God could use me? NO. But God did! God wanted to break the chains, break the shame and break the lies that the  enemy was using to destroy my life and to hinder God’s perfect plan and calling for my life. God  wants you to stop believing the lies that the enemy is using against you! He wants you to believe His truth. He says in John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my  disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will  set you free.” Then in verse 36 He says: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free”  

Believing lies about ourselves keeps us in bondage; we become prisoners of our minds. We become  sad, bitter, angry, resentful and we feel dirty, we feel trapped and in despair. Sometimes we find  ways to cope by substituting one addiction or behavior with another one and we keep on going  round and round, without healing and without a purpose. 

Lies only have power when they are  believed! We were created to live free and to proclaim truth. And the only way to do it to through Jesus! In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life’ and He says in John 10:10  “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might  have life– in all its fullness”. 

So, I don’t know which lie the enemy is using against you but I am here to tell you that Jesus  wants to free you!!! And when: 

The enemy says: You can’t figure it out. 

God says: I’ll direct your steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 

The enemy says: You are too tired. 

God says: I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30 

The enemy says: It’s impossible. 

God says: All things are possible. Luke 18:27 

The enemy says: Nobody loves you. 

God says: I love you. John 3:16 

The enemy says: You can’t forgive yourself. 

God says: I forgive you. Romans 8:1 

The enemy says: It’s not worth it. 

God says: It will be worth it. Romans 8:28 

The enemy says: You are not smart enough. 

God says: I will give you wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 

The enemy says: You are not able. 

God says: You are able. 2 Corinthians 9:8 

The enemy says: You can’t go on. 

God says: My grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9 

The enemy says: You can’t do it. 

God says: You can do all things. Philippians 4:13 

The enemy says: You can’t manage. 

God says: I will supply all your needs. Philippians 4:19 

The enemy says: I’m afraid. 

God says: I have not given you fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 

The enemy says: You are alone. 

God says: I will never leave you. Hebrews 13:5 

The enemy says: You are depressed. 

God says: You are an overcomer. John 16:3 

The enemy says: You are worthless. 

God says: You are valued. Luke 12:7 

The enemy says: Your life is too hard, give up, you should kill your-self. 

God says: So do not fear,  for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will  uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 

The enemy says: You can’t be forgiven. 

God says: You are blameless.1 Corinthians 1:8

The enemy says: You are a failure 

God says: You are blessed with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians  1:3 

The enemy says: You are not special 

God says: You are God’s handiwork. Ephesians 2:10 

The enemy says: You don’t have what it takes. 

God says: You are created in Christ Jesus to do good  works, which God prepared in advance for you to do. Ephesians 2:10 

The enemy says: There is no hope for you. You ruined everything 

God says: I know the plans I have  for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah  29:11 

You can’t fight thoughts with thoughts, so it’s important to speak out God’s truth when the enemy  lies. When we are able to combat the lies with the truth, they will lose the grip they had in our  lives. And you will begin to walk in the freedom of who you were created to be. The bible says in 2  Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the  knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. When I  started seeking healing and freedom in Christ Jesus, I had to print several copies of all these truths  and I taped them to the dashboard of my car, my closet, at work, my mirror, etc.…. . And if you are  struggling to believe that truth! Pray for God to help you overcome your unbelief! I know the  struggle…and yes, the struggle is real! But so is Jesus!!! And He is GREATER! 

So wherever the pain, hurt, brokenness, loss, is ok to mourn, is ok to grieve, is ok to cry and its ok  to feel. But don’t get stuck and dwell!!!!! Pray, bring it to Jesus! Seek His healing, His restoring and  His mighty power. Share with someone you trust, pray and fast! Journal!! It’s really ok not to be ok,  because Jesus is! And child of God, forgive like you were forgiven! Forgiving is not forgetting is  simply letting go and letting God! 

God knows your pain, He knows your brokenness. You might wonder: Where was God? Why  would He allow me to be broken? Where is He now? In your deep grief, in the crime, captivity,  illness, death of loved one, in your shattered hope, and broken dreams. His Truth says  this: He was there. In the midst of it all! The bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy, the  God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble,  we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. We share in the many sufferings of  Christ. In the same way, much comfort comes to us through Christ. And though we may not  always see it, or feel it, or even understand it, we can know beyond a doubt that He is here  now. Still. He is with us. For He will never leave us or forsake us, His love for us is greater  than we could ever imagine.  

God’s truth has to shine through every bit of our grief, and pain, and sin. Christ came to set us free.  He came to redeem, to bring hope. Christ came to bring beauty from ashes. He never intends for us  to stay stuck in our sin, pain, brokenness or deep sorrow. He is the God that heals and restores, He calls us onward, He reminds us that in Him, we have great purpose and HOPE. There’s beauty and greatness behind every mark of darkness. The ashes will fall away, they don’t stay forever, but His greatness and glory shine forever through every broken place and flaw we’ve struggled through. 

Child of the King you are beautiful! Not like the world standard of beauty. YOU ARE TRULY  BEAUTIFUL. Your beauty can stay hidden behind secrets if you choose to keep it that way. But if you embrace God’s truth, God will  begin to reveal your beauty for others to see. HE WILL GIVE YOU BEAUTY FOR ASHES. Our story,  our testimony is the very thing that brings light and freedom to someone else and brings glory to  God’s name. Your story is the most powerful tool for the expansion of God’s kingdom. God wants  you to walk in the freedom that was purchased for us by Jesus in the cross. Don’t keep yourself  prisoner, God has ransomed you! Jesus paid the prize for you! 

Going through the healing and cleaning the wounds is really painful. The healing is a process, not  instant coffee. It can be though, because with God everything is possible. But healing begins by recognizing that a wound needs to be healed. Whether it is a painful memory, betrayal, abandonment, rejection, abuse, festering anger, bitterness, loss or a broken heart…Once it is healed,  all that is left is a scar. Our scars tell our story. They are a reminder of where God brought us through, but the scar should also be the reminder of the price JESUS paid for us! There is no one that can understand pain like Jesus does and it’s by His wounds that we can be healed.  

So take heart! There is Hope in the Midst of Brokenness! God wants to heal you, restore you and use you. Is not enough to be free and to be healed. Think about it; if you were with friends in a burning  building and escaped, wouldn’t you try to help them out before they die? God gives us tools to help  and fight for others to be set free. One of the most powerful tools is our testimony. God can use it  for His glory and for the expansion of His Kingdom.  

2 Corinthians 5:18 says: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and  gave us the ministry of reconciliation” and He says in Psalm 107: 2 says: “Has the LORD  redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies” 

God wants to use your story, your pain and your experience to help another person. Today he  wants you to understand that it wasn’t in vain. That yes it was hard, but because it was so hard,  someone else can be free. Your pain, your brokenness, your story is what qualifies you to speak life  into someone else’s life. And that to me is all the hope we need!!! Don’t forget where you have  come from and what God has carried you through. You are a steward of the story of a miracle of  God’s grace. We all have pain in our story, we all have shame! But remember, Jesus came for the  broken, the lost and the sick…He is the ONE and only redeemer and healer! Jesus is real. So why  are we trying to pretend, why are we trying to be a fake church? Living a fake life? “If you are always good and you have it all together” and “you are always Ok” you will NEVER experience the restoration and the power of Jesus’ resurrection. Be honest! And experience the life changing and redeeming power of the Almighty God!!! There was purpose in Jesus pain and there is purpose, power and hope in your brokenness too. So bring light into the darkness and let Jesus carry you through your pain and let Him use it to set captives free.  

Isaiah 61 says: The Sovereign LORD has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to announce release to captives and  freedom to those in prison. He has sent me to proclaim that the time has come when  the LORD will save his people. And defeat their enemies. He has sent me to comfort all who  mourn, to give to those who mourn Joy and gladness instead of grief, a song of praise instead of  sorrow. They will be like trees. That the LORD himself has planted. They will all do what is right; And God will be praised for what he has done. And you will be known as the priests of the LORD,  The servants of our God. You will enjoy the wealth of the nations. And be proud that it is yours.  Your shame and disgrace are ended. You will live in your own land, and your wealth will be  doubled; your joy will last forever. The LORD says, “I love justice and I hate oppression and crime. I will faithfully reward my people and make an eternal covenant with them. Everyone who sees  them will know that they are a people whom I have blessed.” Rejoice because of what  the LORD has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory. As surely as seeds sprout and grow, The Sovereign LORD will save his people, And all the nations will praise him.

 Prayer requests:

• Partnership – Support raising! I’m in great need of *monthly* supporters who feel led to be generous with their finances! I am currently at 22% of my goal and in order to be able to do ministry full time I must get fully funded first. Philippians 4:17 says: Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your heavenly account -the blessing which is accumulating for you.

• Being able to fix my eyes on the Lord and to continue to follow HIS lead in this NEW adventure!!!