Notes on Returning No. 11
It’s been about a month since I was able to write. The Lord led me through a really, really tough situation that required an immense amount of leaning on Him. I believe in my heart that He has a plan for me and my children, and through this tough experience I was able to see who has their best interests in mind and who doesn’t. I saw Him reveal alliances that I didn’t even know existed, and I saw Him repair relationships to full restoration. The Lord is a good Father, and it’s through the fires He refines us. If you can stand in the fire with Him without losing your integrity, distorting truth, or falsely speaking… then no matter what the outcome of a situation is, you have already won in victory with Him. So I chose to stand in truth, integrity, character, and lean on his strength when I felt completely weak. The Lord prevailed, and I saw into a looking glass that I couldn’t have seen without the situation happening.
As I begin to make a few changes in my life, I recognize that they are needed. He made streams in the desert for me and provided a well of water just like Hagar in the wilderness. I grew closer and closer to Him and was held in protection under His wings. I am entering a new sort of freedom for my life. Officially divorced and walking forward in God’s grace. I truly believe He called me to singlehood over a very deadly marriage. If I had stayed there, I would not have made it, and the Lord protects those who walk in obedience. I wanted to tell each of you that you are not called to a life of abuse. No matter what, you are called to yoke yourselves with those who are truly believers. Believers are not people who just recite Scripture or go to church - even the Pharisees did those things. Believers are generous when they have nothing; they follow God’s commandments; they are unafraid of being transparent and open because they know their sins have been forgiven. Believers produce the fruit of the Spirit, and by their fruit you will know they follow Jesus.
Believers stand firm through conflict even if it’s difficult to speak up. Believers do not “keep the peace” just to avoid confrontation. They speak in truth and honesty, and that produces love. They have mercy when someone truly turns and repents, but for someone who chooses not to repent but to blame-shift, they allow the consequences and vengeance of the Lord to follow. I write this to you who have endured sufferings and hardships. I write this to you who have lived in a coercive, controlling relationship as a message of hope. Hope will bring you to the other side. There is hope for you as you walk in faith. Know that your Creator can do immeasurably more than you can even imagine. So let go, let God, and expect higher things for yourself. In His timing, all dark things will have light shed upon them. If you are lost right now, that’s why I created (well, co-created) a self-guided Bible study called Authentically Made. It will help you return to the woman Christ shed is blood for. Enroll today and use the code FALL20 for 20% off. I’m so proud of you! Keep going!
