Have you ever been in a situation that was messy? I mean the kind of mess that leaves you feeling uncertain about how to move forward, it leaves you with a vague view of what your future holds. The kind of situation that left you puzzled and asking yourself, "How did I get in this situation?"
If you have, I am sure you will be able to relate to my story. If you have not, keep walking through life and reach out to me if you find yourself in a messy situation. I will be that girl saying, "Yeah, I understand" as you share your story with me.
Imagine a woman who was successful in her career, had loving friends, and family around her but whose heart, filled with a bunch of mess.
I read in Fact Monster that our hearts have four chambers: two on the left and two on the right. The top chambers, called atria, are holding stations for incoming blood. The bottom chambers, called ventricles, pump blood out of the heart. It is the contractions of the atria and ventricles that make the sound of the heartbeat.
I am not a doctor, but I bet we need all four chambers working properly to create the proper heartbeat. When I was in my early thirties, God began to show me the hurt, shame, guilt, and unworthiness that was pumped into my heart at a young age because of the trauma from childhood sexual abuse. As God showed me what entered my heart, the actions that were coming out began to make sense to me. I began to understand why I was angry, struggled with my self-worth, did not trust others, and often let fear cripple me.
It took studying God’s word, years of counseling, support from family and close friends to replace lies with God's promises. I had to pump new truths in my heart to produce a new outcome. Slowly, my heartbeat began to change, and my life changed for the better. I've learned to love, be loved, trust, and know that I am worthy of God’s blessings and His perfect plan for my life.
During my time of healing, I read about people in the Bible who God used to do create things. He took their mess and made it a message that would provide hope for each one of us. Here are a few:
Elijah – Was suicidal.
Joseph – Was abused.
Gideon – Was afraid.
Rahab – Was a prostitute.
Noah – Was a Drunk.
I have read and would often hear people say that God works all things for the good of those that love him and called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Now, I am living it. Guess what? You can too. The decision is yours to make. Yes, there is work on your part, but it is worth the work. You are worth the work!
I am not sure where you are in this season of your life. You may be struggling with an addiction, just found out your spouse is cheating on you, or find yourself reading this after going on a drinking binge. Whatever season you are in, I know that God will meet you there if you call out to Him. He loves you and it's unconditional.
He promised in Psalm 37:39 to help us in times of trouble. Isaiah 58:9, He promised if we call on Him, He will answer. Will you take a step of faith and call on Him? What do you have to lose? You can trust God with your mess. In fact, He is the only one that can take your mess and make it your message of hope, healing, and encouragement to others. He did it for me, and I trust He will do it for you.
My prayer is that you take a step of faith, call out to God, allow Him to heal you and use your mess to create messages of restoration, healing, and hope so others might hear of the marvelous things He has done in your life.
XOXO,
Erika
