God Wins

It is nearly impossible to articulate, and I am not sure I will be able to.  But I will try.The peace we experience through the process of sanctification is not the same peace we experience while in denial, pridefully making ourselves out to be “good” or “right” in an effort to protect ourselves from experiencing shame.When we do that, what we are actually doing, I later learned, which humbled me, is keeping ourselves from learning, growing, healing, and thriving.This was me.However, today, I can say with confidence, because of my love for and fear of God, and my surrender to His will, He is helping me win against the enemy.Hallelujah!More importantly, however, I hope my posts help others suffering with negative self talk, a sense of defeat, depression, despair, and heartache, just as I still sometimes do, feel more safe talking to God intimately, repenting, and surrendering so they, too, can experience the peace He gives. (ref John 14:27)In this suffering world where there is tragedy and many troubles, we need to have a relationship with Him.  It doesn’t mean our troubles will “go  away,” although we can wish them to.  It just means we can trust He is in control. (ref John 16:33)And we can trust Him to provide for and guide us away from that which perpetuates our troubles, which is sin.Here are some actions we can take to help us become closer to God and further away from the enemy, and from sin, and experience His peace amidst chaos and heartache:~ find a church we feel welcomed and safe attending
~ become willing to receive His forgiveness, love, and edification
~ become part of a loving community
~ considering attending Celebrate Recovery (which is not only for healing from substance abuse, but also from the cycle of disappointment brought on by heart-brokeness)
~ find and trust one or more prayer partners
~ find and work with one or more powerful counselors (I have two excellent recommendations!)I wish you all well.  May you have peace.With humility and power,Michele Next week: “Let’s begin again”