After sharing my recent health struggles last week, I received several encouraging email from special friends.
One, in particular, had a deep and resounding impact on my spirit. So much that it has given me a fresh vision and purpose for my ministry.
My dearest friend, Whitney, who I met in 2006 during our stay in Louisiana, forwarded me a devotional she receives. It spoke of “Good Afflictions” and how God uses trials to strengthen and grow us into the person He knows we can be in Christ.
One of the verses referred to in Whitney’s email was a scripture I’ve leaned on many times:
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained by it.~ Hebrews 12:10-11
If you’ve been reading the Bible for any time at all, you’ve probably experienced what’s known as a Rhema Word. This happened as I was reading the above passage and came to the next verse. [One that had not been previously marked in my Life Recovery Bible–something I do regularly for verses that have spoken to me personally.]
I continued to read…
So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.~Hebrews 12:12-13
This was a Rhema Word to me!
It’s an incredible experience when a scripture jumps off the page. When God speaks loud and clear to you – there’s great power and no mistaking it’s Almighty God. You know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God has reached out and touched your life personally in a way that no one else can.
For the last few weeks I’ve thought about changing the name of the ministry to simply–Reaching Women– then it would match my Twitter handle. God hasn’t released me to do it.
Then after reading the above verse, I had a revelation about my ministry.
After living a life of addiction, I felt that my ministry focus needed to be towards that… To reach women struggling with all kinds of addictions.
But God has shown me that women are hurting in so many other ways, the least of which is our health!
As I said last week, I want to share what I’m learning about nutrition and health in general. But also, going forward, I want to address specific hurts that we as women encounter in our daily lives.
I’m excited to see how God will continue to use this humble ministry to help women. Even me.
QUESTION: What are some areas of hurt you would like to see discussed?
It IS wonderful to live under the surprise of God's revelations. The coolest thing about that is you never know when they'll come. Usually, when we least expect it.
This time was at breakfast with my husband at IHOP of all places! Bill had stepped outside to take a call and I decided to open up my Bible while I had a moment. Then Voila! God showed up big! It was like He handed me a personal message. Truly incredible!
I know what you mean about pretending everything is fine. I don't know why we do that. For me, sometimes I feel ashamed of the pain… like it's all my fault or something. Sometimes it is my fault, but sometimes it's life circumstances that caused the pain. I think the more people who are willing to share their pain, the easier it is for others to follow that example and stop hiding in the pain.
Whitney, I love you and so appreciate your encouraging words. I miss you girlfriend! xxx T
Oh, my sweet friend! Don't you just love it that we live under the surprise of a revalation from our Lord and Savior? Your blog was, as always, transparent and encouraging.
I think you should keep the "Hurting". I spoke with a mom from the northeast last week who was telling me with her mouth that she was doing fine. However, I could hear the heavy sound of sadness dripping from her voice and a sense of hopelessness in her words. Why do we do that??? It seems to be so prevelant in our culture today.
YOU, offer a place for women who have the courage to speak the words "I am hurting" and are looking for a place to receive healing and restoration in Christ.
Call it what it is, girlfriend! Put your flashing signboard out on the boulevard so that the hurt and suffering know where to find you, then allow the Lord to use your ministry to administer hope, healing and restoration in HIM. You're doing a great job!!!
Whitney