Chris Tomlin – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

On the fourth Friday of each month in 2025, we’re studying The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee. Join me as we confront the enemy’s lies of self-doubt and find our victory in the truth of who we are according to God’s Word!

Welcome back, dear friends! In Chapter 10, we celebrated the miracle of Regeneration—the truth that we are not just patched-up versions of our old selves, but brand-new creations in Christ. Now in Chapter 11: Agent of Change, we’re invited to go even deeper. God doesn’t just change us for our benefit—He equips us to become agents of change in the lives of others.

This chapter is a beautiful reminder that we’re not meant to keep the transforming truths of God’s love, grace, and acceptance to ourselves—we are called to share them, live them, and reflect them in a hurting world.

📖 Chapter Summary:

McGee shifts the focus from personal healing to purposeful living. As we grow in our understanding of our identity in Christ, we become more equipped to help others break free from lies and walk in truth. God uses healed people to help heal people—and that begins by living authentically, speaking truth in love, and offering grace where others expect judgment. We become ambassadors of Christ, carrying His message of hope, healing, and transformation.

“God never intended for His truth to stop with you—He’s called you to pass it on.”
— Robert S. McGee (paraphrased)

🕊️ Biblical Truths:

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
~ 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
~ Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

“Comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
~ 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

💡 Key Idea:

You were never meant to keep your healing to yourself. God wants to use you as a vessel of truth, love, and change in the lives of others.

💭 Reflection Question:

Where in your life—your home, your relationships, your church—can you begin to intentionally share the truths God has used to set you free?

🛠️ Practical Application:

1. Share Your Story – Think of one person who could be encouraged by your testimony. Write them a letter, send a voice note, or invite them to coffee. Let God use your story to plant seeds of hope.
2. Encourage in Truth – Speak biblical truths to someone you see struggling with the same lies you’ve overcome. Be the voice you once needed.
3. Be Available – Sometimes the most powerful ministry is just being present. Ask God to show you who in your circle needs encouragement, and then simply show up.

✨ My Personal Reflections:

This chapter hit me with both conviction and excitement. I’ve spent a lot of time letting God heal the wounds of shame, fear, and performance in my own heart. But now I see—He didn’t do all that just for me. He did it so that I could turn around and help someone else. That’s the call on each of us—to be women who reflect the healing, grace, and truth we’ve received.

I may not always feel qualified. But I’ve learned that the best “agents of change” aren’t the ones with perfect lives or polished answers—they’re the ones who are honest, available, and filled with the love of Christ. That’s who I want to be. One surrendered woman, saying yes to letting God use me.

Friend, I believe with all my heart that God wants to use you, too. Not once you’ve figured it all out. Not once you’re “done healing.” But right now—right where you are.

Next month, we’ll dive into Chapter 12: Guilt vs. Conviction and discover how to distinguish between the voice of the accuser and the loving correction of our Father.

Until then, never forget:
You are healed to bring healing. Changed to spark change. Loved to love.
You are an agent of change in the hands of a mighty God. 💖

🎶 Worship Moment: I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin

As you reflect on what it means to be an agent of change, I invite you to listen to “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. This song is a beautiful reminder that we don’t need to have it all figured out—we just need to say yes to wherever God leads. May these lyrics inspire you to step forward in faith, trusting that your life, your story, and your obedience can make an eternal impact.

In The Twelve Steps to Victory column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025.

We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others, realizing that victory requires responsibility. ~ Step 9

There’s a unique ache that comes from knowing we’ve wounded someone we love. Whether it was a harsh word spoken in anger, a betrayal rooted in fear, or years of distance from pride—we carry that pain like a stone in our soul.

But God, in His kindness, does not ask us to ignore it or be crushed by it. Instead, He invites us to take responsibility—with grace.

In Step 9, we move beyond internal confession (Step 5) and readiness (Step 8) into relational restoration. This is where healing begins to ripple outward—when we humbly make amends for the harm we’ve caused, not to demand forgiveness, but to reflect the heart of Jesus.

The Heart of God in Restoration

God is always drawing His people toward reconciliation. Jesus said:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
— Matthew 5:23–24 NIV

The Lord cares so deeply about broken relationships that He prioritizes restoration even above worship rituals. That’s how sacred amends are to Him.

But God also understands that not all situations are safe. Step 9 includes a key phrase: “except when to do so would injure them or others.”
This isn’t a loophole—it’s a call for Spirit-led wisdom.

Grace-Filled Responsibility

Making amends isn’t about groveling or trying to fix people’s memories. It’s about being obedient to God and honest about our part. That’s why this step requires courage, humility, and grace.

It is not:

- A demand to be forgiven
- A way to manipulate or justify past behavior
- A quick fix for lingering shame

It is:

- An act of obedience
- A demonstration of maturity
- A channel of peace for your soul

Sometimes the most gracious thing we can do is live differently moving forward—especially if direct contact would be harmful.

Real-Life Examples of Making Amends

- In person – A heartfelt apology with no excuses: “I know I hurt you, and I’m truly sorry.”
- In writing – A letter to someone who won’t speak with you, or who has passed away, can bring release.
- Through action – Ongoing changed behavior can be a living amends that speaks louder than words.

Zacchaeus stood and said, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody…I will pay back four times the amount. — Luke 19:8 NIV

Peace in Obedience, Not Outcomes

Not every door will swing open. Some people won’t accept your apology. Some won’t believe your change. And some may never respond at all.

But victory is not measured by their response.
It’s measured by your obedience.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. — Romans 12:18 NIV

Closing Encouragement

God sees your willingness. He honors your humility.
And when you take responsibility with grace, you reflect Jesus—who took responsibility for sins He didn’t even commit, all for the sake of reconciliation.

He is your model.
He is your strength.
He is your peace.

As we reflect on what it means to take responsibility with grace, we must remember that our healing and hope don’t come from our efforts—they flow from the holiness and mercy of God. Even when we fall short, He remains faithful. The following worship video, “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin, lifts our eyes from the weight of our past to the beauty of His presence. Let these lyrics wash over you as a reminder: the One who calls us to restoration is holy, loving, and forever worthy of our trust.