Value In Your Story

I think the lack of growth or attendance in the church stems from ourselves (members of the church). We condemn, shame, and judge not just those in the world but also each other in church. I think the church would grow immensely if we met people where they are and refrained from glorifying a false sense of perfection that we ourselves cannot live up to. People will not draw close to God when they feel that they cannot share their struggles, strongholds, and mistakes with believers. I believe that holiness is right and it is the only way to enhance one’s relationship with God but it seems once we reach this pinnacle we forget our past and criticize others. We become “hypocrites” and denounce individuals who may be confused, misguided, or even broken. We are afraid to share struggles experienced because we feel we may be judged. This insecurity diminishes our witness and testimony to let others know that at one point we were bound, hurt, shattered, and defeated but our lives were changed once we found our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In addition, we are afraid to be our authentic selves and have real conversations due to shame. We cannot let shame block us from sharing our testimony. The world is tired of believers who can’t be real and humble to admit that they have faced and shared the same struggles. We’re so focused on what others think in the church that we forget God’s promises and his thoughts toward us. It is time to remind ourselves that in God we are “loved, valuable, precious, talented, gifted, capable, powerful, wise, and redeemed.” Joyce Meyer made a powerful statement in her book Power Thoughts, “We must get comfortable with the thought that we are loved unconditionally and in right standing with God-not because of what we have or haven’t done, but because of what Jesus did for us.” God loves us unconditionally and we are made right with him through faith in Jesus Christ.

I learned that the exposure of my shame was connected to God’s purpose and plan for my life.

As a young boy I made mistakes and was broken but was afraid to share my experience because of the shame it would bring to my life so I stayed quiet for years and it caused so much destruction on the inside. I truly needed a word poured into my life that I could relate to. Please know that there’s a vessel waiting for you to share your story of hurt, pain, and rejection. It creates a dynamic where people are more open to receive information about salvation, deliverance, and God’s transforming power. Don’t hold back from sharing your story, it could lead a soul to Christ.

We all have flaws and fall short of God’s glory, it’s called being human. God has turned our wounds into scars for a reason, this healing process gives revelation. Your scars of life have a testimony that people need to hear. Our scars were never made to be concealed. Jentezen Franklin provided more insight on this topic, he carefully noted that after the resurrection Jesus was healed of his deadly wounds but not his scars. "The scars became a testimony of God's ability to heal." Scars are a reminder of what we have overcome. We cannot let shame hide our scars. Always remember, Thomas needed to see Jesus’s scars in order to stop doubting and believe.

There is no value in a story where all characters are perfect, what gives value is characters who have flaws and go through hard situations. You can relate to their hardships and find empathy. There’s no better story than that of the “underdog”, the odds were stacked against them, they struggled in various areas of life but they wouldn’t allow setbacks to define them. They pressed on and ultimately became victorious in the end. It is time for us to do the same and study God’s word:

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Revelation 13:3 - And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 30:26 - Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

Healing, peace, and restoration will come once you share your story!

-CHRONYBE

Here are a few resources that have helped me on this journey:

Book - Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

Youtube Videos - "Deep Wounds, Deep Healing" with Jentezen Franklin - https://youtu.be/fC49TR17yx8

Book - The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown