Unsettling Conviction

I pulled another warm towel from the dryer and stood folding it when a wave of conviction settled over me.

Don’t you just hate when that happens? One of those run-and-hide moments but you can’t escape it.

My mind went back to last Sunday morning when my husband was asked to fill in for the worship leader who’d been called away at the last minute.

My first response? “Really? Matt can’t lead worship. He doesn’t sing. He’s a trumpet player.”

Ouch!

So much for confidence in my husband and so much for confidence in our incredible God who equips us to fulfill His every task so that we may be a blessing to others. I usually bristle when I hear someone categorize or stereotype another, yet there I was doing the same thing in thinking his abilities were limited within the confines of walls I’d essentially built around him!

What was I thinking? Instead of seeing it as an opportunity for my husband to be used of God in a tight situation, I focused on what I thought his abilities were.

Double ouch!

Was it fear? Was I afraid he would be embarrassed? Was I afraid I would be embarrassed? The convicting part? Forgetting that God wouldn’t lead either of us to embarrassment.

Forgive me, Lord Jesus! Help me to remember that we can do ALL things through You who strengthens us. You equip us for every task. You do not leave us stranded. Help me to see you clearly as you work in me and in the lives of those around me, and help me to never limit what you choose to do in your people. Amen.

Every. Single. Day. I see the signs of Jesus working in my life. He gives those little learning moments that teach, convict and also give me a safe resting place to remind me that it’s all going to be ok. That He is near. He is within. He is ahead and behind and cheering me on from the sidelines. And last Sunday, He was cheering Matt on, as well.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, 

and his understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah 40:28)

5 Steps To Help You Release Objects From a Painful Past

It wasn’t just any piano. It was the piano given to me with a promise attached to it; a promise to never let it leave the family and to hand it down from one generation to the next. It was supposed to be forever special and I was supposed to forever cherish it.

That was a tall order.

For years I’ve grappled with the thought that “a promise is a promise.” How could I possibly get rid of something I’d vowed would never leave my possession despite all the dark and painful memories associated with it? Yet, there it sat like a loud, obnoxious and very unwelcome house guest in the corner of my living room, taking up space and soaking up a bit of my joy with every glance.

So, when the opportunity came recently to trade my piano for a very old baby grand, I realized it was time to put my faith in action and actually let it go. In that decision alone, I regained control over the situation and reclaimed what this inanimate object held over me for so long and you know what? It felt great!

I know how difficult it can be to let go of something held onto out of obligation or perhaps a false sense of commitment and I would like to share my observations taken from my own personal experience:

1. Recognize that it’s unhealthy to keep objects around that represent an unpleasant time in our lives, especially if God is healing us, drawing us out and away from the grip of painful memories.

2. It’s much easier to get rid of an object if we release it emotionally first. This is tough to do when anger or resentment have built up, but if we first come to terms with it emotionally, we can release it with strength and confidence.

3. Understand that something that may have represented grief and pain in your life could actually be a blessing to someone else.

4. Give praise to God when the object physically leaves your possession! Praise Him for the feeling of release it brings and enjoy the wonderful freedom of no longer being bound by the painful memories it represented.

5. Share your testimony! Tell others how God has helped to bring you this far in the healing process.

God doesn’t want us held captive by inanimate objects nor by any other reminders of a painful past. Joel 2:25 tells us, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”

Is there something you possess today that should be released? Something from a painful past or a promise made? God knows what brings the pain and sadness in your life. Rise up and take control of your healing process and remember Luke 10:19, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Seek Him. Seek His guidance and direction and release all that hinders you today.