Overcoming HurtCampione

Keep Going and Hold On to Hope

Addressing wounds is vital because of what my friend Dr. James Reeves calls the emotional/spiritual principle. It states, “You can never be more spiritually mature than you are emotionally mature.” Why? Well, when we’ve been hurt we often develop bitterness; we isolate; we believe lies about ourselves, God, and others; we inhibit God’s work in our lives; we sin. When we sin, our intimacy with God and others is stifled.

In Scripture, the measure of our maturity and love for God is directly linked to our ability to love others. The degree to which we love others is directly correlated with our ability to love ourselves, and our ability to love ourselves is directly correlated to our ability to love God and understand who He truly is.

By identifying and working through our emotional wounds with loving and accepting people, we begin to see God for who He truly is, a loving and personal Father. As that happens, we begin to see ourselves as God sees us, as someone who is loved, valuable, and adequate. These beliefs take root experientially, in our hearts, growing us closer to God and others. This is true discipleship.

But discipleship is not meant just for your own benefit. Jesus wants us to bless others! Try to get a vision of what God might do in your life through this. We witness the power of vision in Jesus’ life in Hebrews 12:2, who “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” That joy was receiving “all authority on heaven and earth” (Matthew 28:18) and giving you and I the “right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), is ruling and reigning over all that is going on in this time (Psalm 47:8), and will one day make all things right and new (Revelation 21). What hope we have in Him!

Think back on challenges you’ve faced in the past and how God got you through them. You’re still here. You’re reading this. You made it through! Think of how you might be able to help others in the future because you’re gaining victory over your own struggles. Keep going. Hold on to hope.

God, thank You for the healing You have for me. Help me to walk forward with hope, vision, and purpose.

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