Have you been wounded by someone who should have loved you?
Do you feel like damaged goods?
Some of us have been beat up, in our souls, by those who should have built us up and nurtured us. We often feel like damaged goods.
But the truth is, we are not rubbish. And God has not put us on a shelf. He is not finished. There is still much good work for us to do.
“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” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
But first, we need to take time to heal from the hurtful things that were done to us. God cares deeply about the pain we’ve been through. He wants us to be free and well. So, instead of running away from our Father or isolating ourselves to protect our hearts from all future harm, we are gently invited to come back to God.
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, reaches out His hand and offers to walk with us back into the Father’s presence so we can be held and comforted.
Then, there are adventures ahead! Truly. We are not second-class citizens, no matter what we’ve been through. And we do not have to be “special” for God to speak to us or through us. We are already loved.
I met a young couple who wanted to do great, beautiful things in the world, with God. But then some people in the ministry they served in beat them up, emotionally and spiritually. And they felt like they were done.
But God spoke to their hearts. “No, we’re not through. You are loved and cherished, and I value what you bring to the table.” So, they began again.
They have some scars now, but the young man decided to go back to school to become a counselor. He wants people to know that even though they have been broken, they are still beloved by God.
Where are you today? Broken? Bruised? A bit disillusioned by life and ministry and God?
Bring your hard things to your Father God and let Him remind you what your true name is. Not the names you have been called, but the one He has called you. Beloved.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul (3 John 1:2 ESV).
Living in Revival, Vitality, and Mission
Share honestly with God about how you have been wounded or hurt.
Make a decision to seek out solid biblical counseling to help you heal.