Braving ChangeSample

Having a Game Plan After Change: A Time to Recover

Wounds can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether you have a fresh wound from today or are still ruminating (in the back of your mind) over a wound that took place when you were a three-year-old, they will continue to affect you if you don't purposefully identify and root them out. We have to understand that Jesus has come to redeem and restore all things, to see His Kingdom come and His Will be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven.

PTSD, panic attacks, angry outbursts, demonic heaviness as I slept, and suspicions ran my life through 2020 and the beginning of 2021. In Celebrate Recovery language, "my hurts, hang-ups, and habits" had the reins of my life, and I wasn't sure how to get them back so I phoned a friend. Irene Rollins was that friend. Talking to her brought hope back into my soul. I shook as I dialed her number, but the more I let the darkness out, the lighter I felt and the less I shook. I told her things that only a very small circle of people knew about me. Irene has often said, "Be authentic with the many and vulnerable with a few," meaning show up as your true self wherever you go, don't play games, and don't pander to the crowd or cultural norms-be you. Walk in healing and know who you are.

After I poured out my heart, Irene honored my vulnerability, thanked me for sharing with her, and then said, “Well, you're going to be okay, and we need a game plan."

I continued to regularly go to church, even when I wanted to stay in bed with the covers wrapped safely around me, hiding me from the world. I got up, got dressed, gathered my family, and chose to worship God when I wanted to hide and make life all about me. I checked in with and opened up to Irene and my CR (Celebrate Recovery) group, not allowing anything to remain hidden that could potentially be damaging to me or others around me. I've learned that when the enemy tries to gain a foothold in my life, I purposefully slam the door on that foot.

Every time you begin to see yourself going down the negative roads you used to, stop yourself, repent, and ask Jesus to show you how to see clearly and correctly.

Questions and Prayer

• Question: Who are you going to reach out to today to get the ball rolling and choose accountability in this process? Remember, we’re as accountable as we want to be.
• Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ more than ever. Your Grace and Mercy to Save, Heal, and Deliver me are beyond my wildest imagination, and I am so grateful for how far You go to Rescue and Redeem my Life. Forgive me for all the times I have run away, hidden, or walked in unforgiveness, denial, offense, or bitterness--these roadblocks have kept me from humbling myself and running to You. Holy Spirit, speak to me and show me the way. Lovingly correct me and remind me of all Truth. Please light the path to a God-Given game plan to walk in restoration and healing in Christ. I trust you.