New Life

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.

James 1:4

Healing takes time, and it’s easy to get discouraged. Let me share some wisdom I’ve learned along the way to encourage you.

First, with every step forward I take with God, I discover that His love is deeper than I knew, His forgiveness is more complete than I’d dared to hope, and His grace is richer than I’d ever imagined.

Second, real healing takes time. God revealed to me that I had only put a Band-Aid over some of the wounds from my past: they were not yet healed. But—and maybe this is you too—I had learned to live with the pain, so I didn’t realize I was limping. Until I got around some people who were running and God opened my eyes.

Third, sometimes enlisting the help of a counselor is a very wise step. It was for me. I learned that I couldn’t write or talk about being healed of shame unless I was willing to stay accountable to the healing process and practice the very principles I was sharing. And let me tell you—sometimes in that process, you need help.

So persevere in healing. God is working out new life in you (Isaiah 43:19).

Thank You, Lord, for the wisdom I can gain from Your people and Your Word. Please show me how to accept their help and Your healing.