Nothing could have prepared me for this. Completely floored, I dropped my phone. It bounced on my bed, did a flip, and landed on the carpet.
But, could it really be true?
I covered my face with my hands and found that it was wet – wet with tears. All the battles I had fought against my Oppressor, the internal self-inflicted wounds, and the doubts… they seemed to contradict every word I had just read.
But, I’d had enough of questioning thoughts. It was misguided “reasoning” that had dragged me from freedom and hope to this prison of despair.
Drying my eyes, I leaned over and picked up my phone again.
My voice quivered as I read the incredible words aloud.
“‘…. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you…'”
I skipped down a couple of verses.
“‘Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honoured, and I have loved you…'”¹
I laid down on my back and stared up at the ceiling.
I am redeemed! Loved! Precious in His sight!
Tears filled my eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy. I closed my eyes and thanked God for His grace. I could feel His protective arms around me.
The condemning thoughts immediately lashed back, You haven’t done enough yet to deserve that! You’ll never be free! You’re still guilty!
My stomach felt like it had turned upside down.
I gritted my teeth.
“Devil, condemning thoughts and feelings may come and go, but God’s Word stands forever. I’m not going to be fooled by you anymore. I’m not going to lie down and give up! So you can get lost!”
I got up and left the room.
(Inspired by personal experience)
¹ Isaiah 43:1b, 2, and 4a
Liv'n'Hope 