The world is full of people who have not dealt with an old hurt. Have you ever spoken to someone who tells the same old story a thousand times of someone who offended them a thousand years ago? They rehearse and nurse the grudge until they have the grievance so memorized, you wonder how they could ever forget what happened to them.
The root and fruit of bitterness grows into something that tangles us tight.
We can all share war stories of the wrong that’s been done to us, or we can tell of the victory in how we have broken free from the festering unforgive-ables that try and keep us imprisoned.
Like the baby elephant tied to a stake from the time he can walk, when he grows into a massive mammal that can uproot trees, he still believes he’s bound to the stake he grew up with. He could’ve broken free long ago when he experienced the power to do so, but it’s always been there.
We too can break free from the bitter stake of our past that holds us back from experiencing true freedom. Bitterness is a prison that only we have the key . . . the key is inside.
Only you can let you out.
The story of Joseph is a beautiful example (Genesis 25-33) of letting go of a bitter interruption in life. Thrown into a pit and sold out by jealous brothers, he had plenty of reason to not get over it. While residing with his Egyptian master, Mrs. Potiphar had an eye for the handsome young Joseph and really made things rough for him. His integrity said no. No to her, and no to bitterness.
Like Joseph, we can allow God to be in charge of our justice. He knew the sovereign God who allows circumstances to carry out the bigger purpose.
When we allow others to affect the course of our lives, we face a decision. Though we can’t change the past, we can affect our future by our response. We can fuel bitterness or we can lay our scars before the Healer and ask for the grace to forgive.
Scars tell a story that healing has taken place. Let’s celebrate our independence – the freedom we have in Christ who has the key to unlock the chains of shame, guilt, and bitterness.
The Healing Has Begun by Matthew West (youtube)
Verna
Awesome, Verna. I pray many will be touched and healed by your post and the video that follows. Oh yes, the healing has begun and continues. And yes, we can choose to not be ashamed of our scars. This one’s a tear jerker my friend. I cried most of the way through it and the video just topped it off nicely. Thank you sweet friend.
Hugs sent your way.
My prayer, also . . . so often we are deceived by the trap of believing it can’t go away . . . thank you, Glenda for your kind comment. Love you!
This reminds me of a time when I wallowed in a mistreatment that had been done to me. Just like you said, I rehearsed and nursed it, relived and nurtured it. It took a long time for me to realize what I was doing and lay it at His feet. But that’s when I became truly free.
Thank you for the reminder.
I’ve been there, dear friend . . . justified in the “reality” of what has happened is just too big to let go . . . and then we learn by mercy. Thank you, Vonda!
Great message Verna. I always look forward to your posts. Miss you and am looking forward to seeing you in Sept.
Thanks for your faithful visits, Joan . . . yes,I look forward to when class resumes, but don’t forget we’ll be meeting for prayer on the 11th, and again the second Thursday in August.
Thanks Verna for your wise words, examples and the reminder. Yes my scars are a constant reminder to me of how much I am loved and a road map of the journey He has planned out for me. And no where on that journey is there room for bitterness only forgiveness and the understanding of many times and how greatly that forgiveness has been given to me.
Yes, Tammie . . . scars are simply personal touches from a loving Father to make us more like Him . . . forgiving. Miss you!
This is my favorite line: “Like Joseph, we can allow God to be in charge of our justice.” This is a message that needs to be heard again and again. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for following, Allison . . . so great we can still connect while far away! And yes, it’s comforting to know that no One does justice better than the One who designed it.
Powerful, Verna. Father has given you a great gift to share His Truth.
. . . and I am grateful for my dear friend who has helped me through the years to continue to share the gift. Love you, Marlene!