Courageous Healing

Sometimes Our Healing Begins The Moment We Step Out Of Fear

It never dawned on me that in a single month every dream I held dear to my heart would die. I felt broken beyond repair and hopeless. Within a few weeks the vision I had for my life was gone and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

It’s been a decade since I had the “double-whammy” month. The “death month” I call it. A worship ministry I’d invested years of my life into ended terribly AND I found out I was deathly ill and my future, my entire life, was at stake. I was so incredibly angry with God as I prepared for the worst—I may not live to see any of my dreams come to pass.

Thankfully, by God’s grace, He healed my body, but my mind took a bit longer. I’d suffered such a hit to my soul that it was too painful. I was far too afraid to believe God would restore those dreams I lost that month. It’s best not to hope again if it’ll just be snatched away, right? Wrong.

In 1 Peter 5:10, we’re given a powerful promise–God himself will restore and strengthen us, making us solid and unwavering. Isn’t that beautiful! All things can be restored, even what we feel is impossible. So, my question to you is, “How will you know God has restored you if you live in fear of hope?” Let me give you permission, dear sis, to pick up your hope again.

Personally, I began with envisioning myself married and with a family. Then I would slowly add seeing myself grow old with loved ones, and so on and so forth. Eventually I put action to vision—said yes to a date, joined the worship team, began writing again, etc.

As I began walking in faith again, waves of joy and gratefulness would flood the wounded areas of my heart like a healing balm. It was surprising and refreshing. I was witnessing God restore me from the inside out. Most of us have taken incredible hits and losses this past year, and the new year may not feel very “new” at all. But sister, remember this, we must help each other not to forget our promises—healing restoration is on the other side of our suffering.

Reflection

How does 1 Peter 5:10 speak to a current or recent struggle you’ve experienced?
Is it hard to believe God’s promise in this verse? Why/why not?
In what area are you needing to activate your faith again?

Goals

Write down 3 verses that speak on healing, faith and hope. Declare them out loud and share them with a friend.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV)