Everyone has a breaking point, which is good and necessary for maturity in Christ.
I know because I have been broken, shattered beyond what I thought was repairable.
Something happened when I realized I was in a process beyond my control. I surrendered to Jesus in a new way, yielded because I had come to the end of myself.
I had nothing left.
I was more desperate than ever, yet more dependent than ever. The only way was through my pain, but I never walked alone.
My deepest pain called out to God’s most profound healing through the years of recovery from nearly a decade of challenges and obstacles that threatened to take my family and me out.
Yet, I slowly emerged with a more profound knowledge of Jesus and an assurance that no one is beyond His ability to heal and restore.
No one, including you or your loved one.
Holy Spirit met me in simple yet powerful ways of sitting with me in the mess and loving me back to health and wholeness. I emerged more deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, my firm foundation (1 Peter 2:7).
My growth came through suffering. We will all suffer; Jesus told us we would.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 NKJV
We choose who we turn to; will we run to Jesus, who is well acquainted with grief and suffering (Isaiah 53:3)?
Jesus suffered greatly for our salvation because of the joy set before Him, being united with us now and for all eternity (Hebrews 12:2).
“I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,”
Philippians 3:10 NKJV
We forget there is no need for resurrection unless there is death, which often includes suffering.
Jesus suffered and died, and to follow in His footsteps demands no less. We don’t like this, but large parts of the world already know it is true, and it is becoming less avoidable.
“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23 NKJV
It’s a choice I must make daily. It’s an honor to give Him my fresh ‘yes’ each morning because He promises to provide me with fresh bread (Matthew 6:11).
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 NKJV
I am taking time to meditate on these verses. I am reading them slowly and out loud. I am reflecting on each word to prevent familiarity from numbing its meaning. I’m turning these verses into prayers of thanksgiving and dialogue with Holy Spirit, asking Him for further revelation and insight.
Lord, thank You for being the Healer, the great Restorer, Comforter, and the lifter of my head. Thank You that I am never alone, and You are always with me. Your presence sustains me even if I can’t feel You because I know You are faithful and keep Your promises. Help me stay aware of how You are with Me in every situation. I will deny myself and submit to Your will and ways each day. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Copyright © 2023 Alison Lewis, A Secret Spring. All rights reserved.
A Secret Spring 