Why I Write (Day 2 from, an Untitled Collection)

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            One of my favorite scriptures is found in Isaiah 61:3 it’s about Jesus’ ministry of salvation by giving to us, “Beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” You see our past does not define us. I am no longer a victim, nor am I a survivor; I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).  Isaiah goes on the say why Jesus does this for us, “That they may be called trees of righteousness the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified” (NKJV).  Let’s continue in chapter 61:7, “Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs” (NKJV).

            I would like to share something with you that has stuck with me for years, I was at a Woman’s Aglow Conference when the speaker said something that was life-changing for me, “Make God’s word personal to you.”  Our exercise was to take a scripture and insert our name into it. I admit it was hard at first but when I did it made all the difference in how I received from Him. In doing this the scriptures I just shared with you would read: To [insert your name], I will give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for her spirit of heaviness. That [insert your name] may be called a tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Instead of [insert your name] shame, [I] shall have double honor, and instead of [my]confusion, [I] shall rejoice in [my] portion. Therefore in [insert your name] land, [I] shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be [mine]. God's word is His love letter to you, in it He gives you instruction, teaches you His ways, and prepares you for your future.

           I had been tossed around by what others did to me or said about me. When I learned who I was in Christ nothing else mattered, not what someone did or said because I know who I am in Christ. Like a tree, my roots were grounded in His word and when the winds came, and believe me they did, I stood firm because I wanted to glorify my heavenly Father.

           

           

                       

            

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