Ever since I gave my life to Christ back in March of 2011, I have always struggled, in one way or another, with believing (truly believing) that His forgiveness had completely covered ALL wrong. I knew, but in my heart I struggled with the concept of spiritual purity, as that purity seemed gone forever. After having given so much ground up to the enemy, I always told everyone after my conversion, "I will always have wounds from that past, I will never be 'normal' again." Brothers and sisters, that was such a lie I believed. I was basically telling Jesus, "Your blood was not enough for me." How wrong...
During a week in the Northwoods recently, I just really began to pray that He would release me from that restricting lie; that He would show me the truth; that He would 'help my unbelief'. The Lord my Righteousness heard, as He promised that He would, and has shown me the truth in that. He has just made it so real to me of how much He loves each one of us, and how He came so that the 'Truth could set us free'.
I am so thankful that He does restore, that He does give beauty for ashes.
Praise the Lord, this previous two weeks has brought an end to a stronghold that I didnt realize was even there. It has been, without a doubt, the biggest area in me that the Lord has been working on this year.
Thank the Lord, it is over. The devil is defeated. And He has proven...it is more than enough.
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
1 John 2:14b
I know there are some of you, I'm not sure who, that just feel so trashed because of who you used to be. But I tell you, I have finally decided to let go of my own view of me, and see God's view, through the blood of Jesus. Im sorry that you are so torn up inside that you just cant seem to heal. Ive been there, but I can say that His Word has been true all along...you are wanted, you are precious, you're the love of His heart, and the old rugged cross was for you, dear person...for you.
God sees one who is beautiful and pure, because His Son has paid IN FULL all you could ever owe. His Son knew every sin you would ever commit when He said, "Father...forgive them! For they know not what they do."
His grace is enough...I am COMPLETELY free of that lie! Praise the Lord. And thanks to those who talked to me through the whole thing. Haha.
God bless you all, may you KNOW that He loves you, will be praying,
~Josh
IS. 61:1
