We’ve said many times that this month is different in a lot of ways, but I don’t think anything could have prepared us for what was about to ensue. One of the biggest changes to our daily interactions as a group is that we’ve been sharing our testimonies with each other. We’re at this point in trust building that we feel safe to share our life stories– the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s time to confess to each other the many things we’ve done wrong, the ways in which we’ve been hurt– our trials and tribulations, and of course, our encounters with God.
So, every night we’ve been getting together in the “married’s suite” 😉
As we’ve been sharing our deepest secrets, fears, and triumphs, God has most definitely shown up. Freedom has broken out, and restoration has begun. It has been SO good! Tough, but good. It’s interesting though, every time it’s someone’s turn to tell their story and to walk into that freedom, they get sick, they break down emotionally, fears and lies creep in… it’s weird. All I know is that this is no mere coincidence.
One night was different from all the rest….
This particular night, the last of the testimonies was being shared. Our attention was focused on her as she shared some of the most intimate and troubling things that you could imagine someone you love could go through. As she finished sharing her life-story with our team, we just sat there quietly… stunned… realizing that we’re the only people in her life that KNOW. The pain and scars are all that remained– until now.
She expectantly sat there waiting for a response, but we had nothing to say. Our group generally talks too much, so this was a first for us. The truth is, it was too much for us to process. We desperately wanted to give her words of encouragement and wisdom, but we had nothing. I wanted to tell her how proud I was of her strength and courage, and hug her for a long time…. but I couldn’t. I wanted to cry– but I held on strong. Then, one of our teammates suggested we just pray over her, her life, her story, the pain, the fear… the aftermath of it all. So we did just that.
As we finished I prayed for PEACE, and that’s exactly what overpowered all other emotions and thoughts at that moment… an overwhelming sense of peace.
She looked up at us, with tears still rolling down her beautiful face, and she looked like a new person. Her eyes were different. She had received the freedom we prayed for her– that was evident. She was new, restored, and LOVED more than ever. She later shared with us that as we prayed for her, God revealed different sides of His character and gifts to her. When particular people prayed, she felt something different. For example, with one person she felt like God; the father, was speaking to her, tenderly and lovingly (like a father would). With someone else she felt intense heat surging through her body– much like a refiner’s fire. With another, she felt calm and peaceful, and with someone else she felt healing over her emotional scars. She was sure that it was the trinity. We had never experienced anything like that before.
