WARNING* this blog contains mature content and may not be suitable for children.
In a Walmart bathroom, a friend was molested as a child. In a serious relationship, a friend was physically abused for years by their significant other. A porn addiction ruled a friend's sexuality. A friend cut themselves and threw up what they ate to mask the neglect of their father. Taken against ones will, a friend was raped by a family member. A friend in their hidden guilt coped with drugs which nearly killed them time and time again. An overdose brought a friend to the end of their life and then a new beginning. After aborting their child, a friend lived each day hating themselves because of it. A friend woke each day confused about their sexuality because of experimentation with the same sex. Feeling isolated, a friend didn't feel life was worth living and almost took their life.
Do you relate with any of my friends? Are these strongholds yours too? Have you gone through something similar? I don't mean to dig up anyone's deepest darkest secrets, but you must understand you're NOT ALONE in the hell you've been through.
Debrief in Guatemala was an emotional roller coaster of learning how to be vulnerable with one another. It was a 3 day journey of opening up and letting God help surface the repressed guilt, shame, and worthlessness. We sat together in a room of protection as slowly all 41 of our C squad began to reveal the devils strongholds on our hearts.
One spoke and after another prayed for that person. Chains were broken and restoration was revived. And together our 41-member C squad family took a stand against the devil's schemes on our lives.
Each of us put on the armor of God. The belt of truth to have discernment from the devils lies.
The breastplate of righteousness firmly in place. Our identity founded in God rather than the world.
Our feet planted where they can bloom the gospel of peace in hand. We took up the shield of faith in knowing what Jesus has already done on our behalf.
The helmet of salvation our thoughts/mind protected.
The sword of the holy spirit being the word of God.
We're ready to live in freedom knowing we were already set free (some two thousand years ago.) long ago.
Why do we keep placing chains on our wrists and ankles when they've already been sawed off? We keep looking for a lock to keep them on. Why? Why believe you're unworthy to be loved or that you don't deserve it? Why believe you're ugly or fat? Why believe you're unsuccessful? Why compare yourself to others? Why desire money to be your savior?
These are a few of the many ways the devil tries to deceive us. He's not the pitch fork dragon thing on your shoulder. He's an fallen angel, who has been defeated because of the resurrection of Jesus. In fact, he'll flee from you if you resist him. On the daily we need to take up God's armor, we need to be vulnerable in order to grow in humble strength as a community. The world teaches us to repress the hurt. Yet, God tells us to do the opposite. A 3-day debrief in Guatemala bonded 41 people who were once strangers a month ago to walk in freedom from their past together as a family.
Never Lose Hope! Nothing is impossible for those that believe! <3
Always remember that there is far more good in this world than there is evil.
Live in the light and bring light to the darkness.
God will break every chain if you let him.
Love you all!
-Wendiz-
