Restored
"I had this feeling - like there was something wrong with me."
- Paula
After hearing a whisper from God, Paula’s life turned around, and she discovered what it means to be restored. As a little girl, Paula always felt there was something wrong with her, and she desperately tried to hide from the abusive situation in her family. As a teenager, she learned to hide behind the effects of alcohol and eventually found acceptance with gang members. Her life continued to spiral out of control. She was the mother of three small children, a victim of domestic violence and had reached rock bottom, planning to end her own life. She had run out of hope until she heard God’s whisper, “Cry out to me.”
Paula discovered that God is not only willing – but able – to restore all the broken parts of our lives – if we just ask Him.
If you find yourself at rock bottom, here are some points to consider:
Circumstances can bring many sorrows, hurts and even abuse, but God’s love is greater and stronger.
Hard living can bring pain for us and others, but God is always waiting with open arms and forgiveness.
God can bring good things into our lives, despite the messes we’ve created, if we’ll let Him.
Words to Live By:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” John 8:36 (NKJV).
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (NKJV).
Dr. Ron’s Perspective:
Mental health professionals often say that the past is the best predictor of future behavior. Childhood and teenage life experiences do shape our personalities and our view of the world and ourselves. Family dysfunction, abuse, neglect, and broken relationships can lead to a pattern of struggle and heartache. Hopelessness and despair can eventually set in and become a way of living. Childhood hurts can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem and self-worth, but a difficult childhood does not have to keep one from feeling happy and discovering their purpose in life. The past does not have to define your character. We must choose to either let the past be a roadblock to success or use “life’s hard knocks” to grow us and enable us to help other hurting people. Identify a person or a group of people that could benefit from your wisdom and experiences. Reach out to them and show understanding and compassion. This step alone will go a long way in helping you feel better about yourself.
Grace Notes by Philip Yancey
“Does God guide? Yes I believe. Most times God guides in subtle ways, by feeding ideas into our minds, speaking through a nagging sensation of dissatisfaction, inspiring us to choose better than we otherwise would have done, bring to the surface hidden dangers of temptation, and perhaps by rearranging certain circumstances…God’s guidance will supply real help, but in ways that will not overwhelm my freedom” (36).
Recommended Resources:
PaulaJauch.com
Celebrate Recovery
Teen Challenge
