Open Wounds

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." -Isaiah 53:3

    I remember feeling extremely confused at first. Had I said something hurtful? Perhaps I had forgotten her birthday or broken a promise previously made? I did not remember having done/said anything to cause offense yet she refused to continue the friendship without so much as an explanation. I was around 8 maybe 9 years old when my one and only friend (for reasons unbeknownst to me as of this day) decided to call it quits! I had recently immigrated to the States with my family and spoke little English. This girl, being the only Spanish speaker in my grade, had quickly become my best friend. Yet the friendship ended both quickly and abruptly. After replaying the days events and crying beyond consolation, I learned what rejection truly felt like. Whether it's the loss of a close friend, being overlooked for a promotion, or a grown child that refuses your attempts at contact, each of us experience rejection. Though the pain of it is inevitable, through Jesus death & resurrection we can experience that deep, inner healing that our souls desperately crave for. This kind of healing is complete, final and one that only Jesus provides if we simply ask.... 

Identity Crises.

The things we believe or don't about ourselves are of vital importance for they not only affect our thoughts but our words, actions, and eventually habits. Therefore one of the most important aspects of following Jesus is knowing, being fully persuaded of, our identity in Him. A sense of identity is much like the foundation to a building. You can only build as high as the strength of it. The same applies to the Christian. When we lack a sense of who we are in Christ Jesus, we are prone to accept the opinions of others and believe the lies of the enemy. Perhaps this is why God first called Moses into the wilderness before using him to lead Israel out of bondage. God knew that before Moses could convince an entire nation who he (Moses) was and to whom he belonged, Moses must be fully persuaded himself. One particular area that the enemy seeks to destroy is our identity in Christ. We see this principle at work when Jesus faced satan in the wilderness. The enemy asked Him, "If you are the Son of God..." (Matt 4:6). The enemy challenged our Lord's identity. Why? Because it's hard to withstand his attacks with a shaky awareness of who we are. 

Trip down memory lane.

Many times the key to our healing is found in the last place we'd thought or want to look...our past. I can't imagine what must've gone through Joseph's mind when he saw his 11 brothers bowing before him (Gen 42). The same siblings that threw him in a pit and sold him as a slave without the slightest bit of remorse, now found their futures clinging on Joseph's words. It's interesting to note that after Joseph's was promoted to the second highest position in Egypt, there is no record of Joseph attempting contact with his family. Since there were at least 7 years between his rise to prominence and the family encounter, one must only wonder why Joseph never reached out. Sometimes the wounds of our past are too great to face. Yet God in His infinite wisdom was not done dealing with Joseph yet. Despite years of trials, tears, and waiting, Joseph must face one more test...confronting his past. It's one thing to forgive from afar, it's very different when they are close by. And that is exactly what the Lord sought to do! I'm sure Joseph genuinely believed that he had forgiven his brothers for the 13 years of pain they'd caused him. But it wasn't until the uttered the words, "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Gen 45:5) that his healing was complete. God wants to heal us of our childhood and deep-seated wounds, but before He can we must come to terms with those that deeply hurt us. Facing our past is the only way to have a brighter tomorrow! And God in His mercy and love will provide us this opportunity, even if it's the last thing we want. 

Delete, Edit, & Rewrite...

The key to healing is not found in reliving the memories of our past only. The true key to inner healing is found in the words of Jesus, the Scriptures. Without the Bible, seeing the places, people, or memories of our past will simply be tormenting. But when we know the truth of God's Word and use it to combat the enemy's lies, then we will experience lasting freedom. Jesus said to His disciples in John 8:32,"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free".  You see one of the ways God heals us is by changing our old narratives. For the past 13 years, Joseph's inner monologue had probably been similar to this: my brothers are responsible for the past decade of my suffering. Yet when Joseph saw his suffering through the filter of Scripture he realized that everything (and I do mean, everything) he went through was on purpose and for a purpose that God might save many souls through him. Sometimes our suffering is exactly what God uses to gives our lives impact and influence with others. What the enemy meant to destroy Joseph with, God flipped the script and transformed it into one of the greatest miracles in both Joseph's family and the entire Israelite nation. When we allow God's work in our heart by solidifying our identity, healing past wounds, and changing our inner narratives we will soon find ourselves in that more abundant life that Jesus came to give us!

Food for thought...

No one knows more about pain and suffering than our Lord Jesus Christ."He was despised and rejected by mankind a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" (Is 53:3). And as such no one is more qualified to heal your pain. God can and wants to rewrite those inner narratives and memories that have tormented you for years. He has so much compassion for you. He knows the pain you felt. He was right there with you. But God will never force healing on us. So ask Him. Right now (wherever you are) ask the Lord to heal you from any past rejection or pain. And then wait patiently as He alone takes you through the journey of healing. For this is why He died...for your healing.