Have you ever been hurt, betrayed, or abused, causing you to build walls to protect yourself from allowing people or even God in certain places of your life? I know I have. There have even been moments I do not realize I have a brick wall up in my life until God reveals it to me. I noticed that I had been a little off these past couple of days, so I asked God to examine my heart. As weird as this may sound, as I sat there with God, a picture of a turtle came to my mind. I saw it slowly move, stretch its head, and hide in its shell. At that moment, I realized I had been living like a turtle. For those who don’t know, turtles are not social creatures, and those who know me know I am an introvert, a bit antisocial, and struggle with a little social anxiety who finds comfort in her shell. A couple of years after graduating high school, one of my closest friends betrayed me, hurting me tremendously. It took me a long time to realize how much that affected my life. From that moment, the only people I considered my friends were my husband, two sisters, and mom. When people would try to be friends, I had this thick wall, not allowing people in—causing all my relationships to be nothing more than acquaintances. I did not even realize that I had moments where I did not even allow God in certain places of my life because of fear of being hurt again. But then I remember Jesus, who was betrayed by one of his disciples, someone He would teach, break bread, pray for and with, someone whose feet He washed, and who He died for. This had me think, imagine if Jesus would have done what many of us do, build walls after being betrayed—or stayed down in the dirt after being abused. But Jesus understood what many of us forget. God uses what the world rejects and abuses. God used the kiss of betrayal to bring redemption to the world, and He wants to use what was meant to kill you to make you stronger and expand His kingdom. You just need to allow Him in your life. Allow Him to heal and tear down every wall you have put up.
Prayer:
God, I ask at this moment to examine my heart, reveal the things hidden behind walls I may not even know are up. Heal any emotional, mental, and spiritual abuse in my life. Tear down every wall. I welcome you in EVERY part of my life, the good, the bad, the pretty, and the ugly. I praise and give you thanks for the healing transformation that is about to take place in my life for your honor and glory. Use me and my story to expand your kingdom for your name to be praised. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.
Worship Song: