“You just have to be willing to look past the ugly.”
I’m not a big television fan, more of a book-freak. But HGTV has a series called the Property Brothers that I truly enjoy. Jonathan and Drew Scott come together to help people find and transform extreme fixer-uppers into their ultimate dream home.
It’s a radical risk but the outcome is unbelievable.
God calls us to that same risk. When we’re willing to look past the ugly of our lives, the pain of our past, God can do amazing things.
Much like Jacob, I’ve wrestled through a lot of “this-is-not-fair” moments. But Jacob taught me something. As he wrestled through the night with God, his hip wrenched out of socket. Yet, with his hip twisted and trapped, numb and unable to move, Jacob still pursued God’s blessing. He managed to take his eyes off of the pain long enough to seek a deeper purpose.
“I won’t let you go until you bless me,” Jacob cried out to God.
We have to get to that point. We have to be willing to face our pain—even be willing to look past it. But that requires confronting our belief system.
Do we believe God is good? And do we believe God is in control?
For the record, yes and yes.
It gets a little harder though. If we believe God is good and is sovereign, why would He allow such horrific pain, right? I’ve wrestled this one to the ground, trust me. And I’ve come to a couple conclusions that bring me sleep at night.
1. God is sovereign.
2. God grants free will. Just as He grants me the freedom to choose what I will do in life, so He granted my abusers free will as well.
3. God will redeem the pain—if we surrender it to him.
The dark patches of my life simply showcase God’s glory (the essence of who He is) which is exactly what He created me to do. Yes, emotional healing is a risk. But if we don’t take the risk, if we don’t look past the ugly, we will never experience the rewards.
Jo Ann Fore is an author, speaker, and writing coach. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of other women. Most noted for her authentic vulnerability, Jo Ann captivates her audience with faith-filled messages caramelized with a powerful promise of hope. Visit Jo Ann at www.JoAnnFore.com and www.facebook.com/WriteWhereItHurts.
