You Are Who You Are

This afternoon I'll start with some words from my renewal song "I know you washed me white, turned my darkness into to light, but I need you peace to get me through, to get me through this night. I can't live by what I feel, but the truth that was revealed. I'm not holding on to you, but you're holding on to me..." For those that don't know this is from Casting Crowns "East to West" and I have a distinct purpose for writing this as part of my intro today.

Recently, I had the honor and blessing of watching someone let go and let God work. I saw as this person truly was washed of all the "stuff" they had been holding onto from their past. I can tell you that it was probably one of the most powerful and life changing experiences I've ever endured. Similar to watching my Brothers be freed from the chains during the renewal process I got to see the light beam from this person as they finally allowed themselves to be washed white and be a Child of God. Amazing and awesome is the only way I can describe it. Since then the road has not been easy. They have endured trial and struggle, but still seem to hold onto the promise. Even when others that are close to them tell them lies about who they are, they haven't wavered. The fact is they now know who they are in Christ and in the eyes of fellow believers and that is what matters. I guess watching this is how I truly found my pathway to letting go of one of the enemy's most powerful weapons... guilt.

Today I want to focus on the "washing white" part above and how sometimes even those that love us can cast the largest stones. Have you ever tried to drown yourself or kill the pain? The most obvious method one would think of would be alcohol, but there are many others and I tend to chose physical pain through exercise. Yes, I know beating oneself physically for something you hate about yourself isn't effective... don't worry... I've recovered from that philosophy and don't do it anymore. However, I've watched the other worldly addictions and escapes in my friends and family and know how destructive they can be too. I think as Christians we need to be cognisant of these things and that our words can be daggers when directed toward someone who has a "past" and don't we all have "pasts"? Now for why I say this. My friend mentioned above has been experiencing this as part of the struggle to define themselves. I will continue to remind them that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. We also have the power to crush that snake under our feet...

Luke 10:19 " I have given you power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

The next time someone tells you a lie about who you are Brothers and Sisters remember you are washed clean by the Risen Savior and you don't have to listen to anything short of that. May others words only serve to lift you up, raise your spirits, and lead you to everything God would have you be.

Love and peace for all of you,
Steve