Who Told You That?
Written By: Nancy Purtlebaugh
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:8-10
In Josh’s sermon on Sunday something he said stuck out to me and caused me to think quite a bit. He was talking about shame and he said, “Stop hiding what God wants to heal.” Read that again. Stop hiding what God wants to heal. He also said something else that goes right along with this-Shame always grows in the dark.
What is the thing that you are trying to hide from those around you and from God? Think about it right now.The thing that you think will keep you from stepping into a church, because they wouldn't invite you in. You couldn’t afford to tell anyone because they will walk away. You will be left all alone. So it’s better to hide it, to keep it in the dark. Although I wonder, who told you that? Who told you that thing/person/habit/profession would keep you away from God’s house? Who told you that everyone would walk away and you would be alone if they found out?
I can tell you who DIDN’T tell you that. God didn’t tell you that. When you read His word, He tells you over and over again that He will be with you.(Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:13 to name a few) He tells us that all are invited. (For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11)
I grew up in church. I memorized scripture. I knew the stories of the Bible. I knew right from wrong. However, as I grew into a young adult, I decided my way was better. Once I decided that, then I convinced myself that the decisions I was making were right. They were “my truth”. God would want me to be happy, right? One thing led to another and I became pregnant before my husband and I were married. We got married soon after and started raising our kids. It was at that time that I started feeling that pull to go back to church. However, I convinced myself that my blemished past made me unworthy of going back. I was sure no one else there had a past like mine. I knew right from wrong, yet I fell. The thing I was forgetting is that Jesus doesn’t condemn us.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1
As Josh said on Sunday-Jesus extends an invitation-not a condemnation. Thankfully an invitation was extended to me by a lovely friend who wouldn’t give up. She kept inviting us over and over again. So, I buried the shame and went one Sunday. The Sunday after that was Mother’s Day and my whole family went. (That was 21 years ago.) When we first started going I tried to keep my past hidden, because I thought people wouldn’t accept me if they knew my past. My husband (who didn’t grow up in church) was a bit more candid than me. He would tell people the exact truth without worrying what they thought of him. You know what I found out? People responded better when we weren’t trying to hide our past, or tell the “clean” version. When we brought everything into the light and didn’t try to hide our past, people got to know the truest version of us. They also got to see the ways that He redeemed our story.They also felt free to share their stories. The thing that I found out (although I already knew) is that God has only ever used 1 perfect person, and that was Jesus. He doesn’t expect perfection from us. If we allow Him to, He can use the parts of us that look ugly. The parts of us that we are not proud of. I have seen Jesus use the unlikely and broken parts of so many people to a loving, healed relationship with Him.
In Joshua 2 God used Rahab, a prostitute, to save people-including her entire household. He used Paul (who used to be Saul) who was a murderer of Christians-to become one of the greatest evangelists of all time. It is demonstrated time and time again in His word that He uses broken people. I am so thankful to Him that He allows me-a broken, sinful woman to serve Him!
So, what is it for you? What are you trying to hide that God wants to heal? Hand it over to Him.
The shame that I was holding onto said I wasn’t worthy because of my past choices, but Jesus was telling me I was worthy because of the choice He made. He stretched out His arms on the cross and said, “I love you this much.” He is saying the same to you, friend. That thing that is being whispered in your ear…I just want you to ask-Who told you that? If it doesn’t line up with His word, it’s not the Truth. Allow Him to heal and redeem you. He will use your story for His glory!