BeLoved

Have you ever felt a deep, stirring sense that God is writing a story into you, one that resonates with the powerful declaration, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14)? Whether you’re forty-five or fourteen, there exists a recurring pattern in the choices you make and the way you interpret and experience life. These patterns, deeply ingrained through years of self-talk or the influence of others, shape how you see the world. Yet, God is inviting you to step into this moment and allow Him to redefine those patterns. He wants to help you see yourself, others, and the world through His perspective. Let’s start with the story of Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve's decision irrevocably shaped the trajectory of humanity. She listened to the serpent’s deceitful whispers and deviated from God’s clear command not to eat from the forbidden tree. This act of disobedience marked the beginning of a recurring pattern throughout history—one where humanity is tempted to stray from divine wisdom and fall into cycles of destruction. The enemy continues to use these same tactics today, drawing us into a web of deceit that could be avoided if only we adhered to God’s Word. In the Garden, Eve experienced a paradox. Before tasting the forbidden fruit, she was clothed in innocence yet naked in her awareness. This duality represents our ongoing struggle with the consequences of that original choice. We are left with the consequences, fighting for the very fruit that was rightfully ours. Satan stole that fruit, and the Father had to reveal a new plan through Jesus’ death and resurrection to restore what was lost. Just as God’s plan was to crush the serpent’s head through Jesus’ victory, we too are called to seek the fruit of the Spirit that the enemy tried to steal from us in the Garden. The patterns of temptation and deceit may seem relentless, but remember, you have a choice. Will you continue to fall into old traps, or will you stand firm and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into new patterns that render the enemy powerless? The power to make that choice is in your hands. No matter your age or where you find yourself in your life journey, God's timing is always perfect. He can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it into something good. Instead of dwelling on past failures or missed opportunities, focus on the present and the new day that is coming. This new day is filled with hope and anticipation, fostering your spiritual growth. Surrendering control to God is where true power is found. Yes, you might manage on your own for a time, navigating your own path and maintaining control. You might even sustain this for your entire life. But living like that means you’re only operating at a fraction of your potential. Imagine if someone told you that you could live at full capacity simply by surrendering—wouldn’t you want to embrace that? During a particularly challenging period in my life, I found myself in a rehab facility. You might find it surprising, but some of the most powerful Words from the Lord came to me during this time. There’s so much that God does through our pain when we surrender and cry out to Him, making an altar before the Lord. In those moments of brokenness, when we lay everything down, He begins to reveal His purpose in our pain, transforming it into something beautiful and redemptive. Once I truly surrendered to the Lord, His instructions were clear and uncompromising: go to rehab, accept the bed available the next day, and refuse any drugs offered. The prospect was intimidating, but I followed His instructions precisely. Had I relied on my instincts or listened to others, I might still be overcome by addiction. Instead, God provided for all my needs, making a crooked path straight—turning a barren desert into a place of renewal. By choosing obedience, I received a supernatural strength that made me stronger than I had ever been, even before the need for healing arose. If you choose to obey God, He can do the same for you. He will redeem and restore you, and like me, you will be eager to share your story with others, ensuring they have the opportunity to experience it too. The journey to healing is not instantaneous, but God’s promises are true. His work in you is a process, one that He orchestrates to bring about the fullest restoration. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards the new life He has promised. Embrace the process, trust in His timing, and allow Him to reveal the beauty that comes from surrendering your pain to Him.