Day 3
Today’s focus is on healing, specifically healing from Trauma. Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Other words we use to describe trauma - pain, damage, wound, etc. True trauma often causes what is known as PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Often events such as death, accidents, rejection, and loss of any number of things cause trauma. The loss category could be anything from the loss of a marriage, a career, and personal violations. I have suffered many traumatic events in my life. I give God the glory for not only surviving but also overcoming. However, there are a few events that like to creep up and attack me out of nowhere leaving me to realize I still have PTSD is some areas. Why are we talking about this today on Day 3? Because many times we have used a saying in the church arena “Don’t Lead and Bleed”. I want to speak to the leader in you.
Last year while I was out on a walk, I was listening to a sermon and asking God for direction. I heard the Lord tell me about leading and guiding women from all walks of life. I said are you sure Lord? As soon as this thought lept from my mind, this lady was driving and asked me for directions. She asked a few questions, then said something about a church. I knew immediately that this was about to be a divine meeting. She went on to tell me her testimony and how in the past year she had lost a family member to cancer and another to suicide. She was suffering silently and I was the first person she spoke with. She literally began to weep and talk and of course, I began to cry as well. She spoke about the church in general and at some point “leading and bleeding” came up. The next statement out of her mouth was epic “maybe if more leaders would lead and be transparent when they too are going through, there would be more healing in the pews and no need for the bleed because Jesus already shed blood for us all”. Well as many know I am also a Pastor and I just cried and was instantly convicted and grateful all at the same time. She then looked at me and said you should lead a women's group… Yep that quick God was confirming His word. I took a picture of her to make sure she was real, although I knew she was my Heaven-sent angel that day.
Sometimes we don't get a choice not to lead because of whatever obligation we have in our careers, homes, and churches. But we do however get a choice not to “Bleed”. Simply put, when you are hurting be careful not to hurt the ones who are close to you. There are countless stories in the Bible of loss, betrayal, and trauma. I want to tell you today that Jesus Christ has already shed blood for each and every one of us.
In Luke 22 we read in vs 39-45
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. 40When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.”
41And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, 42“Father if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
43Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.d
45When Jesus rose from prayer…
There is so much here, but I want to highlight a few things.
In vs 41 He withdrew, knelt down and prayed - Whatever trauma you have experienced or are currently experiencing, it is ok to withdraw and heal, but you should do so AND kneel and pray. Kneel represents an act of surrender and prayer is your confession and conversation with the Father.
Vs 42, Jesus says “if you are willing to take this cup” - God may not take a burden or trauma away in the sense of quick fast or in a hurry. But know that it is coming with continued communion with God.
Vs 43 says an angel appeared and strengthened - know that this is for you as well. There is an appearing, and a strengthening that is happening even now.
Vs 44 says and in His anguish (trauma) he prayed more earnestly (in a travailing way) and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground - (I’ll let the Holy Spirit speak to you right here)
Vs 45 when Jesus - not if you survive and overcome but When!
Vs 45 Rose from prayer - as I know you know He has a habit of rising!!!! Glory to God, and so as it is with him it is for You!
Father, I thank you and praise you today, for healing in every area of our lives that need healing from trauma. So leaders lead, and when trauma hits your life, your mind or your dreams, do what Jesus did!
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