Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
As I was reminded of this scripture this morning, through the reading of God's Word, I couldn't help but remember this anointing I once felt and understood so deeply in my life. The anointing God placed on my life that continually breaks the yoke of bondage and looses the chains of adversity. So what happened? Life! Actually the enemy devised a plan, that pulled the rug out from under my feet, 3 years ago this month... which led me down a winding road of uncertainty and feeling displaced. Confusion that didn't come from God, because I knew the word I heard from God was the real deal backed with His scripture, and it wouldn't return unto me void. Satan is sneaky, and he will use people, rather a person, we are least expecting to knock the wind out of us, keeping us down longer than we could've ever imagined. I felt like I've been wondering around in the wilderness for the last 3 years, but at least it wasn't 40 years right? Yet, on the other side of the wilderness is the Promised Land. While the enemy was throwing darts though, keeping me numb to everything and reminding me of nothing but the pain and hurt from words and accusations that cut like a knife, God never left my side. When I was down, He reminded me how I was still placing myself in a ministry role where He could use me. I didn't give up. I didn't go home. I didn't quit. Still though, nothing made sense to me, until now. God is continually working behind the scene on our behalf, cleaning things up, fixing things in His way, so when the time is right He can place us right back where we need to be.
I say all that to share this, I realized that unfortunately I had allowed the spirit of bitterness to take root in my life over these last few years, and God sent healing and deliverance my way today. Bitterness is a creeping toxin from the heart that comes to destroy the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Where there once was joy, there is now sorrow and pain, love is quickly replaced with unforgivness and resentment. Where there once was confidence in the Lord, there is now anxiety and questions. The anointing that was there, seems to be replaced with pain, hurt, and confusion. But today that all changed, for I am confident that He who has begun a good work in me is faithful and just to finish it. Those tears begin to flow, yet through it laughter came forth and I knew God was truly restoring my joy this day and me piece by piece.
Nothing catches God by surprise, but it sure does us. But just as He reminded me today, His promise is alive and well in that He will never leave me nor forsake me, for He is a friend who sticks closer to me than a brother. I've felt that very promise every step of the way these last 3 years. I've felt His presence, and I've heard His voice still... even when I was slacking on studying His word or talking to Him. That's how much He loves us; He keeps pursuing us when we aren't pursuing Him. Once again, I'm reminded of how important it is to only fix our eyes on Jesus. People are human and they will make mistakes and let you down, usually the ones you aren't expecting, but God never will. It's up to us to decide how long we are going to walk around in the wilderness questioning everything God is doing, or push through the hurt and not allow that seed of bitterness to take root and grow in our spirit... and make it on into the Promised Land. Oh who will come and go with me, I am bound for the Promised Land!
In Christ,
Kimmy♡
