Freedom Awaits

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)

I wanted to shift gears for today, and share a personal story with you.  It was such a powerful moment for me, and I pray you will be blessed.

My daughter is 7 years old and is graduating first grade this week... and she is still a thumb-sucker.  She has tried and tried, and has been unable to break this habit.  So last night I casually mentioned that she really needs to quit sucking her thumb by the time she goes into second grade.  This led to a complete melt-down.  She struggles with this so deeply.  She desperately wants to stop sucking her thumb, but believes she is powerless to do so.  She has all of these terrible thoughts about herself and how "stupid" she is as a result.  It is such a battle within her, it's painful to watch her go through it.  Just like anyone else may struggle with addiction, this is hers.

Last night she was inconsolable.  I decided that it was time to abandon the trite "please help me God" prayer, and teach her what it really means to turn to God in a time of need.  I had her cry out to God for help - out loud, not in her head.  She was a little embarrassed, but she did it.  And her prayer was simple, sweet, and pure.  It was honest and from her heart, and she melted mine.  She asked for His help because she wants to stop and she can't.  When she was done, I prayed over her, casting out the lies that Satan has put in her head.  I filled her head with the truth of Almighty God.  When she is weak, she is strong because His power is made perfect in weakness.  She can do all things through Christ, who gives her strength.  By the end of the prayer, her spirit was light and free.  It was such a defining moment in her little life.  I know this will be a struggle, but last night she chose to believe in God for her freedom.  I stand with her and will do the same.  She has the honor to see the power of her God in a meaningful and tangible way at age 7!  When her freedom comes, she will know that it was only by the love and power of her Heavenly Father, and not by her own strength.  Think of what that will do for her in the future when she faces something else that she feels hopeless in.  She will remember how her God came through for her when she couldn't do it on her own.  She will know that she is loved in a mighty way, and that it will turn out okay.

As I shared this story with a couple of friends, it was interesting to me how they each pulled a different message to apply in their own lives.  I am resisting the urge to wrap this story up with a point, because I think there are a handful of points to be made.  Instead, I will let the Holy Spirit work it out in you.  I would love to hear what this means for you. Be blessed and know that you are all in our prayers.  Our God is so good.  His glory will shine through my daughter's life, and His glory will shine through yours... if you let it.