I had a remarkable discovery take place this morning as I was having my bible reading. I have begun to read the book of Luke in The Passion. In the first chapter, vs. 37, it reads, “Not one promise from God is empty of power. Nothing is impossible with God.” As I read this I knew immediately it is true. However, just as immediate was the thought, “why Jesus if this is true, did you not keep the promise of I Corinthians 10:13 while I was growing up and even through all my adult years? This verse says in part,…”And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.” How do these two verses align with the abuse of my brother and dad and the torment of all my adult years?

As I began to reflect on this as a “new creation” I was reminded that the tools of a new creation were not in place for my use during all of these years. These tools are: belief, trust, faith. I have learned so much about believing who I am in Jesus Christ and who He is to me. I am learning to trust the unknown and have faith that God will and does use every ounce of our past for His Honor and Glory. Huge in this is the truth that God’s way of escape for me has been to keep me from ever participating in the abuse as I entered my adult years. Satan has always tempted for this to happen, but God has been fully faithful for me. Lastly, the grip of the past is broken and the past mess is now God’s message He and I use for His Honor and Glory! Praise God!