As we come to the completion of our Restoration series, I pray your heart has been moved in some way, allowing these truths to settle in. Before we get to our third discussion topic, let’s recap what we’ve gone over the last two prior topics: 

In the beginning, we talked about how ACKNOWLEDGMENT of our struggle is the breakthrough to healing; something we may or may not have known we were desiring. By doing that, we are making a conscious effort to recognize our deficiency; admitting we don’t have it all together.

But we are not equipped - or expected - to do it alone.

We discussed how, not only does God provide us guidance through His word, but He provides us people [His people] to walk with us; to help guide us. When we choose ACCEPTANCE of this truth, that’s when the healing begins.

Today, we will talk about how that healing will continue to grow, should we embrace this third encouraging step; ALLOWANCE. Allowing not only these three steps to sink in, but to allow the change to occur.

If it’s stirring in your heart, let it stir!

It may feel uncomfortable. But that’s ok! There’s no doubt when we become vulnerable to something new, we feel shaken. In this case, maybe even broken; shattered by the reality of an unrecognized, unrevealed struggle. But that’s when God begins doing His most miraculous work. When you open your heart and offer your brokenness to Him, He can be the mold that puts you back together. He can heal you. But you must ALLOW Him to do that work.

But how can He fix ‘this’? It’s too dark... too dirty... it’s too much.

There’s no valley too deep or too dark [Romans 5:8] that God cannot see you, reach you, and heal you. He created each one of us, fearfully and wonderfully [Psalm 139:14], for a PURPOSE. Your story - the good, the bad, the ugly - is original, beautiful, and valuable. He has plans to use you and your story, to create in you something beyond what you could imagine. Allow Him to build that masterpiece.

Surrender.

Allow friendships [He provides] to build and develop. Don’t deny them or turn them away.

Allow discipline to embrace opportunities to be selfless and serve others. Don’t miss out on that experience.

Allow Him to create the change in your heart. Don’t turn from it.

It’s by Acknowledgement, Acceptance, and Allowance of God’s grace, mercy, and love, that we find our restoration. They are the ingredients to His creation of our freedom! And we are ALL deserving of it. Surrender, and allow Him to bring you new life.

by Megan Snyder (Hope in Struggle Ambassador)