Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at my home church from, Mark 5: 21-43. In case you’re unfamiliar, it’s the story of Jairus and the bleeding woman. Both were desperate for a healing encounter with Jesus. Both came to Jesus with determined faith.
But this morning, I’m thinking about how Mark, the writer, describes what happened when the woman came forward to confess that she was the one who had touched Jesus. Mark tells us she, “told Him the whole truth.” (Mark 5:33). The Message puts it this way, “she gave Him her whole story.” I love that. Part of our healing encounter with Jesus is our daring determination to pour out our whole story before the One who knows it all, sees it all and loves us anyway.
Early in my walk with Christ, I learned how to pour it out, my tangled story, my messy story and my confused story. I am convinced that there is no way to unscramble the complications of our stories without processing them with the Perfect Healer. He is the One who is able to help us sort out fact from fiction, hope from horror and peace from paranoia.
So, how exactly do you pour out your whole story? Here are a couple of ideas to help you get started. Try one or two.
- Create a time line and map out the significant elements of your story. As you map it out, write down some thoughts about how each significant event impacted you physically, emotionally and spiritually.
- Take a prayer walk. As you walk just talk to God. Tell Him everything. Don’t worry about sounding confused, conflicted or crazy. He knows it all anyway, so you might as well tell Him. As you pour out your heart, the Holy Spirit with help you sort it all through.
- Even if writing is not your thing, writing your feelings out in the form of prayers to the Lord is a great practice. Why? Because you can look back and see how God answered your prayers.
Here’s what I know. God will never condemn you for pouring out your heart to Him. No matter how messy your feelings are, God loves you. He’s on your side and He will help you find the wholeness that He designed for you. Wholeness in God’s eyes is you becoming complete in Him.
Leave a comment and let me know, what have you discovered as you’ve poured out your heart to Christ? I love hearing from you.
3 Responses
June
Hello Becky,
Thanks for your message. I so identify with “Don’t worry about sounding confused, conflicted or crazy.” I am always tell the Heavenly Father that ” You know what I mean”, when I sound like a babbler; and yes we are sooooooooooo lucky that He knows
June
Becky
Thanks, June!~
Eileen
It is very hard for me to say in words, my story, as much of it is simply too painful. I find I can write it out easier but the tears come so easily. Maybe it will always be that way. I know He has rescued me and kept His hand on me even through horrible things and great loss. For this I am so thankful. The Lord knows all and someday I will have complete understanding and healing. Becky, thank you for sharing this and giving specific suggestions of how to pour out my heart.
Eileen