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Have you ever tried to forgive someone? I’ve often struggled with true forgiveness. I’ll think I’ve forgiven. l pray about it, but the next time I’m hurt, I remember everything ever done as if it were today.
Recently I read Mary DeMuth’s new book, Everything-What you give and what you gain to become like Jesus. God used her words to hand me the key to forgiveness.
Two weeks ago, I spoke at a women’s retreat. I’d planned on reading part of Mary’s book from chapter 7. What I didn’t expect was to share my own Am statement. While speaking, I felt God nudging me to do so.
Three years ago my marriage was in a shaky spot. God has worked wonders in me, my husband, and my marriage. But I’m still a work in progress.
In an argument one night (even though our marriage is healed we still argue sometimes) my husband said, “You haven’t really forgiven me. You keep bringing up the past into our present.”
I wanted to deny this.
But he was right. Every time something reminded me of our past issues, I would remember every hurt and it would burst forth, making a small thing into a big one.
I don’t want to live in the past. I want to live in the freedom and healing Jesus offers us.
When I read Mary’s book, she said to take your “was” statements and follow them with an “am” statement based in God’s promises. This is my am statement.
“I was in a broken marriage, I am a bride of Christ.”
So simple. One little sentence. But God can take simple words and transform them into life changing things.
Whenever I feel the old hurts rising to the surface, I silently (or sometimes out loud), say these words. Whatever grievance tries to rise is melted by these words.
After sharing at the retreat, a woman walked up to me. She said, “When you were talking I remembered the first time I met you over thirteen years ago. I remember thinking you didn’t have a clue about life. But when you were speaking, God told me, see what she’s doing for me? I’m sorry I judged you.”
Tears clogged my throat. Not because of her judgement. Actually, she was right, at eighteen I didn’t have much of a clue. But her courage to tell me this was God’s way of letting me know he’d been planning this writing career of mine before I was. His eye had been upon the sparrow. And it still is.
Don’t be afraid to listen the Holy Spirit. Amazing things and healing takes place when we do.
I want to encourage you to write out your own am statements. Mary’s running a special through October 23rd only for anyone who purchases her book. Freebies valued at over $240 for anyone who emails her their receipt. Here’s the details.
If you feel prompted, share your own “I was____, I am_____” statements in the comment section. How has God brought healing into your life?
If you’d like to read how others were impacted by Everything, here’s the list of blogs and posts.
FREE exclusive secret recipe and BONUS chapter on Dutch Oven cooking when you forward your Amazon proof of purchase email and mailing address to melissaknorris@juno.com. EXPIRES October 31, 2012
Read the First Chapter for FREE!
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Great post, Melissa. We went through a similar time in our marriage and I had to get to the point of not bringing up the past too. I love your I am statement. Thanks for the great reminder!
I also love how God uses other people to speak things that we need to hear. What a blessing that is!
Thanks, Tammy. I’m learning to listen when people speak things I may not want to hear, but to discern if it’s something I need to hear.
I was forsaken (or at least I felt like it). I am wildly loved by my Creator.
Thank you for not being scared to write about the hard things, Mary. God has blessed your words to reach and help heal others in Him.
Forgiveness is always a challenge. Thanks for sharing these insights and your journey as well. Bless you, Gail
Thanks, Gail. Forgiveness is hard but so beautiful when it’s complete.
I was lost in hopeless blindness. I am able to see.
{glory, glory, glory}
Natasha,
I love your I Am statement! I can lay claim to that one as well. Thank you Jesus for opening the eyes to our hearts!
I’m reading Mary’s book right now and really enjoying it. I found the chapter you talked about really hit home too. My husband and I argue once in a while and I’ve also found it hard to forgive. Thanks for sharing your “I am” statement.
Bonnie, you’re in for a treat. I wrote down sections on a piece of paper while reading that “spoke” to me to go back to later. This book inspired me and took my faith deeper in so many ways. I hope you find it does the same for you.