Episode 2: Our Background
In this episode, Bob and Jake discuss how their (and our) life story is the critical backdrop to our healing journey.
Show Notes
Guiding Scripture
“For we are his handiwork created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared.” (Eph 2:10)
Key Points
Everyone has a story that they are living as part of the grand story of God
Being God’s handiwork is the opposite of vainglory (being a self-made person)
God didn’t make us on an assembly line
We are never alone is facing any situation
We are intended to abide in Christ and loving/accompanying people out of our union with God instead of apart from God
God’s preparation for accompanying us isn’t just formal training…it’s also, and possibly more so, our life story filled with the wounds and blessings and healing
None of our life is wasted
God has and is designing us into his handiwork
We can experience powerful healing through the love and presence of other people
God loves for us to cooperate in His healing work by being an experience of his love and compassion for other people
Therapy is an inherently creative process
Many of us have places in our lives where we experience shame and a lack of compassion for ourselves
Practical Application
Consider looking at an area in your life where you feel shame, don’t have compassion for yourself, and you are afraid to be honest. Once you are aware of that, ask God, “God, where can I go to receive your compassion and mercy in this? Please lead me to people and places where I can experience you and your healing.”
In this exercise, you might feel lots of emotion and you might feel nothing or just feel numb. It’s okay to get and feel below the surface, behind the veil. It can be scary, but it’s often necessary to experience healing and peace.
If you happen to feel a swell of emotion with this exercise, that okay too. If you don’t feel anything, don’t dismiss the exercise. We are often numb for a reason. Ask yourself why you might be numb and if there is a reason you might be guarding this or your emotions.
Resources
You Are Special by Max Lucado