By Kimberly Davidson
I can’t tell you how many times, when I get a new appliance or gizmo, that I fail to see the protective plastic coating. It’s so clean and tight you don’t even notice it. Eventually, I figure it out. Other times I choose to leave the wrap on to protect the appliance against my clutzy antics. I also figured out that in the past, I’ve been pretty good at wrapping myself in a thick plastic coating. I make sure it’s very clean and tight so no one can see it. That plastic coating did a good job of deflecting my issues and flaws onto others and protecting me from seeing my true self. You see, if I couldn’t see myself, then I didn’t have to fix myself.
I didn’t know Jesus very well back then. I had absolutely no clue that I had hordes of negative thinking beliefs that had to be identified and changed. God encourages us to look inward, to identify areas of weakness, pain and illness so we can address them: “… you should examine yourself” (1 Corinthians 11:28). In other words, take off the protective-wrap!
Self-examination is an important part of living as an authentic Christian. But by nature, we prefer self-deception; it’s easy and comfortable. We don’t always know our own hearts (Jeremiah 17:9)—not as God does. True self-examination and healing must be done with God. Romans 12:2 says, “let God transform you into a new person.” Try as we may, true transformation requires a Helper. We need God to continue His sovereign work in us. Warning: He will be thorough! He’s not in the business of slapping on a band-aid. He wants to evaluate, assess and examine our lives. Then with skill and precision, He will give us the perfect prescription for a comprehensive treatment plan that will lead to healing.
As followers of Christ, we are “new creations.” We’ve been empowered to live a new kind of life. God is all about revealing the stuff from our “old creation” which is hindering us from participating in the abundant life He came to give us (John 10:10). Even if we grab on with just a mustard seed of faith, it will be enough for the Power Source to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. He breaks through the chaos, “Anything is possible through me.”
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him [God], and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied (Matthew 9:28).
Do you believe, really believe, Jesus can help you heal? Turn your response into a prayer.
