"For many of us, it is easier to live with the roof off than it is to let the walls down - to be transparent and honest with others. We work so hard at leaving a good impression; we want others to think well of us. But once we have really been contrite and humble before God, it will not be threatening to be humble and honest with others we have nothing to lose, no reputation to protect - because we have died. The broken person is willing to say, "Will you pray for me? I have a need in my life - God is dealing with me in this specific area." Brokenness toward God produces openness toward others. Living with the walls down toward others can become a wonderful means of God's grace in our lives."
~Nancy Leigh DeMoss from her book, "Brokenness"
When I stumbled across this passage out of Nancy Leigh DeMoss's book, it really resonated with my soul. It is so true that in order to fully communicate both vertically (with God) and horizontally (with other people), you must completely tear down the roof and the walls that block you from being able to effectively and authentically reach up and reach out. Over the past 11 months, God has been radically changing my life. He has helped me lift off the roof and tear down the walls that were hindering me from really being able to grow and experience all that God has desired for me.
I have had to experience a lot of pain (both unwarranted and self-inflicted pain) along the way during this time of "demolition" in my life. It's been a very personal journey, and one that I have been so thankful to share. You see, we may wonder a lot of times why things have to happen the way they do. Why do we have to feel the pain we feel, or the desperation? Why do we have days when we can barely move because our heart is so heavy and full of sadness? How could my situation ever result in anything good? Why would God ever put me through this circumstance or situation? As I have been learning over this specific time in my life, God can and will use everything that has happened and that will happen in your life to bring glory to Him.
There is another book that I love to read called "31 Days of Praise" by Ruth Myers. It is in her own words and has 31 days to correspond with each day of the month. Today, September 22, 2012 Ruth shared this:
"I rejoice that You are able to empower me in difficult times and to give me wisdom in my responses. You are all-sufficient, more than enough to meet even the deepest needs of my heart, whatever today or the future may bring."
God will empower us if we just ask. I have to ask Him several times per day for His help...His guidance...His love to shine through me. I have been faced with tough situations over the past couple of weeks. My heart has been broken. I have been hurt. BUT...God is so good. He is GREAT. My God has set my feet on a solid rock and is setting me up for blessing. Though I may not understand the things that I am facing in my life right now...My God is working in my life. That is all I need to understand at this time in my life. I also need to allow this time in my life to be a chance to love on those who have hurt me. It's much easier to be hurt and treat them with a spirit of anger...however that is NOT what God is about. Treating hurt with hurt will never solve anything. I certainly wouldn't want the people that have hurt me to feel the way that I do right now. So, instead of retaliation...I pray for restoration. I can only depend on God to heal this situation.
It is so critical to live with the roof off and walls down. You cannot honestly communicate with others until you open up yourself. It's vulerable, but beautiful. I am still learning this in my life. I am trying to practice it more and more. Some days, I am pretty good at it...then days like last week come and I hesitate. You know, the enemy will try to defeat you...but if you give it all to God, in Jesus' name...the enemy is forced to flee!
For any of my friends who might be facing a mountain today...remember, God has already conquered that mountain for you. Communicate with others with a spirit of LOVE and patience. Treat others as you would wish they would treat you. Pray for them...yes, even those who may have hurt you. Lift them up to God, and let Him transform their heart. It isn't our battle...we just need to place it in God's hand and allow Him to perform His miracles in our life and in the lives of others.
Live intentionally...Love unconditionally...Pray continuously...Worship relentlessly...Every single pain...Every single tear...Every single heart ache...Every single fear...Every single heavy thought...Every single emotion you feel...EVERYTHING is for a reason.
