Addressing sin to unlock true freedom.

"Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other that you may be healed." -James 5:16

Restoration starts with us and our relationship with God. Where was I first hurt, offended or afraid as far back as I remember? Do I still carry that with me in any way today? If so, I must confess it, how it did or how it may still affect me now. I must confess it to God and ask for forgiveness for any bitterness, fear or anger I may still have. Sometimes I may need to make it right with a specific person if the Lord leads, if it is best for the situation or it would be beneficial for the healing process (other times it wouldn't be best to go to that person as it could be more harmful, not best for the relationship...but i can go directly to God to deal with it.). Many times the hurt, anger, bitterness and fear we experience in our current most valuable relationships are a result of unhealed wounds of our past. That is why it is best to address these lingering hurts so we can be free to experience more wholeness and fullfillment in our current relationships. And when we see how we may have hurt the heart of God or have been angry with Him in the process, our focus can become right.

Recognizing areas where I may not have trusted God in my own journey has helped me learn to truly trust Him to be who says He is and to be strengthened spiritually to live more freely in all He has created me to be. He can handle any fear or frustration I may be experencing, I just need to tell Him, cast it on Him so He can do His work of grace...and salvation. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6