When I was 7-years old, my parents separated. My mom and dad were my world (they still rank pretty high on my list!) and all of a sudden, my life went from the security of having my two parents with me all the time, to living in the primary custody with my mother and seeing my dad every other weekend. I was in a whirlwind of pain and I didn’t know how to navigate my new reality. Forty years ago (ouch…I’m getting old), the supports for children of divorce were almost non-existent. My parents were struggling and my brother and I were too.
Anyone who has been through something like this knows that these hurts run deep and take years to heal. For me, this pain gave birth to two strongholds within me: rejection and control. I wrongly believed that I was unlovable and so I had to win people’s love and respect. I couldn’t control my present circumstances so I chose to control those things I could. Unfortunately, these created horrible patterns leading into adulthood. It even reared its ugly head in some of my parenting too.
The thing that I didn’t know forty years ago, was that the enemy had a plan for my life. He wanted to take my childhood and make my story into a self-fulfilling prophecy for the rest of my life. He wanted me to live in fear and love others with the premise of self-preservation.
But God had another version to my story. One that involved redemption. One that moved from grief and loss, to life and hope.
What about you? What has been your story? What beliefs or strongholds have taken root within your soul that need to be uprooted? We need to remember that those lies were not placed there by God. They were never supposed to rule and reign within us. We have given permission to them and accepted their lies as truth. When I asked God to reveal to me how I had been deceived, what that hurt or painful experience had falsely taught me, I was able to break any agreements I had made with it through the power of Jesus and find freedom. You can too.
Put on all of God’s armour. Then you can remain strong against the devil’s evil plans. Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world. So put on all of God’s armour. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing. So remain strong in the faith. Put the belt of truth around your waist. Put the armour of godliness on your chest. Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the good news of peace. Also, pick up the shield of faith. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Put on the helmet of salvation. And take the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God’s word.
Ephesians 6:11-17
Every day, you are fighting a spiritual battle. Whatever armour you choose to wear will determine how well your battle goes. By arming ourselves with salvation, truth, faith, godliness, peace, and God’s Word, we can have victory over our brokenness and become all that God created us to be.
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About the Author: stephanie holmberg
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Stephanie is a wife, mother, pastor, and friend who is passionate about seeing people live authentic, purpose-filled lives. When not working alongside her amazing kidmin team, you will find her at home spending time with her family, snuggling her furry friend Milo, or out exploring all the amazing places Edmonton has to offer.