Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: The Blessing in Our Wounds
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
At first glance, the thought that there is a blessing in our wounds sounds absurd. No one in their right mind knowingly asks for an insult or wound, let alone a disease or life-altering loss.
However, as I was preparing my heart for Thanksgiving, I was suddenly confronted with memories of emotional and physical wounds—betrayals, insults, abandonments, embarrassments, injuries, pain, and loss from my past. Before I could shift my thought to the positive, the Lord spoke to my heart and said,
“Give thanks FOR everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:20 (emphasis mine)
He instantly revealed a hidden truth. When I have resisted bitterness and sought Him in a hard or painful circumstance, He has used it to transform me into a better person that chooses a better path.
Betrayals made me loyal. Insults made me kind. Abandonments made me faithful. Embarrassment made me considerate. And injuries, pain and loss made me more compassionate and generous.
We are all victims at some point, but it is our choice to remain one. #VineWords #JulieSouzaBradleyLily #TheBlessinginOurWounds Click To TweetIt is in the pressing that olives give forth oil; it is under pressure that diamonds are made.
The Lord uses the wounds we receive from others as tools. When we submit to Him in them, He uses them to shape us into the image of His Son.
The Lord uses the wounds we receive from others as tools. When we submit to Him in them, He uses them to shape us into the image of His Son. ~Julie Lilly
Terrible things happen in this life, and I wouldn’t for a second minimize another’s suffering. I only want to offer an opportunity to exchange a label of “victim” for one that says, “blessed.” We are all victims at some point, but it is our choice to remain one.
Share your favorite Scripture. How does this help you to know God is there for you?
Father God, in this beautiful season of thanks, we bring our wounds before You. We are so grateful for Jesus, for through Him, You work all things together for our good (Rom 8:28). We thank You for our blessings—the big ones, small ones, hidden ones, and even the blessing in our wounds because when we let You use them, they make us more like Jesus. In Jesus’ Name ❤️
Copyright 2020: The Blessing in Our Wounds: Author Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved
Meet Our Contributor
JULIE SOUZA BRADLEY LILLY
Julie Souza Bradley Lilly is the writer of Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior, a self-professed chief-cook-and-bottle-washer at Gift of Thorns on Facebook.
When asked about who she is, Julie is quick to tell you that she is a worshipper, a servant, blessed wife, step-mom of four adult children, caregiver, retired chiropractor, writer, and most importantly, a forgiven daughter of God.
With thirty-plus years in healthcare, Julie is passionate about seeing the broken come to receive healing and find wholeness in right-relationship with the Creator. Through her own multiple injuries, PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and other health concerns, she has found the generosity of God to be true to His Word, in turning all things together for the good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
For those entrusted with a thorn in the flesh, it is one of Julie’s greatest joys to see the discovery of the treasure the Father hides tucked in among the thorns. Julie shares that God is good and His mercies endure forever!
It is Julie’s prayer that the body of believers will honor the Lord and encourage one another toward wholeness, spiritual growth, and mountain-moving faith. Julie is grateful for the privilege of being a servant writer at VineWords.
For more encouragement visit Julie’s websites. At Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior, Julie shares encouraging articles with prayers. At Gift of Thorns, Julie shares powerful and life-changing input from writers who are passionate about pursuing God.
CONNECT WITH JULIE LILLY AT:
Julie Lilly Prayers of a Ragamuffin Warrior
Great insight. My favorite part was, “Betrayals made me loyal. Insults made me kind. Abandonments made me faithful. Embarrassment made me considerate. And injuries, pain and loss made me more compassionate and generous.” Thank you for showing us that negatives can be turned to positives.
Thank you, Julie for the reminder that we do not have to remain a victim. There is healing!