When I look at this old, rusty car needing a makeover, as perceived by some, I see something different. I see a seasoned beauty with a unique story defined by circumstances, whether good or bad, only the driver knows.
Many would look at it and see something broken, with no value left, and in need of a junkyard. Others would see a timeless treasure needing a loving touch by a restoration master, taking care of the areas of worsening decay to not cause additional damage during the restoration process.
I was a lot like that when Christ started restoring the broken parts of me piece by piece. Such care was taken so as not to put me through more than I could bear at any given moment during the unveiling process. An unveiling Truth of who I could be once all the layers of trauma were shed, and the healing power of His presence took over.
When I realized my trauma did not define me but seasoned me with a unique perspective on how resourceful and powerful I was to survive all those years of torment and abuse. Layer upon layer removed; lies replaced with God's healing Promises of Hope.
Promises like:
10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
8: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
12: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
1: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Rejoice in His Truth and let Christ transform you one piece at a time. A timeless treasure of beauty, broken, but valuable and worthy of repair.
Blessings and Peace,
Tammy Toney-Butler