The One Who Hears

 On mostly a daily basis I spend time in visualization and prayer with Jesus, visiting in my mind what I call the garden of my heart. A few days ago while in the garden I did what I call "self-sozoing" to help me through an old issue that resurfaced concerning not feeling heard.  Sozo Ministry is where intercessors and Holy Spirit guide you to release hurts, trauma, or lies from the enemy so that inner healing occurs.  It is hard to accurately describe, but I know it has helped me immensely in the past year on my healing journey, and I recommend it for everyone.  Joel was trained to be an intercessor in 2012 and we have also studied the training series together. 

I have learned to use it for small things, too, because it is so freeing.  Who wants to carry around all that stuff?  During the process you usually release something to Jesus for Him to take to the foot of the cross; it may be anger, unforgiveness, a memory, or a lie you are believing.  In return He may give you love, truths, courage, etc. or an actual gift that symbolizing something. 

This particular day in the garden, I visually held out my hands and Jesus gave me a box which held a microphone.  As I looked at it I was a bit confused on how to turn it on,  until I realized that Jesus was telling me He is the power source I need for my voice!  I then recalled that it was fourteen months ago a Sozo prayer intercessor, who had been helping me through a childhood issue, shared that Jesus wanted me to know I have a voice .  A voice empowered by Jesus and a voice He listened to!  I was told to never forget.  It had a strong impact on me and blessed me with inner strength. 

So while reflecting on Faith Barista's prompt for this week ~ "finding your voice'~ I knew that once again I would have to look back in order to walk forward.   In the beginning I did not believe I had a voice that held attention.....not in the womb nor the years to follow. My voice was silenced at age six, during and after I was sexually abused.  When I reached out to tell someone, my words were met with anger and what I perceived as disbelief.   The lie that my voice held no power took root, and over the years that lie became a stronghold in my life.  I expect we all have "lies" that turn into strongholds when left to fester.  There is good news, though!  God wants to rid us of those things that hold us captive to the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. 

Just like a river needs a source, a place where it begins, so does change and growth.  Creating my first blog on my journey with Lyme Disease was the source for me.  It was where I began to find my voice.  But God did not leave me there, since His plan is far greater than I could ever ask or think, as scripture says.  Later I started this blog and made a commitment to be open and honest here, writing with transparency, as God guided.   It has not always been easy, but doing so has helped my heart to heal, is reaching others, and glorifies God.  And the Lyme blog?  It is a place I no longer need to visit after being healed by Jesus from the disease nearly two years ago. 

When I began writing, something deep inside began to shift as God shaped and molded me to use my written words to bring Him glory. Healing took place, healing is still taking place, as I develop day by day into the me God created.  Faith Barista wrote that God says there is a need for the real you.  There is so much truth in that statement.  We each were created unique and special and God wants us to step out boldly.  Finding our voice gives life to being who He created us to be.  No one else can tell our story.  Remember the microphone Jesus handed me in the garden?  We each have one....a voice with Jesus as the power source.  The One who always hears the voice of His child.