You are passionately loved by the God of the universe!
So, for the past week I've been reading this book called "Captivating" by John & Stasi Eldredge, recommended by Shannon. Absolutely AMAZING book. So the last few days I've really been struggling with some things and was getting kind of worn out from fighting the thoughts. So, I was ready my book last night and one of the chapters really, REALLY spoke to me and helped release me from the thoughts and just really encouraged me. I highlighted two pages worth. HAHA. I just thought I'd share what it said, because it may help someone else as well. So here goes...
"The Evil One has a hand in all that has happened to you. If he didn't arrange for the assault directly -and certainly human sin has a large enough role to play- then he made sure he drove the massage of the wounds home into your heart. He is the one who has dogged your heels with shame and self-doubt and accusation. He is the one who offers the false comforters to you in order to deepen your bondage. He is the one who has done these things in order to prevent your restoration. For that is what he fears. He fears your beauty and your life-giving heart. Now listen to the voice of your King. This is God's heart toward you:
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn [until you
shimmer],
her salvation like a blazing torch.
The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory [your beauty];
you will be call by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow,
You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand [the
crown of creation],
a royal diadem in the hand of God.
No longer will they call you deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah [my delight is in her],
and your land Beulah [married];
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a maiden [he pursues her, romances
her...]
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride [you are lovely],
so will God rejoice over you. (Isa. 62:1-5)
"But all who devour you will be devoured;
all your enemies will go into exile.
Those who plunder you will be plundered;
all who make spoil of you I will despoil.
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,"
declares the Lord, "because you are called an outcast,
Zion for whom no one cares." (Jer. 30:16-17)
You really don't understand your life as a woman until you
understand this:
You are passionately loved by the God of the universe.
You are passionately hated by His enemy.
And so, dear heart, it is time for your restoration. For there
is One greater than your Enemy. One who has sought you out from the beginning of
time. He has come to heal your broken heart and restore your feminine soul. Let
us turn now to him."
How awesome is that!? It has totally renewed my thinking. The
book also teaches that the reason Satan hates women so much is because He used
to be the most beautiful angel, but then, God created woman and woman was made
to show the beauty of God in human form. That's why Satan loves to play with
women, to bring them down, because He is jealous of the beauty that God has
given us! After reading this, everytime I have thoughts run through my head that
bring me down I just rebuke Satan and his jealousy and call him out for the
exact reason he is messing with me. It's awesome how much it helps to know the
reason and to be able to throw it back in his face and let him know that he
truly is under your feet and God is with you all the way. It's amazing!
God is so awesome. I hope has helped you as much as it helped
me.
<3
PS- Still praying.