“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” // John 14:2
The “many dwelling places” in this verse always remind me of all the different seasons in my own life and how God was always there, using different people and situations to invite me to come deeper into His home. Even when I didn’t believe in Him, He still loved me and had a place at His table set up just for me.
Human beings can only come to God through other persons, whether other human beings, angels, or God Himself as one of the Persons of the Trinity. He always comes to people through people. It is this interaction between people that God is mostly interested in. He knows that for us to get to know Him, we sometimes have to be introduced to Him by another person who knows Him—someone whose faith and wisdom have brought them to a place of understanding the power of our personal testimony. Sharing chapters of our life stories, showing those parts where God showed up for us, is a way to point people to Jesus.
We all have a story. You have a story and your story matters. Stories have the power to connect us to one another more than anything else. We shouldn’t be afraid that we are not worthy to speak God’s name or to share all He has done in our lives though sharing our stories. Making ourselves vulnerable and opening up with others in community by sharing our struggles and triumphs is how we can inspire and give others hope.
When I first started writing books, a number of people didn't believe in me or in my talent as a writer. But God, the One who gave me that talent, went ahead and placed a few good people in my path who have supported me. That has made all the difference in my life. We all need people who believe in us. We need people who understand us well, validate us, and show us unconditional love and support when we need it the most.
It is good to remember that sometimes God will send different people into our lives for a season only—that is okay. He always provides the right people at each period of your life who will best guide you towards Him.
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We need whole communities to understand how important it is to love, support, and disciple others so we can have hearts that are set aflame, ready to pass this fire on to others.
There are so many lost souls in the world right now who could use guidance from people who have been lost before and, by the grace of God and the help of other people, have now found their way to Jesus.
If you know someone who has been away from Christ and His Church, be patient with them. I have found through experience that it is usually a big misunderstanding or big wound that is the true culprit behind why someone walks away from God and His Church. As you wait and pray, ask God to do the heavy lifting and the convincing for you. All you need is a desire to be a true friend and bless them with your unconditional love and presence.
In my own story, I spent close to two decades of my life away from God. The devastating trauma from the sexual abuse and rape I went through as a little girl, coupled with the lies the evil one led me to believe, made me doubt the mere existence of God. My trauma led me to ask questions such as these: Is there a God? And if there is, does He love me? And if He loves, why did He allow this terrible thing to happen to me when I was just a little girl?
Each lost soul has their own reason why they have found themselves in that dark place. God knows our pain. He knows when we are living in a spiritual desert. And in His goodness, He loves us too much to just leave us there all alone in the wilderness.
My relationships with all the wonderful men and women throughout the years who have taken their time to spiritually mentor me have been an essential part of my continuing conversion. I truly believe we can never succeed at anything alone. Together we are always stronger. God created us to need one another—and in this need and self gift to each other, we image Him, the Trinity.
Elza Spaedy grew up in Brazil in a large family of 7 brothers and 3 sisters. Since finding healing and restoration from the painful childhood trauma of sexual abuse, Elza has been on fire for the Lord, ready to let Him use her and her story to help heal others.
Elza is the author of three books- Freedom Through Christ; Healed and Restored; and Spiritual Mentoring, as well as a retreat leader. Elza founded Healed and Restored over 4 years ago- a non-profit ministry that helps women heal from all types of trauma and assault. Elza loves to entertain and enjoys preparing and sharing a great meal with family and friends. She lives with her family in Charlotte, NC. Find out more about her here www.healedandrestored.org
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