Faith, Freedom, and Fulfillment: A Journey Through Healing, Trust, and Spiritual Growth

Whom the son sets free is free indeed

What does it truly mean to walk in faith, live in freedom, and pursue fulfillment? We've explored this question over the past five weeks through our powerful series Faith, Freedom, and Fulfillment. We peeled back layers of pain, confusion, and spiritual stagnation each week to discover healing, identity, and divine clarity. Let’s recap and reflect on each transformative topic:

Week One: Trusting God in the Waiting

In week one, we delved into the topic of trusting God in the waiting. Waiting is not simply the ability to stay; it is how we behave while we wait that matters. Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like an eagle, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." We are to wait patiently on the Lord and not stress about the success of others (wicked).

1. Delay is not a denial. Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean God said no.

2. There is growth and development in the dark. Just like a seed grows in the darkness of the earth, so we are to wait on the Lord and allow our roots to go down deep into the soil of his presence.

3. Your posture matters: What is your attitude like while waiting? Are you complaining or are you worshipping? Are you looking for life lessons?

Journaling Prompt: What has God promised you that you’ve given up on? What are you believing Him for in this season?

Week Two: Faith Over Feelings – When Emotions Try to Lead

 In week two of our series, we discussed Faith over feelings: When emotions try to lead. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "we walk by faith and not by sight." We don't live by what we see, feel, or fear. Feelings are real. They are valid. God gave them to us, but they're not supposed to be our guide. Our emotions are terrible decision-makers. Have you ever gotten into your feelings and forgotten what the word of God says?

1. Feelings are not facts.

 2. Faith is a muscle that must be exercised to grow and strengthen. This comes through testing and trials.

 3. Check your source. Where are these feelings coming from: fear, insecurity, or past trauma? Invite God into that space and allow him to show you the source and bring healing.

4. Worship is your weapon. When emotions are overwhelming, worship can shift the atmosphere.

 5. Question: Am I following my faith or just feeding my feelings? If you are facing an emotional situation right now, seek help from your support system, pastor, or a licensed therapist.

Week Three: Not My Grandma’s Religion – Healing from Church Hurt

 In week three, we delved into the subject of not my grandma's religion: healing from church hurt. Church hurt is defined as the emotional, physical, or spiritual pain caused by people or practices within the church that distort the character of God.

What does that look like?

1. Being shamed for asking questions.

 2. Being silenced because you are a woman with a calling.

 3. Feeling that your worth is tied to your performance.

 4. Being judged when you are struggling instead of being helped.

5. Have you ever felt dismissed, misjudged, or spiritually manipulated in a church setting?

I remember when I was going to church and God gave me a ministry idea. I shared it with the associate pastor, who said he was glad he was not God because he would not have chosen me. Can you imagine how that made me feel at the time? I felt totally broken, and I gave up on that dream until now, over 30 years later. That wound was long and deep, I questioned my worth and even my connection to God, but healing was and is possible for you as it was for me.

 How do we begin to heal?

1. Healing comes from breaking the silence. Wounds fester in the dark.

 2. Write it out: Name it, acknowledge it, and don't gaslight yourself about what happened.

3. Seek help from a safe community: It may be a therapist, a trusted spiritual leader, or a trusted friend.

4. Reframe your Faith: Was what I was taught tradition or truth? Was it legalistic or grace-based? Asking questions is not rebellion; it is maturity.

 Isaiah 29:13 says, "These people come near to me with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

5. Don't confuse God with people. People will fail you, but God will not.

6. Rebuild your Faith: Ask God to show you who he truly is outside of the lens of people.

Psalms 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit."

Is that you? Give yourself permission to grieve, reflect, and begin the healing process. God's got you!

Week Four: Discernment in Relationships – Spotting the Counterfeit

 In week four, we shared about discerning counterfeit relationships. It has been said that all that glitters is not gold, and many have found themselves with fool's gold. So, how can we determine if a relationship is real or a counterfeit? This is not only in romantic relationships.

Have you ever invested your time and energy into a relationship only to find out that you were in one that was not good for you, or maybe you thought it was bad, only to find out that it would have been great, but you gave up too soon? Judas betrayed Jesus, and he called him a friend because it moved him closer to his purpose, while he called Peter Satan because his defense would have kept him from his destination.

What does a counterfeit relationship look like?

1. Love Bombing: Exhibit extreme shifts in affection. They shower you with gifts and attention, then they are withdrawn, and you find yourself chasing the relationship. You are unstable.

 2. Lack of emotional connection: You don't feel seen or heard. You share more of yourself, but get nothing in return.

3. You feel used: You are meeting their needs and wants, while you are left feeling empty.

 4. There is a lack of balance: You are the caretaker, listening ear, you show up for everything, but they are not there for you.

 5. Lack of security: You feel they cannot be trusted to take care of or show up when needed.

 6. No shared values: They don't support the things that matter to you or what you deem valuable.

7. Lack of commitment: No vision for the future.

Healing from unhealthy relationships means

 1. Acknowledge and validate your feelings. It is alright to feel hurt, betrayed, and/or confused.

 2. Reflect on the experience: Were there any red flags you missed or concerns from friends and family that you ignored? And it is ok if you did, no judgment, reflect, and move on.

 3. Identify patterns: Are there any recurring patterns in your relationships? Consider the 'why." Try to understand why you attract these types of relationships. What unmet needs do you have, and any insecurities?

4. Focus on self-care:

 a. Prioritize your well-being.

 b. Seek support.

 c. Set boundaries.

d. Practice self-compassion. How would you treat a friend in your position? Give yourself the same grace.

e. Focus on your goals: What did you give up or put off in pursuit of that relationship/friendship? Now is a great time to pick it up.

Week Five: The Power of Prayer: Building a Strong Prayer Life

Finally, in week five, we discussed the power of prayer: how to build a strong prayer life. You are not alone if your prayer has felt dry, routine, or just hitting the ceiling. Many of us were taught how to pray, but not why to pray. Routine prayers are not bad, but they are just the starting point.

Prayers are not just you talking to God; it is about you communing with him. Prayer is not just performance; it's a partnership.

 James 5:16 says, "The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective."

Ask yourself, am I just checking the box, or am I actually connecting with God?

Five ways to move from routine to intentional prayer.

1. Schedule your prayer time. Make God a priority.

 2. Pray with scripture. Let God’s Word shape your prayers

3. Get specific. Bring your real needs and desires before God, be clear and specific in your ask.

4. Listen as much as you speak.

5. Journal your prayers. Track your prayers and watch God move.

Don't wait until a crisis hits to pray with intensity. God hears you not because you are perfect, but because you are his. You are not powerless; you are not unheard. You are not invisible. When you pray with boldness, heaven responds.

Final Reflection:

God desires you to walk in faith, experience freedom, and live in deep fulfillment. But that doesn’t mean life is easy; it means He walks with you through it all.

You are Empowered to Live.

This journey doesn’t end here. Keep seeking, healing, and growing. You were created on purpose, for a purpose.