Where the Healing Begins

My guest today is Laurie Coombs. You won't want to miss where the healing begins in her new book:

Letters from My Father's Murderer

By Laurie Coombs

I didn’t want to revisit my past, but I knew I needed to. I had already seen God move mightily on my behalf in the short time since giving my life to Christ, but I knew He wasn’t finished yet.

Healing begins the moment we allow Jesus complete access to the darkness contained within our souls. (Click to Tweet) 

Darkness must flee in the presence of light, in the presence of Jesus, but light cannot go where it is not permitted. Doors must be opened for light’s rays to touch our darkest dark. And at this point, I was flinging doors open left and right, begging, Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Soon, I heard God’s gentle whisper––“It’s time to forgive.”

I knew what God was calling me to. I knew I was being called to forgive Anthony, the man who murdered my dad. (Click to Tweet) But quite honestly, I thought I had already done that. Yet over the course of the next several weeks, God slowly showed me that, while I had forgiven Anthony as far as I was capable, I needed His grace to forgive completely, to forgive unconditionally.

But then God took it a step further––“Love your enemy,” He said.

At that, I cried out to God and said, “Okay, God, I get this whole forgiveness thing, but love my enemy? How am I to do that?”

I wrestled with what God was calling me to do, but I had read account after account in Scripture of God redeeming losses. Of God healing physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. I saw Jesus’s heart toward the brokenhearted, and I believed God could do all that for me as well. I didn’t want my faith to be just a belief system. I wanted it to be real. I wanted it to impact my life. I wanted it to change the way I lived. So I followed, believing wholeheartedly that God would deliver. That He would faithfully keep His promises.

And He did.

What began with a simple, seemingly insignificant call to love and forgive my enemy led to years of correspondence with the man who murdered my dad, through which I witnessed God do the impossible. I have seen God redeem a situation that seemed without hope or purpose. He has brought good out of evil, love out of hate, and peace out of despair. God has truly worked all things for good in my life. And I believe with all my heart that He will do that for you as well, if you let Him.

I pray you will.

You see, God has not left us to sit in our pain. (Click to Tweet) Jesus came to heal. He is our redeemer, and I know it is His desire to lift each of us out of our despair and bring us in—to a new, better place. A place rich in beauty and blessings. But in order to get there, we must be willing to allow God unhindered access to all the pain and bitterness and anger in our souls. And we must be willing to forgive.

For this is where our healing begins.

Letters from My Father’s Murderer: A Journey of Forgiveness––which tells an incredible true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God––has just been released. It’s available wherever books are sold. Be sure to pick up your copy today!

Laurie Coombs is a passionate writer and speaker on the issues of forgiveness, redemption, and the hope found in Jesus. She is the author of Letters from My Father’s Murderer: A Journey of Forgiveness, an incredible true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God. Her story was featured in Billy Graham’s film, Heaven, and she is a featured writer and blogger for iBelieve and Crosswalk. Laurie and her husband, Travis, make their home in Nevada along with their two daughters, Ella and Avery.

For more information about Laurie or to book her for a speaking engagement, visit LaurieCoombs.org. And be sure to connect with her on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

You can order a copy of Letters from My Father's Murderer: A Journey of Forgiveness

You can also find it at:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | ChristianBook | Books-A-Million | Powell’s | Parable

You Can Begin Again: Book by Joyce Meyer

Have you lost your job?

Are you facing singleness again?

Do you fear the unknown of a diagnosis?

Have you made mistakes you regret? (Click to Tweet)

I know many who face a daunting future. They’re not sure of tomorrow and afraid of what to expect.

And, that fear drowns out hope.

But, the message of the Gospel is new life and new beginnings. It is overcoming sin by way of the cross. It is rising above our circumstances to see that our hope is in Christ. Because of His redemption, we no longer have to stay stuck in our cycle of pain. 

An Unexpected Lesson About Rest

Rest has been a theme here at The Stream's Edge. A message I need to hear. Maybe you do too. 

Join my guest, Dr. Michelle Bengston today with her thoughts about the subject. Often the unexpected lessons are the ones we hear the loudest.

Welcome, Dr. Michelle...

What You Really Need to Mark Down: Remembering for the Journey

Rebecca Hatch is my guest today at The Stream's Edge. Her words will encourage you in your walk (or run) with God because life is a journey. And remembering along the way gives us hope and connection to what God is doing around us.

What You Really Need to Mark Down: Remembering for the Journey reminds us to remember God's faithfulness. Welcome Becky with me and be sure to join the conversation!

Image courtesy of Morguefile.com

I’ve taken up running again on a trail just a few miles from home.

 

I’m a short drive away from slapping my feet against the pavement with my favorite music blasting in my ears. 

After tucking my key and cell phone safely away, it’s a short stretch and quick walk to begin.  Nothing feels quite like eating distance and space up with your sneakers. 

Let God Fight Your Battles: Review Joyce Meyer's Book

What battles are you facing today?  Click to Tweet

You must know by now that I can get jazzed about:

God’s ability to do ANYTHING

God is able!

God is willing.

God wants us to believe He can.  Click to Tweet

One of my favorite scriptures when I teach on this is found in 2 Chronicles 20 and includes Jehoshaphat’s prayer. We face enemies every day and his example is perfect for how to handle them. We usually feel we need to figure out a plan and DO something. But, time and time again, the message of scripture is:

Gleaning by the Ocean

I love to walk along the seashore, hunting for shells, smooth stones and discovering the treasure of sea glass. Gleaning by the ocean is soothing. 

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

There is something about the ocean that draws me. Peace and power in the same place.  Click to Tweet

Kind of like Jesus

During this season of REST, I spent a couple of days by the shore. It was chilly—not really beach weather but the time away refreshed me.

The book of Ruth held treasure for me as I sat by the water's edge. No matter how many times I read her story, I glean something new. Her story draws me too, because it is filled with precious truths.

I read:

“May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord…under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Ruth 2:12

My reward and wages may not look like the world’s because God’s definition of success come from the Kingdom dictionary.

It is HE that rewards my work.

My wages are full from HIM.

How well, He knows me. I am trying to prove myself again – to others – to myself – and maybe even to God.

Forgive me, LORD.

My calendar doesn’t prove my success, nor does my income.

It’s my obedience, reliance and trust in my God who provides. Jehovah-Jireh. And, it is the fruit that remains.

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

I feel like Ruth gleaning in the field. Trying to provide. Trying to survive. Then You LORD, like Boaz, say,

“Come here [Draw near], that you may eat of the bread and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar. So [Ruth] sat beside the reapers; and he served her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left.”  Ruth 2:14

Then Ruth shared with Naomi [verse 18].

I’m always amazed at how God speaks to me through His word. Click to tweet

Wherever I am; whatever I am going through, His word is for right then. 

I Heard God say:

• Draw near to Me.
• I AM your source.
• Blessings come from MY hand.
• I provide plenty so you can eat and be satisfied.
• I provide plenty so you can share the abundance with others.

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

Like Ruth, I glean despite the famine in my soul. Spiritual hunger spurs me to find something to satisfy the empty places.

“Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field…” Ruth 2:8

How often do I try to gather scraps from different fields hoping to be satisfied? Click to Tweet 

Lord, show me where to gather…under your protection…under the shadow of your wings. Help me to draw near and receive from your hand.

His word is powerful and it brings peace. Like the ocean, it is peace and power in one place. It speaks to my situation today. And will speak again tomorrow. The Living Word is like that.

Here is a free image to share:

Gleaning by the ocean produced fruit and treasure for my weary soul. He fed me from His hand and I am satisfied. I have plenty to share.

Where are you gleaning today? Does it satisfy?

Jeanne

The book of Ruth is just four chapters long but is called one of the great love stories of the Bible. Though she was a foreigner, her lineage goes straight to Jesus. Further proof of God's love for every person, no matter their background or nationality.

For more insight on rest from Holley Gerth, check out her recent post on (in)courage called, A Better Kind of Ambition

All photos by Jeanne Doyon

Pre-order your Keyword study of the book of Ruth:

Read fiction stories about Ruth:

It Isn't Easy To Rest

Does Rest Come Easy For You?

I thought it did...but I have a lot to learn about the subject. And, the lesson isn't coming easy to me. It is so difficult to turn my brain off. Click to Tweet This

I feel I need to hear from God. And, I am sure all my rushing is getting in the way. Trying to figure it out. Do my part.

Can you relate?

Thanks for growing with me in this area. I would love to hear your thoughts about how easy or difficult it is for you to rest Click to Tweet This

Feel free to copy and share this image

I am "trying" to take some time away from the internet, other than working on my new website launch...which I hope will happen by the end of June.

This is a brief update:

My new website is built. I just need to get my web copy written.

I have recuperated from a bout of shingles and I am taking some supplements to boost my immune system.

June is my birthday month so in honor of my need to REST, I am taking it slow.

Thanks so much for understanding. I will let you know when my new site is up and ready to be bookmarked.

How about you? Does rest come easy for you?




Jeanne

Watch for my post tomorrow called, Gleaning by the Ocean. Rest gives our heart room to hear.

I'm taking next week off so see you on Wednesday, June 17th. My guest, Dr. Michelle Bengtson will be here again with a timely word.