Walking with a Cast On
Walking with a Cast On
Hi friends,
Lana and I were teaching in our school last week on the importance of being free of a victim mentality.
During the session, a picture came to mind that I felt to share as an encouragement and exhortation to you on this list.
Imagine, you hear about a friend who had broken their leg, and now had a plaster cast on – as is the process of healing. I have known people to have a cast on for six weeks, sometimes twelve, depending on the break. But if you saw your friend six months later still with a cast, trying to walk on it (as if it were a normal leg) with a hobbled gait, you would try to know what’s going on.
Imagine then, your friend telling you that they had kept the cast on because it was much stronger than their normal leg. Sure, it made them walk funny, but they liked the strength and protection it gave – not to mention the number of people who wanted to talk about it. It had become a part of their life, and they were even proud of this new part of their body.
It sounds silly, but stories like this exist – albeit not generally about broken legs.
We are all exposed to the trauma of life, and part of the natural healing process is seeking to protect the wound. We build up walls, and can become easily triggered people. Some people even find validation in their hardships and infirmities, constantly seeking sympathy from those around them.
God did not intend for us to live as victims. We cannot be simultaneously seated in a place of authority (Eph 2:4-6) and also live a life that is entirely controlled by hardship.
Hardships happen, but the hardship should not become our master.
During our session, we also spoke on the widow who gave two small coins – all her wealth – as an offering at the temple. She had no need to give so much, although to many around her it looked like she gave little in comparison to everyone else.
Yet, she was the only one that Jesus saw. She did not let the circumstance of her hardship determine her ability to worship God in any way.
And despite the massive donations made by others, Jesus celebrated her alone.
This is not an offering talk, I am not seeking donations. It is an encouragement, though, to consider the ways that you may be choosing to walk with a limp. Sure, you may feel protected, and you may feel that it’s easier to forget yesterday’s pain than speak with someone about it and be healed of the injury. In the long run it could be pulling you back from what God has planned for you. Even generational curses should have no power over you, if you are seated above them you can war against such things.
Wounded people often find it hard to see the needs of others too: and that is not what God has made you for.
There are people who can help you; counselors, prayer ministries, pastors and trusted (and wise) friends. Either way, don’t give yourself an excuse not to be free to step into whatever God is calling you to.
You were never called to walk with an emotional limp forever, there is freedom to be found.
I hope that encourages you today.