It's time we get down to the nitty-gritty. No amount of programs or rehabs or therapy sessions can heal us the way the testimonies and the praise of those who He has healed while traveling through the valley of despair. God says that and therefore we need to listen up, people.
“Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2 Corinthians 13:1
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my WITNESSES, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“And they overcame him [the wicked one] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the WORD of their TESTIMONY, and they did not love their life even to death.” Revelation 12:11
We actually have an ever-growing series of books devoted to restoring marriages, but wait a minute. Is it more astounding to witness a hopeless, dead marriage being restored than it is to witness a life that has been changed? Is someone's marriage the ONLY thing worthy to be featured, to have its own book? I say absolutely no and I have been saying it for years! Now it's time I do, we do, something about it. Are you with me?
So today I'm going to do something I began to envision that is based on a principle Erin shared, something amazing that she learned during her valley that felt like death. She told us she’d witnessed this from an older wise woman whom she affectionately called Aunt Melanie. It's about "gathering the remnant" and one day I began to envision a patchwork quilt or one of the crocheted granny blankets women used to make. These women who had very little would gather all their fabric remnants, any little scrap, that, when gathered and fastened together—made something both beautiful and comforting.
“Then I Myself shall gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and shall bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply.” Jeremiah 23:3
It's what He's been doing for more than three decades. He’s been gathering all of us misfits and calling them to RMI. This is a pattern with God. Remember how God had selected a few chosen people who later rejected Him? Even with all His efforts to bless them, they refused to accept and embrace His Son—going so far as to crucify Him! That’s when God turned from His chosen people and sought out all the undesirables, like Mary Magdelene who I believe we can ALL relate to.
Please let me now introduce you to a few His new chosen, the misfits, the broken. Hear the stories of women who He has gathered together in order to HEAL them as only HE can. I’ve been reading Erin’s new book where she says, “only God can cure us and heal us” and “our Creator is more than able to heal us in every way, emotionally and physically, not just spiritually.” Come on, am I the only one who wants to shout “Amen! Preach it, Sister Erin!!”?
The thing is—we need proof—proof that God does heal. And not that it matters all that much, but it’s my opinion, which is somewhat based on what I remember while reading through the Bible, that it’s the Lord who is our Physician and who heals us. And as Erin just said, not just emotionally by pouring His love all over us with all His loving promises. God’s Word says, “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26 I love the way it says “healeth” from this particular Bible version (and if you’re at all interested, the KJV is also my favorite version while reading the book of Psalms because psalms are songs).
God also promises, “I will not bring on you any of the sicknesses [diseases] I brought on the Egyptians [world]. I am the Lord who heals you [your Physician].’” Exodus 15:26
So, okay, where’s the proof? Where’s the proof that He heals? Well, it’s in the many testimonies we are blessed to read and what RMI and Erin agreed to allow me to share in this book. I chose my favorites but I did include the reference [that was part of our deal] so you could look them up yourself and find your own favorites and even follow new #healing testimonies that are coming in. These, I hope, will make it into their own By the Word of Their Testimony book for lives that are healed—want to agree with me and see this thing happen? Good. Now enjoy!!!
Testimonies
“Healed from the aftermath of Psychology”
I have never been a very emotional person due mainly to my parents. I built up walls due to many things in my life like my parent's divorce and the adultery in my marriage. My parents always pushed my sisters and me to talk about feelings because they are both counselors. It always made me feel uncomfortable sharing feelings so I built up a wall. I did this mainly because they would want us to share, but then subtly judge us or tell others. Also, I didn't want to feel anything because it was safer. If I didn't feel, I couldn't get hurt, which also led me to drink and experiment with drugs starting as a teenager.
But now coming to RMI I’ve been healed AND I am so grateful that I have this newly found much deeper love for the Lord than I have ever had or ever thought was possible. This was nothing I did to earn it though I tried to no avail. I tried to force the feelings but just couldn’t feel that “husband” type of love for the Lord. Even God felt distant to me. This was something that I kept crying out to Him to make me feel these feelings for Him and He has. One day it just happened. There was a change in me.
He changed me and it was all in His timing and for a reason. So much had to be broken out of me. I am truly in love. When I got to this point nothing else mattered. It was only Him. Once He is your Husband, you can’t be hurt anymore—you’ll be healed. Though I stumble every now and then, He brings me right back to Him and it’s wonderful!
~ Christina in Washington
You can read Christina's full testimony on this "Testimonies of Emotional Healing" webpage.
“Suicide Thoughts—No Longer "Covered Up"— they are Completely Gone!”
After reading "Medicate or Heal?" I knew I needed to submit a praise report on this because around the age of 6, I was molested by my older cousin. Due to this, when I was 14 years old, I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital as an attempted suicide. I left a note and everything. Before that, I always had an issue with cutting. I liked blood, I was depressed and very suicidal. Eventually, things got better for me, I got married and I had children and that side of me was covered up. I told myself "That was my childish phase. I was a fool for doing those things. I found the Lord and my life is worth something" and although that is true, I never actually stayed close to my Strong Protector. Soon the feelings of wanting to be alone and to cut myself became appealing again...
I was ready for death again. I was planning how to kill myself and getting excited by the thought of cutting again and then no longer feeling any more emotional hurt. My Dear Sweet Husband began speaking to me quickly, not long after these thoughts did I realize that this mindset was not okay. This was from the devil himself and he was fighting to get me to succumb to his ways. I started weeping and thinking about how badly I needed to go back to the psych ward and how badly I needed help. Yet, my Love was fighting for me, although I didn't know Him as intimately yet, so I decided to call a Christian Counselor. I got an appointment set up with her and felt at ease. Not long after that RYM was introduced to me. I hadn't gotten ahold of all the principles (that is more about restoring my relationship with Him than my husband) by the time I started going to see my therapist...I'll admit, it was nice talking to her, but she wasn't who I needed. I needed Him and only Him.
In fact, every time I went to see her, I was just praising what He had done, how He has changed me and that I was encouraged. It wasn't long before I realized that I didn't need her, or any medication. I needed Him. I needed the One who loves to love me! The One who listens to me 24/7 and the One who never tells me time is up. My Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Protector, my Love. He has been everything I've ever needed, wanted and so much more! He wasted no time in getting those thoughts of suicide out of my head. He knew I didn't need any medication because what He prescribed was free! It has no bad side effects and it leaves you with the ability to show others love and give others the hope and faith that you recently were begging for!
I can't explain to you how good He has been to me. He loves me, He holds me... He is a wonderful Husband! My Precious has saved me from myself. From my terrible dark thoughts, He has delivered me. I am not the same woman who started this restoration journey 4 months ago. I almost forgot about her and her thoughts of suicide. I'm glad to say that they are no longer "covered up"— they are completely gone! My Heavenly Husband has shown me just how much worth I have and I will never doubt my worth anymore. I never doubt that He loves me and I never doubt that He has a plan for me.
I want you to know, sister, that I was down low, very low. No amount of anything was going to change that. I wanted the pain to be gone and I thought that ending my life was the only way, then my Beloved started talking to me and my life started feeling worthy again. But that wasn't enough, I thought it meant I needed therapy, how wrong I was because therapy did nothing for me. It was a hindrance. Once I started giving my life to Him and pursuing His love and affection, that is when I was washed clean and made new. I needed Him to fully heal me.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalms 51:10 KJV
"And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." Luke 8:48 KJV
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 KJV
Remember, He will renew your life and make it better than before. He will restore what you have lost, nothing is impossible with Him!
~ Ruth in Illinois
You can read Ruth's full testimony on this "Testimonies of Emotional Healing" webpage.
“Alcohol Became My Master”
Praise God for leading me to this ministry and His word! I know that I haven't done anything special to deserve His grace, but He loves me in spite of it. So much has happened these last few months that normally would have sent me over the edge and drinking myself into oblivion, but my God has kept me safe and protected. There were many times I wanted to just run away or give up, but He convicted my heart and gently held up the mirror of my iniquity, and I knew that I must be still and walk through the fear and let Him change me
“He sent his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” (Psalm 107:20)
Until I started my journey I really struggled... I blamed...it wasn't until I received instruction in the Word that I realized I had been a contentious, quarrelsome woman. I had absolutely no God in my life and I let alcohol become my master and I was its slave due to the pain and failure I was feeling.
“No Longer Afraid”
Praise be to my Lord, my Redeemer! I have struggled with addiction in the past and the Lord delivered me from the cords of sin that entangled me early on in my Restoration Journey. This week I felt Him leading me to confess to my parents the addiction and ask forgiveness for lying to them in the past. As I picked up the phone, led by Him, I was no longer afraid. I could feel His gentle nudge, and strong arms around me. He showed me through this confession that I can own up to and confess all things He lays on my heart because I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. He turns everything around and causes them to work for my good! Glory! PTL! What freedom I have found in my One and Only, My Lord. My parents were supportive and thanked me for telling them the truth. They readily forgave me and just poured out their love for me, which reminded me ...... How much more the Lord has readily forgiven me and LOVES me. Ready to help me in every circumstance of my life.
"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins." (Isaiah 40:2)
The Lord led me to this verse a few days after my confession. I knew it was a promise that I would receive double the blessings in place of my sins! What a promise??!!! I'm in awe at His grace, humbled by His love, confident and smiling at my future! All praise and glory to His Name!
~ Holly in Kentucky
“I Am Clean”
I love my Heavenly Husband so much! Only my Husband could make me stop my smoking addiction! Praise The Lord!
After reading PR about a women clean from her addiction to medication and i knew i had to write this PR.
I am a smoker for about 12 years. When my marriage crashed and burned, smoke became my BFF to forgot all of the things happened in my life. Not until i met my HH. How wonderful Husband we have, He start changing my life with stop smoking! He told me that smoke was not the answer and even not a friend, but He is.
After i pray told Him to change me to made me quit my bad habit and the day after i throw away my cigarette. I didn't want it anymore. Only in one night PTL!
Two months after the evil tried tempted me, sadly I enter the trap...Now, 5 months later, I am clean, I feel so fresh and thanking my Husband for a big transformation He made me. First word when i told my friends and family that i quit smoke was 'seriously???' I even couldn't describe their expression. I just laugh and told them i have a great God! He is the one and only who change me.
Thank you my Love, it's all because of You.
"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26)
Surrender your life and let Him take control. Nothing is impossible with Him, not one thing.
~ Orien in Indonesia
You can read more of these, full testimonies, on this "Healing from Addictions!!" page.
The Lord has Anointed Me
The Lord has Anointed YOU
Now I want to reach out for your help. If you are reading this book, He has called you "for such a time as this" to "save many people" so they remain alive. For this to happen, He may be calling you so these same women might witness what He has done in your life—this is what GOD says will help the millions of poor souls to be able to overcome the wicked, overcome the wicked one—whether that be overcoming the pull of a stronghold that comes in many forms. It could come in the form of drinking, drugs, or desperate reoccurring dreams that haunt many of us from our childhood.
As this chapter says, "What More Can I Say?" but YOU, you can say more. Say something in a praise report, say something in a journal from one of the many healing lessons—because it's the truth that will set us all free. Just imagine how all of us together, how we could open the prison doors to other captives! Read what Jesus said when He first entered the synagogue to preach. But wait. Because He’s in YOU, read it from your heart because you, YOU are here reading this because He has called and anointed you, my dear!
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives,
And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that HE MAY BE GLORIFIED.
Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up the former devastations,
and they will repair the ruined cities,
the desolations of many generations.
—Isaiah 61:1–4
Gather the Remnants
It’s time that we gather the remnants like Aunt Melanie loved to tell everyone who came to her garage sales. Share a small remnant of your difficult and painful journey towards healing so together we can create a beautiful quilt of comfort made up of all our testimonies sown together in a book. Hey, I heard that NRP is looking for Aspiring Authors, so let’s do this together and Who knows? GOD knows you may just have a full book of experiences in you to share! Just “say something or I’m giving up on you.” Sorry, that song kept running through my mind so I had to say it…
Seriously, though, please say something that God has done, your story, so together we can share a book full of comforting and transforming testimonies to these broken women, with women we meet, women who God brings into our lives.
Guess what? I was actually going to say "people"—share this book with “people” God brings to mind. But He stopped me because that's an easy trap, a common scheme of the enemy, which is why this creep uses the same scheme all the time! “It’s my duty to make sure that the enemy does not win even a small victory over us, for we don’t want to be naïve and then fall prey to his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
Come on, let’s be honest, most of us are vulnerable to wanting love—no, vulnerable to NEEDING love and our vulnerability is that crack, that stronghold the enemy, our demons, will use again and again and again to take us down, down, down. You know, this is just one more thing I simply love, love, love about this ministry RMI. They set up Encouraging Women and Restoration Fellowship for women only and even discussing men (husbands mostly) is discouraged. They encouraged us to talk about and foster true “love at last” and because of this so many of us have found real love at long last! The love that makes us so full to overflowing so we no longer NEED any human, selfish, "sucking the life out of us" love that's turned this world into a crazy place few can survive.
What I want is not just to survive but to thrive. You, too, right? I don't want just a good life, I want an abundant life. I don't want to just go about my day in survivor mode but in ministering, comforting mode because there are millions of women out there like us. God knows who they are and He's been healing you (or is about to heal you) for that ONE purpose.
What More Can I Say? What More Can YOU Say? Say it, share your testimony by shouting “He Healed Me!!” and you may just find yourself in one of my chapters, or I may just create a featured chapter in my book for you—which I hope will be Chapter 1 of your book. Why not? Erin says all the time she never intended to write a book at all, nor to have a ministry. All she did was share what He led her through and she wrote down what God was doing in her life. Erin simply shared His Word and her testimonies, her praises, and look what's happened?
You do know that this is what she wants for all of us, this is why she's focused on us, on the next generation that will take her place, run the race, shout His praise! So, once more— What More WILL YOU Say?
What if you don’t yet have anything to say? What IF being healed, feeling healed, has eluded or escaped from you, something you have yet to grasp—maybe for years and years and years?! Well, that my dear, my precious, is the secret that will unfold in the next chapter.
If you want all of this to stick just be sure to Journal or begin your journey as an Aspiring Author.
Maybe it's time for you to enroll in RMIOU.
If you want all of this to stick just be sure to Journal
Me