Finding Hope in your brokenness

Psalm 40:1-4: This scripture reminds me of the power of patience and trust in the Lord. I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction. Out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their TRUST in the Lord.

“Ladies, I’m telling you, if you do the work in this entire book. If you are intentional and do all the reading (long pause). I promise that you will be set free by the time this 6-week session is over.”

Those words echoed from Leader Zaibel Torres were HOPE to my ears. It felt like there was finally a glimmer of hope for my life. I have finally found the answer to how I could be set free from the stronghold that had me bound for so long. I was so desperate, and she had my full attention.

It was my first Purity and Peace group session with Zaibel Torres leading and the session ended with words of hope. Hearing her say with absolute confidence that I had a chance. That every woman who sat in that class had a chance of walking in healing and freedom just did something to my soul. It gave me a feeling of hope I felt that I once thought was out of reach and all I had to do was read this book. All I had to do was spend time with God. All I had to do was the work. Yes, that’s right, I had WORK to do. However, Zaibel convinced me all I needed to do was put in the work and I was guaranteed to be set free. For the first time in a long time, I felt HOPE.

Before I had learned about this women's Bible-based group, hopelessness was starting to consume my life. Hopelessness is often born out of difficulties, defeats, and discouragements. And while these things are painful, there are seasons when the Lord uses our sufferings to grow and strengthen us.

Scripture promises that God remains close to those who are broken, and He makes them stronger than before. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isaiah 61:3 teaches that God would give those who mourn and are broken “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.”

As I started my six-week session with Purity & Peace I learned that I was not alone. I was surrounded by women of diverse backgrounds and ages. We all had different traumas, some worse than others. However, we all had one thing in common we were all seeking healing. We all had pieces of ourselves that needed mending and repair. We needed something to believe in that would pave the way to our healing. As we shared our stories, tears, and confessions, a sense of belonging and compassion enveloped the room. The pain was very real for everyone in that room and for the first time, it felt like it did matter. It did matter what was happening to us or what happened to us. There was no judgment—only love and a genuine desire to help one another. Each time I shared, I felt a little more liberated from the weight I carried.

Week after week, I diligently engaged in the program, posting my commitment to "Quality Time with Jesus" using #QTwithJC on social media. For the first time in a long time, I felt the weight of the chains that kept me enslaved coming undone. I began to feel the grip of the enemy loosen. I began to believe in the possibility of restoration and my own capacity for change. I hungered to see the person I could become once healed. I discovered that the journey to healing often involves embracing pain while trusting in God's greater plan for our lives. Just as athletes experience pain that leads to strength, our trials can be transformative.

As time passed, my focus shifted from personal suffering to the power and faithfulness of God. I am eternally grateful for Zaibel Torres, not only as a leader but also as a dear friend and sister in Christ. Through her guidance and her willingness to share her own journey, she became an instrument of hope in my life. Today, I can confidently say that I walk in freedom.

In conclusion, my experience taught me that even in our brokenness, there is hope. Through faith, perseverance, and the support of others, we can find healing and restoration. Let us remember that we are not alone—Jesus walks with us on this journey.

Sincerely,

Myra