In response to Wingless Butterfly’s recent posts.
First of all, Cult Proofs’ process described above is very helpful. I believe God’s expectations regarding us are different based on the circumstances and burdens we are carrying. I love the verse that says, “He GENTLY leads those that have young” (full passage below) because it demonstrates that he is VERY CONSIDERATE of our personal place in life at the time. He does not expect us to follow methods others do that bring us pain.
My first response in how to maintain your relationship with the Lord is what my husband usually says to me, “Remember it’s not what you have done for God that keeps ties to him, but what HE HAS DONE FOR YOU.” Many of us need to step back from trying to be good enough for God, and recall that He has MADE US GOOD ENOUGH for him ALREADY by his blood.
The affirmations regarding what Jesus’ blood has done for me are the greatest springboard to my responding in faith toward him. There are quite a few under The Healing Forum under the topic “Essential Affirmations: Building Up What Has Been Torn Down”. There are also many testimonies on here of the process others had to go through in order to trust God again. Spiritual Abuse definitely puts obstacles in that road. That is why God hates it so.
How fitting is the name “Wingless Butterfly” for one who has experienced spiritual abuse. It describes what so many of us in GCx experienced. It portrays well the very thing that was STOLEN FROM US - our freedom in Christ - our graciously and supernaturally given wings! They are such a crucial part of our identity; the freedom to be accountable to God alone. To please him alone, not men. To have the divine ability to request and act on God’s PERSONAL guidance for our lives. To enjoy his personal adventure for ourselves individually. To feel convictions individually with our own spirit-led conscience. To lovingly respect others’ differing choices. Jesus is all about grace. In GCx there was much condemnation of choices made outside the leaders’ narrow boundaries. Jesus actually condemns the leaders who teach such things.
“...if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.”
Matthew 12:7
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message Version
We tried to adapt to live “winglessly”. And it became very tiring. In addition, we were required to carry heavy loads we were never meant to carry. So we became EXHAUSTED!! And then on top of that, nearly everyone around us acted as though they were fine in their continuously burdened routine. The mere “uninspiring” men-made predictable routine of it all crushed many of us. That is NOT what following Jesus looks like. That is what following Pharisaical men looks like!
I love how this passage portrays what following Jesus actually does looks like:
“HERE is your God! ...
He tends his flock LIKE A SHEPHERD:
He gathers the lambs IN HIS ARMS
and CARRIES THEM CLOSE TO HIS HEART;
He GENTLY LEADS those that have young. “
Isaiah 40:10&11
His compassion comforts, renews and restores us. We can honestly POUR out our heart to him and not be condemned. Instead we will find refuge and help. This includes telling him we have nothing left to seek him with, to infuse faith again in us. And most of all, to teach us in a new and better way to trust him. My favorite “goto” verse in these circumstances is from Hosea 14:6. I claim it and wait for it.
“I will HEAL your waywardness (unbelief, unfaithfulness, etc.) and LOVE YOU FREELY for (because)
My anger has turned away from you.”