Healing

I am preparing to preach a two week series on July 5 & 6 and then July, 12 & 13. It is called Healing Stream and we'll be discussing the importance of community within the body of Christ. Especially the purpose of confession to others. This is a "tough sell" to most of us since we find protection in keeping areas of our life, especially sin areas, our past, our ongoing struggles with the flesh, etc. hidden from others. At best, we often skirt around subjects, giving the impression that we are being open, when in reality we're hiding the part of the story that really impacts us.

This past weekend, I was talking with a friend who had recently shared with me part of his past and the fact that it still negatively affected his walk with Christ. He had been extremely open and honest. We determined to keep sharing and seeking God for healing in this area. Circumstances have kept us from doing so, so I mentioned this to him. He said that his desire was to get back into it...but then...what he said next hit me like a brick. He said that he had felt and experienced a level of freedom and release through simply honestly communicating the issues with me. For the first time in 20 years, he felt healing taking place -- just because someone else knew!!! Is that amazing or what?

James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Seems to me...that it's TRUE!