Nicole Thayer

Recently my family started going down a fairly intense journey with our house. We also happen to have a family member that went through a similar thing a few years ago. We talked many times as they were walking that journey out. When we realized what we were dealing with, I was on the phone with her and talked about how we were staying positive etc. A little bit into the conversation she said, "Nicole, do you remember what you told me when I started going through the same thing?" I didn't and she said, "I was having such a horrible time and I just found out what we were dealing with. I remember calling you upset and not knowing how I was going to do it. You told me, 'Well, you're just going to do it. And you're going to figure out what you're dealing with and then you're going to fix it and do what you have to do. And it's just a house and it's just money. You have your family and God and this won't destroy you. You'll take it one step of the time.' Nicole, what you told me then about my situation is exactly what you just said now about yours."

I was shocked.

I've given a lot of advice and wisdom over the years. And sometimes, even as I'm saying it, I know that although it's wise and good, I'm not sure how I'D actually be able to do it. I KNOW that it's easier said than done. A few years ago, when I gave that advice, I don't think I would have walked it out the same way in my own life. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting it is to SEE that you've actually grown in your faith. It's so humbling to realize that God actually DID something in you. Because don't you feel like sometimes you're just never going to learn? I know I do. Sometimes I just feel like I keep getting sucked back into the same thought patterns time and time again and I'll never get free. But isn't that the worst lie? That because you've always done it, that you always have to do it? I say no. I experienced what it was like to think better and I'm ready for all the changes God wants to do in me.

Because it's freedom, my friend. Freedom. No longer bound by the same anxious thought patterns. No longer a slave to fear. What is it for you? No longer punishing yourself for mistakes you've made? No longer buried in shame? No longer battling the same insecurities you've dealt with for decades? What are those lies you listen to? The areas you feel you'll never get free from? You have to know that YOU. CAN. BE. FREE. God can and WILL free you from the toxic ways of thinking you've always dealt with.

And one day, you will think differently. And on that day, you will realized that you've changed. You will realized that you aren't who you once were; that God has dramatically changed you in marvelous ways. His way is freedom. So it's time to get free.