I used to _____. Every woman can complete that sentence.

I used to battle deep depression and experience severe anxiety and overwhelming insecurity. I used to believe I had accumulated so many unforgivable mistakes, poor choices and epic failures God could never forgive me. I used to embrace self loathing like a close friend believing I was worth little. My long list of “I used to’s” could continue.

God loves a Used To story. Our before and afters attest to His great mercy, grace, love and patience.

Like the lame man in Acts 3 who used to be crippled, one encounter changed all that. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful.” (3:10) His chance meeting with an anointed Peter gave him his own “Used To” story!

The woman caught in adultery used to seek love where no lasting love could be found. The woman healed from the issue of blood used to live with debilitating sickness daily. The woman at the well used to believe she was as only as worthy as her current relationship.

My “used to” has been replaced with “now I am.” One encounter with Christ will do that. Now I am secure, at peace, and worthy because He deemed me so. Now I am excited about my future knowing my past has been forgiven.

Just like the lame man I am recognized by many as “the same” but I know I am not. No longer paralyzed by life’s sorrows I too “am walking and praising God.”

Your anxieties, fears and past that have crippled you can be transformed into your testimony and your own “Used To” story if you simply ask.  A story that is begging to be completed and told!

Sandra Hubbard
https://www.facebook.com/elevatechicinspiredliving/