Let the Unwrapping Begin

Bill Hybels says in Communicate with Power, “We find that much of what we have to do is attempt to speak to people’s brokenness, their addictions, their wounds, their victimizations. We’re finding that instead of just discipling people we lead to Christ, we have to almost re-parent them before they’re capable of being discipled because they have lived with so much trauma. They have been wounded and broken so badly that most of the time some form of counseling is necessary.”

Discipling is not an easy or quick process in view of the condition of the world. Jesus told the disciples to unwrap Lazarus from the grave cloths. Lazarus had been raised from the dead but he was wrapped tightly in grave cloths. We too have been raised from the death of slavery to sin. We wear the grave cloths of shame, rejection, victimization, addictions, pain and trauma. Who will unwrap the grave cloths from our souls?

We need those of you who have been freed from your grave cloths to help unwrap others through mentoring, coaching, friendship, small groups, prayer and testimonies. So much has been given to us and to whom much is given, much is required.

What is God birthing in you? Is there a desire to see others freed as you have been freed? If so, pray that God will lead you to someone who needs the grave cloths removed. Give them your friendship, your time, your story as you unwrap the cloths binding them in their shame, fear, pain, addiction, victimization or trauma. Yes, I know that it is scary and you can only do so much. But God in and through you can do mighty things – Zechariah 4:6 says “'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.”

If the situation is too much for you there are counselors among you who could volunteer to help one person at a time walk through their healing. Maybe God wants you to share your testimony and pray with them and another person to counsel or coach. Discipling is a multi-layered approach that is required in the midst of a healing community of believers. It cannot be done without you.

Did you feel something fluttering within as you read about this? Is God stirring your heart? Or are you one of those who need the help? Let’s circle around those who need a hand. Let the unwrapping begin…