by leaps and bounds

The picture above shows a chair and water can that has many layers of paint. It shows years of paint built up.

It’s like us; we all have layers from years of things accumulating on us like anger, fear, anxiety, depression, lies, and scars. They build up and up to the point that we feel past the point of no return.

So, when you want to take those layers off, what do you do? Well, with the chair, you would scrape them off with a wire brush.  It’s hard work but the end result is good.

But for us, we can’t just scrape them off like that. We can’t do it on our own. Which comes to the question: how do we do it then? We take it to God and ask him to help us start peeling them off.

Allow God to peel back your layers with you. You will get to know yourself and be able to deal with whatever is hiding deep within the core of your heart. It is not easy and it can be very painful, but it is worth it. Matthew 19:26 tells us all things are possible with Him.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld their thoughts, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but if they will forsake all things for my sake, with God whatsoever things I speak are possible.

He will guide you through this every step of the way. He will not leave you or forsake you. He is our provider in all things.

Proverbs 20:24: “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?”

We can look fine on the outside… and no one knows that you might be dealing with a lot of “layers” underneath that smile. You’ve played the part of “I’m fine” for so long, but today is the day that those layers can start peeling off.

As the layers come off, take a look at each one; they were a part of you. Remind yourself that you aren’t going to let those things rule you anymore.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I hope this helps you today. We all have things in our life that we need to deal with… But with God you can get through anything.

Have a blessed day and always make sure your cup is full. ☕️

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Lou Ann Virden is the author of the blog Farmhouse, Coffee and Jesus. She is very active in her church. She volunteers in the food pantry, usher/greeter team, and cleaning crew. She is on the prayer team, is over the sound room team, and she writes the newsletter for her church. Lou Ann and her husband Donnie will be relaunching The Refuge 180 Evangelism Ministry. They have been married for over 40 years. They live on her husband’s family farm with their dog Hunter. In the summer they are busy canning what they harvest from their garden. Her hobbies include going to the beach, reading, camping, and serving however she can. She hopes that her blogs inspires someone that might be dealing with a similar situation.