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Transparency & Vulnerability
by Karin Paparelli
Transparent; permitting distinct vision through a solid
substance, easily understood. To be vulnerable is to be susceptible of
being wounded, or assaulted. To expose oneself to possible harm. To be
free of protective coverings. What does this mean to the Christian?
A few years ago I was asked to speak at a women's dinner. I was to give
a testimony. A week before I was due to speak the Lord revealed what He
wanted me to speak on. It was a testimony that I had never shared publicly
before. It was a testimony that once spoken would put me in a position
of vulnerability. I was not sure of how I would be received yet I knew
that was the message I needed to share. I was obedient to the Lord and
everything went well. The Lord ministered to many hurt women at that dinner
and His purpose was served. And I was set free even more than before!
It was at that time that the Lord told me I would need to be transparent
in ministry. If I wanted Him to move freely, to move in power and to liberate
the captives I myself would need to be completely willing to be exposed.
This is something He has revealed to me in many different circumstances
regarding many different issues. Each time He reinforces the need for
me to be real, to be true.
And "They (the saints) overcame him (the enemy) by the blood of the
Lamb, and the word of their testimony...". There is so much power
in the words of our testimonies, but we need to be real. We shouldn't
be ashamed of what we've been delivered from but rather rejoice and give
God glory! Every weakness of ours becomes another opportunity for God
to be glorified in our lives. But who wants to share their weaknesses?
Who wants to talk about what they were like before redemption? Who wants
to admit to the sins that held you in a stranglehold? Most of us would
just as soon go on our ways never again to discuss or even think of where
we've come from. But there is power in the words of our testimony. Power
to set others free from similar situations. Power to overcome the enemy!
It requires transparency and vulnerability. You must be willing to let
people see you, all of you, warts and all. Not just the shining moments
but the pit too. Are you willing to reveal the dark places in your heart?
Do you even acknowledge that they exist? Are you secure enough in knowing
who you are now in Christ to become vulnerable for the sake of another?
Or does Satan keep you bound with the fear of rejection?
Every time I am asked to speak the Lord reminds me to let others see what
is real. To share my failures and frustrations not just my victories.
To open myself up to criticism and even condemnation for His name sake.
When I surrendered my life to Jesus I meant it. All of it. Now not everyone
will be asked to share the things I have shared in a public arena. I know
that I have been called to a public ministry. I have always been a public
person and the Lord designed me that way to boldly proclaim the wonders
of God. But even within our intimate relationships we hold back, when
we should share. The reason is simple, fear. We are fearful of being hurt,
rejected, misunderstood. Our concerns are real, but what can we do about
it?
Jesus died to set us free. The word of God says that He whom the Son sets
free is free indeed. Free from the fear of man. Free from the fear of
rejection. Free from past hurts. Free from all that would hinder your
walk with God and your relationships to one another. All you have to do
is to confess to the Lord you sin. Yes I said sin. You are in sin when
you regard man higher than God. You regard man higher than God when out
of fear of man you do not accept your freedom in Christ and choose to
be healed from your past. Hey, I'm sympathetic to your pain. I understand
that old wounds may be so camouflaged after years of denial that you may
not even realize they are still there. Go to the Lord in prayer and with
an honest heart ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any past wounds which have
remained hidden. It is these hidden wounds which fester and become roots
of bitterness, resentment, anger and fear. When Christ shines His light
on those places the darkness is dispelled. And once you are healed you
can't help but share the good news with the world!
It is time for the Church to rise up in Healing and Victory. To truly
proclaim the goodness of our King! To Expose the lies of the enemy and
to overcome him with the words of our testimonies! Are you willing to
be vulnerable for the sake of another? For the sake of the Kingdom of
God? For the sake of Christ? Remember Jesus left all the Glory of Heaven
and came to us in the form of a defenseless babe, completely dependant
upon a teenager in humblest of circumstances. Stripped naked, beat, spat
upon, crucified with thieves. And even when it had appeared that all was
lost and He breathed His last breath, when people mocked Him and rejected
Him still He stayed focus on bringing His Father glory and fulfilling
His purpose. Vulnerable? You bet, but His testimony of death and resurrection
has brought us all life! Thy Kingdom Come! May you walk in His grace.
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