Starved | Page 53

CltajJftr Ftrur STORIES OF MERCY T:can be easy to say that you desire healing. Who _L does ~ot want to be free from living in pain and suffering? The question is, are you trying to gain freedom in your own strength or in the strength God gives? In order to receive complete restoration, you must surrender entirely to God. James 4:7 clearly states, "Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you" (CEV). Many times we trust God, going through the motions, but continue to rely on ourselves rather than His ability in us. If this is your situation, the freedom you experience will be temporary. True heart change is the only way freedom can be maintained. A heart change occurs when you realize who you are in Christ and how great and unconditional His love is for you. It's not that you know it just in your mind, but that you also recognize it and believe it in your heart. You personally experience that Christ is real and that He li ٕ́