Day 6

Day 6

Scripture:  James 5:15-16 NLT – “Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Observation:  Humans are flawed individuals and we all sin. But when you hold onto that mistake you made or that sin you committed, it gives the enemy an opportunity to tell you that you are only as good as your sin. Once you put your faith in Jesus, you know that his sacrifice on the cross covers up your sins. You start to realize the importance of sharing your life (even the parts that are difficult to talk about) with people you can trust who are going the same direction spiritually as you.

Application: When I was a kid growing up, there was always something magical about family vacations. I know most people would probably say the same about their own experiences; but for me, it was more than just getting to visit a new place or see new sights. It was one of the few times where I didn’t feel this overwhelming, and sometimes painful anxiety, over all that was happening within my home.

As an only child, often people would assume things about me – spoiled was usually what I heard most often. But for me, all I felt most days was alone. Alone to mediate between two bickering parents. Alone to clean up the stains of alcoholism that left shattered glasses on the kitchen floor, or angry words reverberating in my ears. Alone to clean up tears and play parent… when all I wanted to do was play with dolls.

But for a brief moment in time, when we would go away as a family on our annual trip to The Florida Keys, it was like all the anger and pain would be temporarily forgotten, and we were a happy family – enjoying the palm trees, white sandy beaches, and clear blue water.

It wasn’t until years later that I gained the courage to talk about some of these mixed memories… the happy mixed with the sad. Just because our circumstances are not “perfect” (in life, in your faith, in your relationship with Jesus) does not mean that we allow them to derail our journey. I have learned that healing begins when you stop holding it all inside, lying to yourself that no one else could possibly understand. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to build relationships with friends at church, connecting on the J-Team and in a J-Group, and being encouraged to help others by sharing my experiences with others. We all live imperfect lives, the important [thing] is that we always strive to be closer to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your unconditional love for us. I pray for the courage to stop hiding from my fears, to know that I am not a product of my past, but that I am unconditionally loved by you. You sent your only son to die on the cross for us, so we could step out boldly and declare our relationship with you eclipses our sins and our pasts. Let us be free from the chains of our pain and anxiety. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Going Deeper: 

  • What might be some hurts that you might be holding onto? What would it look like for you to hand over those hurts to Jesus, confess, and allow Jesus to start healing your heart? 
  • Dive into this message from Pastor Mark: “If God is so good, why are things so bad?

Jayme Rollo/ Communications Writing Director, Evening Program Class of 2021

Jayme Rollo currently serves as a leader for overseeing the written communications throughout The Journey. Her kindness and encouragement helps the team be creative to spread the good news about Jesus. Jayme has been gathering since 2017 and her 5 year old daughter loves gathering with Journey Kids. She is a 2021 graduate of the JLI Evening Program, and that has refined her leadership skills.


14 Comments
  • Tom Pine
    Posted at 05:17h, 29 January Reply

    Powerful devotional Jayme and a great reminder to let go of the past and embrace God’s open arms.

  • Court Neil
    Posted at 06:27h, 29 January Reply

    Amen, Jayme!
    Thanks so much for sharing! Letting go is so hard. I’m so proud of you and love you!
    Court

  • Barbara Harrington
    Posted at 08:05h, 29 January Reply

    Thank youJayme for your devotion ❤️

  • Brian Rollo
    Posted at 08:38h, 29 January Reply

    Always so proud of you my love. You are always such a bright light and I am so grateful for you. Taking a hard experience and turning it into something that can help others is an amazing gift, and I so admire your ability to do that.

  • Jennifer Newman
    Posted at 08:40h, 29 January Reply

    Thanks Jayme for the reminder that we have to actively hand our hurts to God, there is action required on our part. He is more than willing to take all that we are willing to give. Good stuff!

  • Karen Williams
    Posted at 09:08h, 29 January Reply

    Thanks for sharing your personal story! It allows others to know we’re not perfect and encourages one to confess and set your burdens free!

  • Shay Randolph
    Posted at 09:22h, 29 January Reply

    Yes to all of the above Jayme! Thank you for sharing this devotional. I really needed to hear this at this right now. Thank you for your encouraging words and amazing spirit. You go girl! God bless you and your family! 😇🤗

  • JoAnn Babbie
    Posted at 09:29h, 29 January Reply

    Thanks for sharing this Jayme! It’s very inspirational It took me a long time to not allow the disfunction from growing up with addition, co-dependency, and enabling to not define. Through grace I was blessed with a hope and grace and a healthy vision. It also took time to feel like I am better than my sin from my divorce. Realizing I am a child of God, getting deeper in my faith, growing closer to God is the turn around. There is no doubt that our brokenness is an opportunity for healing and redemption. Being in a JGroup, coming to the Journey and serving in a JTeam has been life changing. So thankful. Perfectly Imperfect.

  • Wendy Norris
    Posted at 09:36h, 29 January Reply

    Thanks you for sharing such a wonderful message!

  • Alfred Ceaser III
    Posted at 09:40h, 29 January Reply

    Such a brave and bold commentary. Thank you Jayme for your transparency and vulnerability. It’s encouraging @

  • Michelle Sapp
    Posted at 09:48h, 29 January Reply

    “Let us be free from the chains of our pain and anxiety. “ Yes and Amen! Thank you for sharing, Jayme

  • Sally Kuntz
    Posted at 12:06h, 29 January Reply

    Thank you so much, Jayme, for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and sharing your heart and your experiences. I grew up in a similar environment, and I was often blamed for things that weren’t my responsibility and constantly told I wasn’t (good, smart, whatever) enough. Although I made a lot of mistakes as I fumbled my way through life with little guidance, Our loving Father put in me a heart to forgive and to want to serve others, and He led me on the Journey to Redemption, Forgiveness, and a life of submission to Him and service to others.

  • Deanna Jenks
    Posted at 09:44h, 30 January Reply

    Thank you, Jayme, for sharing. I too grew up in a home with addictions and often took on responsibility for my younger siblings. The sense of fear has colored my entire life. I know, as a child of God, I can let go of that fear, walk through it and trust my Father. I love the prayer, thank you.

  • Chernotra “CeeCee” Walker
    Posted at 05:52h, 20 July Reply

    I started reading the messages late but it is right on time! I kept every text message, lol! Thanks for such an encouraging words. Also thank you for your transparency. It made me feel like I am not alone.

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