John 8:31-32, 36

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

“You’re only as sick as your secrets,” this is a familiar recovery term and it is a true statement. Until we feel safe to share our secrets, we keep them locked up in a type of “Pandora’s Box,” where we keep all of our deepest and darkest secrets hidden, because we fear them coming out to expose the ugly truth. For the post abortion woman, it is the truth that we terminated the life of our child. This horrible secret is a child, our child.

God doesn’t want us operating in secrets, because He knows how destructive isolation and secrets are. I started secrets when I was a young child to hide from my parents the things I was doing, that I knew were wrong, but I kept those secrets until a few years ago when I told them of my dark past and my abortion, it was not an easy conversation. I wanted them to hear it from me because I was starting this ministry and I didn’t want them to find out from another source, it needed to come from me. I felt a great release when I was finally able to share this with my parents.

Why are secrets destructive?

First, they keep us isolated from God and others, and that’s exactly where the enemy wants us. He wants us isolated and hiding because then he can torment us over and over again, until we realize what’s going on. Secrets keep us from the very people that can help us.

Second, the dysfunction is perpetuated and will continue as long as we nurture this thing, and protect it, like it was some prized possession. The secret needs to exposed and brought into the light.

Third, we are already fearful of exposure and many of us have experienced abuse in our past, this secret is a way to keep us safe so we think, but actually it is causing us to stay sick. God gives us the courage to step out of isolation and secrets so we can be healed.

Fourth, secrets are destructive because they distort our view of reality and we feel like we are all alone. Secrets are usually combined with lies that we believe about ourselves, God, or others. God’s Word and the Holy Spirit help us to know the truth, so we can walk in it and so these secrets and lies can no longer hold us back from becoming the woman God created us to be.

God wants us free from bondage which is what secrets do they keep us in chains and in darkness. He has come to set the captives free.

What secrets are you still holding onto?

Why are you fearful to share them? Is it fear of rejection, fear of hurting another person, fear of abandonment, or fear of judgment?

How did you feel after you had the courage to share your secret?

I pray you have the courage to trust God and allow Him to show you the areas of your life that need healing. Trust Him with your secrets.

Blessings,

Toni