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In 1998 I was serving in a youth ministry team at a local church. We took about 40 youth skating. To make a long story short, I came out of the rink to speak with one of the teens. As I was standing there a few young boys lost control and barreled into me. They pushed me into a wooden bench. My ankle shattered. My leg broke. It was a life changing experience in an instant. Six specialists said I would never walk again. I was in a wheelchair for 3 years. For the most part people do not know I am handicap. Absolutely, there are times I use a wheelchair and am unable to do some things that I use to be able to do. But God has been faithful to me. His hand always on me.

During my early recovery period, I could not understand how I could be doing ministry and have such a freak thing happen to me. I asked myself, “What had I done to cause this to come upon me?” I pondered many questions, and all the while God would use me even when I doubted myself and even while I was in the wheelchair.

As Christ Followers it is important for us to understand and truly know the voices that we listen to. I had somehow thought I was being punished. It was not until years later that I had revelation from the Holy Spirit that confirmed to me there was no judgement against me. The only judgement was from the Accuser. Revelations 12:10 explains that Satan accuses us before God – day and night. His tactic is to make us feel condemned and defeated. However, God sent his son, and paid the ultimate price so every Christ Follower could be free. When God speaks it is about freedom and not about condemnation.

How silly in retrospect. In my own mind, I thought because I disagreed with the pastor that some how God was punishing me. Now, that I know God and know His voice, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;” (John 10:27) I know that God does not work against His children. In fact, the total opposite. God is for us! He is always for us!

When we have accusing and condemning thoughts that come our way. We need to realize those thoughts are not Gods’ thoughts. He is a Father that loves His children and wants what is best for them. May we be mindful, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Yvette Perrin can be reached at theword2yvette@ gmail.com.