From Victim to Victor!
by Lynda Scott
When my book ‘Lynda: From Accident & Trauma to Healing & Wholeness’ was released in Australia at the beginning of this year, I was invited to speak in a conference at Ellel Gilbulla about accident and trauma. In 1994 I was doing a Missions Training School when I fell 35 feet off a cliff and suffered all kinds of terrible consequences. One of the biggest challenges I faced in the years following this accident was coming to a place of forgiving the leader, David, for forcing us to undergo such a dangerous hike, with inadequate provisions or supervision. My life had been a mess in every way as a result of that fateful night.
If you know my story you will know how Jesus did give me the grace to forgive David on the night I was healed at the Ellel conference in Australia in 1996. It was very liberating and fundamental to the healing I received that night. As I came to speak for the first time about my book at this joint Ellel and church conference Jesus had a big surprise for me. I looked across the next table at breakfast and who should be sitting there but David! I hadn’t seen or heard from him in over 15 years. A huge surge of emotions washed over me. There was shock, fear and excitement all mixed together. But I had a deep knowing that this was a divine appointment and I was not going to let the day pass without speaking to him.
Once I had my emotions in check I approached David, with a copy of my book under one arm. I had no idea what reception I would receive. As we started to talk I heard the words I never really dreamed I would hear – “I’m sorry”! But then I looked at David and said the words I’d wondered if I would ever have the courage to say to his face: “I forgive you”! I felt all of Heaven rejoicing with me.
When you’ve suffered deep pain, as a result of someone’s actions, forgiveness can be a great challenge. However, when we follow Jesus, He doesn’t give us the option. He commands us to forgive. I know it’s not easy. But as we commit ourselves to the healing process by forgiving, Jesus will help us through it step by step. My healing journey was completed when I was able to look David in the eyes and release him into my forgiveness. It took me 15 years to get to that point. I challenge you today. If there is someone who’s caused you great pain, and the shards of pain are still there, commit yourself afresh to the process of forgiveness. Jesus’ love and grace will enable you, as He enabled me, to go from being a victim to being a victor!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You give us the grace to forgive, even when we’ve been deeply hurt. I understand that forgiveness is a process and I commit myself afresh today to forgive those who’ve hurt me. Please help me to go from victim to victor. Amen.
Lynda Scott was first introduced to Ellel Ministries at a conference led by Peter and Fiona Horrobin in 1996 when she was miraculously healed following a devastating accident. Lynda has continued her association with Ellel Ministries over the years and has recently written her story “Lynda: From Accident & Trauma to Healing & Wholeness.” She lives in Australia with her husband Leigh and 3 children, who are all at school. She works in a local health clinic, as well as helping her husband with the administration of their beef cattle farm.
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