Stasi and I lived many years of our Christian life in good churches, churches that taught us the place of worship and sacrifice, faith and suffering, and gave us a love for the Word of God. But in all those years the central ministry of Jesus was never explained to us. We understood, as most Christians do, that Christ came to ransom us from sin and death, to pay the price for our transgressions through his blood shed on the cross so that we might be forgiven, might come home to the Father.

It's true. It's so wonderfully true. Only...there is more.

The purposes of Jesus Christ are not finished when one of his precious ones is forgiven. Not at all. Would a good father feel satisfied when his daughter is rescued from a car accident, but left in ICU? Doesn't he want her to be healed as well? So God has much more in mind for us. Listen to this passage from Isaiah (it might help to read it very slowly, carefully, out loud to yourself)...

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor

to comfort all who mourn,

And provide for those who grieve in Zion

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair. (61:1-3)

This is the passage that Jesus pointed to when he began his ministry here on earth. Of all the Scriptures he could have chosen, this is the one he picked on the day he first publicly announced his mission. It must be important to him. It must be central. What does it mean? It's supposed to be really good news, that's clear. It has something to do with healing hearts, setting someone free. Let me try and state it in words more familiar to us.

God has sent me on a mission.

I have some great news for you.

God has sent me to restore and realease something.

And that something is you.

I am here to give you back your heart and set you free.

I am furious at the Enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against him.

Let me comfort you.

For,dear one,I will bestow beauty upon you

where you have known only devastation.

Joy, in places of your deep sorrow.

And I will robe your heart in thankful praise

in exchange for your resignation and despair.

Now that is an offer worth considering. What if it were true? I mean, what if Jesus really could and would do this for your broken heart, your wounded feminine soul? Read it again, and ask him, Jesus-is this true for me? Would you do this for me?

The LORD their God will save them on that day

as the flock of his people.

They will sparkle in his land

like jewels in a crown.

How attractive and beautiful they will be! (Zech. 9:16-17)

Here is the core reason we wrote this book: to let you know that the healing of your feminine heart is avaliable, and to help you find that healing. To help you find the restoration which we long for and which is central to Jesus' mission. Let him take you by the hand now and walk with you through your restoration and realease.

Taken from Captivating- unveiling the mystery of a woman's soul. pg 93-96Written by: John and Stasi Eldredge.

This book has been tough to read so far, and tough to swallow but its been worth pushing myself to read it. I encourage all women to read this amazing and potentionally life changing book. And men to not despair there is one for you guys too called Wild at heart.

Read and re-read this offer (as I will). It's one worth meditating on and talking to God about!