Dark Spots….
Dark spots are evidence of past
unsightly and more often than not untimely pimple formations.
Often in my haste to get rid of these
unattractive blemishes I neglect to consider the long-term
consequences (dark spots) and rush to pop them. As a result, I
have a few dreadful dark spots that I conceal with make-up on a daily
basis.
Pimples often form weeks prior to
breaking the surface of the skin. When an excess of dead skin
or oily secretion occurs it leads to a blockage within our skin where
bacteria accumulates and shortly thereafter a pimple forms. Pimples
are meant to serve as indicators to issues that lie beneath the
surface of our skin; however, we often view them as annoying,
disgusting, and unattractive. In order to effectively combat
pimples we must seek to determine the origin of their formation and
employ actions to correct the issue beneath the surface.
We each have dark spots within our
lives. These dark spots are evidence of past unsightly issues
that were brought to the surface, much like a pimple, yet dealt with
in haste and by inappropriate means. God may allow a
pimple to surface in our life in an effort to draw attention to an
area that we have allowed to become clogged beneath the surface.
He knows that we may never become aware of the blockage unless we see
a visible manifestation of it on the outside.
So, God starts to bring these issues to
the surface. He begins to expose the inner workings of our
character and habits that clog and block the passageway of His Spirit
within our life. In order for us to effectively reflect God’s
light we must get rid of all those things that keep Him from shining
through us.
God empowers us to absolve our blockage
and get rid of our pimple without scar, injury, or dark spot, but we
must be willing to employ his recommended solution: time and
cleansing.
Time: A pimple may seem to form
overnight, but in actuality it’s a result of issues brewing under
the surface for an extended period of time. Many of the issues
within our life didn't form overnight and will not be
resolved overnight. Allow God the TIME to work with you through
your issues.
Cleansing: The best form of
pimple treatment stems from effective prevention strategies. If
we want to have clear skin we shouldn't wait until the
pimple comes to start washing our face. We must wash our face
each and every day. If we want a life that reflects the love of
Christ we shouldn't wait until we have an issue to seek
Him. We must allow ourselves to be continually cleansed by His
Word and His Spirit.
So, today recognize that the formation
of that “pimple” in your life is meant to alert you to an issue
beneath the surface. Don’t try to hide it or conceal
it. Allow God to expose what’s happening INSIDE of you.
Allow God to reveal those things that block you from experiencing His
presence, His Light, His Love, and His Joy in your life. Allow
God the time to cleanse you so that you can shine brightly--both
inside and out.
Ashley Ivery is a single mother of two brilliant children, Aiden and Devyn, with an overwhelming desire to empower women and help them to realize the importance of a relationship with God. Through her writing she hopes to encourage women to claim their strength and value in Christ. Ashley serves as the Residential Listing Partner for Team Harris Real Estate. She graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2012 with a BS in Psychology. Her motto is: "Be Authentic. Live Honestly. Dispel Light."