This might seem hard to take in and accept right now, especially if you’ve been a downward spiral kind of place, but it’s true.
This is a core trait of God’s character. We see this throughout the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John which capture Jesus’ time here on earth. For example, He healed numerous diseases, cast out demons, and was sensitive to people’s emotional pain and trauma.
However, God is recognized as a healing God throughout the Bible:

Jeremiah 30:17 (NLT): “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord. “For you are called an outcast—‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”
1 Peter 2:24 (NLT): “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”
Isaiah 40:29 (NLT): “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”
Psalm 147:3 (NLT): “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

God doesn’t just heal illnesses. He cares about your heart and inner state as well. He doesn’t promise to heal everything instantly and in the way you’d prefer (since His ways are better than our ways). But He is a healing God.
If He wasn’t, Jesus wouldn’t have spent so much time healing people during His ministry.
Now, you might be wondering: how is this biblical truth a tip?
Friend, the way we move forward into hope and healing is by standing on the foundation of biblical truth.
It’s also how we counter lies, which brings me to my next tip.

Who is that enemy? Satan.
Now, we don’t have time in this episode to go into depth about Satan. But what you need to take away today is that Satan is your enemy–and He has a special hatred towards women (which I covered way back in Episodes #11 and #12 if you want to check that out).
Satan (aka the devil) is real–and he is actively working against God’s chosen people.
We see this clearly in Scripture:

John 8:44 (NLT) says, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
In John 10:10 (NLT), Jesus says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
And in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT), we’re warned to: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Did you notice the mention of lies? Satan is a master of lies.
Some of those thoughts that have been playing on repeat in your head are likely from Satan. Especially if they’re thoughts like God doesn’t care or that you’re too broken to experience God’s love.
And these lies can be things that the enemy whispers in your ear, so to speak, thereby planting it in your brain. Or, he can use people or experiences.
The point is, there is a spiritual battle that’s happening around our human reality and world as we know it–and that battle is for the souls of men and women. Which includes you, friend.
Satan doesn’t want you to know God, or have a close relationship with God, or for you to realize your true identity and potential. Because not only would you be one less soul on Satan's tally sheet, you’d be a massive threat to Him.
An amazing woman who loves God and follows Jesus? She’s a force to be reckoned with!
Having said that, though, it’s not your job to combat the enemy all on your own. In fact, you can’t. As humans, we don’t have that kind of power.
But you know who’s stronger than Satan and all of his demonic forces? God. So, one of the best ways to loosen the grip of the enemy is to lean into your relationship with God.
Which brings me to my third and final tip.

It’s also a step away from the lies of the enemy.
And friend, your steps don’t have to be large. Every small step counts.
We live in a day and age, and within a culture, that makes us think that everything should be instantaneous. Or, as women, it should fall completely on our shoulders. So we need to power through with big, bold steps.
That’s not how God works. Sometimes, yes, we’ll be called to take a big, bold leap of faith. But God will prepare us for those times.
God wants you to get to know Him, and grow in your understanding and relationship with Him, and grow and heal and live in His hope. But He's not going to do it in a way that harms you.
The world–and the enemy–says that everything needs to happen ASAP. They pile on this insane pressure.
But God is the one who orders our steps. He has our life planned out. And He cares more about our well-being than anyone else on the planet.
And our relationship with Him is the most important relationship that we’ll ever have. He’s our Creator God and Heavenly Father.
So, all that to say, give yourself some grace, friend. And know that every step you take–like choosing to listen to this podcast episode–is a huge win no matter how small it seems.
Don’t let the enemy–or anyone else–convince you that your steps are too small, or they won’t lead anywhere, or that God isn’t rejoicing over your progress.
Every step counts!