Testimonies
In a prayer meeting, God told me that ‘EVERY SHACKLE HAS BEEN BROKEN’. I did not understand if it was for me or for the congregation, so I wrote it on a piece of paper and showed it to a sister in the church[1]. She said: “Praise the Lord, Thank You Jesus.” I figured something had started then, I just didn’t know what.
Shortly before I got that message, a mother of the church[2] had exhorted the saints from the scripture I had shared (Isaiah 61). She then turned to me and said, “Sister Janice, God is going to heal you…”
I wrote it in my diary, not giving it another thought. A year later I was in prayer meeting and was asked to pray. As I talked to God I could hear chains, and the words that came out of my mouth were, “The shackles have been broken but we have been bound for so many years that we haven’t realised that all we need to do is just step out …”
Now, as I think of our latest Convention theme, “The Death Has Been Paid” I realise it means the same and is confirmation that I am free. “So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.”[3] I heard the message and wrote it down but I didn’t receive it. Today, there is no doubt that I have embraced this message. God has healed me in so many areas of my life that I am now free to progress in ministry.
Overcoming the fear
1)I no longer take guilt trips, trying to be the best wife and mother. I realise that I receive enough strength[4] to face the struggles of each day.
2) I no longer feel inadequate as a Sunday school teacher because I know that I have the authority and the power given to me by God to do the work that He has set before me[5].
3) I am no longer frightened of their faces—I just allow God to use me as a vessel through whom He can carry out His will.
4) I am no longer afraid to speak to my Dad or my Mum. I now see them through the eyes of Christ, as humans who make mistakes—lost souls in need of God’s grace. However, knowing that forgiveness is available to them as well, I have embraced forgiveness. I forgive my parents for neglecting me and I’ve asked God to forgive me for resenting my parents and to clean me up so I can be a vessel of honour for Him.
With the scales off I now Recognise…
God has blessed me with a wonderful family and if I am travelling with the spirit of heaviness[6], it will affect them. He has blessed me with a writing ministry that can bring healing to hurting souls, but if the spirit of heaviness hovers over me, I will not be effective in this ministry. He has placed me within a children’s ministry and naturally these children look to me for guidance. I would be doing them a great injustice if I am not fully effective in my teaching ministry.
Recognising this truth, I embraced 2nd Timothy 1:7, claiming the power that He has given me and rebuking the spirit of fear. I learned that I have the key to the riches of His Kingdom and with that key I have the authority to bind up all evil spirits and to loose the Spirit of truth which brings power and love and a sound mind.
I recognised that He gave me the garment of praise[7] for the spirit of heaviness so if I am praising Him continually, there will be no room for the spirit of heaviness. I learned that I have to put on and use the whole armour of God so that the fiery darts will bounce off, but I also need to acknowledge the robe of righteousness given to me so I can boldly go to the throne--knowing there are no condemnation (Romans 8:1-4). I can then move forward in confidence. I learned that while I am busy praising God, [having put on the garment of praise] He is busy fighting my battles for me. My life became so much easier, knowing that the battle is not mine, but God’s[8]. All I have to do is worship Him and He will do the rest. I was created to worship Him.
Living this way I’m able to look past the little things that usually get me down. If a brother or sister hurts me I’m able to say: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” I can pray: “Lord, please reveal Yourself to them, even through me.”
Looking back at situations where leaders have hurt me has somehow helped to shape my ministry today. God can turn every negative situation into something beautiful. The love of God inside of me ignites the fruit of the spirit[9] and I’m able to pray for my leaders today and ask God to keep them from falling. I’m able to say: “Lord, use me as an instrument of peace, love, patience, kindness, self-control…” I’m a vessel. I’m nothing without Him. So, I daily submit my all to Him[10].
I’m not totally healed but being submissive to God brings me closer to deliverance each day. God told me that EVERY SHACKLE HAS BEEN BROKEN—that means that I am delivered. I can see the evidence in some areas of my life and so I know that God is in control. Therefore, if I stand still, I will see the salvation of the Lord[11]. I’m not yet there but “I’m stronger than I was before. I’m better, smiling so much more [and] I’m wiser, now that I know that I’m stronger…”[12]
Your Sister in Christ
Janice Ramkissoon
C.O.G.I.C. Community House
(aka Dunstable Assembly)
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[1] Pamela (Sis. Pam) Hagley
[2] Mother Daphne Clarke
[3] St. John 8:36
[4] Philippians 4:13
[5] On-going obstacles had me doubting my teaching abilities but the Holy Spirit spoke to me via 2nd Corinthians 8, telling me to finish what I started, and again via the teachings of Elder David Henry, as he ministered to us on the topic: “Putting on the Armour of God”(August 2009--COGIC Coventry Assembly). He taught us how to protect our minds from the enemy and then explained how having the power plus the authority gives us boldness to move into our calling. See article: Moving Forward with my Children’s Ministry.
[6] Isaiah 61:3
[7] Isaiah 61:3
[8] 2nd Chronicles 20:15
[9] Galatians 5:22
[10] See song lyrics: Give Him Your All
[11] 2nd Chronicles 20:17
[12] From song: Stronger by Myron Butler
[Excerpt from unpublished doc.: “Grieving and Healing”]
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That is so true. If you don't know the heart of the writer you won't always understand...
My heart aches, knowing that you’ve been travelling this path for a while now; having been placed in the position of caring for others (even your husband, Hart) but take heart my sister! God is on the case. Please also take time-out to rest, without feeling guilty for it:) See the article: “Ambassadors for Christ”— You inspired it. God bless!