“A compelling portrait of human tragedy and the journey to redemption.”

-Claudia Puig, USA Today

‘How appropriate!’ This dvd did not end up in my collection by accident.  God had a purpose for it in my life.  I needed release from things that had held me captive, without even knowing it.  My story is filled with tragedy, many of which are results of other people’s mistakes which led me to make some unwise choices.  I recognize that I am on my journey to redemption, and even through these articles I am finding release from the hurt and the pain. 

My testimony is that ‘God Delivers’ because I’ve looked back into my life and seen how these tragic events could have permanently damaged me, if it wasn’t for God’s hand of protection.  Then I understood the meaning of the following:

Romans 8:28:      “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  (NIV, Youth Bible)

Genesis 50:20:     “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”  (NIV, Youth Bible)

Here are some of the quotes from the film that spoke directly to my situation:

Bishop TD Jakes:   “She had come to church bowed over and twisted and in pain trying to find some comfort in her despair.  Trying to grasp ahold on who is God? And how does He effect a change for me amidst all of the people in the room?”

Bishop TD Jakes:   “Eighteen years of injustice and trauma and turmoil. Eighteen years of pain without vindication.  Eighteen years of dealing with infirmities…”

Bishop TD Jakes:     “…eighteen years she’s been stuck in the rut…”

When I bought the dvd I was touched, but God had to deal with another area of my life for me to fully receive the message within this film.  God dealt with me over a two year period and upon returning to the film, I was ready to accept the message in its entirety.  At the time of purchase, I also bought a music dvd “Get Ready”.  The song: ‘Woman Thou Art Loosed’ is featured among the selection of songs, and it ministered to my needs.  

This is my story, like it is with so many others (men and women alike).  I saw the picture of myself, stirring up hope (plucking up the courage) another Sunday morning, going to church to find release.  I saw the ‘chains of the past’ and was ‘haunted by yesterday’s mistakes.’  Then I heard:

“Free from words that held you captive and controlled your mind…

And free from depending on what you thought you need.”

At this point I realized that I was on a very long journey.  And the words of Bishop T.D. Jakes kept ringing in my ear, hearing him ask the question:

“Have you ever gotten stuck in a rut?”

I wonder today, if you can relate to this question.  Have you ever gotten stuck in a rut?  Are you trying to move forward but can’t see a way out?  Many can relate to this where their finances are concerned.  Too many can relate to this where their marriage is concerned and the two often affect each other.  Many children are also paying the price for this because when the marriage fail or hang on a string, the children are often neglected.  I have been there and in some areas, I am still there.  I have carried the pain of my past with me for a very long time.  The pain others have inflicted on me and don’t seem to care that they cause me so much unnecessary pain.  It has become more like a necessary luggage and I believe that this is the beginning of a journey to get unstuck.

As you follow me on this journey, I pray that you will find release in the areas of your life where you find that you are stuck in a rut.

Be blessed!

Your Sister in Christ
Janice Ramkissoon
15th May 2009