From Wounds to Worship: Your Wounds Can Be the End of You, or the Beginning of Something Greater Than You

From Wounds to Worship: Your Wounds Can Be the End of You, or the Beginning of Something Greater Than You

We all find ourselves in the grips of grief at some point in our lives, and we all wear the scars of the wounds life has dealt us. Whether it was the unexpected loss of a loved one, the heartrending end of a marriage, the betrayal of a friend, a seemingly unconquerable battle with an addiction, or any other of the infinite amount of examples that could be given, none of us are strangers to pain, heartache, and loss. Yet, with every tragedy there comes a choice: this can be the end of me, or the beginning of something greater than me. From Wounds to Worship is the story of the greatest tragedy I have ever experienced, and the journey Jesus has taken me on wherein my deepest wound became the foundation for my most honest worship. I have written down the hard lessons I had to learn along the way in hopes that many will be helped and provided hope that Jesus can do the same in their suffering as well. My prayer is that, in sharing my journey with you, you too will be able to take this same journey in regards to whatever wounds you may be suffering. I know we may not be wounded in the same way, but I also know that there is a God Who is ready to come alongside you the same way He did me. He’s willing to extend His love and grace and presence and peace. He will give purpose to your pain. He can birth meaning out of your misery. He can transform the wounds you are suffering into catalysts of worship and celebration. And I’m not just saying this as some preacher who’s trying to apply some scripture. I’m saying this as a person who’s gone on this journey with Jesus. A person still on this journey with Jesus, who is now inviting you on this journey, from wounds to worship. Thomas-Steele is a husband, father of two boys, graduate of Regent University, and the founding pastor of Elevate Church, located in Windsor, Va. He, his wife Haley, and other family and friends started the church in January of 2012. They have celebrated many triumphs and navigated many trials in the years since, but God's steadfast love and faithfulness have brought them through to where they are today. Thomas-Steele loves his wife, Haley, their two sons, Elijah and Noah, his family, the church where is blessed to serve, and the people he is blessed to serve alongside. He is passionate about teaching the truths of Scripture in a way that brings glory to God and inspires and equips God's people.