42. So, how do you partake of this perfect work of healing? What practical steps do you need to take to heal the hurt you feel and to move on into a future untainted by the pain of your past? #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

43. STEP 1: GET TO THE PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE. - There is a postulate of "5 stages of grief" (commonly applied to losing a loved one, but also applicable to all emotional wounds) - Denial - Anger - Bargaining - Depression - Acceptance. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

44. While an imperfect model, it does fairly represent the phases we go through when dealing with emotional pain. And the key here is to get to the place of acceptance as quickly as possible because until you get to acceptance, healing cannot start. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

45. If you will be healed, you must accept that... (a) You are wounded and need help. (b) Only GOD can heal you - he made you, and only he can fix you. (c) Healing is a process, not an event. (d) You can heal - you can get over this. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

46. STEP 2: LET IT OUT! Whatever may have hurt you, and whatever the particular circumstances may be, there is usually a strange mix of emotions that it creates within you - anger, pain, sorrow, guilt, rage, desire for vengeance, etc. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

47. Unfortunately, society (including the Church sometimes) teaches us to repress those feelings because they are not becoming (of a Believer). But, guess what? God made your emotions and he understands them! He is not put off by your feelings! #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

48. Hebrews 4:15-16 (MSG) We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all--all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. #AskPastorYinka

49. You cannot be repressing all those feelings within you and expect healing to take place - that would be like bandaging pus INTO a wound. So, LET IT OUT! Shout. Scream. Cry. Weep. Vent. Journal. Whatever you must do, ensure you let the pus out! #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

50. Among other things, the place of prayer is meant to be a safe place for the release of emotions. Vent on God! Pour it all out on Him. That's what Daddies are for - and He is your Daddy! Let it all out! #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

51. STEP 3: LET IT GO! Release the offence, and release the offender. Also, forgive yourself. Stop beating yourself up over it. Stop questioning your judgement. Stop wondering if you somehow caused it or could somehow have stopped it. Let it go! #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

52. STEP 4: MAKE PEACE WITH GOD. There's a tendency to blame God when we are hurt. But what happened was not God's fault. God did not do it. He is altogether good and there's no evil in him. He does no evil, neither does he tempt anyone with evil (Jam 1:13). #AskPastorYinka

53. There's also a tendency to question God's love for you - "If God truly cared about me, why would He allow something this evil to happen to me? Why couldn't He have stepped in at my point of vulnerability?" #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

54. I will not be so presumptuous as to attempt to be God's advocate, neither will I give glib answers to such emotionally charge questions, but I can assure you that while we may not be able to explain why some things happen, God remains a good Father. #AskPastorYinka

55. God did not promise us that everything that will happen to us will be good, but He did say in Romans 8:28 (MSG) that "...we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

56. So, make peace with God. It is okay to question Him in your moments of grief and doubt (He won't smite you). But let Him make His case to you. Let Him speak to you. You may not get all the answers right away, but you will get His peace. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

57. STEP 5: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. God does miracles - that is incontrovertible. But He runs the world primarily by principles! Faith in God and belief in science are NOT mutually exclusive! Get help from competent and trusted therapists. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

58. The steps listed above will not have the desired effect IF you do not get professional help. There is NO STIGMA in seeking counselling for something like this. It DOES NOT mean that you are crazy or have lost your mind. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

59. Sometimes, simply being able to relate what happened to you in a safe space is enough to bring you to the place of CATHARSIS. Please, avail yourself of this. If you need a referral to such professional services, I will be glad to oblige. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

60. And this is where we will stop here today. If you need clarification on anything said here tonight or wish to share a thought or opinion with me, please feel free to reply to the relevant tweet or send me a DM Olumuyiwa Onafowora. #AskPastorYinka #tvanigeria

61. Until I come your way again on another episode of #AskPastorYinka, keep abiding in the love of God. Shalom! #tvanigeria