When you think of a perfect family, what comes to mind? Looking back at your life, would you say you grew up in a perfect family? Have you ever seen a "perfect" family? Today it seems as if family dysfunction is the norm. The nuclear family is becoming less common. What to make of all this? Is it hopeless? Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. Imperfect families have been around for generations. Because of this, today we want to examine 3 insights that will help us overcome the impact of an imperfect family. See 2 Cor. 10:3-5. How do we overcome problems created by an imperfect family? Not one perfect family in this room – so what are we to do?

I. Understand the patterns of the past.

2 Cor. 10:4. Focus on "strongholds."

1. A stronghold is a consistent pattern of behavior that does not agree w/God’s truth.

All of us deal with strongholds in our lives.

A lack of forgiveness.

2. Unwilling to forgive? Leads to many more problems in life.

a) Must be done – Eph. 4:22-24, 31-32

b) w/o forgiveness we won’t be saved – Mt. 6:14-15

Bitterness. See Heb. 12:15

1. Bitterness can take root in our heart & take over our lives.

Shallow relationships

1. Deep relationships involve conflict.

2. Shallow relationships can also lead to co-dependency.

An unhealthy desire to please.

1. Some avoid conflict at any cost.

2. Some are extremely self critical.

Destructive behavior. We can be guilty of this through:

1  Addictions.

2. Self Sufficiency

II. Uncover power for the present.

Pro. 10:29 – note usage of wd stronghold here.

1. God’s way b/c the right kind of stronghold to provide protection for us.

2. Learn to practice forgiveness – Col. 3:12-13; Mt. 6:14-15

3. Learn to practice it now! How?

a) Remember forgiveness is a choice of your will.

b) Make the choice – regardless if you don’t feel like it.

Look for people you trust.

Live to please God. Gal. 1:10

1. 2 Cor. 5:9 – is this our aim?

Eph. 5:18 – Let God control your life through the influence of the Spirit.

Have you discovered this power for your life?

III. Undertake the possibilities God has For Your Future.

Based on the choices you make in your life today – what does your future look like? Your family?

What kind of person do you want to be in the future? Be specific.

Conclusion:

Get your life right w/God & the pieces of the puzzle will begin to fit.