My world spun off its axis when a precious one revealed the trauma buried in his past. Pushing hard against the faith I’d clung to throughout my own embattled childhood and youth, I wrestled with God. I laid my heart bare, unflinchingly honest in my anger and despair.
What kind of God allows children to be devoured by this world? Could I even trust Him? Even more than that–did I want to?
Typically Polly Anna-esque , I almost felt my heart grow cold and hard. Hope drained from my life like color from an old photograph and everywhere I looked I saw the potential for loss, pain, and suffering.
[bbctt tweet="It could be that doubt has swallowed hope; even your faith seems as though it may be distinguished.#hoperestored#Christredeemsthepain#novictoryfortheenemey"]
Maybe you’re in a situation that has raised similar questions in your own mind. It could be that doubt has swallowed hope and you’re just existing moment to moment; bitterness twisting your thoughts until even your faith seems as though it might be distinguished.
[bbctt tweet="Will you choose truth or be deceived into despondency?#havecourage#battleready"]
This is the point at which you must make a decision. Will you choose truth or be deceived into despondency by this corrupt world? Will you invite Christ to redeem your pain or allow the “thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy” to derail your faith?
For months I wavered between one choice and the other. I struggled, wept, and screamed in anger; alternately searching scripture for words of comfort and then refusing to attend church.
[bbctt tweet="I decided I wouldn't allow the deceiver an easy victory.#Jesuswins#hopeinChrist"]
Finally, I decided. I decided I wouldn’t allow the deceiver an easy victory.
Turning to the truth bound up in the pages of my Bible, I poured over its promises and was reminded again and again of God’s faithfulness. While this world hasn’t been set right yet, it will be. Jesus’ return is sure and His justice and mercy will prevail. And, even more, we have the eternal hope of heaven; a place free of tear and trials and overflowing with the laughter and celebration of the restored and redeemed.
[bbctt tweet="He is with us each step of the way; penning hope throughout until we reach our eternal happily ever after.#weknowtheendofthestory#thesetroublesaremomentary#heknowstheplansforus"]
If you are in the midst of a battle and flanked by disillusionment and doubt, can I encourage you to turn to Christ? He won’t condemn you for your doubt, but will gather you in His arms as your tears spill like prayers in His presence. He’s waiting already, pleading and praying on your behalf.
“Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. So how could he possibly condemn us since he is continually praying for our triumph?” (Romans 8:34 TPB)
Oh, friend, trust that He has more for you than what you’re experiencing right now. Jesus never claimed our lives would be easy, but as we move page by page through the story of our lives He is with us each step of the way; penning hope throughout until we reach our eternal happily ever after.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
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Stopping in from #TuneInThursdays
“Will you invite Christ to redeem your pain or allow the “thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy” to derail your faith?” Yes, amen, this is what it comes down to. I pray that each one reading this will invite Christ to redeem their pain, including yours and mine. And for any that have already been derailed, may the Lord help them get back on track.
That is my prayer, too. Blessings, Tammy
Tammy, you have put words to the feelings I struggled with. It felt like doubt swallowed up my hope. I have spend the beginning of this year climbing out of that pit. Thank you for sharing your struggle. I know it will help others. laurensparks.net
I hope you’re feeling some relief and hope, Lauren. Praying God continues to comfort your heart. Blessings, Tammy
I want the abundant life side of that verse, we can’t be blind to the enemy’s attacks.
I want the abundant life, too! I’m so grateful we have the Holy Spirit to give us discernment.
Discourgement… and decision. Two great words – and so pertinent to the faith life. Thank you.
My pleasure, Susan. Blessings to you, Tammy
The fact that there is disillusionment, sadness, and even evil ion this world cannot be denied. God does not promise us ease or even fairness in life, but He is with us every step of the way.
Oh, yes! He is with us in all circumstances and can use use the most difficult of our lives as an opportunity for us to glorify Him!
It comes down to the advice of that old hymn when hurts, pain & doubts come to us in situations like these…
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His wonderful face & the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the the light of His glory & grace…”
We have to trust that He will bring evil to an end, we have a defeated foe. Oh come again Lord Jesus!
Bless you,
Jennifer
I love that hymn, Jennifer. And you’re right, the enemy is already defeated!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Ugh, when I hear about worldly abuses, it takes me some time before I can process the emotions behind them and release them to God for His ultimate judgment (while, of course, still holding a fire of fierceness to defend and uphold the broken).
It isn’t an easy reality to deal with, but He certainly will. Thanks for visiting!