Today's Prompt: Devastation
It was over. An almost unthinkable series of events had occurred. All of our hopes and dreams dissolved before our eyes as we watched Him die.
We were outraged! How could God let this happen?
We were afraid! If that could happen to him, what will happen to us?
We were confused! Why did this happen? Did we not pray enough?
We were devastated! What will we do now? How do we recover and move on?
Meanwhile, our enemies were celebrating. They had won! They pulled one over on God again! And then, the unthinkable happened again!
JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD!
Now it is our enemy who is defeated and devastated.
We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. Romans 8:28 Voice
It is safe to say, during your lifetime you will face some devastating events. Things happen that you will be outraged by. Confusion and fear will try to overcome you. Anger and bitterness will try to grab ahold of you. Disappointment and hopelessness will show up and not want to leave. Nothing will ever be the same. You question yourself; you question God. In your devastation, you don't see how you can ever move forward.
I want you to know you WILL recover; joy and peace will be yours again. God will be right there with you the whole time.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
James, the brother of Jesus, witnessed what happened to Jesus. He saw first hand the devastation that the trial, beatings, and crucifixion had on Jesus's friends, family, and followers. His advice to us is found in James 1:2-5:
Ephesians 4: 26-32 give some practical advice on how to manage during times of devastation.
- Don't go to bed mad- When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.
- Stay alert to how you are handling this- Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
- Keep working and help someone else- Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.
- Watch what you say- Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
- Don't play the blame game- And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).
- Don't take your frustration out on others- Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).
- Do something positive- And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.
Hopefully you are not facing a devastating event at this time in your life. But even in a delightful life, devastation may come. If that happens, remember God is not surprised by what is occurring and He already has a plan to bring you through and bless you.
Job 42:12 The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former part.
Have you experienced devastating events in your past? How did God bring you through and bless you?
**This post is part of the #write28days Challenge, writing and posting EVERY DAY in February
Related Posts
September: Cookie Countdown Begins!
A Scarlet Tangier Brings a Message of Hope
2 comments
I need to remember – Fear not for I am with you. That should be enough even though it seems like it isn’t.
When my brother died suddenly, it was very hard for our family. The Lord was so kind to us, He gently leads us through the valley of the shadow of death. He was always there.