Maybe it’s the fact that I didn’t get anywhere near enough sleep last night. Maybe it’s because my body hurts and I’m aching even worse than usual. Or perhaps it’s because I’m an empath and when I say I feel for you, I REALLY feel for you. Maybe it’s all of the above; I don’t know. Whatever the case may be, I find myself in a melancholy mood as my heart aches for the many, many people I know who are hurting right now. My friend, you wouldn’t believe some of the prayer requests that I have received lately. You wouldn’t believe the prayers that were already burdening my heart.
People I care about are hurting, I mean genuinely hurting and suffering. Friends I care about have received shocking, hurtful news that has rocked their world. Women I know are reeling from the pain of betrayal at levels that are nearly crushing them. My heart is aching for them because I know all too well the pain of betrayal and rejection. I know what it feels like when everything that you thought was okay, is far from okay. I know what it’s like when life as you know it ends and you watch your old world disappear right before your very eyes.
There is a song that Celtic Woman sings that I love called Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears and there is one line in particular that always speaks to my heart. “Courage is the passport when your old world disappears”. Oh my, how true those words are, my friend. It takes great courage to keep moving forward when your old world disappears. Beloved, may I share a secret with you? That thing that you think you can’t face, that mountain you feel like you can’t climb… you can. Let me tell you how I know. I know because my God is faithful, and He will give you the courage you need.
Your world may be falling apart, dear heart, everything that was your normal may be changing, but God will give you the courage you need to keep pressing on. My friend, with Him, you are stronger than you realize. With His help, you can do things you never dreamed of. How do I know this? I’m glad you asked. I know this because when I stood there in the ashes of what used to be my world, He was there with me. He held me as I cried, carried me when I was too tired to walk on my own, and gave me a strength I never dreamed I could have.
Ten years ago this week, I left my old world behind and walked away from it for the last time. My children and I became the first family to enter a newly opened shelter for victims of domestic violence that had just opened in our county. I cannot tell you how terrifying that was for me. Those first few days and weeks were filled with anxiety about the future and pain as I grieved the loss of my old life. God was so faithful through it all. He carried me through and helped me to keep pressing on into the future He was creating for me. I am so grateful for His faithfulness.
Beloved, that pain that is crushing you is breaking His heart as well. Let Him help you carry it. You were not meant to carry this load alone. Give it to the one who heals broken hearts. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” Psalms 147:3. I can testify to the truth of these words, beloved. He does indeed heal the brokenhearted. The pain that I once thought would break me was just a part of the remaking of me. He carried me through it and over time healed the wounds that had left my broken heart bleeding and bruised.
I carry a few scars, but they are just a reminder of what I have survived; they are reminders now, of His faithfulness to His promises. Sweet sister, I don’t know what you are going through but I can promise you this. My God can help you. Even if your world feels like it is falling apart, remember this. He is still in control. He is still holding you. You are not alone; you are not forsaken. He is there and He is going to see you through. You are going to make it through this, dear one. Hold on to Him and let Him show you the way. He knows what you need, and you can trust Him to help you.
“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
Katrina Douglas
