Friday, March 5, 2010

Stepping Stones: Divorce: Despair or Trust?

Transformational Tip

Divorce is the ultimate relationship loss. When marriage problems end in separation and divorce, the loss is experienced by the entire family. Divorce can leave the family in suspended animation and battles usually rage long after the initial disruption.

Recovering from divorce involves working through a grieving process, much like when a spouse has died. It also involves making choices. You might not have had a choice in getting a divorce, but you do have choices in your response. Will you hold on to bitterness and anger…or will you forgive? Will you give up and give into despair…or will you trust Jesus to help you rebuild your life? Will you walk in fear …or will you be courageous to face the future God wants for you? Who do you trust, you or God?

Divorce can bring one of the most intense pains possible into a person's life. But you don't have to go through it alone. Jesus loves you and wants to help you. If you will commit your ways to Him, He will guide you in making those choices…He will give you the courage you need…and He will restore your hope. With Him all things are possible.

Today, if you are thinking about divorce, STOP! This is not God’s ideal plan, and therefore will be a nightmare for you and a lot of loss for many. If you are a child from divorced parents, really examine the lies that divorce embeds in your mind about you, your parents, and relationships. If you know people in these situations, be there to really help them heal and see God and life more clearly, because Satan really uses divorce to suck the soul out of people and make them his puppets.

Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on the devastation of divorce and recovery.

Prayer
Dear Father God, forgive me for the poor choices in the past. Right now I have to make so many decisions. I need your help. Help me to choose the right path…the one that is right for my family, for me, and most of all the one that is pleasing to You. I pray this and all prayers for the One who shows us what step to take next, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
Psalm 25:12
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

to Lighthouse Ministries: I recommended this devotional to many people and now I am sorry. I don't expect to agree on everything however the March 5th devotional was very judgmental and incomplete. To assume you can say If you are considering divorce-don't hurts a whole lot of people who have finally said no more to abuse. yes Divorce is painful but any abuser will use the tactic of calling the spouse who needs the divorce for her safety and that of her children. that abuser is frequently hidden from the eyes of others and will act like he is trying to save a marriage when he justs wants to continue to throw insults along with some well-meaning church members

March 7, 2010 at 11:33 AM
karl benzio, md said...

sorry you were offended by our advice for people to stop when they are contemplating divorce. as you know, many pursue divorce for much less reasons than the abusive and possibly dangerous situations you allude to. i have seen very dangerous situations have powerful Kingdom impact when the victimized spouse stays in the relationship. with that being said, an abused spouse really needs to seek God and other wise and Godly people to really discern what God would want them to do in these complex situations. You can say no to abuse and not get divorced as God's timeline is not always what we demand. sorry and hope you will continue to read and comment as your input is valued.

March 7, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Anonymous said...

Thank you for your response and kindness. I spoke
impulsively as a friend was hurting. The advice is biblical-Divorce is not ideal and leads to much pain.

The important concept is to reach for God, His word and His people.

Thank you for your patience and I will continue
reading and recommending Stepping Stones, as it
truly can save lives.

March 9, 2010 at 11:28 AM
karl benzio, md said...

thank you for your encouragement and helping me clarify more accurately about a complex topic. please continue to share your comments and insights. as you see, when we let our emotions rule, perspective gets fuzzy. have a great day.
by HIS grace,
karl

March 9, 2010 at 2:27 PM

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