DEALING WITH DEVASTATION

The purpose of this article is not to expound on the reality of situations that make us victims, but to discover how to become victors in those same circumstances. I recommend using the following key steps on the road to spiritual victory. FIRST, DEPEND ON GOD. The popular poem, Footprints, makes this point in a powerful way. The story is told of a man who views his life as a journey across a sandy beach. He observes two sets of footprints as his life unfolds but is disturbed to note that when he goes through the most difficult time, only one set of prints is visible. He asks God, "Why did You leave me when I needed you most?" God answers, "I didn't leave you. That was when I was carrying you." How do we allow Him to carry us? When people finally come to the place where they realize their dependence on God and total inability to help themselves, then God steps in. Go ahead. Admit your own weakness and dependency. God loves to show his strength in the midst of our weakness. A portion of 2 Corinthians 12:9 explains this truth: “My strength and power are made perfect [fulfilled and completed] and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness” (Amplified Version).

SECOND, WAIT FOR GOD’S TIMING. Coinciding with the day that I found out about my husband’s affair, I also accidentally cut myself badly. As I often do, I looked at the injury as a message from God and tried to see an analogy for my situation. I already wondered if I could survive the first day, week, or month following this devastating experience. I told myself that by the time the cut healed, my problem would be resolved and only a bad memory. The wound has been a continuing lesson in my life. After a few days, the cut looked bad but no longer hurt. Several weeks later, it was an unsightly scar but not an open wound. Now it is not only painless, but also nearly invisible; unnoticeable to others, but I know it is there. Devastating experiences affect us the same way. Although they leave scars, the pain lessens as God heals in His own time.

THIRD, REMEMBER THE TRUTHS OF GOD’S WORD. Statements such as these can hurt: "Well, the truth is I have cancer," "My husband is having an affair and wants a divorce"; "I'm crippled for life and will never get out of this chair"; "My child is dead." Upon hearing these painful statements, we must find a greater truth. The Word of God is full of truth that offers peace beyond the problems of this world; for example, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, KJV). We can personalize that truth by replacing the words "all things" with our own problem. "This cancer will work for my good...because I love God and am called to fulfill His purpose for my life." We replace the natural truth of our problem with the greater, spiritual truth of God's promise.

We should practice finding these scriptural truths and principles until this practice becomes an automatic response to hardship. When faced with death, we can respond with the greater truth that this is not all there is. This life is only a small part of eternity and will someday only be a tiny memory. Someday I will meet my loved one again, and we will be together forever.

LAST, GOD’S GRACE IS A MIRACULOUS THING. Amazingly, His grace works on the principle of supply and demand. If you need more, He gives more. That is why we often observe fellow believers walking through fiery trials and wonder how they survive. As spectators we do not have the same measure of grace given to us as to those suffering. However, God's grace is ready and available to all those in need. The full text of 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “But He said to me, ‘My grace [my favor and loving-kindness and mercy] is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect [fulfilled and completed] and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ [the Messiah] may rest [yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell] upon me!’” (2 Corinthians 12:9, Amplified Version).

By faithfully implementing these keys to spiritual victory, we can survive devastating trials successfully. We must begin to look at trials as opportunities to become victors, rather than merely victims. God can use circumstances that would seem to destroy us for Him to make us what He wants us to be.