Category Archives: STEPPING STONES Series (Devotions for the Hurting)

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Looking in the Mirror Devotional

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LOOKING IN THE MIRROR – HELP FOR THE HURTING

Stepping Stones Devotional

Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret.
2 Corinthians 7:10
♥

Forgiveness comes when a right attitude is present. Saying the words “I forgive you” may mean little. It all depends. Are they unfelt or heart-felt, meant to appease or meant as truth, false words or true words? Forgiveness has everything to do with the heart’s motivation, the mind’s attitude, and the soul’s condition.

It is terribly hard to let go. Unfair, unkind and unloving treatment is quite difficult to release, let alone, to forgive! Harbored bitterness and resentments form a catalyst. They create unhealthy bonds to the person or event, where one was wronged, resulting in an inability to live free.
What to do?

True forgiveness takes a willingness on our part to surrender the offense in combination with an act of God’s mercy. In addition, we must ask God to reveal the truth about our own-self, where we have unforgiveness, ungratefulness or bitterness in us. To be free, one must forgive the offender for their offense.

But one must also acknowledge their own offensive behaviors, those acts of unkindness and areas where they withhold acceptance, approval, or support. God uses his mirror to reflect his image and to reveal our acts of duplicity. When we experience sorrow for hurt that we have caused to another person, we take a step toward true healing.

I was in a world of pain after my marriage disintegrated. It was easy to cast blame, but I was blind to my own actions. God began to reveal my part through his mirror of truth. It was as if God was bringing to the forefront the ways I had, albeit unknowingly, caused pain to my ex-mate. This knowledge unleashed a deep sorrow within me.

I began to remember those times when I did not speak words of appreciation for gifts or deeds, thoughts which now caused my tears to flow in unstoppable streams. I knew I must speak words of apology and to seek his forgiveness. A rich cleansing took place as godly sorrow which leads to repentance purified my inner person. It changed me. An amazing peace entered.
I was free.

Dear Father God, you are so good to us. You redeem the past to set us free.
♥

. . . . .
QUESTION: When did forgiveness play a part in your spiritual path?

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A Hope and a Promise

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A HOPE AND A PROMISE – HELP FOR THE HURTING

STEPPING STONES DEVOTIONAL

He will be with you, he will not leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
♥

Rejection has the power to spew injurious messages in the wounded person. As in divorce when a marriage is ripped apart, negative emotions can ravage the mind’s sensitivities. It can leave a person gasping, struggling to make sense of what happened. Divorce smashes the dream that once shone so brightly and leaves destruction in its wake.

There are many ways to absorb these internal hurts. Some bury their feelings. Others unleash volleys of red-hot attacks. Some become overwhelmed by loss and grief. Others walk away in denial, never looking back. Some unwelcome mental intruders jump on the emotional bandwagon. Resentment and bitterness visit in the quiet hours.

Anger and spite seek payback with a vindictiveness. This sabotages efforts at joy and happiness. Sorrowing sadness becomes a cloak of gloom difficult to lift. Depression and discouragement rob children of the home they used to have that is now just a wistful dream. It is hard. The devastation of divorce has repercussions and outfall.
What to do?

You are stronger than you think. All is not hopeless even when it may seem so. For you see, it is not the end of your story. Life goes on. We must go on with it. Once the shock wears off and pain is managed, then it becomes possible to learn, change, and grow. It takes time, patience and hard work to recover from wounded self-perceptions and personal loss before one is able to live again. This is possible because we are not alone.

God strengthens us when we feel weak. He holds us when we are weary. He guides us when we are confused, struggling with our present and fearful of our future. Our heavenly Father promises to never leave us though the loneliness seems almost unbearable. He is true and steady. Gentle is his healing balm and loving grace.

God is here.

Dear Father God, you are my comfort and peace, an ever present help in times of trouble.

I’m so glad.
♥

. . . .
QUESTION: How has God strengthened you during a crisis?