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Listen while you read: "It Is Well With My Soul"1 (Lyrics) |
What kind of sin steals a carefree childhood and spirals it into a world of alienation, shame, and secrecy? An evil that defies the very hope that Christ stands for, leaving hopelessness in its wake. Could it harm a child growing up in a loving home and Christian community, where the feeling of being safe was taken for granted? Being twelve, I had no reason to mistrust our friendly neighbour until the moment when he did the unthinkable and molested me. It was the beginning of Satan whispering in the night, "What kind of loving God would let that happen?" — his ultimate lie!
Due to a false sense of guilt, I kept it a secret, and shame kept me alienated and hopeless. Thankfully, Jesus heard my cries in the night, rescued me, and led me out of the darkness that was consuming me into His Sonlight. I clung to a verse that we had studied in Sunday school, "My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word." (Psalm 119:81 ESV) I asked God for answers, and He reminded me of His promise and His perfect plans for my future:
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (ESV)
As my faith returned, I asked Jesus into my life, and I am convinced that my passion for sharing the salvation message stemmed from that traumatic time. God can heal the scars from Satan's attacks and use them for His good.
Depression, fear, anxiety, powerlessness, and believing that our sins are too big for forgiveness, are just a few of the tools of Satan to steal our hope. Perhaps COVID-19 fatigue has you feeling hopeless, believing that there is no promising future ahead. That is Satan whispering, "How can you trust in a God who let this virus happen?" More of his lies!
So, my friend, if you are depressed or full of anxiety, if you feel that your life has no meaning or purpose, and you desperately hunger for hope, remember that the enemy has lied to you. No sin is too big to be forgiven. God will give you hope.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
The hope that Jesus offers is much more than a feeling, for feelings can change with the wind, but His hope is steadfast. It marches us forwards. It is a powerful shield that covers us with courage, where once fear would have sent us fleeing.
The apostle Paul's prayer for his beloved Ephesians (1:17-18) is my prayer for you today.
Prayer: O God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know You better. We pray that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in Your holy people. Amen.
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Thanks for your transparency, Lois. Great encouragement.
Thanks for sharing your powerful story. May God’s peace be yours.
Thank you, Lois, for the truth of powerful words!
Blessings.
Yes.
And I’m sharing this.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story with us today. I pray it will be a source of hope and encouragement for many. Blessings and stay safe.
Lois,
Thanks for sharing your personal story and thank God for His healings!
(CA)
Oh Lois, may our loving Saviour remove from your memory and body any smidgen of pain or sense of hopelessness from this experience. Hugs my devotional writing friend. Blessings.
Dear Lois,
I’ve been a Christian for many years, but your message about Satan laying false guilt touched me deeply. Have a wonderful day in the Lord.
Thank you, Lois. I got a double dose today, as your devotional is also on Illustrator!
My daughter was molested by her paternal grandfather, so I appreciate your willingness to share your story.
Thank you for sharing your difficult story, Lois. Our trials from the past can make us stronger and help us and others too if we open our hearts to Jesus. I’m sure your post will bring much hope to many! God bless you!
Dear Lois:
Thank you for that beautiful and powerful devotional.
Your faith is an inspiration and blessing to me and many on this earthly pilgrimage.
May God embrace you fully with the love of eternal life.
Hello Lois,
Thank you for so bravely penning today’s devotion.
You have very likely provided the keys out of the prison of misplaced guilt resulting from sexual assault.
God bless you well.
Good afternoon Lois:
It was courageous of you to share your story as there are no doubt many who have kept silent after being hurt as you were. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, we surely all need hope, and for some who are having to be alone so much of the time during this crisis they need help and hope.
Blessings.
Dear Lois,
Thank you for sharing your deeply personal history with me. It is wonderful that you heard God calling to you and were able to receive Jesus into your life. We all have very personal journeys in our faith and hearing others’ stories helps us move forward in our own lives. It is so true that our minds go to negative thinking and we believe those untruths sometimes. It is a conscious effort, to remember that God has a wonderful plan for us and that our faith and wisdom grow through the difficult patches. We always need prayers and caring people to help us remember to trust God. I have heard people talk about how God could let this pandemic happen but when we read his Word we see so many examples of God’s chosen people turning away but he always brings them back when they pray to him with earnest. May God hear your prayer and we grow in faith.
You have helped many people today… and perhaps, yourself.
Good afternoon Lois. Your devotional is so compelling. It certainly gives credence to God’s promise to bring us out of the darkness when we go to him in prayer.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus!
Blessings.
Thank you for this uplifting message!
I was deaf / blind to the Good News of Jesus; all was smooth sailing before I received Him as Saviour.
It encourages me to realize how immense Jesus’ love is, that it can break down the barriers of darkness and bring hope and renewal!
You are a strong believer, radiating great hope, faith to others living in the shadows.
May you be blessed in your life and ministry,
(BC)