Author: Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer
Genre: Christian growth, religion, spirituality
Dr. Erwin Lutzer sheds light on a spiritually debilitating issue that holds believers hostage to walking in God's divine freedom, victory, and spiritual growth. The inability to move past betrayal, false accusations, and unjust cruelty creates deep, unhealed wounds that lead to bitterness, unforgiveness, and broken relationships.
In this journey called life, we will experience pain—not only physical but emotional as well. Because we live in a fallen world with imperfect people, we will inevitably encounter heartaches.
The major source of this pain usually stems from betrayal and rejection. The worst part about these devastating experiences is that they catch you off guard and throw you for a loop.
We are often bewildered while desperately longing for the answer to the question, "What did I do?"
Sometimes, it's not anything we've done or said, but it is just the result of human frailties in others who have probably not learned how to process their pain; instead, they'll transfer their pain to innocent victims who had nothing to do with the trauma that was inflicted.
As long as we're human, we will never escape human conflict.
We'll compartmentalize our pain—hiding it beneath a warm smile while displaying external strength. This action attempts to avoid facing the devastating pain of betrayal and rejection.
Because God knows about our pain and loves us unconditionally, He provided an advocate, Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Redeemer.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
For the walking wounded, that's good news. Jesus Christ relates to our pain of betrayal and rejection. He not only overcame this pain, but He moved to compassion to die for us and carry our griefs and sorrows.
"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered
him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted"
Isaiah 53:4
We don't have to walk through this pain alone because our healer, Jesus Christ, can carry our burden of pain, heal our broken hearts, and restore our joy.
Copyright© Charlene Shelmire, 2023