Stepping Stones: Divide Your Pain, Multiple Your Joy

30 August 2010

Note: Rejoice! Today marks the mailing of our 1,000,000th Stepping Stones. We know many more have been read on websites and facebook as well as faithful readers using them in other ministries and forwarding it to bless others. Thank you so much, as God has used you to bless and encourage others and us. Let’s get after 2 million!

Transformational Thought

Most of us are so selective about which parts we bring to God. We hesitate to bring traits that we consider shameful…partly because we actually believe He doesn’t see them, and partly because we are ashamed to even think about it again. Some of us are so used to living with pain, feeling loneliness, guilt, fear – that it never occurs to us to ask for help in dealing with these problems. We assume help is not available and this pain is an unavoidable part of life.

For some, they seem to believe there are degree of difficulty points (like diving) for overcoming the most hardship…for others, pain of some kind has been such an integral part of their growing up, that in a weird way, it is hard for them to navigate life without the pain. Sometimes, we get so preoccupied with our struggles, why they are there and how to dig out, that we even forget that God is actually with us and will provide help.

God really desires to heal your hurting parts. However some of the pain has been with you so long, it becomes part of your identity. Sometimes you are so addicted to certain painful patterns that it’s difficult to break free from them. Only repeatedly exposing them to God’s healing presence will bring you long-term healing and freedom.

Today, turn to your Lord when you are hurting; He will share and reduce your pain. Remember, the Bible is a book about suffering, our spiritual suffering, and how God loved us so much and miraculously provided a way for ultimate healing. He also has many promises for the smaller, daily sufferings we experience. Turn to the Lord when you are in pain and rejoice in these circumstances as He is with you. He has a joy, peace, and comfort, as well as a message for you He is communicating through your pain.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so grateful to you, Lord, that I can come to you not matter what condition I am in…just as I am. Thank You, Father. I am relieved that I don’t have to “clean up my act” before I come to You; you already know the worst about me. When I am hurting, I want to be with someone who understands me without condemning me. When I am happy, I delight in being with someone who loves me enough to celebrate with me. I pray that You help me bring more and more of myself to You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the one who divides my pain and multiplies my joy, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:6-10
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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