I used to think that nothing good could come from someone hurting me. I remember wondering why God would allow bad things to happen in my life. Why would a loving God allow people to hurt me with their words or actions? Why wouldn’t God protect me from these things? The cool thing is that the longer I stay in fellowship with God and study His Word; I see that God is a loving God and that He allows these things to happen in order to strengthen my faith and trust in Him.
Recently, I was deeply hurt by critical words. As I sat and listened to person speak negative words of discouragement I knew God was sitting right beside me holding my hand for I didn’t lash out or speak those types of things in retaliation. When I got into my car I could feel the presence of the enemy with me even though I had left the actual location of confrontation. I tried to drive but I quickly had to find a place to stop and park my car. Without even thinking I began to scream for the enemy to leave me alone and get away from me. I then began to call on the name of Jesus. The word says, “Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.” I could feel the evil presence of the enemy leaving my car. The devil must flee at the name of Jesus.
Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” For several days I read these words but still felt so burdened and confused. Why had God allowed this hurt to enter my life? I prayed for God to give me a heart of forgiveness as well as an understanding of what He was trying to teach me in my walk with Him. I began to see things that I would have never understood without this hurtful incident taking place. I first saw that no matter what people around me say I must trust in the promises God has spoken into my life. I also saw how the power of God was stronger than the pain I was feeling.
Since that time I have seen so many reasons why I had to endure that night of pain. First, I saw how staying true to what God had asked me to do surpassed all my expectations and was definitely the right direction for my life. Had I listened to the enemy that night I would have missed amazing blessings for me and my sweet family. No wonder the enemy wanted to distract and stop God’s plan for me! I have also grown even stronger in my faith and personal relationship with the Father. I have also had to lean on God as I still have to be around this individual in many social settings. God showed me how my enemy was not the person who hurt me but Satan, who unfortunately used that individual as his tool.
As horrible things are happening to us, it is so difficult so see the good and how it will create a better person in us for His glory…but it will every single time! Isaiah 41:10 tells us to, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Never forget that He wouldn’t have sent His son to die for us and then not help us with our daily struggles.
By Jessica Daly | Published author and founder of My Daly Outreach Ministries | Website
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