Standing Strong When Life Shakes You

# Finding Strength in God: A Journey of Forgiveness and Healing

## Embracing God's Strength

Scripture:

“For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.”

—Psalm 18:31–32 (NLT)

Reflection:

No one can stop a woman who draws her strength from God. She may stumble, feel angry, or even think about giving up, but she never surrenders. Why? Because God lifts her up! She doesn’t plot revenge or sink into bitterness. Instead, she lets God fight her battles. Some days, she’s a conqueror; other days, she’s a woman in sweatpants, enjoying ice cream for dinner. Yet every day, she stands tall in faith—continuing to pray, hope, and cling to God’s promises.

Personal Story: A Journey Through Pain and Healing

I went through an ugly separation and divorce a few years ago. It was a time when I felt completely helpless. Overwhelmed by the need to return to work, burdened by my family falling apart, and devastated by the unveiling of years of lies and betrayal, I was a total basket case. I cried in the car, in the shower, and even when the grocery store was out of my favorite snack. I obsessed over finding out every last detail of the affairs, leading to many sleepless nights. Anger and bitterness consumed me, and I wanted revenge!

In my darkest moments, I prayed with all my heart, asking God for strength to survive because I felt like I had none left. I struggled to forgive those involved and the sorrow it caused me, my family, and my friends.

One night, during one of those sleepless stretches, I stumbled upon a podcast about forgiveness. God gently nudged me to obey Him and stand on His promises. He revealed that forgiveness was a gift to myself, not to the people who hurt me. That night, I prayed through the list of people who betrayed me—my ex, his current affair partner, past partners, those who knew about the affairs and covered for him, and friends and family who turned their backs on me. It wasn’t a short list!

The next morning, I felt a peace I couldn’t explain. The obsession was gone. The feelings for him were gone. The bitterness and anger? Gone! It was as if God had done a deep clean on my heart. Just like David said:

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

—Psalm 40:1–2 (NLT)

As the days passed, God encouraged me in little ways: a kind word from a friend, a new work opportunity, and a steady assurance that He was with me. This experience taught me that even in my weakness, God’s strength is more than enough to carry me through. He was—and is—my Rock.

The Power of Forgiveness

Of course, I still get angry at times when I look back on all that happened. Sometimes my mind wants to replay the old episodes of “what he did” like a rerun. But when that happens, I remind myself of the forgiveness I prayed through and the freedom God gave me. My obedience to Him ensures that I’ll have the strength to overcome tough times and difficult people—even the ones who seem to have a talent for making life harder.

I encourage you to step aside and let God do the heavy lifting in your life. Those who have hurt you will never be able to say “I’m sorry” enough to remove the pain they caused you—there’s no apology big enough for that. Only forgiveness will take away the hurt and bitterness. Only the Solid Rock will heal you and give you a steady, beautiful path forward.

Finding Community in Faith

In moments of struggle, it’s essential to lean on our community. Surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and family can make a world of difference. Have you ever noticed how a simple conversation can lift your spirits? Sharing our burdens with others not only lightens our load but also reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Let’s cherish those connections. They are like warm blankets on a chilly night, comforting and reassuring. When we share our stories, we create a tapestry of experiences that bind us together. It’s a beautiful reminder that we are all on this journey together, seeking strength and encouragement from one another.

The Journey of Healing

Healing is not a straight path; it’s more like a winding road with ups and downs. Some days, we may feel like we’re making progress, while other days, we might stumble. And that’s okay! It’s all part of the journey. Embrace the process, and don’t rush it. God’s timing is perfect, even when we feel impatient.

Remember, healing takes time. It’s like planting a seed; it needs nurturing, sunlight, and water to grow. So, be gentle with yourself. Celebrate the small victories along the way. Each step forward is a testament to your strength and resilience.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being my Rock and my strength. Help me to trust You in every season and to keep standing in faith, knowing You will lift me when I fall—even on the days when all I can manage is a whispered prayer. Amen.

Conclusion: Embracing God's Promises

As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s hold onto God’s promises. He is our solid rock, our source of strength, and our ultimate guide. When we draw from His well of wisdom and love, we can face anything that comes our way. So, let’s keep our hearts open, our spirits lifted, and our eyes fixed on Him. Together, we can find joy, healing, and a path forward that shines brightly with hope.