James 1:1-8
You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. —James 1:3 (NIV)
I arrived home from a 17-month deployment in the U.S. Army to an empty house. I saw a stack of papers on the bed and felt weak as I read the words Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage. I dropped to my knees, crying out to God, “Lord, why? We have been married for 12 years. Is this the thanks I get for coming home? How can I fix things? I can’t do this!”
In that moment, I nearly gave in to despair, but instead I chose to seek help. I had experienced significant spiritual growth while on active duty, and looking back, I believe that growth prepared me for this time. However, I could not have done it alone. I attended Christian counseling for four years while dealing with depression after the divorce. As I talked with my friends, my family, and my pastor, I learned to see my worth in Jesus, not in the dreams I had of marriage and family.
Some experiences devastate us and test our faith in God. But with God’s help, through prayer and the support of Christian friends, we can find our way forward.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us strength to overcome our difficult experiences. May our trials mold us into the people you want us to be. Thank you for your love and comfort. Amen.
Thought for the day: In troubled times my faith is tested, but God helps me to persevere.
Tony Farinella (Missouri, USA)
