2 Corinthians 1:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The book entitled “The End of Forever” is a testimony of the author’s personal journey of emotional and spiritual pain resulting from one of life’s most devasting experiences – divorce and marital separation. This experience is second only to death. I can see your heads nodding in agreement.
I may be an experienced therapist who has helped countless others through marital difficulties, but I am not exempt from unavoidable times of overwhelming pain. A pain that threatens faith in God and distorts the knowledge that God never wastes a wound. He often uses our pain as a part of our personal journey.
The Divine Exchange
What I would like to share with my Virtuous Sisters today is the pleasure of grace that accompanies personal pain. I understand the confusion of considering that any pleasure could accompany the pain. But this is exactly why I love Jesus so much. Only He can make this divine exchange. Spend some time today with our Scripture from 2 Corinthians 1:7-9 which outlines this divine exchange. Jesus exchanges His strength for our weaknesses so much so that we can boast in our infirmities so that the power of the grace of Christ can rest upon us.
What does this look like on a practical basis?
There were days on my personal journey when I was sure my pain was useless and unnecessary. After all, it was not my choice, nor did I sign up for it. But I also understood I did not cause it. I cannot cure it and I certainly could not control it. Like Paul, I pleaded with the Lord that this experience would depart from me, and my marriage is left intact. But that was a prayer that for reasons unknown to me on this side of eternity was not answered.
Unanswered prayers are tough! When we face a significant loss it can seem unbearable. It seems impossible to take pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, persecutions and distresses. But know this, at the very point of our weaknesses is the strength of a Loving Savior. Just when you think you have taken the last betrayal and surely there is nothing left. Jesus shows up and shows out. If you cannot see or feel Him, just trust Him. For the divorced woman, He is the only Man with a perfect track record.
God never wastes a wound. He uses each of them for our good and His glory. Somehow, some way, He is able to turn situations around and take our wounds to help other women. Thus, the theme Scripture of “The End of Forever” is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 which says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Jesus shows up and shows out. If you cannot see or feel Him, just trust Him. For the divorced woman, He is the only Man with a perfect track record.
The great need in the world today is not for more gifted men and women or more talented men and women, but for more broken men and women. Why? Because God delights in taking cracked vessels, comforting them, and then using those same vessels to bring comfort to a dying world. We become conduits by which His healing virtue flows.
In other words, our healing will be used to heal others. No wound is wasted. Hold on my sisters, your healing is in the making, and it will be used to heal many others!
God never wastes a wound.
Excerpts taken from “The End of Forever” – a book written by Phyllis McColister to encourage, educate and empower divorced and separated women to find restoration and healing in Christ, realizing their intrinsic value to His Kingdom. Coming Soon!!!!
Visit again for more Christian Mental Health tips. Until then, remember your worth is far above rubies and learn to laugh without fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25).
My Virtuous Sisters 