The book “The End of Forever” takes on the challenge to address the missed ministry opportunities to reach Christian women suffering from divorce. Consider this point. There are approximately 205 million Christians in the United States which reports a 37% rate of Christian divorces.[i] This accounts for approximately 75,850,000 divorced Christians. We are not alone in this battle, and many soldiers need to hear the encouraging and empowering words of this book. However, the author is concerned about the lack of ministry support for such a vast number of Christians in general and specifically Christian women.
[i] Finke, Roger; Rodney Stark (2005). The Churching of America, 1776–2005. Rutgers University Press. pp. 22–23. ISBN 0-8135-3553-0. online at Google Books
But we are not left without support. One of the most lovable attributes of the Lord is that He is always with us. His promise is to never leave nor forsake us. He says even if our mother or father forsakes us, then He will take care of us (Psalms 27:10). I know that it is comforting to have human presence and companionship in times of suffering. But let us not discount the very present help of the Lord.
I agree with the advice from R.C. Blakes, Jr. on this point. He says, “the bible warns us of allowing men to occupy a place in our consciousness that only belongs to God. For instance, the scripture declares in Proverbs 29:25-26: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor, but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord. There’s no man worthy of fear. Your source is God and He alone.”
Blakes Jr., R.C.. Soul-Ties: Breaking the Ties That Bind (pp. 27-28). BookBaby
I am aware of the fact, that pain can blind our spiritual vision and we cannot always see the Lord. I am the first to admit that heart-aching sorrow can deafen our ability to hear the still, small yet powerful voice of the Lord. It can seem an impossibility to be still and remind us that the Lord is near. But, no doubt, He is.
So today, while many may miss the opportunity to minister to the 75,859,000 divorced Christians, God is able to hear every one of our voices and He sees every minute of our suffering. The Holy Spirit will never miss an opportunity to minister to our hearts.
Stop, take a deep breath, and take that in.
While we are quiet and breathing. I feel led today to just pray, my Virtuous Sisters. Painful relationships can leave us with so much baggage and this baggage is used by our enemy to barricade us from our Lord. Prayer obliterates the barricade and opens a direct path to the Throne of Grace. This path is laden with mercy and grace which is so very much needed in times of separation and divorce.
Dear Jesus,
We forgive every person that has hurt, offended, abused, or otherwise mistreated us. We refuse the impact of unforgiveness in our lives. We release our demand for an apology or closure from the same person who harmed us and recall our freedom of choice to set our own souls free to live life to the fullest. Never again will we entertain a substitute for Your reserved place in our lives. Thoughts of low self-esteem, distorted views of our value and worth, and feelings of defectiveness are now released to you in exchange for the sanctifying work You are now completing in our lives. We now present ourselves to you as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You (Romans 12:1). We will never again look horizontally for our worth and support but always look onto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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). Should you require additional support, you can always visit www.healingwaters-counseing.com
My Virtuous Sisters 