Our Heavenly Father is the true Source of love. 1 John 4:8 (NLT) tells us, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” This truth is not just a statement of what He does; it’s a declaration of His very nature. Every act of His is an expression of His pure, unconditional, and powerful love. When we understand this, we can be confident that His purpose for our lives is deeply rooted in His desire for us to live fully through His love. This isn’t just a call to love others, but to first experience and embrace His love in all its fullness by following the example of Jesus Christ.
However, when we stray from the path of God’s love, we open ourselves up to feelings of abandonment, emotional trauma, and hopelessness. These painful experiences often arise when we try to navigate life without fully relying on our Heavenly Father’s love. He has designed life in such a way that everything in the universe partners with our efforts to fulfill His call. But, when we stray from His purpose, resources dwindle, confusion replaces clarity, relationships suffer, people turn against us, and our well-being is threatened. While these challenges may seem to be attacks from the enemy, it’s important to recognize that not every painful situation originates from him. Sometimes, the struggle is the result of our own choices. When we try to control our lives and go our own way, we’re playing a very dangerous game. Stepping outside of God’s Will and love invites consequences we won’t like, and often it takes a while for us to learn this lesson.
In James 1:14-15 (NLT), it says, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” It’s no secret that some of us choose to be in relationships with individuals that God didn’t ordain. We jumped in, not realizing their dysfunction or the impact they’d have on ours. Make no mistake, Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the devil is in the earth to kill, steal, and destroy, but some of our struggles arise from our own sinful decisions and desires. When we allow these temptations to lead us away from God’s love—when we don’t trust that His Will is best for us—we face the consequences of those poor choices. But even then, God doesn’t leave us on our own. He wants us to reach out to Him for help.
It’s easy to get stuck in a negative cycle, where troubling consequences seem to follow us from one moment to the next. It can feel like no matter how hard we try we can’t catch a break. These challenges can linger, wearing us down, until we finally wake up and realize that Jesus Christ is the answer. He is the one who offers us a way out of the cycle of pain and despair. He’s calling us to walk more fully in His love—because in His love, we find healing, purpose, and freedom.
Jesus is inviting us to embrace all that God has in store for our lives, and that starts with a change of heart. Repentance is more than just saying “sorry”, it’s a genuine shift in our thinking and actions. It’s turning away from the things that keep us trapped and choosing to walk in alignment with God’s Will. Repentance is a necessary step in restoring our fellowship with the Father. It opens the door for us to experience His grace and love in a fresh way, allowing us to move forward with a renewed spirit and a clear sense of purpose.
A lot of us struggle with accepting the truth that where we are right now might be the result of decisions we've made in the past. When we fail to seek God first, it can lead to serious setbacks—setbacks we often don’t fully realize until the dust has settled. That’s why it’s so important to check in with the Father before making big choices. His wisdom is what keeps us grounded and helps us stay on a safe path. Taking the time to seek His guidance not only protects us but prevents us from wandering off course.
Take the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 18. King Ahab of Israel asks Jehoshaphat to join him in battle, and Jehoshaphat responds agreeably, but then wisely adds in 2 Chronicles 18:3 (NLT), “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.”What stands out about Jehoshaphat is that he had a habit of consulting God before making decisions; we have a responsibility to do the same. His heart was devoted to God, and because of this, the Lord blessed him with wealth, honor, and success. Even when he made the difficult decision to partner with King Ahab and go to war, he didn’t just rush in. He sought God’s Will first, and God protected him in this dangerous situation. God did this for Jehoshaphat, and we can trust that He will do the same for us.
When our decisions lead to struggle, God doesn’t leave us to deal with them on our own. Whether you’re facing the pain of a divorce, the heartbreak of a lost relationship, or the scars left by emotional or physical abuse—God is your rock. He is your refuge, your comfort, and your strength in times of distress.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 62:2,7-8 (NLT), “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” This is such a beautiful reminder of God’s protection and guidance when we’re facing tough times, reassuring us of where our true healing comes from. The Word of God is infinitely more than just a book; it’s life to us! It’s our most valuable resource. Not only does it show us how to live victorious and God-honoring lives, but it also gives us practical wisdom for a safe and secure life here on earth. When we choose to live outside of God’s principles, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy, who will take any chance he gets to pull us down.
Whatever the reason for the struggle, God’s promise is clear: He is with us and will help us to be victorious. But we have a part to play in this as well. We must repent, stay vigilant to Christ’s example, and guard the Word of God in our hearts and minds. Even in the darkest times, remember that you are never alone. God is always with you, and your victory is found in Him alone. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Our Victory Comes from God” written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
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