Kristine Steakley writes: ‘Loss can make us feel forsaken and utterly destroyed…For many divorce meant leaving the house we grew up in, our neighbourhood, our friends, our school…even our church because we were ashamed and heard condemnation from those who should have been concerned for our souls. To use Joel’s metaphor, locusts ate our family; more locusts ate our friendships…and still more ate our church…But God promised, “Never again will my people be shamed” (v. 26).
I can’t tell you what restoration will look like…or when it’ll happen. Some of us will see relationships with parents and siblings mended…others will build great marriages and loving families…and some may have to wait for heaven where all wrongs will be righted, all wounds healed, all tears wiped away.’
One Bible teacher says: ‘Resist the temptation to despair or delve into disappointment. You may feel like you’ve forfeited years, opportunities, finances, and a significant return on investment of self. But hear the fantastic promise of redemption: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” No one on earth can make anything up to you. No one can pay. No one can set things right or make things fair. Pressure and manipulation won’t bring justice. So let it go and let God fill your life with new blessings. If you’re full of resentment and wrath He can’t find space for His gifts. God will make it up to you if you keep an expectant attitude of faith, and thank Him that His promises are yours.’
1 Sam 13-14, John 11:1-29
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