I have a good friend -- a godly friend -- who is going through divorce proceedings with his wife. After years of hurt, brokenness, and frustration, he decided enough is enough. He is right now going through a time where he feels as though he has disappointed God in the way a child disappoints a loving parent. "My world is turned up-side down, Mike."
I've been close to where he is. Thankfully, God rescued my marriage, which was running downhill on a one-way track toward divorce. But, thankfully, I only know just a smidgen of what he's going through. Not all of it, cuz I've never been exactly where he is.
One thing is certain, though: I won't give up on him. I'm praying for his marriage AND for his broken heart. I'm praying he'll not feel this despair that he feels that God seems distant or altogether absent.
But here's the saddest part: "All my Christian friends who were once by my side have abandoned me." Right, wrong, or indifferent, he should be able to lean on his Christian brothers and sisters at a time like this when he needs it most.
Brother, Jesus Christ died for you and your sins and for your wife and her sins...in spite of knowing that you would be going through exactly what you're going through right now. He knew you before you knew Him, and He died for you way back when he saw you in the junk you would have to face. Don't give up, brother. God loves you, and He definitely hasn't given up on you. I love you. And I'm here for you and with you.
I don't understand when we call it "quits" for any reason other than unrepentent adultery, but I don't understand even more is how can we abandon brother and sisters in Christ? That is the saddest part of your post. Even if the divorce is "sinful" that is when they need us most. Not for preaching or judgment etc., but for prayer, support, guidance, and love.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it that can cause us to give blood, sweat, and tears to save an injured animal, but we won't do the same for a brother hurting in this fashion.
Glad he has you. Hang in there. There is no reason a sovereign God can't resolve that situation. And if He chooses not to, He is still a believer that needs to be loved, discipled, and helped in holiness.
Unfortunately we live in a cursed world. Along with that comes tragedy and brokeness. Divorce is one of the most stressful and devastating things that can happen to a family. Having gone through something similar, you have been able to get where your friend is. This is what Christian brotherhood is all about. Rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. You don't have to have answers or pearls of wisdom. Just being there is often the most needed gesture. God bless you for your Godly heart. Dr. Bobbi
ReplyDeleteThanks friend. There are very few who are willing to walk with someone through the mire of such a disaster like this.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that there are some times in one's life when one's friends disappear. It is a rare thing indeed when a friend will walk with you through the most intense battles of life. It is really no surprise that many shy away from such precarious situations as these are very messy and dangerous paths.
I deeply appreciate those precious few who are willing to weep with those who weep, and who walk nearby carefully and who have no stones in their hands.
I am learning a few things in the midst of this difficult process; the necessity of loving others though you may disagree with them, caring self-sacrifially for others, and the dire importance of throwing no stones.
Thanks for being my friend, and for not picking up stones.
- Your friend
You know I love you, brother. We still need to get together...all is not lost.
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