Living in Reaction instead of Reliance
Shelly’s husband cheated on her with a woman half her age. The pain of that rejection was so great that she couldn’t shake it. It was with her when she woke up, and when she went to bed. It even followed her to work. As she tried to do her job, she suddenly felt unable to perform and now her boss was questioning her every move. What was wrong with her? She had never felt incompetent or suffered with a confidence issue before. Her life was a mess. Her husband was now living with this “girl”. She cried and cried each night as she looked at her wedding pictures. “What a waste”, she said to herself as she tore up the memories. Because of Shelly’s performance issues at work, her boss actually took her out of her new position and put her back answering the phone. This was another blow to her confidence. It was then that the stomach aches began. She was diagnosed with Chronic IBS.
She missed work several times over the next month. Her boss wasn’t understanding. In fact, he called her into his office. She found herself crying and pouring her heart out to him. Instead of telling her everything would be okay, he just stood there looking at her like some sort of alien from a different planet. So, the next day, Shelly was told that she needed to take some time off. If she was unable to “get herself together”, she would need to find a new place of employment. It was then that the headaches began. Everyday, they came like clock work, as soon as she tried to get up. So….she decided not to.
Shelly had been a Christian since she was 20 years old, but she rarely relied on God. She relied on herself, her capabilities and those she loved in this world. The only problem with this is the sin nature of man and imperfection. So, Shelly decided to try something new.
As Shelly cried out to God, he answered her. 1 Peter 5:6 – Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Through this Word of encouragement, he gave her the ability to get out of the bed. One step at a time she followed His lead. After time in His Word and prayer, she felt His love and trusted that His plan would bring about eternal consequences for His glory instead of her own, through this terrible circumstance. In her heart, she began to forgive her husband. Especially after she remembered times that she had lusted in her heart after other men.
As the weeks passed, she was amazed at her new confidence level. She began job interviewing and landed one after the third week. Her stomach aches disappeared.
A few weeks later, Shelly was approached by her pastor about being an Ambassador in China for the missionaries they supported there. She couldn’t believe it! For years, she had ignored a calling on her life because of endless responsibilities. This time, she answered the call. The missions program flourished under her care. She saw 20 people come to know the Lord when she went for her first visit. Her new job supported her venture, by giving her time off during the year to travel back and forth. The headaches finally subsided.
Time passed and Shelly’s husband left his girlfriend. The Lord gave Shelly the grace to forgive him. They began working on their relationship. Shelly no longer put confidence in man, but relied fully on Jesus Christ.
Maybe you’re struggling with a form of rejection, hurt or pain in your life. Remember, if you are a Christian, the power of the Cross has defeated the enemy. Your hopes and dreams may have been crushed, but His plans are just beginning. I encourage you to dwell on Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Pathway 2 Wholeness is a neighborhood Bible Study about relying on Christ to achieve whole person health and healing from the inside out. For more information, please contact Stephanie WIlkins for a Bible study in your area.
