Many of us want answers for our pain. We want the reasons for the trauma we have endured. We want someone or something to answer for the person who caused us so much pain. Many of us have so many ungodly and false beliefs about how God allowed it to happen. It soothes us but is it biblically sound?
Our adversary the devil is to blame for our struggles. Our adversary the devil influences many through deception and the pull on their wicked ways and nature.
Let’s take a look…
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and create obstacles or introduce temptations [for others] to commit sin, [acting in ways] contrary to the doctrine which you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and base desires. By smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting [the innocent and the naive] (Romans 16:17-18).
Looking at these scriptures we see that it is obvious why we face so much unfortunate circumstances. It started in the garden and our adversary will remain until Jesus’ return.
Why? We live in a fallen world and many people do not believe in God. There are even extremists claiming to be Christian, yet they do things in the name of God that are wicked. The enemy is not in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork. The enemy lies in the hearts and minds of the wicked who are deceived by his spirit.
Some ask again why doesn’t God get rid of his influence, so we don’t have to suffer? Still you are blaming God. God gave men and women free will to choose to be led by the enemy or not. The wicked are choosing to be led by the enemy and free will is a spiritual law because God is not a puppet master.
When we carefully study God’s word, we see that generation after generation were susceptible to the same enemy. This is the way it has been since the beginning. It will not change until Jesus’ return, and it will get worse as time goes on.
This is not bad news, but it is the reality of a fallen world. I am one who has been sexually abused at a young age, controlled, and manipulated by family and those I called friends. I could go on, but I won’t because I am not alone in pain and suffering. Most of us understand that in a fallen world we face tragedy because of the fall in the garden.
Though this is true in our imperfect human state we hurt in deep places that seem like they won’t heal. I had a fallout with a close friend recently and God reminded me you are sensitive and struggle to maintain supportive relationships due to your trauma. You are used to fighting or being in flight or fight mode. It is your auto-pilot. I thought in that moment like all of us God fix it once and for all. Fix it so I can stop losing those I truly love dearly. In the spiritual sense that would be the easiest answer. God reminded me I must grow because there is maturity in mastering getting out of the fight or flight mode.
How do we fight this enemy that is among us? It is divinely destined for all of us to experience tragedy and suffering. I say it because it is true. In 2020 I had Covid, couch surfed because I had no place to go, and I no longer could afford to stay in my apartment. I was sexually assaulted in a mental health facility. I also had struggles with law enforcement during a manic episode. God did not do any of this nor was He responsible for it.
The best part about it is three years later I have been educating law enforcement and advocating for mental health awareness in my community and society. I never thought that after all that God would use me to help train law enforcement who encounter people with addiction and mental health challenges. The education is called Crisis Intervention Training. It worked out for my good.
God is not done with my story and He is not done with yours either. The enemy is not done using those he influences to cause affliction in our lives. Though this is true God is not done getting victory out of our stories and tragedies.
Sometimes our brokenness causes unfortunate circumstances in our lives. Other times the trauma we never dealt with the right way is causing us to do things we can’t control. Therapy is a great place to heal. It will not happen overnight because it takes time. It is a great place to start.
For our weapons are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).
The enemy started placing strongholds or forms of bondage early in our lives. The weapons are the spiritual weapons many of us fail to use or understand the value of. We would rather blame God than do the work that needs to be done to be delivered. Yes, it is hard work, but we need to get tired of the chains that keep holding us back.
Lastly, Jesus suffered for our sins, and we suffer because of the fall and the influence the enemy has on many people in our world.
God didn’t do it, but He will get you through it. He will also get the glory out of it.
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 