Grief

Grief comes to us all at some point in our life . One thing that I am learning through this Breaking Free study is that grief is something that the enemy turns into defeat. To keep believing lies such as I'll never get through this...keeps us from the abundant life that we have in Christ.

Beth's points in the chapter Binding up the Brokenhearted:

1. Christ never allows the hearts of His own to be shattered without excellent reasons and eternal purposes.

Lazarus was a our example. God purposely allowed his friends and family to suffer loss so when he raised Lazarus there was no denying His power. The glory was His alone.



2. Christ never allows any illness to end in death for a Christian.

Death seems so final, but for Christians death is not the end.



3.Any kind of "death" is an invitation to resurrection life to the believer.

Joy and effectiveness may cease for a while, but those that allow Christ to heal their hurts will experience joy and effectiveness again. Thankfully these losses in our life are a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness. Though the loss is heartbreaking we have the opportunity to allow a supernatural power to take over. Our losses bring Him great glory because we realize that it is by His strength alone that we endure. He is the only explanation.

"Perhaps the most profound miracle of all is living through something we thought would kill us. And not just living, but living abundantly and effectively- raised from living death to new life."

I'm not a huge fan of change. Maybe a little change like new couch pillows but not a lot like moving. This study is showing me that the life of a Christian is not about staying the same. It's about changing. Change is good. Change is what strengthens us. Thats why we must learn to survive and once again thrive when change involves heartbreaking loss. This loss is what is helping conform us into the image of Christ.