Brokenness

I'm sad. I am having a hard time processing something that on one hand is devasting and on the other hand is not completely without hope. I am both bothered by the sin that took place and grateful for the reconcilation that is taking place. I am upset that bad choices were made and yet am encouraged by the new choices that are being acted upon. It's hard because it brings back memories of a more personal nature and also because those involved and affected by the sin have been significant influences in my life.


The sin was an affair and that breaks my heart. It breaks my heart for the betrayed wife, the confused and hurting kids, and for the broken and yet repentant husband. I hate the fact that the affair took place, but I am so encouraged by the attitudes of all involved. The husband showed genuine sorrow for his sin and the wife was willing to forgive and work towards the goal of reconcilation. I'm grieving for the family because even though good things are happening; there are still consequences for wrong choices and the pain doesn't simply go away even when there's been signs of confession and repentance. Trust has been lost and once damaged is hard to get back again. It's not impossible because our God is in the business of reconciliation, restoration and renewal; but there's still a long way to go and the road is tough.

I understand the pain of betrayal and I also am very much aware of what happens when there is no godly sorrow leading to repentance. My parents are divorced and 11 years ago, my dad announced to our family that he was having an affair. I praise the Lord for the healing that has taken place in my life, but the memories are painful and the feelings must be acknowledged so that more healing can come as a result of being real before the Lord.

I grieve not only for my family and the one mentioned earlier,but also for the brokenness that takes place in many families all throughout this country and all around the world.

How do I choose to respond when something like this happens? I can be a victim of my circumstances and allow bitterness, anger and unforgiveness to seep in and poison my soul; or I can bring my pain to the foot of the Cross and allow the Lord to do his work in and through me. It's hard to understand when painful things happen, but God uses those circumstances to grow us in our faith and to ultimately bring glory due His Name!

Since I started writing this post, the sadness lingers a little and yet the Lord has been faithful to bring peace and more healing.

I don't want to be a victim of my circumstances. I want to be a victor as I yield to the Lord's working in my life and then as I trust Him to take care of me in the midst of life's storms. Pain makes us strong if we are willing to yield and trust!