Remembering What He Told You to Forget

There are times in our lives when we struggle. Sometimes, as a result of our sin, we lose a precious portion of our life or a relationship. Then we must live with a burden of guilt that at times can be overpowering. It's during those times that the Devil toys with us, telling us that we're not worthy to walk on the earth because of past events. Our memories are one of his most potent weapons. If the devil can keep us locked in the past, there's little hope for the future.

If that's you or someone you know, there is hope. You see, we've all been forgiven and saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. He is hope. In Henri Nouwen's excellent book, "Turn My Mourning Into Dancing-Finding Hope in the Hard Times", he writes, " Hope makes you see God's guiding hand not only in the gentle and pleasant moments but also in the shadows of disappointment and darkness."

I have learned not to deny suffering. I have learned not to try to hide the pain. I have learned to embrace it, seek it out and through Jesus Christ, conquer it and move forward with His guiding hand. There was a time when I thought that through suffering I was growing stronger, but I was wrong. To be sure I'm stronger, but it's the power of the Holy Spirit living inside me, without which, the suffering would have crushed me long ago.