“I’ve learned that what I see as a massive failure in my life, God sees as a massive opportunity to redirect my calling. Our willingness to let go of our pain unlocks God’s purposes in our lives. Forgiveness is the key to stepping into our calling.”- Lina AbuJamra
“When they hurled their insults at him, [Christ] did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”- 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)
Lina AbuJamra concludes Chapter 4 of Fractured Faith as she observes that our wounds tend to cause us to focus more on what’s happening to us. Rather than on what God’s trying to accomplish in us. Yet, Lina exhorts, when you least expect it, God faithfully points the way forward.
Hence, Lina underscores, don’t give the Christians who hurt you too much power over your life. Because your calling to ministry comes from God, not them. In addition, God controls your future, not them. So, when pain disrupts your vision, God’s grace restores your vision for who He is as well as what He longs to accomplish in you. And while you can’t control what others do to you, you do control your response to the pain they inflict. Therefore, Lina describes what her wounds taught her:
“While it was forgiveness that set me free, it was my wounds that allowed me to grow. It was through my wounds that I came to understand that God’s grace in my failure awakens me to extend grace to others in their failures too. It was through my wounds that I learned the more I build my identity on who Christ says I am, the less I’m concerned about what other people say about me.”
In conclusion, the author underscores, there’s one way to find your way back to God after other Christians wound you. Do what only you can do. And let God do what only He can do! Choose to forgive. Let God vindicate. Above all, allow God to redirect your calling through your failures, wounds, and feelings of rejection.
Today’s question: In looking at your life, do you see massive failure or massive opportunity? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Fairness versus justice”
