If the wound in our heart is not properly tended, it turns a sore the enemy is bound to take advantage of. Sitting in offense or on the hurt, we feel exposed, alone, targeted, humiliated, deserted, defeated, helpless, and hopeless while it seems God stands by and watches as we suffer. We cannot rule out the fact that unjust things happen in life and bad things come upon good people. When we are struck because we have missed it, we brave through our sufferings knowing it was our fault. But when we have done nothing wrong, ill is harder to bear.

True to His Word, God sticks with us as we grapple to understand the reasons for the calamities that crawl out of nowhere and sometimes, everywhere. It could go from one bad turn to the other and appear like there is no end to it all. In such times, despair looms all around. Our world turns dark and it feels so much easier to sink into beckoning holes of discouragement and depression than to find reasons to rejoice. I have been in situations where conscious of God’s Word and His presence, I am frantically resisting the downward pull, seeking reasons to rejoice, but none comes to mind. Everything and everyone consciously or unaware, are constantly nudging you in the very direction you dread.

The pressure propels us to anxiously reach for a quick escape, instant comfort, and momentary gratification: anything that can distract or reduce the immensity of the burden we bear. That is where the enemy lies in wait and sneaks through. The escape we seek quickly turns to traps that eventually end up in addiction. In such times, it is better to turn to God and His Word. His relief might not be instant, but it is sure to provide enduring comfort. God is the One to turn to when all else fails us. And guess what? He goes through it all with us.

God is there for us when we are down, be it for our faults, due to our innocence, or our refusal to compromise what we believe to be true. Even when our weakness empowers the enemy to kick us into stinky holes where we are ensnared by things that God cannot stand – He stands it for our sake. Do you know why? He promised to be with us until the end. He is there for us as we deal with all that is before us, to ensure that the enemy does not put on us more than we can bear. And right there, He paves ways for our escape in His appointed times.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Blessings.
Glory!
Excerpt from Fighting Monsters by Dr. Glory C. Odemene