AFTER DIVORCE, ARE YOU FEELING PITIFUL OR POWERFUL?

I spent many years after my divorce and after subsequent breakups feeling rejected and pitiful and powerless. I spent a lot of time running around bars looking to fill the void, which left me feeling pitiful. The more pitiful I felt, the more I turned to food for comfort. The more weight I gained, the more wretched and pitiful I felt.

Years later, after coming to know Jesus, I learned about these Bible verses that have had an impact on my life:

John 5:5-8: “One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir, the invalid replied, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

I love this story because it reminds me that we also have the option to lay around and do nothing, or we can pick up our mat and walk. Note that Jesus asks the invalid if he WANTS to get well, as He might ask us today. But then He commands him to pick up his mat and walk.

About 3 years ago I was at a job I enjoyed. I had major stock options and expected to retire when the company went public. I went into work one day and received the word that I, along with several others, was laid off. I was shocked, mortified, and felt rejected. To top it off, I went to the lady’s room, came back and was locked out of the office. I was humiliated! I had the option to go home, go to bed, pull the covers over my head and feel pitiful for a while. Or I had the option to Get up! pick up my mat and walk. I prayed all the way home – remembering my favorite verse:

Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I stayed up all night doing my resume. I faxed out my resume the next day and got a job the day after.

Hebrews 12:1-2: " … let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus ... ”

Jesus can give us the power if we look to Him, but He wants us to pick up our mat and walk and leave the results in His hands.

Are you feeling pitiful or powerful today? Are you willing to call on God to give you strength, endurance and His power, despite your circumstances?

Will you pick up your mat and walk today?