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Finding Inner Strength from the Pain of Yesterday

Right from the start, I knew she was different. There was an inner strength about her that drew me in. Genuine love. A smile from deep beyond the surface. One that seemed to come from an overflow of authentic joy.

If you were to meet her, you wouldn’t guess the challenges and heartache she’d faced.

… Or maybe you would.

Because people don’t end up the good kind of different by living challenge-free.

Usually, it’s those who have faced the deepest challenges of life who live with the deepest levels of inner strength and authentic joy.  It’s the pain of yesterday empowering them for tomorrow.

They have allowed God to work amidst the pain to make them

stronger

braver

wiser

kinder

and more compassionate.

Friends, none of us stand in line to receive the challenges of life. Yet what kind of people would we be today without them?

None of us stand in line to receive the challenges of life. Yet what kind of people would we be today without them? #innerstrength #overcomer #hope #MomentsofHope Click To Tweet

As much as it hurts to be hurt by others, that pain has the potential to give us inner strength. If we walk through the pain well, we walk away empowered, wiser, and stronger. #innerstrength #godslove #hope #betrayed #rejected #overcomer #redemption #prayer

“When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there’s no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You’ll no longer be so full of questions. John 16:21-23 MSG

Looking back to my own past, I see where pain that once nearly destroyed me has become the glue of my inner strength today. That pain lead me to experience the all-encompassing love and redemption of God. You see, it was when I came to the end of me that I truly called out to Him.

At my lowest, as the world seemed to say I was a mess and unworthy of accomplishing the dreams of my heart, I met Jesus in a way I never had before. He stepped in and pulled me out of my mess, teaching me who I am –  in Him.

And He began constructing the deepened layers of my inner strength.

As much as it hurts to be hurt by others, that pain has the potential to give us inner strength. If we walk through the pain well, we walk away empowered, wiser, and stronger. #innerstrength #godslove #hope #betrayed #rejected #overcomer #redemption #prayer #scriptureimage

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. #Psalm402 #hope #redeemer #innerstrength Click To Tweet

But what happens if we don’t seek Jesus for our healing? What happens if bitterness takes root?

In his book, Sometimes You Win Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell says,

 “Everyone experiences loss, but not everyone learns from it.” 

He explains that learning is something that happens when we make the intentional and disciplined effort to evaluate our losses. In the same book, Coach John Wooden (a favorite in the Schumaker house because, well … basketball and the Schumaker’s? It’s kinda BIG!) wrote in the foreword,

“There is a marked difference between the people who learn from their losses and the people who do not. Do you want your spirit stuck in the infirmary, too battle-weary for another try? Or do you want to seize the opportunity to study, evaluate, and reconsider what happened – and use that knowledge to arm yourself for another charge at life?”

When we look betrayal in the eye and say, “I will grow from this,” we disarm the powers of darkness and defeat the intent of the betrayer. We rise as victors who keep hope alive. And we believe that on the other side of this hurt lies a healed heart and a newfound joy.

When we look betrayal in the eye and say -I will grow from this -we disarm the powers of darkness and defeat the intent of the betrayer. #innerstrength #redeemer #hope #overcomer Click To Tweet
So how do we get to that place of bravery?

For me, it was diligence. Intentionality. Engaging deeply in His word. Reading. Counseling. Support. And lots of tears. But, friends I made it to the other side and so did the friend I mentioned before. We found the victory of inner strength.

I know you can make it there, too.

You can make it to where the view is clear. Where you can see the other side of hurt and gain wisdom, inner strength, and compassion. Your story and learnings are unique.  However, I believe there are some powerful lessons that may just be common to us all. They are statements of strength. Ones to speak boldly over your life.

So, read these statements of strength. But not quietly to yourself. Read them out loud – with boldness. Really! I’m not joking! Go in another room if you have to, but do it!

As much as it hurts to be hurt by others, that pain has the potential to give us inner strength. If we walk through the pain well, we walk away empowered, wiser, and stronger. #innerstrength #godslove #hope #betrayed #rejected #overcomer #redemption #prayer

Did you? Did you read them boldly read them aloud?

Didn’t those statements sound STRONG? Empowering? Filled with HOPE?

Friends, this list is just the beginning. I know you are warriors and have walked through deep waters of hurt gathering lessons and insights far beyond what I have here.  I would love for you to share more in the comments below.  Your story – your particular insight – may just be the one God uses to speak into the life of another.

As much as it hurts to be hurt by others, that pain has the potential to give us inner strength. If we walk through the pain well, we walk away empowered, wiser, and stronger. #innerstrength #godslove #hope #betrayed #rejected #overcomer #redemption #prayer

Dear Jesus, Your promises are numerous and never unfulfilled. You love us beyond measure and promise to work all things together for the good of those who love You. Therefore we know that You will take our pain, our hurt, the betrayals that have threatened to stop us in our tracks, and work them together for a good. Lord, we ask You to be our strength and our wisdom as we walk through to the other side of this situation. Walk us through until we see the other side of the hurt. Until we see things clearly, learn lessons, and develop the inner strength You will use to make us who You want us to be. In Your Precious Name, I pray. Amen.

You can find my linking up to these encouraging blogs.



Join Me for the Series!

When People Hurt You: Rising Above the Emotional Pain of Rejection and Betrayal is a series that looks into the Word of God as a guide to not just surviving, but rising victoriously over hurt. Each week I address a new aspect of rejection and betrayal that serves to keep us stuck in the pain rather than moving forward to where we want to be. (If you missed a post, then you can get caught up HERE or click on an image below!)

When People Hurt You: Rising Above the Emotional Pain of Rejection and Betrayal Series #emotionalpain #betrayal #Godslove #whenpeoplehurtyou #rejection #identityinchrist #hope
Series Overview
7 Truths That Will Enable You to Get Over Betrayal and Rejection | When People Hurt You #Series #overcoming #betrayal #rejection #emotionalpain #hope #identityinchrist #christianlifecoaching
Snippets of the 7 Truths
Dealing with Rejection, Betrayal, and the Lies of False Guilt | When People Hurt You | #Series #betrayal #rejection #godslove #guilt #hope
False Guilt
Victim or Victor ? What to Choose When Someone Hurts You | #livingfree #victory #victim #rejection #betrayed #identity
Identity
Life isn't fair and hurt is inevitable. Overcoming it is possible. #betrayed #rejection #trueidentity #lifeisnotfair #hope #godslove
Acceptance
The world and our very own flesh glamorize revenge. They tell us that to get revenge will heal our wounds and make the hurt disappear. But the truth is really quite the opposite. #forgiveness #revenge #godslove #betrayed #rejection #risingabove #overcome
Revenge, Forgiveness, & Healing

Also, I’ve created a Scripture Based Journal and Growth Guide that corresponds to each weekly devotional post giving you an opportunity to go deeper and make each lesson more meaningful.

This journal along with a set of printable Scripture Cards to give you hope is now in the Library of Hope! If you have already subscribed to our community, jump on over and grab your copy! If you haven’t subscribed, what are you waiting for? 🙂 Just use the form below for your access to the Library of Hope and this journal!

 
Join me for the series and get both your Journal & Growth Guide and set of printable Scripture Cards! When People Hurt You: Rising Above the Emotional Pain of Rejection and Betrayal #ScriptureJournal #EmotionalPain #Godslove… Click To Tweet

     17 Great Bible Verses That Will Give You Hope #scripture #printableverses #hope #bibleverses #encouragement



This Week’s Featured #MomentsofHope Writers

This week I want to share with you a group of blogging buddies and real life friends! Last year we all met here in Arizona for a retreat. The weekend was a soul revival and one I will never forget! During one of our brainstorming sessions, we came up with an idea for the summer we decided to call the “Summer Sizzle Series”.  It was a collaboration of all our most popular posts shared on each other’s sites over the summer months.

This year, I wasn’t able to join in on the fun, but I wanted to make sure to pass this treasure chest of summer reading onto YOU! Over the next several weeks, you can stop at any one of the nine sites listed and tap into this awesome series. I challenge you to meet each and every one of these gals. And friends, I can promise you, these ladies are as sincere, kind, and wise as you see in print. They are sisters in Christ – ones I couldn’t imagine doing this life without ♥

Summer Sizzle 2018

Deb Wolf of Counting My Blessings

Valerie Murray of Cord of 6

Ruthie Gray of RuthieGray.mom

Dawn Klinge of Above the Waves

Nicki Schroeder of Showered in Grace

Diana Abe of Diana’s Diaries

Marva Smith of Sun Sparkle Shine

Melanie Redd of MelanieRedd.com

Carmen Brown of Married by His Grace



 #MomentsofHope Thursday Link-Up
Join us for the #MomentsofHope Link-Up! Hope-filled encouragement every THURSDAY! #MomentsofHope #hope #christianencouragement #givemeJesus Click To Tweet

Join us for hope-filled encouragement every Thursday | #MomentsofHope #LinkParty #Hope #EcouragementIt’s all about hope, so let’s be accountable in doing these 3 things for each other:

  1. Share up to 2 blog post URLs resonating with the HOPE of Christ. The little things and the big that inspire us to lean into Jesus and let Him carry us through.
  2. #MomentsofHope is a place to give and get hope, so let’s encourage others in their efforts to share the hope of Jesus. Please stop by at least one other writer’s little corner of the blog world!
  3. Please grab the #MomentsofHope button found HERE, or link back to me.
[inlinkz_linkup id=786359 mode=1]

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16 Comments

  1. Thank you for this post, Lori. We’ve been told that trusting God, knowing He’s still in control, in spite of everything that has happened gives that perfect peace that passes all understanding. Blessings to you.

  2. The ” pain that once nearly destroyed me has become the glue of my inner strength today.”
    Yes!
    And this is my story as well, and what a joyful thing to realize that God wants to do a great work in our lives through ALL the things we endur by His power.

  3. Lori, I’ve been on that same journey of suffering and spiritual growth. Everything you write here rings with truth. Sharing on Twitter and Pinterest. By the way, I love the new look of your site (the old look was pretty amazing too!).

  4. Your site looks amazing! I love it. Thank you for mentioning the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop. Love you friend!

  5. This was a great reminder for me. I so fear hardship in the form of losing someone close to me, so I loved this reminder that we grow the difficult times.

  6. LOVE the new look Lori!! And great message too! Don’t we all struggle with this, from time to time? Good reminders for us all!

  7. Oh, Lori, you know how I get this! You know my story! And you spoke so much truth here. God is the only one who could have healed my brokenness and made the glued together pieces stronger than the whole could have ever been. Beautiful series!! Thanks for mentioning our Summer Sizzle!! Blessings and Hugs!!

  8. Even though I wish it weren’t so, I know this is true: “Because people don’t end up the good kind of different by living challenge-free.” Those hardships can help grow us into the kind of people that God wants us to be. Thanks for the encouragement here, Lori.

  9. God loves everyone, but I struggle with the: what if the Word just doesn’t work on everyone. Only the Father knows who are His. All I can do is share the Word. This series looks great. Only Jesus can heal our brokenness. Thanks for hosting!

  10. Thank you sweet Lori for this post ! God has been so compassionate and speaking life and strength is so important .

    I am specifically drawn and blessed by your prayers . Thank you so much for the mention of the Summer Sizzle as well.

    Stay blessed my dear friend

  11. Yes, we have a choice to listen to which voice; that of God’s truth about who we are in Him or the self doubt, defeating lies of the enemy…
    I choose God’s truth, I am His daughter, He is my inner strength…
    Jennifer

  12. I’m so glad that i found your side, it speaks to me. im looking & praying for a closer walk w my Lord again. i been praying for ever already for healing in my body , im in pain 24/7,even w/ medication. But you give me hope I’m in rehab now for a broken hip surgery for therapy. In 2 days i/m to be 71. Please you all pray for me so i can go home pretty soon. I will keep praying for you too. Keep us all uplifted w/your great blog. Thank you in the name of Jesus. gisela

    1. Hi Gisela, I am thankful God lead you here as well. I pray He will use the words and resources here to draw you in and that you will feel even more His love, warmth, comfort, and hope as you recover. I am praying for you as well – for a speedy recovery without complications and for your spirits to stay strong and filled with the joy of the Lord!
      Blessings to you,
      Lori

  13. I came across this series after writing about walking through the most heart-wrenching experience in church. As I am looking for places to share the post the Lord led me here. I am so thankful for the heart attitude here not focusing on the hurt but rather encouraging those hurt to draw near to Christ for healing. While my circumstances are probably not exactly as your experience I am comforted and reminded that this is one of our missions as described in 2 Corinthians 1:4

    1. Hi Jolena,
      Welcome! I’m so glad you are here. I am also so very sorry for the hurt you have experienced in church. I hope you come back to my weekly link up and share your posts. We would all love to have you! Blessings to you,
      Lori