Our faith usually breaks down because our heart breaks first. We’re shocked and disillusioned by circumstances God has allowed. Maybe you’ve been rejected; lost a loved one; or a financial or health crisis has “ruined” your life. Good news – God heals our broken heart and faith!
You’re not alone. The list of Bible hall of famers whose hearts and faith were hammered by circumstances is lengthy, including Elijah, Job, David, Naomi, and John the Baptist. John questioned Cousin Jesus’ decision to leave him in jail. He even sent word questioning if Jesus was truly the Messiah! John’s broken dreams of ministering next to Jesus, or at minimum being a free man, led to a broken heart and broken faith. Jesus responded, “Blessed is he who does not stumble over Me” (Matthew 11:6). Let’s not allow our expectations and dreams to cause us to separate from God.
I can relate to John. After my oncologist gave me “days to live” in 2003, my faith took the biggest hit since I had received Jesus as Savior and Lord in 1978. I felt physical and emotional pain as tumors squeezed my pancreas and disappointment cracked my heart. If God didn’t quickly intervene, my life would be over “early.” As a young pastor at age 44, I had big plans. I would be leading a strong, growing church well into my 70s. Yet someone ripped away the canvas while I painted my dream life. I could not imagine why in the world God hadn’t healed me yet. My heart and faith were broken.
So “How do you mend a broken heart?” as the Bee Gees’ song asked and never answered. God has answered though. I believe these three steps will help our hearts and faith heal:
1) Know God sees and understands. Jesus Himself was “… despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He’s been here, done this.
2) Believe God can heal whatever is broken. Jesus’ “job description” in Isaiah 61 includes mending the broken-hearted; comforting those who mourn; and giving us the oil of gladness and a cloak of praise. Don’t allow yourself to be paralyzed by victim status. We overcome through Him!
3) Ask Him to heal your broken heart and faith. We need to ask Him — and let Him. He has millenniums of experience restoring broken hearts and faith. It may take some time but commit yourself to His healing touches. He is committed to you! Remember, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). How much more will He bless His children when we struggle! Much more on this topic here.
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