A Season of Ruin...
- S.K. Caraway
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
I know it's been what seems an endless roller-coaster of events and emotions challenging each of our lives lately. We've all been affected in one way or another. Some of us are persevering, some are struggling, while others have faced what feels like a season of ruin. Right now our lives may feel overwhelming, exhaustive, depressive, and not worth another breath. We've lost faith in our government, lost many of our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Our economy is in a freefall, we can't afford illness, and many are looking at the end - less one paycheck. We've found ourselves in the midst of a war, while immorality is being hidden at every corner. My God our future looks bleak. We've all been here before, but this time the stakes are higher. For those in the U.S., and around the globe, democracy and civil liberties for some, hang by a very thin thread. No matter your party or affiliation, the constant challenges, changes, violence, and political rhetoric has made some of us question or completely lose our faith. But hold fast Believers...here's what you should do.
Take the time to lament. Acknowledge that faith after a loss is a slow, day-to-day process, it will take time. Lamenting is an act of drawing closer to God, not a weakness of faith. Acknowledge that the "transactional" faith (believing that good behavior equals protection) often breaks during ruin, and it is healthy to let go of that, allowing a new, stronger faith to emerge. Shift your perspective from believing God prevents all suffering to trusting that God enters into suffering. Identify God’s presence in everyday life, whether it be an act of kindness, forgiveness, or a genuine display gratitude. And know that what we see as broken, God sees as a foundation for something new. God sometimes allows the ruin of what feels sacred to make room for a better, more authentic story. The five steps listed can help you find your way back to your relationship with God, as you slowly begin to rebuild your faith in Christ, the holy spirit and each other.
Return to Spiritual Disciplines (Prayer and Word): Overcome shame and anxiety to return to daily prayer and Bible study. The enemy uses guilt to keep you away, but this is the first step toward restoration.
Cultivate Gratitude in the Midst of Ruin: Expressing gratitude, even during tough times, can open doors for restoration, similar to Paul and Silas in prison. It shifts your focus from what was lost to God's power to restore.
Rebuild Through Community and Service: Lean on other believers for support.
Shifting from that consuming self-focus to helping others through kindness and service can reignite your purpose.
Practice Active Forgiveness and Release: Let go of the need to understand everything and make a conscious choice to change and forgive to move forward, allowing the blood of Jesus to cover the pain.
Trust the Process of Renewal: Accept that rebuilding takes time and patience. Understand that God is not just returning what was taken but is redeeming the situation, changing your story, and potentially giving you more than before.
I've seen Him work Believers. Stand strong in faith. I'm praying for you, continue to pray for me too. Amen.
S.K. Caraway, Director
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
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