Grief to Joy

Aug 30, 2017 | Devotionals

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. – John 16:20

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I grew up in a Christian home but didn’t want anything to do with God.

One summer, I broke down. Depression had left me broken; I’d harmed myself too many times attempting to feel anything. I even tried committing suicide. However through SFC, I was able to reconnect with God at a snowboard camp in Lynchburg, VA. my snowboard coach constantly showed me the light of Jesus. Many people I shredded with were there in my grief.

With Jesus, our pain doesn’t last.

I realize that life is hard and, many nights, I don’t see relief. It can feel impossible to see the light when you only see darkness. But through snowboarding, God has sent amazing people to bring me back to Him. They help me find hope and even give me hope in my darkest days.

Without Jesus, we can’t get through those dark day. He is the only light in a world full of darkness; He never leaves us. Jesus wants to take our pain. He hurts when we hurt. However, we have to allow him to take it. Like many injuries in snowboarding and skiing, our deepest hurts don’t last forever. No matter how much pain there is, it doesn’t last when you trust in Jesus.

Challenge

Has there ever been a time when your grief felt like it was never going to end?

How did you deal with that grief?

How has Jesus ever helped you through your pain?

 

By Bethany Waller | Lynchburg, Virgina

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