How to Survive with God

Divorce....Can One Survive?
Looking at the three smiling faces to the left, one can't help but know that he MUST survive. In a society that has a pill or a prescription for almost any human ill, very little is being done to help the person struggling through the hurricane of divorce. Even though there are thousands of divorce support groups across America, many hurting men and women find themselves aching and alone when divorce shatters their dreams and tears apart their families.

In just a few short months, I have discovered that I have to stop asking the question, "Why did God let this happen to me?" Now I must ask the question, "What must I do for me?" First of all I must forgive. Forgiveness is a very powerful thing. Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus speaks these words: "Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins. But if you don't forgive others, you Father in heaven will not forgive your sins." (NCV) Wow. If we want to receive forgiveness, we must forgive others. So, the first thing we must do when recovering from a divorce is forgive our former mate. Remember, that mate was not necessarily the only one at fault.

Second, we must look at ourselves and determine what it was that we did wrong. In some cases, some of us may have done nothing wrong. In other cases, maybe we did all the wrong. Which ever end of the spectrum we're on we must forgive ourselves and our former spouse. And whatever we discover that we did wrong, we must not only ask God to forgive us, but the former spouse as well. In my case, I did that right after the judge awarded her the house and I was leaving the house with my final belongings. Yes it was tough, and I didn't realize that that was the beginning of the healing.

Third, well, third goes hand in hand with one and two. In all that we do, we must give praise and honor the the Almighty God. We must read His word DAILY. We must pray DAILY. And we MUST sing His praises DAILY. Get involved in a local church that practices God's love and mercy. These type of churches may be hard to find, depending on where you live. Ask around, check out the internet. You can check out the church that I attend by clicking on the CIOC link. Get involved with a singles group. Stay away from those who want to take you out to the night clubs. Surround yourself with people who will edify you and not just want to gossip about your current situation. In the Book of Galations 6:1 says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again..." verse 2 says, "By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ."(NCV) In John 3:16-17 Jesus says, "God loved the world so much that he gave His only Son so that whever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. Go did not send His Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him." (NCV)

Remember, divorce is a sin. The Bible clearly states that. But the bible also tells us that we can be forgiven of our sins. With that said, forgive and be forgiven. Rise above what the enemy is trying to do to distroy you. God inhabits the praises of His people. So Praise Him in all that you do. From the moment you wake up until you fall asleep, Praise Him. As long as you praise God the enemy MUST leave. But once he leaves, never give up the praise. If you do, it's just like opening the door for him to walk right back in and start trying to destroy you again.

A good resource for anyone going through a divorce is "Growing Through Divorce" by Jim Smoke. Mr. Smoke speaks on divorce and healing on a spiritual level with many great ideas that will help the one who asks the question, "Can one servive?"

My son Cameron Tyler Joye had his tonsels removed on Tuesday, January 3, 2006. This is him just a couple of hours after surgery. He loves his purple popsicle. Purple is his favorite color.
Cameron also thought it was a big deal to have the remote all to himself! He's doing well and thank you all for your prayers.