Why, God?

When tragedy strikes, our first reaction is often to ask why. Sometimes we get an answer, sometimes we don’t. I think God is okay with us asking the question, but he doesn’t want us to get stuck there. Getting stuck opens the door to bitterness. Bitterness is like a pernicious weed that invades our lives surreptitiously, wraps its tentacles around our spirit and chokes our faith. Beware!

Difficult times are opportunities to grow—personally, relationally, spiritually. Perhaps the best question to ask God is not why, but “What do you want me to learn?”
Debra L. Butterfield © 2010

Posts will continue Mar 22

My sincere apologies to my readers. Due to a family crisis I have not posted for several days. I'll begin posting again on Mar. 22.

Thank you for your patience.
Debra L. Butterfield

Do you know the many names of God? Read today's blog at http://ping.fm/Taqyl

Names of God

To our finite mind, God works in mysterious ways. However, God is not mysterious. He reveals himself in many ways in the Bible. These names of God communicate aspects of God’s character and his work in our lives.

Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah will provide. Abraham gave this name to the place where God provided a ram for sacrifice instead of Abraham’s son Isaac. Genesis 22:14
Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah is my banner. Moses named an altar this as a memorial after Israel’s victory over the Amalekites. Exodus 17:15
Jehovah-Shalom, Jehovah is peace. Gideon dubbed an altar this name to commemorate what God had spoken to him, “Peace be unto thee” (Judges 6:24).
Jehovah-Shammah, Jehovah is there. The name of the heavenly Jerusalem. Ezekiel 48:35
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Jehovah is our righteousness. Symbolic name given to the king who is to rule over the restored Israel. Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16
Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, Jehovah who sanctifies. Exodus 31:13
Jehovah-Rophe, Jehovah heals. Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:2-3, Psalm 147:3
Jehovah-Rohi, Jehovah my shepherd. Psalm 23:1, Ezekiel 34:11, John 10:11

All we need, God is, and God is all we need.
Debra L. Butterfield © 2010

When you suffer abuse at the hands of your spouse, is divorce the first action? Read "Should I Divorce?" at www.gloryandstrength.blogspot.com

Should I Divorce?

When your spouse has wounded you through abuse of any form, divorce seems the obvious answer. You may feel your home has been destroyed by this abuse, but God can restore all things. I wrestled with the option of divorce for two years. I prayed and sought God’s guidance before I came to a final decision.

Do your best to avoid making a decision about divorce while you are still in the heat of your anger or depths of your hurt. Wait until you can think it through rationally, unaffected by emotion. A separation is sensible for your and your children’s protection. During your time of separation allow God to be your husband. “For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name” (Isaiah 54:5, NKJV). Give yourself time to heal before adding the difficulties of divorce into the mix.

Think it through:
• Has your spouse truly repented of the abuse?
• Is your spouse getting therapy?
• If your spouse has sexually abused your child, is he or she willing to do whatever is necessary to help your child heal?
• Is your spouse willing to do everything needed to restore the marriage and the family?

When you are past your anger:
• Make a list of the positive and negative aspects of your marital relationship. Be honest with yourself. Seeing the positive and negative side by side, along with the answers to the above questions, will help you make a more informed, calm decision about divorce.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2010 Drawing by Dot Charest © 2009