What Went Wrong?
A devotional series for those rebuilding after loss, pain, and/or trauma*
If God loves me so much, why was I abused? What about the mistakes I’ve made, that are a part of my story?
The answer to both of these questions is sin. But not in the way you may think.
Sin began with Adam and Eve and continues today. In the beginning, God created and set boundaries – between light and dark, day and night, land and sea, and life and death. For people, these limitations were a form of love and protection. Adam and Eve’s decision to ignore these boundaries and put their own desires above God’s plan for their lives led to consequences for them and us. As long as we live in this world, we will experience the effects of sin – our own sin, the sins of others and the sins of the world.
After Adam and Eve sinned, they recognized their mistake and hid from God. What they didn’t understand was that God was not the one they needed to hide from; he was their hiding place, the only one who could keep them safe.
Instead of moving away from God, we can run to him for safety in times of trouble.
The sin of man was not determined by God’s design, but he was not surprised by it either. And, he was ready with a plan to save his people. Similarly, God has not been surprised by anything in your story and he has never left you alone in it. You’re not being punished and you have not been forgotten.
Do you think you’re the only one who’s made mistakes? Do you believe that you’re the only one who has suffered from trauma? That’s not true!
The Bible says that ALL have sinned. There is not one person who has lived a perfect life and who has never experienced the effects of sin. Even Jesus, who lived a life without his own sin, experienced the effects of all sin when he died in order to be the savior of the world.
God has a plan and purpose for your life. Part of that plan is for you to be in relationship with his son, Jesus. But it will require something from you. Your belief and your willingness to act on that belief.
The decision to believe in Jesus is the first of many decisions you’ll make as someone who follows him. When you do, God will see you as he sees his son or daughter, holy and dearly loved, uniquely you and covered by the innocence of Jesus.
When you encounter Jesus, you are changed in his presence. Then, as you continue to follow him, you will become more and more like him. Even though you may face disapproval from other people and from within yourself, in God’s eyes you are holy, healed and free!
Read the following passages of scripture:
Genesis 3:1-19
Romans 3:22-26
John 3:16-17; 8:1-11
Psalm 46:1-5
James 5:16
Proverbs 28:13
Colossians 2:6-7, 13-14
Something to think about…
What do these verses tell you about who God is and who you are?
What part of your story involves your own sin? What about the sin of others?
Write out a prayer that includes: confession of your own sin, acceptance of the forgiveness of God, and request for help from God to forgive those who have sinned against you.
Missed previous weeks of the series, read them here:
*Not all pain is the same. Not all scripture feels comforting in every season. If you find yourself in need of additional support, please reach out.