Overcoming Church HurtSample

Day 6: Build A Personal, Spiritual Intimacy With God.

Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” While this scripture encourages us on how to view troubles in life, it also assures us that we will have troubles. Trouble comes in many forms and in this case, the church hurt. Being a Christian does not exclude you from being hurt. This is why it is crucial to develop an intimate relationship with God who is your source of hope, peace, freedom, victory, healing and so much more.

As a believer, you are in the Lord’s army, and He is your commander. He has all the instructions to direct you on an unknown path, an unfamiliar territory called life. He sees ahead, He knows everything before it happens. He even knows your enemy’s every move. He has great plans and promises for you, and He promises to never leave you or forsake you. Wouldn’t you want to know Him deeply? Wouldn’t you want to spend as much time with Him as possible? Wouldn’t you make Him a priority because your life depends on it?

This is what having intimacy with Him looks like. I love how in Genesis 18:17, God asks Himself, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I’m about to do?” God did not need Abraham’s permission to do anything but because of the intimacy between them God told Abraham His plans and even permitted Him to change God’s plans if possible. What a relationship! This is why James 2:23 tells us that Abraham was called a friend of God. This is what intimacy looks like. God desires to have such intimacy with you and even greater if you will surrender and let Him. If you will pursue Him with all your heart, mind, and soul.

Develop the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, meditation, and fasting to build intimacy with God every day of the week. Ask God to bring accountability partners; destiny relationships to help you. Your greatest Helper is also the Holy Spirit. He is with you even as you read this devotional. If your devotional time with God is only during church service on Sundays, you are missing it. I read somewhere that, “a part-time Christian cannot defeat a full-time devil.” As churchy as this may sound, it is very true.

Read, internalize, and pray each scripture to deepen your faith.