Because of the Hurt

When the hurt is so obvious. Because the pain and the guilt and the wrong-done stand out so loud and clear, all to condemn. For the hurt is so obvious. The hurt to others. The hurt to yourself. The hurt to God.

Because you stepped out of His life and guidance and direction. In that moment, you stepped out of His grace. By what you said and did. In how you acted. When you took control and said what-for and pushed your way. Oh, the hurt is so obvious.

But do not forget, His love too is so obvious.

Jesus says, “Come.” (Matthew 11:28) The Saviour cries, “It is done.” (John 19:30) The Father calls, “I know you by name, you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1).

Even in the hurt. Because of the hurt.

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” - Romans 10:9

Even in the hurt. Because of the hurt.

In your confession, in that moment, when you tried to get life your own way. When you tried to take control, believing the lie that God wouldn’t take care of you. In that moment, in your trying, when you hurt others, hurt yourself, and hurt God. Still. Even then. God’s love is so obvious.

That’s why Jesus says, the Saviour cries and the Father calls. It’s because of the hurt.

And now, because of the hurt, you will hear.

You will hear what God has done for you, in return. You will see exactly how He has dealt with this rebellion in the past. And you will remember.

How He sent His Son to earth, to die for you. How He worked out His master plan, from the beginning. How He remained faithful to His promise to redeem you. How He called you when you rebelled. How He loved you first, when you hated. How He still promises and remains and calls and loves. Still.

Because of the hurt. Even in the hurt.

That’s what God does. He loves because of the hurt.

Jesus came for you, because of the hurt.

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“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” - 1 John 3:1 NIV

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” - Psalm 107:1-2 NLT