What GOD Says about Evil & Trauma
1. EVIL IS THE DOWNSIDE OF OUR FREE CHOICE
"Sin came into the world because of what one man did (Adam), and with sin came death." Romans 5:12 (NCV)
2. everything on earth is BROKEN by evil & sin
"There will be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other." Matt. 24:12 (NCV)
3. God grieves WHEN HE SEES US HURTING
"In all their suffering, he (God) suffered too." Isaiah 63:9
"You, Lord, keep a record of all my sorrows. You've collected all my tears in your bottle and list each one in your book." Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
4. God will JUDGE everyone JUSTLY ONE DAY
"Nothing can be hidden from God; everything in all creation is exposed to his eyes. And each of us will give an account of our lives to him." Hebrews 4:13 (TEV)
5. God can bring good out of bad if we trust him
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who lovehim, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Action Plan:Click here to learn more about Good and Evil from Pastor Tom Holladay and Kay Warren.
FIRST STEPS IN RECOVERING FROM TRAUMA
Be patient! Each of these steps TAKES TIME!!
1. ACCEPT HELP & SUPPORT FROM OTHERS
"God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. Then when others are troubled, we're able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Cor. 1:4 (NLT)
"By helping carry each other's troubles and burdens you are obeying the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
2. FOCUS ON WHAT'S TRUE, NOT WHAT YOU FEEL
Paul: "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we'd never live through it. WE expected to die! BUT as a result, we learned to NOT trust in ourselves, but on God . . ." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
Jesus: "The truth will set you free." John 8:32
- The trauma is NOT my fault
- The trauma is NOT my identity
- The trauma is NOT my future
3. WASTE NO ENERGY ONREVENGE.LEARN TO FORGIVE
"God says, "Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. I'll do the judging and I'll take care of it." Romans 12:19 (The Message)
"Good leaders do not tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong." Proverbs 16:12 (Mes/TEV)
"Get up and pray for help all through the night. Pour out your feelings to the Lord, as you would pour water out of ajug." Lamentations 2:19 (CEV)
4. HOPE & TRUST GOD FOR THE STRENGTH TO RECOVER
"The plans I have for you are plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"Give your whole heart to God and hold out your hands for him to help...Then you will lift up your face without shame, and you willstand firm without fear. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like water under a bridge. Your life will be brighter than sunshine at noon, and life's darkest hours will shine like the dawn. You will live secure and full of hope. God will protect you and give you rest. You won't be afraid of your enemies. In fact many people will ask you for help!" Job 11:13-19 (NCV, NIV, TEV)
"I, the Lord God, will make up for all the years the locust ate and destroyed." Joel 2:25
Action Plan: Check out the PEACE Plan and see how you can get involved in the purpose of Mission. Whether it's going on a PEACE trip or praying for an upcoming trip, you can be a part of the ministry no matter your schedule. Click here for more info.
Action Plan: Bring someone to Good Friday and Easter Services! Click here for service times for all Saddleback campuses.
