CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

HAVE YOU ASKED THESE QUESTIONS?

Where was God when hurtful things happened?

Is He able to heal me now?

Why do I feel alone and ashamed?

Why can’t my spiritual family understand what I’m going through?

SOME PEOPLE ASK THESE QUESTIONS…

If you believe in God, it’s nearly impossible not to ask these hard questions.

There is very little in the survivor’s life that isn’t affected by trauma, and one’s spirituality isn’t excluded. People look at life, relationships, justice, trust, religion, and God from a different lens.

WHAT MAKES IT EVEN MORE DIFFICULT

Many who grew up in religious families have been taught, directly or indirectly, that it isn’t okay to ask God tough questions.

They learned by words or by example that you shouldn’t have angry or doubtful thoughts about God, so your important questions get stuffed down or denied.

And when you meet others who were taught the same idea, they don’t know how to be there for you when you’re hurting this way because…

They were discouraged from asking questions and expressing doubts.

If the person who hurt you is a family member, a lover, a minister, or a friend, it’s even harder to heal because in Christianity’s sacred text, God used these relationships to show how He connects with people.

When someone who’s supposed to be a protector and provider was the one who hurt you or someone you love… it’s no wonder it’s hard to trust God.

IF THIS IS TRUE OF YOU

You’re not alone.

Please know that it’s okay to ask these questions.

It doesn’t mean you’ve lost faith. It may actually mean you have enough faith to ask what some people have pushed down and denied.

It may mean you’d rather engage directly with God instead of pretending you don’t have questions.

If you need an example, there’s Jacob. During a momentous journey, there were real threats to Jacob’s life and he was full of anxiety. He wrestled with God because God showed up when Jacob needed Him. God didn’t punish Jacob for having fears and doubts. He allowed Jacob to wrestle with Him.

God showed up and met Jacob where he was.

GRAPPLING WITH HARD QUESTIONS

When survivors become aware they’re with someone who accepts them for who they are and where they are in the journey, they feel a sense of freedom.

It’s the freedom from condemnation.

If you and I work together, you'll be received just as you are, with doubts and questions in your mind.

SO WHERE WAS GOD DURING THOSE EVENTS?

God wants you to ask these questions so He can show you He cares for survivors and hates trauma and abuse so much that He did something costly about it.

God willingly stepped into the dirt and struggle of life. He identifies with the pain that survivors feel. If you want to explore what this means, it may be the opening into your healing path.

If you want someone to help you on your healing journey, there are people who are able to walk with you. I’m one of them.