hurt people, hurt people

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. — Hebrews 12:1–2  Hurt People, Hurt People   by John Baker, from Celebrate Recovery Devotional Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. — Hebrews 12:1–2    In recovery we hear that "hurt people, hurt people." We've all experienced this, and sometimes, we see it happen to others. It's heartbreaking. School shootings, for example, are a grotesque display of true evil that has brought heartbreak and pain to so many lives. How are we to deal with such deep pain? Where is the hope in a tragedy such as this?     The answer is that...   we have no hope apart from Christ.     Without Him, such tragedies just spawn more hurting people who go on to lash out at others in a futile effort to quench their own pain. Jesus is the only source of comfort and light capable of guiding us through our pain to a better place.     When our hearts are breaking and we have questions swirling around in our heads — questions we fear have no answers — God invites us to come and talk it out with Him.   Many of the answers may be past our comprehension, but knowing the answers are safe with Him allows us to hand our questions — burdens too great for us to bear — over to Him. God cares about everything that concerns us, everything that grieves our hearts. In the midst of the darkness, He is our hope, the one we can trust.     Prayer     Lord, my heart is breaking as I see hurting people hurting people all around me. Help me to leave my unanswered questions with you. In Jesus' name, Amen.     *    A Picture of Redemption     If you do what is right, will not you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. — Genesis 4:7    Every once in a while God gives us the chance to witness a miracle! Recently, a leader in Celebrate Recovery shared this miracle with me: "A year ago a man walked into my office, broken, at his wit's end, with a heart full of despair.   He was angry and trying to cope with a host of substances and other unhealthy habits that were destroying his mind and hardening his heart. He was ready to abandon his wife and family. Last night I saw this man again at a Celebrate Recovery graduation ser- vice. Now, eleven months sober, he is a completely different man.    "With tears in his eyes, he accepted his 12-Step chip and then expressed his love for his wife who was sitting close by. I was humbled as I heard him talk about the restoration that had come to his marriage and how his kids are rejoicing and talking about God. He then quoted the following Bible passage, changing you to I:     'If I do what is right, will I not be accepted? But if I do not do what is right, sin is crouching at my door; it desires to have me, but I must master it.'    "The man I met a year ago is no more. In his place, a new leader has been born. That's what I call a true miracle — the transformation of a human life."     Prayer     Dear God of miracles, I stand in awe of what You have done in so many lives. My words cannot express Your greatness. In Jesus' name, Amen.   Excerpted with permission from Celebrate Recovery Devotional by John Baker, Johnny Baker, and Mac Owens, copyright John Baker, Johnny Baker, and Mac Owens.  Your Turn   All around us people are in pain and people are rejoicing. There is suffering and there is joy. It's a mix of angst and praise. Where are you today? Come share with us. ~ Devotionals Daily  COMMENT Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. NEW RELEASE   Save 30% off Celebrate Recovery 365 Daily Devotional by John Baker, Johnny Baker, & Mac Owen    The Celebrate Recovery 365 Daily Devotional includes brief daily encouragement for the millions on the road to recovery from various hurts, pain, or addiction of any kind. Hardcover, Regular: $19.99 Sale Price: $13.99 (30% off) eBook price: $6.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $30 or more SHOP NOW Are you on a recovery journey? Do you need a daily resource of hope to get you through every day?   Readers will find: deeper application of the 12 steps and 8 principles a year's worth of devotions, giving ongoing support and hope for the road ahead Scripture verses and focused prayers for each day guidance on how to recover from alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, codependency, domestic violence, drug addition, sexual addiction, food addiction, gambling addiction, and more reminders of God's goodness, grace, and redemption inspiration to support others struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups Celebrate Recovery is more than a 12-step recovery program; it is a means toward lasting life changes through Christ-centered 12 steps and 8 principles based on the Beatitudes. Through daily entries with scripture and prayer, you'll discover the key to long-term recovery. Whether a self-purchase or a gift for someone you care about, Celebrate Recovery 365 Daily Devotional is designed to inspire readers during moments of strength and growth and encourage them in times of weakness. This year-long devotional will bring comfort and encourage strength for each day and provide words of hope, courage, and triumph.   Learn More and Save     *Sale prices valid through 6/30/2021, ending at 11:59pm EST, excluding eBooks and audiobooks.  eBooks and audiobook purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose.  Free U.S. shipping on orders over $30 valid through 06/30/21, excluding Alaska and Hawaii

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