Day 108 - Forward, Backward
Do not be discouraged if it feels as though you are going backward at times—sometimes forward, sometimes backward. That is the natural process of grief.
If you are bringing your hurts and fears to God, if you desire to move forward toward healing, if you are learning about the grieving process and trying to apply some things you have learned, then you are making progress, even when you do not feel you are.
Dora, whose daughter passed away, says, “Sometimes you will think, Last week I could cope with this, and this week I can’t, and then you’ll think, I’m not getting any better. I’m not making any progress. Then you’ll take a big leap forward. There’s no timeline.”
You, too, will take that big leap forward as time goes on. For now, concentrate on the small victories over the pain—fewer tears, a smile, helping another person, reading and understanding a Bible passage, replacing a negative thought with a positive thought, forgiving a wrong.
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need” (Colossians 1:11 NLT).
Father God, when I get discouraged because it feels like I’m going backward and not forward, help me to stop trying so hard and allow You to be my support and strength. Amen