The Weight of Affliction...

Last week we discussed the topic of Affliction and its numerous sources and coping mechanisms women employ, which typically are unhealthy. We looked at Biblical women who dealt with various afflictions and how they received a blessing through it. This week let’s take a look at guilt and shame resulting from the affliction.

When trouble weighs us down or presses in upon us we can feel oppressed from the burden of it, or cut off from the life we once knew. No longer are we drawing near to family and friends that have meant so much to us. This attitude can derive from the fact that our family and friends are the source of our affliction, or it can be attributed to embarrassment or shame. Perhaps your concern is that if someone were to find out what you were going through it would be humiliating, or you might feel guilty because you “allowed,” whatever the situation was to come into your life.

More often than not, people take on the burden of their affliction and they feel responsible for it or guilty that it is in their life, or mushroomed to the magnitude that it has. People believe “well, maybe if I had done something at this stage of the game, it would not be so catastrophic.” Or “maybe if I had called upon someone for help, or employed a specific technique I would have it under control.” I have learned that there are some afflictions we cause ourselves, but oftentimes no matter what route you take in life you cannot avoid the affliction.

What you can do is manage your attitude through the affliction and how you feel about it. If the affliction is something that came about as a result of your choices or decisions, and you know that you could have avoided it, own it. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord will forgive you for whatever wrong you have committed. Take on the responsibility of owning it by confessing to Him what you have done wrong, and allow Him to cleanse you from that behavior/attitude. Don’t continue to make the same choices if you know where that road will lead.

You may have made a mistake that has brought affliction on you or into your life, but you don’t have to beat yourself down over it. There are no perfect people and we’re all going to make mistakes. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but just as well as we have sinned, we are vindicated by God’s grace through the redemption that we have in Jesus. You don’t have to wallow in your misery or mistakes, you simply have to accept his grace, because he forgives you.

The burden that you bear is not forever, He will save you if you call upon His name (Romans 10:13). Your guilt is given to you by the enemy to keep you burdened, and to create a wedge between you and the Lord. The guilt is sent to keep you from walking in your destiny and to prevent you from fulfilling your purpose. Your mindset changes and you believe that you don’t deserve to prosper, be blessed, or be anointed. However, nothing can be further from the truth. Jesus said that He has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). The enemy’s mission is to destroy you.

Your salvation and deliverance in your trials come from the Lord (2 Peter 2:9), and you don’t have to wallow in misery, nor be weighed down by the guilt. Simply turn your heart to the Lord and seek His guidance. When you continue to pray and read His Word, He provides the answers to all of your situations. Trust Him, and be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

The guilt that we have over certain situations we have allowed to occur in our lives, can lead to more troublesome decisions if we do not focus on them. If we avoid dealing with those obstacles, our affliction will be further compounded.

Paige, is a character in my novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions. She has a lot of hurt and pain resulting from her parents’ decisions, and the impact they had on her childhood. Carrying that pain throughout her life, has allowed her to hide behind their mistakes to justify the decisions she is now making. She struggles with promiscuity and has brought pain into the life of others because of it. When faced with this problem, she tries to rationalize her behaviors rather than dealing with her affliction or the resulting guilt. Unfortunately, she has now blocked those who love her out of her life, and it leads her down a disastrous path.

Read more of Paige’s story here, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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About Chelle Ramsey...

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
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