04 – Brett - “I feel like God is making sport of me.”
“My wife had an affair and has left the marriage. I have been waiting for her to come back and she hasn’t. I am so tired of the pain and God seems not to be helping me. I feel like He is making “sport” of me and I am angry at Him. Lately, I have been thinking about suicide as an escape from this pain. I saw your story and wanted to reach out to you for any help.”
Finding God's Path in the Darkness of Divorce
"Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3
Divorce is a devastating experience, a darkness that can feel all-consuming. The pain, hurt, and unmet expectations can leave you feeling lost and alone, just as our brother Brett experienced. You may even question your faith, as you wrestle with why a loving God would allow such suffering. Today’s message is about finding God's path, even in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4).
It's tempting to believe that God is distant or uncaring during such trials. But for those who love and fear Him, the Bible tells us something profound: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This doesn’t mean every circumstance is good, but that God is sovereignly working, even in the midst of our pain, to bring about His good purpose.
Understanding this requires grasping the balance between God’s sovereignty and our free will. "Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose” (Psalm 25:12). God is in absolute control, yet He also gives us choices. There's a path He’s chosen for you, just like for Brett, a way forward in this darkness. If you’ve recognized your need for Jesus as your Savior, if you've seen your own wickedness and desperation separated from God, then know that He has chosen you. He has opened your eyes to your need for faith.
Now, you must seek His guidance to discover that chosen path. "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them" (Psalm 25:14). He speaks to us through His Word, through circumstances, through other believers. Don’t get caught up in how He speaks, but listen for His voice. If you fear Him, having reverence for His holiness, He will enter into your pain and guide you.
Remember, God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). We enter this world bent away from God, instinctively seeking comfort, security, and happiness. We try to find fulfillment in the things of this world, a perversion of the good desires God placed within us. But true fulfillment is found only in Him.
God is far more interested in your spiritual maturity than your circumstances. He may allow the devil to work, even as He did with King Saul and David (1 Samuel). Saul, under demonic influence, tormented David for 14 years. But through that suffering, David learned to depend on God alone, developing the character he needed to become king. God uses adversity to refine us, to make us more like His Son.
This season will pass. Hold the results loosely. Don’t demand that God act according to your will, but surrender your desires to Him. Trust Him, even when it doesn’t seem like anything will work. That’s the kind of faith that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).
Finally, cling to His Word. “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Don’t try to save yourself. Trust in God alone, even in the darkest night. He is always there, always in control. He loves you, and He will see you through.
Brett’s Testimony after Recording:
Mike,
I just want to thank you! As you know, in my rock-bottom state I was angry with God for my pain, but after I watched your story on YouTube, I decided to get in touch with you via your site. In all honesty, I expected an automated response. In a moment of despair, I checked my phone and saw an email from you. I was blown away that you took the time to send me a personal audio message. Mike, your message, either from you or from God, saved me. I finally realized I didn’t know how to drive my life and said, I surrender Lord, please take full control. To actually give up and trust God with my life, has to be the best thing that has ever happened to me! I am not afraid anymore. I have been able to breathe again thanking Jesus for guiding me closer to him. Mike, your recordings reached me. I now look at our trials not as God sitting on a throne seeing what sport he can get by testing us, but more of his way of saying, I need you to change, but never forget this lesson. Mike, I may have built my faith to where it is currently over a period of time, but your input has fast tracked that. I thank God for his work in your life. Mike, my friend I will pray for you to be able to help as many as possible. You helped me, so add that to the mission accomplished I enlist!
Your new brother in Zimbabwe, Brett
