“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
– Isaiah 43:19
We’re all familiar with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Soldiers and people who have experienced a traumatic event often suffer from this. It’s a real and difficult thing people face so I don’t want to diminish it, but did you know that post-traumatic growth is more common than post-traumatic stress? That’s pretty interesting, isn’t it? Researchers Richard Tedeschi, PhD and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, found over 90% of people who endured some major trauma, experienced a positive transformation over the long term. They all had their lives transformed by an experience, whether it was surviving a plane crash or surviving a health crisis. In order to understand their transformation and how they perceived their life, we must look at some key factors: Number one, they realized the importance of their relationships. Secondly, their self-esteem increased because they survived, and lastly, their lives became more meaningful. There is an interesting correlation between how you perceive your past and how you perceive your future. It’s not what happened to you but how you perceive what happened. Friend, the difference for those who overcame trauma through post-traumatic growth is based on the meaning they assigned to that event! When you experience personal trauma, you may say you will never move forward in that damaged area of your life and question why this bad thing happened to you in the first place. Or, you can say God allowed that experience to happen to help you find a greater purpose. It’s not that I want to minimize your trauma because those horrible situations are tough. But I want to give you hope that after you grieve, and you should, God will give you a kind of superpower that will help you grow as a person. |
Prayer
Father, thank you for strengthening me after trauma to grow as a person.
Reflection
Do you realize how important your relationships are?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
9 Responses
This is so true!
56 years ago i lost my mum and dad in a car crash, me only 9 years old.
Although the pain was immence in time it made me stronger and more gratefull for the faith based youth they gave me and stayed with me ever since.
Thank you Bobby and your father and granfather before for keeping my hart open
for the ‘One’ that helped me eversince
I am so looking forward to learning more from hour of power. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and what you’re saying makes perfect sense!
Fascinating to learn about
I grew up in child welfare and experienced abuse and exploitation. As a teen on my own, I experienced many hardships and struggles. I survived and was disconnected from self in many aspects. I was born again age 11 and became closer to God, understanding He loved me and welcomed me, in a personal, spirit led journey, amongst bumps, bruises, a bitter heart, displaced anger, and low self esteem. Slowly, my journey with the Lord unfolded new ‘mini lives’ or detailed chapters in my life story, re- narration meant new purpose and perception held the pages together. Today, young in my late 50s, with a teen who holds the hope of our lineage in Gods House, bondages broken and barriers torn down. I love my God and would not change my trauma riddled experiences’ as I know Him deeply and hold an empathetic hand out for vulnerable and marginalized populations, people groups, understanding systemic strongholds and teaching others to ensure they understand their value, as a Created being ☀️
What a wonderful testimony! Although completely different, I too endured years of abuse and deaths. What helped me the most in my healing journey was 2 Corinthians 1. I think it’s vs 3-5….the God of all Comfort who comforts us in our sufferings that we may comfort others with the comfort we have received. No longer was I a “cosmic punching bag “ but I was being comforted and prepared and filled with compassion for those like you said, are marginalized and suffering.
I was a caregiver and I always formed a special bond with my people. George was in his eighties and planned for me to take his dog when he passed. One evening he was enjoying some sardines when I entered his room. After he finished eating, he began to cough uncontrollably. I told his nurse. He was checked on, but they asked if I would stay with him. After some time, George looked at me and held his arms out as if to want a hug. I asked him if he wanted me to get someone and he shook his head yes. (Still coughing) When I came back to the room he had passed. I cried uncontrollably. This experience of feeling unable to help him, and knowing he passed away, impacted me so much! Whenever I saw a show that featured something like this it brought me back to that moment with George. I thought I’d never recover. But out of this experience, I was able to help people with similar experiences. I also enjoyed having George’s dog as part of my family for many years.
Thank Paster Bobby,Thank u & Hannah for finding these devotions good.GOD has touched u both helping people.I lost my husband 17 months ago & it is still very hard.Please pray for me .Sincerely Madelyn Moon
I praise God for my Christian family. We were raised to believe in God and our country. We have had our faith challenged in several traumatic events. If we are allowed questions in heaven we will probably ask why was this your will? I am grateful for your ministry, your father’s including his book on 12 steps, and your grandfather’s positive messages in times of personal and financial turmoil in the country as well as the world. Special thanks to you Aunt also.
Thank you all who have shared your thoughts and spiritual journey.
Bobby, I just watched an Hour of Power from the 1980’s where your Grandfather preached a message on same possibility theme as yours today. It’s a blessing that you are carrying the torch for the power of positive thinking like Dr. Robert H, and Robert A Schuller did before. God Bless Hour of Power