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The Unwavering Love of Christ

  • Vicki Bentley
  • January 31, 2023
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“Mama that hurt!”

Her hurt and betrayal were evident as she struggled to understand how I could have allowed this pain. As I reached out to comfort her she instinctively pulled away.

Heartbreaking as it was, I am certain it won’t be the last time I experience it. The betrayal she feels as I make hard and unpopular decisions for her protection and her good. The confusion and pain in her eyes when my motives don’t make sense to her. All I can do through those inevitable times of distance and rejection is to wait—with outstretched arms ready to hold her, comfort her, and love on her when she is ready to receive it again.

Does this sound familiar? We’ve probably all been through seasons where we’ve been that angry, hurting child, throwing accusations at our Father.

Why did You let this happen to me?

Why didn’t You protect me from this pain?

Do you even love me?

Yet He is not an indifferent, distant God. He is no stranger to our pain. With a Father’s heart, He hurts desperately for His children—those who are broken, hurting, and lost. Those who cannot fully understand His purposes or see the bigger picture—and no longer want to. Those who respond with bitterness and blame, and push Him away.

But we can try. Because this is the Father whose love knows no bounds. The One Whose love took Him to the cross and the sacrifice of His own son. How His heart must have broken—and what love it must have taken to follow through.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Rest assured today no matter how far we have pushed Him from our lives, His love for us has never wavered. Like the prodigal son, we can never wander too far from His reach, or outrun the limits of His grace. He will always be waiting to welcome us home.

Person Not Perception

March 31, 2023

The Appearance of Growth

March 30, 2023
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Vicki Bentley

A Scottish native, Vicki now calls Upstate New York home, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. A writer turned editor, she loves to encourage women to pursue Jesus-centered, joy-filled living in the gloriously hard and wonderful trenches of motherhood. Being part of the Joyful Life team and community is both a blessing and a privilege, providing an opportunity for her to combine her gifts and passions in a unique and special way to speak truth into the hearts and lives of women. In her ‘free’ time Vicki loves to consume books and strong coffee, and get outdoors to enjoy the very varied, yet consistently beautiful seasons of the Northeast. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.

1 comment
  1. Lori Ann Wood says:
    January 31, 2023 at 7:07 am

    This is a beautiful portrait of God’s fierce, far-sighted love for His children. Even us “seasoned” mamas, who have thought about the parallels before, need to be reminded. Thank you for nudging us toward truth with your gentle words.

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