From Trauma to Triumph: How Childhood Experiences Shape Faith to Overcome Difficulties

Recently, I had a conversation with a father of two who is a leader in an international organization. He has experienced periods of depression and burnout and is waiting for complete recovery. During our discussion, he mentioned his recent visit to Ukraine and his unexpected reaction to the imminent threat of shelling in Kyiv. He was somewhat hesitant to confess that he experienced an adrenaline rush and wasn't afraid of dying during the airstrike. I completely understood his experience, as well as the adrenaline-induced depression that often follows sometime after encountering such dangerous situations.

From Trauma to Triumph: How Childhood Experiences Shape Faith to Overcome Difficulties

It brought back memories of the war in the former Yugoslavia and the excitement my friends and I experienced as children. I realize it sounds strange, but apart from a few traumatic moments, by the grace of God, what we mostly recall about wartime hardships now are the memories of the games my brothers and I played with neighborhood friends in our home basement during the shelling.

Unlike numerous other families, our family primarily faced economic hardships, making the post-war recovery process less challenging than it might have been. Experiencing war as a child taught me something about confronting difficulties with a childlike faith.

Among other things, experiencing war as a child helped me overcome depression.

From the lowest moment in my life when I struggled with suicidal thoughts to the moment of freedom from depression was a journey with Jesus where I was learning that Jesus has a way for every circumstance that leads to truth, which brings life into dead areas of life. I journeyed with Jesus on one particular struggle for three years, trusting that at the end of the tunnel is a light. 

During that period, one of my daily prayers (though not theologically accurate) was: “Jesus, please enter my heart.” Even though I already knew Jesus as my savior, I prayed this because I felt overwhelmed by a reservoir of darkness, pain, oppression, and fear that made daily life challenging. I sought Jesus' help to save me from this. For three years, I prayed this prayer almost daily, trusting that Jesus would grant me the grace and assistance I needed, until I finally experienced freedom from depression. After three years, I overcame clinical depression.

you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8:32

The daily challenges I face today may vary, but the process remains unchanged. As I await healing and the resolution of other issues, I walk with Jesus, understanding that through intimacy with Him, I am on a way toward truth that will bring life to another aspect of my life that needs revival. 

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me - John 14:6

Throughout this journey of healing and restoration, one recurring theme emerges that I feel compelled to share with you: Jesus consistently directs us to God as our Father. It seems that all our challenges and daily struggles lead us back to this question: what falsehood do we believe about our heavenly Father that, once uncovered, will bring life to the dark, painful, and lifeless areas of our heart?

Recently, I've encountered one of these lies. Lately, I've been frequently reminded of a photograph of my late father. In this picture, he is gazing at me from the top of an unfinished house. When I prayed about it, I realized it reflects how I perceive God as a father—distant and occupied with unfinished work. This led me to seek the grace of the Holy Spirit to uncover the truth about God as Father through the scriptures. 

This is merely one instance of my latest journey with Jesus. I understand that more will unfold as I correct my mistaken view of God as a Father and embrace the truth of the scriptures as both reality and personal experience.

I may not know your biggest struggle right now, but I do know it's not unique. What might surprise you is that your struggle will persist until you begin a journey with Jesus that will help you address your father issues and change your perceptions of God as a Father. It might not make sense now, but as you seek answers with Jesus, he may surprise you with responses that defy your expectations, instead revealing God as a good Father. Along this journey, you'll encounter old perceptions challenged by truths found in the scriptures. 

In order to embark on such a journey, today, I invite you to reflect on John 14:1-14, where Jesus directs his disciples to the Father. As you witness Jesus preparing the disciples for his impending crucifixion and suffering, you will transition your focus from your present challenges to the Father, who sends the Son to restore the image of fatherhood and bring his children back into his embrace. 

You are loved by a Father who sent His Son to suffer for you to restore your perceptions of a distant God. He gifted you to Jesus to restore you back to Himself. By sharing intimate moments with Jesus, you will discover the Father.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18