The group of single-again women silently gathered around their friend and sister in Christ. Their tears mingled with hers as they grieved and sought God for her tough circumstances. Each of them knew what it meant to face the end of a marriage. They also knew where to find the strength to move on.

Finally the leader prayed. “Lord, our eyes are on You because You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. You redeem our pain and losses, and You bring us hope. Be with Mary’s family. Be her peace and their Counselor.” As her friends provided the compassion of Christ, Mary went home encouraged. She would trust God to provide His power to face the sad days ahead.

No one emerges from the ending of a marriage without scars. Divorce is never God’s perfect choice. But we also know that our greatest hurts and our greatest losses can be the seed for our greatest spiritual growth. A strong support system can help the victim of divorce move toward healing and begin a new life. Programs offered in many churches provide small-group encouragement and an accompanying program for children.

There can be life, even good life, after divorce because we have a God who gives “beauty instead of ashes” (Isa. 61:3) and “redeems [our lives] from the Pit” (Ps. 103:4). But we must let Him do His work of refining, restoring, and rebuilding.