Finding Joy In Fiery Trials
“ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
“I don’t believe you.”
The man spoke through his clenched teeth with iron jawed resolve.
I’d been teaching a class in biblical counseling on the joy of overcoming sexual abuse. This stranger sat in the classroom listening in apparent anger and distress. I didn’t know what he’d been through but pray a seed was planted to alleviate him from the oppression he seemed to battle.
Regardless of his doubt my declaration remains true. At age nine a neighborhood boy had molested me.
Did I suffer trauma from the event. Yes.
It changed me from a light hearted child to a confused and frightened one.
I felt I had no one to confide in about my experience. For years I carried the shame and reproach on my little shoulders.
Some years later my dad asked me why I didn’t tell him what happened. I had prayed then how to tell him without it breaking his heart. And I said, “I buried it in my memories until I could deal with it.”
God has created us in his image! It amazes me how we can overcome terrible tragedy when the time is right.
Some twenty years later the memories resurfaced and I did forgive the boy involved.
How did I manage to forgive such an unforgivable assault? Through my personal relationship with Christ. And through his irrefutable words in the bible. He is a wise Counselor.
Why not allow Christ to heal your heart and trauma from the undeserved sin perpetrated against you?
There are many people who share your pain and will be transformed by the truth of God’s healing your heart.
Go to him now and pray.
Father the immensity of my pain is a constant reminder of the abuse I’ve suffered. I don’t have the power to forgive my abuser. But I need you to heal my broken heart. Please come in and remove the transgression and corruption from my soul. And help me to forgive and let go of my abuser. Bless him with the knowledge of your profound love. And bring me to the place of your intentional purpose in my life as you make me more like you. I receive all the blessings of love, joy and peace only you can give. Amen.
It’s not a once and done ‘formula’. But God will show you how to grow in grace and love. Even towards your enemies.
Have you faced an unforgivable sorrow that has left you feeling alone?
Know that he has never left you nor forsaken you and he is waiting for you to come to him. He will set you free.
If you find yourself in an abusive situation now please consider getting the help you need. https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics
