{Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion deals with sensitive content: a woman who’s been assaulted. Yet … we pray this story encourages you and brings you hope, and encourage you to check out the resources near the end of this devotion.}
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May 28, 2019
Brokenness: The Backdrop for a Beautiful Testimony |
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Screams from across the house startled me. I walked into my living room to see a man viciously attacking a woman on television. My first instinct, when exposed to a scene like that, was to change the channel. Instead, my eyes locked on the screen. It took me back 30 years to the terrifying moment I found an armed, masked man hiding in my apartment.
Something drew me back to that fateful day. It was like I saw myself in that scene, experiencing each horrific moment.
I snapped back to reality when the TV scene switched to the victim returning home to find police invading her home.
Another flashback. I, too, had arrived home to find investigators dusting for prints, bagging and tagging sheets and towels, removing my personal belongings one by one.
In the past, when memories flooded in, I did whatever I could to escape the terror and fear. But, not that day.
Instead of running to a friend’s house or calling my husband, I marched up my stairs, jumped in the shower and washed away every one of those shameful, terrifying memories.
When I finished, the Lord impressed these words on my heart: Remember My promise. You have persevered, My child. Perseverance is finishing its work!
He reminded me of these words from Scripture:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
Sometimes, God allows trials to test the genuineness of our faith. To reveal its strength and depth. Our trials, though incredibly confusing and painful, initiate a process that teaches perseverance. Perseverance that deepens and matures our faith in ways nothing else can.
God also promises that on the other side of our trial, we’ll be more than a conqueror through Christ who loves us. Did you notice? Not a mere conqueror … but more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) Not in our own strength. In Christ’s strength.
My life is living proof of this truth. Not only did God heal me from what happened that horrible June day, but the vile act now stands as the backdrop to a beautiful testimony which paved the way to the calling God placed on my life.
And, in the middle of my battle, God never left me alone.
His Holy Spirit comforted, strengthened and equipped me every step of the way. The Spirit and power of the One True God lives inside His children. (1 Corinthians 3:16) This is the same power that parted the Red Sea … the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!
Let that seep into the marrow of your bones.
When you feel inadequate, fearful, paralyzed by anxiety, powerless, hopeless … remember God’s Holy Spirit works powerfully in and through you to overcome through inexplicable, life-transforming ways.
The Holy Spirit enabled my friend to forgive and try again when her husband betrayed her marriage.
The Holy Spirit enabled another friend with stage 4 ovarian cancer to wake up each morning and sing, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit enabled me to move from "victim" to victor.
And the Holy Spirit will enable YOU in whatever you’re facing today!
As God washed these truths over me, He spoke this message to my heart:
Not only can this trial not separate you from Me, Wendy, but with Me … in My power … if you continue to look to Me and trust Me, I will use it to mold you into the woman I created you to be. Wendy, you will be more than a conqueror so that I can mature you and use you to equip, encourage and help others.
~ ~ ~
Heavenly Father, today I call forth Your Spirit to fall afresh on every woman reading these words. Give her a fresh anointing of Your Holy Spirit. Infuse her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes to live in the fullness of Your resurrection power. Supply all her needs according to the riches of Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Do you ever wonder, Where were You, God? You aren’t alone in asking this about your darkest moments. Uncover the answer to this common question as you move from victim to victor. Join us in our next Online Bible Study with Wendy Blight’s book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, starting June 17. Click here to register.
CONNECT:
Stop by Wendy’s blog today for more encouragement, plus a fantastic giveaway for the next P31 OBS!
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
God impressed these words on my heart, found in the paragraph below. Reread them and place your name in the blanks. Let God’s promises seep deep into your heart. Your trials have purpose. They force dependence on God. They test you. They mold you into an overcomer with a faith-transforming, life-transforming testimony.
Not only can this trial not separate you from Me, _______, but with Me … in My power … if you continue to look to Me and trust Me, I will use this hard place to mold you into the woman I created you to be. ________, you will be more than a conqueror so that I can mature you and use you to equip, encourage and help others.
Please let us know how we can be praying for you in the comments below.
If you’ve been affected by sexual assault, whether it happened to you or someone you care about, you’re not alone. Research tells us sexual abuse and violence may affect as many as 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 6 men. That’s why Wendy wrote Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. This book is about her triumph overcoming sexual assault through the power of God’s Word. You can also find support from online.rainn.org or by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800.656.HOPE (4673) to speak with someone via phone who can help.
© 2019 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Moody Publishers for their support of P31 Online Bible Studies and Encouragement for Today devotions.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Tuesday, 28 May 2019.
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