Anonymous said...
please, please keep writing devotionals that speak directly to me.
I'm a lost sheep.
A few years ago I wrote to you about what my pastoral staff did to me after I asked for help. My husband was violently abusive to me, my 4 yr old and my 14 yr old.
My church chose, instead, to take my husband's side.
After they refused to help, I had my husband arrested, he was thrown in jail and made to leave our home.
The church helped him hire an attorney. Church members (including a police detective, police chaplain, etc) helped him start an investigation, which my husband used to try and have me involuntarily committed to a hospital (2 days after he plead guilty in court).
I asked the previous 4 churches we attended for help as well. Each took my husband's side.
In utter despair, I wrote Pro31 ministries an anonymous letter, asking you to pray for me. I haven't stepped foot in a church for 4 years. I hate Christian women for the devious, backbiting and lying gossip they spread about me.
My 4 yr old was throwing raging fits at bed time. I had to lock him down with my arms and legs for 45 mins to an hour EVERY night. My husband cut me off from our checking account. We drank water because I had NO money for milk. I can't tell you how MUCH I hate Christian women for not helping me.
I NEVER gave up on my Savior though. He held me the night I wrote to you, begging for prayer. My Shelter. My Balm of Gilead. My Comforter. My Protection. My Rescuer placed a sentry of angels around me and NOTHING my husband or his church tried to do succeeded. EVERY plan they made in the darkness was brought into the light.
How I love Him. He will lead me back to my "resting place" one day, but for now He's my Resting Place.
He's pushing me back there, I can feel it (and if you would just stop writing these dang devotionals directly for me, it sure would feel a whole lot better!!!)
Or maybe I should say He's leading me.
Please keep doing what you're doing (no really, I don't mean that...do I? Do you really have to make me to do this NOW, Lord?)
Christine
Durham, NC
I posted this because my quiet time today was on Jeremiah 50:6 and then I prayed. I prayed that I stopped focusing for today on my needs and I refocus on God and his direction for me today.
ReplyDeleteThen I saw this. My heart went out to her and I replied to her across the nation, I told her my story in hopes that it will encourage her.
Simple. Doesn't need to be a full evangelistic affair. No lights or worship. Just a prayer or some words to show how great the Lord is and the peace that you can get from walking with Him and reaching for Him.
Listen today.