I noticed that it has been a very long time since I have written a blog. I don’t do this just because I want to have people notice me and what I say, but when something weighs heavily on my heart. This week something did so here it goes.
We have lived in our small town for almost 15 years now. You learn a lot about people after all these years of being in the same place, the same street, same church, same house. But, deep down inside, there are secrets buried in the hearts and lives of many people. Sometimes these things that we call hidden erupt at the most inopportune times to disrupt the lives of those around us and change people’s opinions about us.
In this area, lives a family that we have known for all these years. We always have liked them and valued them as a family who knows Christ and serves the Lord. My world was rocked when I learned that one of the couple is an abuser of the other. Wow, what do I do with this? Do I tell anyone? Does it change the way I treat the people? Do I cut myself off from ministry to them?
Oh boy, did I pray, especially when the abuse was verified by another person who said it was common knowledge in their circle of acquaintances and relatives. Now I have to feel my way to see where this knowledge leads me. Of course, I have begun to pray in a different way for this couple but also have been asking the Lord how I must react to the circumstances. Love and compassion must rule in these circumstances and when God gives the opportunity, I must share His love for us in a deeper way.
This week has shaken me. I have been led to counseling sessions for things that seemed to be impossible in the lives of people. I realize that it is only through Christ that I have the strength both emotionally and spiritually to work through these situations. May I be an encouragement to those who have to walk in the same shoes as mine. God is your strong tower and He will give you the leading to work through what seems to be impossible things.
What did I learn? A deeper love for these people because they need it more than ever before. If the abused is to find peace, God will provide. If the abuser is to find forgiveness, it will be through God’s grace in his/her life. Pray with me that this situation will be overcome and that God will reign supreme in these two lives.
