Christ Will Rescue You

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

God Will Get You Out

Studies estimate that 70-80% of domestic violence cases go unreported. Many individuals are suffering in silence, never telling anyone about the horrors they’re facing at home. There are several contributing factors to remaining silent about abuse. One of them is the fear of provoking further violence or harm from the abuser. For many, the shame of admitting they are being abused deters them from opening up about it. Some are financially dependent on their abuser and are afraid of the economic hardship a separation might cause. Barriers to reporting or sharing their pain with others are numerous, even with increased awareness and resources. These issues, and others, can turn domestic violence into a prison for many who are enduring abuse.

Another prevalent reason that many remain in abusive relationships is the emotional ties to the abuser. Victims of abuse often have a deep emotional attachment to the person who is causing them harm, especially when there are periods of reconciliation. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when the abuser expresses remorse after violent outbursts. People who abuse see it as a way to have power over the person they are abusing. They alternate between periods of kindness and violence, creating confusion and also hope that things might get better.

Quite frankly, victims of abuse can become addicted to the emotional highs and lows. Their judgment can become so clouded by this that they forget their identity in Christ. Tapping into the strength and wisdom the Lord offers will transform us internally. And internally is where we need His strength and power most.

In Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (NLT), Moses speaks to God’s people, the Israelites, and reminds them of God's promises: “In that day the Lord your God will end your captivity and have compassion on you. He will gather you again from all the nations where he has scattered you. Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors.”

Moses wants them to turn back to God, telling them that if they repent and obey God's commands, our Heavenly Father promises to restore them. Often, we don't recognize the impact of domestic violence and abuse on our total well-being. Every aspect of our existences is affected, and we desperately need the kind of restoration and healing that only God can give us.

When we find ourselves in difficult and painful situations, it can seem impossible, like there's no door that will open and allow us to escape. It's important for us to trust that God will get us out of situations that seem impossible. We must remember the Words of our Master Jesus in Mark 10:27 (NLT), which says: “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.’”

Our Heavenly Father’s promise to restore and bring us back to peace is an offer of hope. He calls us to turn to Him, no matter where we are in life, trusting that He can heal our emotional wounds and guide us to freedom. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Through God's comfort, we can find healing and the strength to break free from the chains of pain and fear. We can then help others by steering them to Christ.

A friend once said to me that our problems are hardly ever just about us, but about those we will influence and help in the future. The core of our purpose as God’s children is to trust in His provision and help, and to share the Good News that through Christ, we are saved! Every moment of life presents an opportunity to move in our Heavenly Father’s empowerment victoriously.

No matter how trapped or overwhelmed you may feel in your circumstances, remember that God sees you, and He will get you out. The chains of abuse, fear, and hopelessness cannot bind you forever. God is bigger than any oppression or struggle you face. His strength, love, and promises of freedom are more powerful than the hold of your pain and emotional confusion. He is faithful to lead you out of the darkness and into the light of His healing and peace. Trust that God’s hand is reaching out to you, ready to lift you up and deliver you from your trials. Know in the depths of your heart that with Him, there is always a way out.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Be the Soldier God Enlisted You to Be

In life, we’re often called to wear many hats—parent, friend, coworker, and sometimes, even a soldier. But as Christians, there’s one role we’re all enlisted in: being a soldier in God’s army. Just as a soldier has a mission and purpose, so do we. However, being a soldier for God isn’t about physical combat or fighting with weapons; it's about standing firm in our faith, living out God's Word, and spreading the Good News of hope in Jesus Christ.

God Has Enlisted You

In 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NLT), the Apostle Paul writes, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” The first thing we need to understand is that God has enlisted us—yes, YOU—into His army. When you accepted Christ as your Savior, you became part of God’s great mission on earth. It is also important that we understand that accepting Christ, and partnering with God through him, is the greatest privilege we will ever have.

Being enlisted as a soldier means that we are called to a purpose that is higher than our own. Jeremiah 10:16 (NLT) tells us, “But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including Israel, his own special possession. The LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name!” God is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and His heavenly army is one of incomparable allegiance and strength. Although it might look to us that the evil one is dominating this world with corruption and darkness, we should always be clear of this one extraordinary truth: God will always and forever win.

As soldiers for the Almighty God, we shouldn’t get distracted by things of this world. While we still live in it, we must remember that our focus should always be on God's Kingdom and His plan for our lives.

We are Fully Equipped for the Mission

The organization and tragedies of any nation’s military originate from God and His Word. While many would like to attribute military intelligence, ingenuity, and infrastructure to human achievement, we should recognize that everything that exists has God’s brilliance at its core. Even the advancements and struggles of mankind are part of a greater divine plan, with God's wisdom and purpose guiding all things.

From a worldly perspective, most of us know that when a soldier enters the army, they are thoroughly trained for combat and many other things. They don’t enter warfare unprepared. They’re given the right tools, and a uniform that signifies their role. Spiritually, believers are equipped even more powerfully. God has given us everything we need for the mission He’s called us to. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NLT) tells us: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” God has equipped us with spiritual armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—to face any challenge the devil throws our way.

Each piece of armor has a purpose, and just as a soldier doesn’t leave his camp without being fully armed, we shouldn't face the day without putting on our spiritual armor. It’s extremely important for us to stay equipped with God's truth, ready to stand firm in the face of temptation, trials, and spiritual battles.

Enduring Hardship

One of the toughest parts of being a soldier is enduring hardship. Training is hard, battles are exhausting, and sometimes, victory seems far off. The same is true in our spiritual walk. When God tells us in 2 Timothy 2:3 (NLT) to “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus”, it doesn’t mean that we will be free from difficulty. In truth, Jesus told us in John 16:33 that in this world we will face trouble, but He also reminded us that He has overcome the world. As soldiers in his army, we are called to endure, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

When we face struggles, we can look to Jesus, who endured the ultimate hardship for us. His sacrifice on the cross was the greatest act of love and obedience. As soldiers, we are called to follow his example, staying strong in our faith and trusting that God is using even our struggles for His glory.

The Mission Field

A soldier doesn’t fight just for the sake of fighting; they fight for a cause. For us, that cause is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are called to be soldiers in the mission field, sharing God’s love with a world in desperate need of hope. Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) gives us our marching orders: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

Our mission is clear: to share the good news of Jesus, disciple others, and make an impact for His kingdom. Every day, we have the opportunity to live out our faith, showing others the love of Christ through our actions, words, and choices. Whether it's at home, at work, or in our communities, God has placed us where we are for a reason. Be the soldier He enlisted you to be by boldly sharing His message of hope with those around you.

Victory Is Ours

In every battle, there is a victor. As soldiers in God’s army, we can be confident that victory is ours through Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT), Paul reminds us: “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The ultimate victory has already been won by Jesus on the cross, and as his soldiers, we can march forward with confidence, knowing that no matter what challenges we face, the battle has already been won.

We are not to cower in a corner somewhere. As a soldier of Christ, you’re called to stand firm in spiritual battle, putting on the full armor of God, enduring hardship, and fulfilling the mission He has given you. You have everything you need to succeed—God’s Word, His strength, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

So, as you wake up each day, remember that you’ve been enlisted by the King of kings. You have a purpose, a mission, and the ultimate victory waiting for you. Stand firm, be bold, and be the soldier God has called you to be. You are not alone. God is with you always and has equipped you to be victorious through Jesus Christ!

“Be the Soldier God Enlisted You to Be”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Keep the Enemy Out

Imagine starting fresh after a terrible breakup and one of the worse mistakes of your life. You’re determined to leave the past behind and have just moved into new digs. Everything in the apartment is new and fresh. You’ve got new paint, new furniture, and a totally new vibe your new brave self. You’re loving it, and you are so excited to make this new place your own, but now there’s a problem. Rumor has it that there’s some nonsense going on in the neighborhood. People say there’s a guy who’s trying to sneak in at night, breaking into places and stealing what he can. Your first thought is, “One step forward, two steps backward”, but then you think, “Nope, not this time. I’m not letting anything deter my new groove.” So, you keep all the windows locked, get a good security system, and you get the best deadbolt you can find for the door. You’ve worked hard to create this peaceful space, and you’re not about to let anyone mess with it.

Now, think of your heart, your mind, and your life as that new apartment. God has given you a life full of promise, peace, and potential. But there’s an enemy lurking—trying to break in. It’s the devil, and he wants to steal your joy, and destroy your peace. But here’s what we need to remember, there’s nothing about satan that surprises our Lord and Savior. He knows all about the enemy. In John 8:44 (NLT), Jesus said, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

The attitude of doing everything we can to maintain our faith and remain fully locked in with God’s armor is most definitely the right one. Our Heavenly Father didn’t leave us defenseless. He’s empowered us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and He has warned us about satan, His spiritual enemy, who wants to sneak into our lives and cause havoc. In John 10:10 (NKJV), Jesus Christ said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This truth contrasts the abundance our Lord and Savior came to the earth to make available with the death, darkness, and destruction that the devil wants to cause.

Usually, it’s not a loud knock or an obvious tactic that the enemy uses, because he’s slick and extremely deceptive. There are no red flags that point out his attacks; he’s a sneaky one, trying to deceive us through doubts, fears, distractions, and lies. Trying to rob your peace and rob you of the life God wants for you is his game. But Jesus offers something infinitely better. He’s the door, the protector of your soul, and he came to give you more than just survival. He came to give you life to the fullest, no matter what the enemy tries to throw your way.

All of us know that life isn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, it’s filled with ups and downs—highs and lows, but Jesus promised in John 16:33 (NLT): “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” We should never underestimate the level of faith we need to have in this promise. We need to remember that Jesus Christ has defeated the devil, and your job is to seal of the cracks of doubt and fear. We must keep the door locked, the windows shut, and refuse to let the enemy have any access to our peace.

Guarding Your Heart

One of the most important things we can do to keep the enemy out is to guard our hearts. This is our first line of defense. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Your heart is the battleground where the enemy tries to plant seeds of fear, bitterness, or resentment. They can affect your thoughts, actions, and ultimately, your relationship with God if they take root.

How do you guard your heart? First, snap to awareness about what you're letting in your heart and mind, and don’t let your guard down. Just like you wouldn’t let a stranger into your house without thinking twice, you shouldn’t let negative thoughts or toxic influences have access to your mind and heart. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) tells us, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” So, shift your focus, and meditate on the goodness of God’s truth when the enemy tries to sneak in through your thoughts.

The Power of Prayer

Another powerful way to keep the enemy out is through prayer. Prayer is like your spiritual security system. It’s a privilege that God has given us, and it lets you communicate directly with Him. Your faith in our Heavenly Father guarantees His protection over your life. In Matthew 6:13 (NLT), our Master Jesus taught us to pray, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” When you pray, do so in the authority and power that Jesus Christ has given you. Invite God's protection and trust Him with your whole heart. Do this, and you will shut the door to the enemy's schemes.

Stand Firm
Finally, you need to stand firm in faith. The enemy is going to try to knock at your door, but you have the power to resist him. James 4:7 (NLT) says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resistance isn’t always easy. It’s a daily choice to reject fear, doubt, and temptation. But as you grow in your trust in God, you’ll become more confident in your ability to resist. The enemy may try to steal your peace, but he cannot take it unless you allow him to.

Romans 8:37 tells us that we are more than conquerors in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When you stand firm in your faith and identity in him, the enemy has no choice but to flee. You remind yourself that you’re protected by the One who has already defeated him. And as you resist, no matter what trials you face, remember that Jesus has overcome the world, as John 16:33 declares. He’s got you covered, and with him, you’re more than equipped to keep the enemy out.