Anonymous writes back in response to ‘I Struggle With Accepting My Weight’,

Thank you so much for answering my questions… oddly enough, the Lord took me to Isaiah 43:4 today, even before reading your comment! I’ve been doing my best to memorize it today.

I’m not getting married because of what I’ve seen. My family is in full time ministry, and we are missionaries.In the culture where I live (not American) women are abused, leered at, and taken advantage of. I have had vulgar things suggested to me, etc. I was also taken avantage of by a man in this culture. He didn’t sexually abuse me, I don’t think. But he forced himself on me and kissed me and touched me. I am repulsed by men and will not hardly speak to men outside of my family. It is all I can do to greet the men at church.

Trophy of Grace replies…

Hello sister! I am in for Beloved by Him. My name is Trophy of Grace. We are happy to serve you and even more pleased when the Lord uses us to give our readers/counselees confirmation of what He is saying to them. You most certainly should hold on to the verses He speaks to your heart. They will give you hope and encouragement at just the right time.

I am so sorry to hear about your terrible experience with the men in the culture where you live. I can see why you would have a bad taste in your mouth about men and submitting to them in marriage. However, not all men are like the men that you are around at the moment, or like your offender. There are men who love the Lord and because of their love for Him they love and adore their wives. They are caring and loving and want only the best, God’s will for their families. There ARE men who are full of God’s Spirit, who respect women and are waiting for the woman that God has for them. Don’t allow these experiences to rob you of the blessings of marriage or even friendships with godly men because of the actions of these ungodly men.

What you have seen and experienced is evil and it is meant to destroy you from the inside out, if you allow it to. Sister the truth is that we are going to see and experience much evil in this world, but we cannot allow unforgiveness and bitterness to be rooted in our hearts. By choosing to stay angry and refusing to forgive we give a foothold to the devil in our lives. The unforgiveness becomes a weight that hinders our spiritual growth, it is sin that will trip us up. We cannot allow anything to hinder us. The Lord saved us for His service and we need to be fully prepared for every good work that He has for us. The unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness will interfere with that good work that He is trying to do in and through us. (Ephesians 4:26-27,Hebrews 12:1)

So then sister we must do what the Spirit has said through Paul..

“Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, JUST AS GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST HAS FORGIVEN YOU.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Our Lord has also spoken about forgiving those who sin against us. He said,

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

I know that it can be hard to forgive our offenders, but nothing is impossible with Christ Jesus. We don’t have to do it in our own strength. We can forgive others with the help of the Holy Spirit who empowers and enables us to do what God has called us to do. He is our Helper and Comforter. All we have to do is choose to forgive those that have offended or hurt us or others that we love, while allowing our Lord to heal us from the pain and hurt that we feel. It often times it will be a daily process of renewing our minds and choosing to forgive to overcome the anger which may have given foothold to demonic oppression. But the wonderful part is that we have already overcome because the Spirit that lives in us is greater than any spirits of this world that come against us. (Zechariah 4:6, 1 John 4:4)

One of our contributing writers Deborah Ross wrote an article called ‘Forgiveness Is A Process’. Please take a moment to read it. I pray that the Lord will use it to minister to your heart. I believe He wants to do a new thing in your life. You will see it come to pass if you stop looking at the past and start looking towards the future. I will be praying for Him to give you back your peace about all of this and to heal your wounds. You are in our prayers sister. (Jeremiah 30:17, Isaiah 43:18-19,Philippians 3:13)

Sincerely,

Trophy of Grace

Popularity: 3% [?]