Overcoming Abuse – 2
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the concluding part of this teaching! Last week, we established that abuse is the use of something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong, and teenagers are mostly at the receiving end. So this week, we will consider How to Overcome Abuse.
The following are the ways to overcome abuse:
Know your Identity: As a teenager, this is what the Word of God declares about you: …for I(you) am fearfully and wonderfully made… (Psalms 139:14). This is the reality of who you are in Christ, so you need to keep declaring it no matter the circumstances or situation.
Know your Rights: The ignorance of our rights in Christ has made many ensnared and made receiving God’s healing an impossible task. You need to understand that God cannot make you face any situation without a way out. He knows that what you went through will be traumatic, but he also made a way out. If you do not need to beg your earthly parents for your basic needs before they provide, likewise, you do not need to beg your heavenly Father because, as a bonafide son and daughter of the kingdom, you have free access to the rights of redemption (Revelation 5:12).
Renew your Thoughts: You are the product of your thought. Therefore, you have to change the way you think to overcome every negative effect of abuse. You must learn to change your thoughts from negative situations, feelings, occurrences, and symptoms to concentrating on the word of God. Refuse to be robbed of the good things God has for you. Remember, As a teenager thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7 paraphrase)
Seek for Help: You must identify that you need help (Psalms121:1). Likewise, both the perpetrator and the victim needs help. If you are emotionally abused, you might be battling with low self-esteem. Also studies have shown that sexually abused victims turn to abusers if they do not go through the rehabilitation process after they were abused especially as a child/teenager. Abused victims live bitter lives or might instigate violence if they decide to take revenge.
However, the Holy Spirit is our ever-reliable and dependable helper! If a man like Apostle Paul, formerly Saul, an abuser, could be used by God, then you can also be used by God. We likewise have testimonies of renowned men and women who were abused but were rescued and healed, and God is using them for His glory. A typical example is Joyce Meyer.
The first step in this restoration journey is to become a child of God. If you are not born again, please say this prayer of faith: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner, and I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. From today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I am Born Again.
Congratulations! You are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Holy Ghost: Your Helper, Arise and be Healed and Single With A Difference.
