October 2019 - Praying for Women Affected by Domestic Violence and Abuse

The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.”  - Psalm 12:5

Hello friends,

I recently read a quote that said,

“Give God your weakness

and He’ll give you His strength.”

I think that this is one of the hardest things to do and believe when you have been affected by physical violence and abuse. When you are hurting so badly and do not know where to turn, it is hard to think that God can help. Sometimes when we are in painful situations, we may think that we need to be strong, we need to figure this out ourselves. Yet the pain paralyzes us and keeps us from moving forward or telling someone what is going on in our lives.

I see this many times when I speak with women who have faced domestic violence. They are afraid to tell you what is happening in their homes or with their relationships because of shame or fear that they will be beaten again if their husbands or boyfriends find out they told someone. However, God’s Word does give us hope and counsel for situations just like these when it says that God hates an angry man and that if we protect him from the consequences of his actions, we will only have to do it over and over again (Prov. 19:19).

This month, as we pray for women who are facing abuse and domestic violence, let’s pray with all of our hearts that they will have the courage and strength to tell someone what they are going through. There are many organizations and groups who can help if we just speak up and tell someone.

I remember a woman I counseled several years ago who told me about her abusive situation. We prayed together and discussed some options to get her to a safe place. We worked together, and she found a safe place for herself and her children. It’s not an easy road and should not be traveled alone. Let’s pray that God will send workers and prayer partners who will help our sisters find friends they can trust who will not only pray for them but also help them find solutions to the difficult situations in their lives. There are many resources available around the world, and God will provide ways of help. Even in countries where there are few options for women to leave their abusive circumstances, they can still have hope in a God who sees and has not forgotten them.

Again, thank you, dear friends, for your commitment and passion for women to find hope in Jesus. May your prayers bring God’s power and strength to those who are willing to give him their weaknesses.