Steps To Freedom I

‘We countered with prayer to our God and set a round-the-clock guard against them’ Neh.4:9 [MSG]

The first step towards freedom from abuse is silent no more. One of the traits of an abusive relationship that is sustained is, the victim keeps quiet in an attempt to avoid shame. I pray that you will not die in silence. If he is threatening to beat you up then tell him that if he threatens you ever again you will escalate it. The abuser will continue to abuse you if he knows you are his puppet. But if he knows that he cannot treat you like this and expect business as usual, I am sure he will chill out. Abuse thrives on secrecy and the abuser must be held responsible for his/her actions. You must hold them responsible. Never, ever excuse it. Do not excuse abuse because his father did the same thing. He should grow up and get healing particularly if he is saved. Some people just stay in their childhood and think that is an excuse to be abusive in their relationship. That can never be an excuse. Be silent no more!

The second step towards freedom from abuse is you have to confront yourself. Before you can properly deal with your abuser’s sin you must examine your own self first. You must ask yourself some critical questions. Firstly, ask yourself why you chose to marry this abusive partner? What in you attracted your partner? Largely people that are sick attract people that are sick in another way. The second question you need to confront yourself with is why have you been putting up with this abuse? Are you afraid because for the past twenty years that you have been married he has been the one running the business while you were at home? Or are you afraid because you do not have any money and if you confront it he may kick you out? Or is the source of your fear that people that will laugh at you? Or is it because you have nowhere and no one to run to? Why are you really afraid? You have to confront yourself. Why are you putting up with this? Thirdly, you need to ask yourself how have you been enabling this abuse? Abuse cannot be consistent if it is not enabled. Confront yourself today before God and let Him lead you to freedom.

Prayer: Father, teach me to counter abuse with prayer and set a round-the-clock guard against it, in Jesus Name.