Grace Abounds: Hope and Healing From Sexual AbuseSample

The aftermath of sexual abuse often results in an identity crisis for the survivor. As many victims do, I internalized the traumatic experience and became overwhelmed with disgrace and shame. All clarity about my identity seemed lost, and I fell into an unhealthy thinking pattern, feeling dirty, unwanted, unacceptable, and unlovable. I questioned my worth and faded into an identity that the enemy wanted me to carry; an identity that closely aligned with the world’s standards instead of God’s. By constantly doubting my value and purpose, this false perception of myself completely disabled me.

If you can relate, know that there is good news! God pursued and reached out to me while I was in my dark place. God reminded me that my identity is found in Him, my Creator. There is so much truth in the familiar saying, “We will never understand WHO we are until we get to know WHOSE we are.” Your Father loves you so much that He purchased you at the high cost of His Son’s life. Too often, we forget how committed He is to us.

You will not find your identity in the world or the hands of the enemy. No matter what has happened to you, what you have done, or what was said to or about you, you have a pre-established identity that cannot be shifted or shattered. You are unmistakably valuable to God. The Bible says in Psalm 139 that God created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother’s womb. Nobody can alter your identity as a daughter of the King.

Next time you hear an empty whisper that you are worthless or unlovable, allow the truths in God’s Word to combat those thoughts. Remind yourself of the fact you are God’s child (John 1:12), and you have been justified (Romans 5:1). You were bought with a price and belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10) and free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2). You have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16). You are God’s workmanship, intentionally created for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). You see, precious woman, you are God’s treasured possession and the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8)!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for adopting the woman reading this today as Your daughter and reminding her that she does not have to search the world for meaning, purpose, or esteem. Please allow the Holy Spirit to gently nudge her back into a place of belief in the person You created her to be. You are forgiving, strong, and merciful, Father! Thank You for all You are. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.