Grace Abounds: Hope and Healing From Sexual AbuseSample

I remember waking up the next day and sitting silently, overwhelmed with shame. There were no tears, just disbelief at the trauma experienced the night before.

I felt as though God would never be able to forgive me for what was lost and that He was sure to be questioning His love for me. I was guilt-ridden, and I assumed He was ashamed of me. Perhaps you felt similarly.

Shame may result from lost innocence or the human body reacting in ways you did not want it to. Perhaps those you trusted blamed you for the assault or suggested you should get over it. Maybe you responded to the pain by doing something out of character only to find a new layer of despair and confusion. Satan uses shame as a weapon regardless of the reason. He may use it to silence or redirect you to harmful and unhealthy behaviors. Ultimately, he will attempt to stop you from fulfilling your God-given purpose.

The key to overcoming shame is to resist the enemy and connect with the God who calls you redeemed, forgiven, and new. Remember what the Bible says about who you are in Christ. Finding love, value, and forgiveness for yourself may be difficult as you process sexual trauma. But God offers peace, security, and assurance that you are accepted and loved no matter what has happened. Romans 8:38-39 says nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God. Unlike human love that often wanes with distance, God's love for us is boundless and boundaryless. Not one thing can separate us from the love He has for us.

Romans 8:1 says that there is no condemnation for followers of Jesus Christ. By the blood of Christ, you are victorious and shameless. Isaiah 54:17 promises that no weapon formed against you will prosper— not even shame!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unconditional, faithful love. In times when we are at our best, and even when we are at our worst, Your promises still stand. Touch the heart of the woman reading this today, Lord, as she learns to love herself the way You love her. Remind her of her beauty, and help her understand the warring emotions she battles. Bind the lies of the enemy, and release words of life. Comfort her, and free her from shame. In Your wonderful and precious name, I pray. Amen.