Turning Loose - Sexual Abuse Recovery

I like to reflect on my own abuse recovery process from time to time. Occasionally I like to think back over the years and remember where I used to be and where I am today. It is good to look back and also to look forward. Being where I am today always brings a smile to my face and a little chill up my spine. My entire being rejoices in the awesome things God has done on my behalf.

Ten years ago, if someone had told me how good life can be, I don't think I would have believed them. My life prior to that point in time, had been nothing but hardship, pain and struggle. I was exhausted from struggling and trying to be better at doing life. I just wasn't succeeding in my own efforts. Effort alone will not accomplish the work that needs to be done in the life of a sexual abuse survivor. We cannot work ourselves out of the things that slow our steps, hinder our progress and hold us in bondage to the abuse.

We truly need a Savior. Although I was already a born again Christian prior to beginning the recovery process, I found that just being a Christian was not enough either. I prayed, I cried, and I tried. But even that was not enough.

So what makes the difference in the recovery process? If being a Christian believer, praying, trying very hard and waiting on God doesn't do it, then what is the turning point? What is the key to success?

The key is the same in abuse recovery as it is in life in general. It is always God's timing for us. When we come before Him with our pain and sorrow and wounds, and tell Him, "I can't fix this, will You please help me?" Then we are in position for His grace to begin flowing into our lives and into our wounds. When we let go, God can do what only He can do!

Part of the process is facing the truth. Most of us try so hard to hide from our past and keep things covered up and quiet so no one will know the dark secret we carry on the inside. We must give up our hiding places and face the truth of our past. We must lay it all at His feet and trust Him to do the work. He is always faithful to walk with us through every phase of recovery. That is why I love this verse of scripture found in Isaiah 58.

"The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones,
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water
Whose waters do not fail."
(Isaiah 58:11 NKJ)

It is the promise of a Holy God Who desires for us to be whole, even more than we desire to be whole. He alone is able to do the work that needs to be done in us. We must cooperate with Him in the process, but most of what is done is accomplished by our "turning loose". We turn loose of the secrets, the lies, the deception, the hate, the pain and the loss. He restores our lives by satisfying our soul, strengthening our bones and causing us to become like a spring of water whose waters never fail. What a beautiful promise we have in Him. Won't you "turn loose" today and allow Him to heal your wounded soul?