Am I ignoring God?

Question

I was molested as a child and I am the only one who knows about it. I was molested for nearly 5 years. I feel like God is trying to get me to tell my pastor and family but I don't think I can do that. They have a lot of respect for me and people rely a lot on me.

I feel that God wants me to tell people because I could be a help or example to others who have suffered like I have. I feel that I could be an example because I was broken before Christ saved me. I needed a friend and he was there all along.

I remember how I felt for those five years broken and shattered and how I didn't deserve to be treated that way and one day while I was watching the passion of the Christ I started thinking about how Christ suffered in almost the same way. While he didn't deserve by any means what happened to him he bore his cross as we all have to. I feel Icould really help people but I don't think I have the courage.

Any advise?

Answer 1

I totally understand your situation. But if you "feel" God is telling you tell your pastor and family. Start with your Pastor. He can't tell anyone.

From my own experience sharing that experience with at least one person lifts the load tremendously.

I wonder though, do you not trust your Pastor? If not then don't tell him. What about his wife? Another church woman. Or even a therapist.

I don't recommend telling your family until you have fully dealt with this with God and have the support and courage of fellow Christians.

I am a huge fan of Joyce Meyer. Her website is joycemeyer.org and she was molested and now has this huge ministry on TV and the Internet. She's real. I sent in an on line pray request and they sent me tons of free teaching tapes and things to help me understand what my next moves should be. They were very supportive.

Good luck

lb

Answer 2

My advice would be to get some Christian counseling from someone other than people close to you first.....to see how you really feel about yourself now. Then if you are ok and still want to help others in the same area...I would approach a pastor or a group leader on this subject already. Gradually work in to having a leadership role yourself. This is a very emotional subject and you don't want to set yourself up for too much to start with.....just my opinion. I will pray for you to have the wisdom and courage if you feel convicted that you need to do this. God bless your endeavors.


† On-call Prayer Warrior †

Answer 3

I have read your post with a heavy burden. The first thing I would like to share is that people will not lose respect for you because you were a victim of childhood sexual abuse.........You were a child, this is NOT your doing...........

There is no way I could know if you are or are not ignoring God......perhaps He wishes you to share your experience with the masses, or perhaps He is preparing you for one person in particular that you will aid in healing........either way you have an important part to play.

Few of us have courage.........we build it up one step at a time. Maybe this was your first step, telling just one person, whether a close friend, or a telephone counselor or writing yourself a journal about your experience will add another step.

Are you around teenagers or younger children? Perhaps you could encourage them to "not keep secrets", or protect an abuser, without sharing your personal details. You know how your abuse occured, so you can imagine what things are told to children, how their innocence is stolen. Whatever you can comfortable do to help prevent it from happening to another child will be a blessing to us all.......

You can find ways to reach out to other victims or preventing others from becoming a victim without baring the details of your experience that you are not comfortable sharing.

They need for me to pray for you and your direction from the Lord is upon me. I hope you won't mind........

† I Bow Down Prayer Warrior †

Answer 4

Well I think that God puts every hardship in your life for a reason. Your experiences are not supposed to be kept for yourself (good or bad) they are supposed to be used to help other people. I definitely think that you should pray about this...god will show you the answer. Maybe you should begin talk to people in an online forum to build your confidence...and then move on to a one on one mentoring program...or a more public form of getting the message across.

When i had issues in my past it really helped me to talk about my experiences...it was theraputic for me...and the other people at the same time...

I wish you the best of Luck...and God Bless!

Answer 5

It sounds like God has layed this upon your heart. Pray about it and I will also say a prayer for you.

God Bless

† New Mission Prayer Warrior †

Answer 6

I know it sounds stupid, but practicing in front of a mirror really helps for public speaking stuff and for telling people these kind of things. Just try to do your best, and eventually, when it's ready, you'll be able to discuss it.

Answer 7

Pray to God, ask Him for guidance and the courage to do what you know you need to do...Good luck. =)

Answer 8

You might consider volunteering for organizations that help people deal with sexual abuse.