Rejection is a common feeling if you’ve experienced sexual assault. Not just from the event itself, but from the life we live afterwards. Many people do not want to hear about the horrific assaults we experienced and the pain they leave afterwards, both emotionally and physically.
To top it off, we deal with depression, anxiety, and usually PTSD as well, which are taboo subjects in society and the church.
Counselors are trained to listen to the details of our assaults and that is the best place to share the specifics, but in everyday life we can’t ignore the reason we have such struggles. We need people to walk with us and support us when we are depressed and hurting, However, as I have learned, it takes a strong, emotionally sound person to be with someone who has our daily battles.
It is the rejection when people don’t or can’t walk with us down our long road of recovery, on top of the rejection we feel from being sexually assaulted and used. We begin to feel no one wants us and we are too damaged to be loved.
However, as I was reading my Bible today I came across Jesus talking with a crowd and telling them what the work of God is in this life. He said, “The work of God is this, to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29
Often times we complicate our relationship with God. It is not about “doing” a bunch of things, but in believing God sent His son Jesus to die for our sins and trusting Him as our Savior. It’s a relationship.
Jesus goes on to say, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day”. John 6:39
If we believe in Jesus it is promised that we will have eternal life in heaven with Him. He is clarifying in this scripture that we are welcome to be with Him and won’t be rejected.
When I read this I realized this is the peace we have in our life on earth. If we believe in Jesus, we are secure in Him for all eternity. He is the one who will walk with us, stay by us, and not leave.
Considering I lost every single friend I had from before I began remembering my history, and have struggled to get close to anyone since, these words from Jesus helped me know there is always one place I will be welcome – and that is with Jesus.
As you go throughout another day on this hard journey, remember that if you know Jesus, you will never be rejected or truly alone for the rest of eternity – which is beyond here on earth.
Take that in today and thank Him for being with You through the daily struggles you face. Hold on to Jesus the way He holds on to you.
Jesus,
Thank you for loving and accepting me like no other. Help me understand how much You are with me and all You have in store for my life. When darkness invades bring me back to this truth that I am forever Yours.
Amen
© 2020 Susan M. Clabaugh. All Rights Reserved.
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