[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]W[/dropcap2]hen people find out I was sexually abused as a child, they’re shocked. “I’m so sorry that happened,” they often say. “Children should be protected.”
“I was protected,” I respond.
Even though I was abused repeatedly, I was also protected. The damage was severe, but it could have been much worse.
For example, my desire from childhood has been to make a difference by helping hurting people. I believe that was God turning evil into something positive. The more available I am to be used in the lives of others, the more healing I receive. Over time, I’m able to see even more protection in my life, and I experience more peace.
We’ve all been wounded. We’ve all been damaged. But we’re still here. We’re not destroyed. And this is cause for great celebration.
But we’ll only celebrate if we believe that underneath all the mess, God is still good. We’re able to rejoice in the midst of pain only if we accept that God is powerful and loving enough to bring healing and wonder out of the darkest valley.
I believe so much of this depends on how open we are to knowing God and being used by him – used not in the sense of being taken advantage of, but in the sense of him empowering us to love others and impact the world around us. My experience is that some of the best, deepest, and most meaningful ministry is done by wounded hearts.
So if you’re feeling damaged and wounded, that’s okay. You can heal. You can have amazing impact. You may have been deeply hurt, but you’re not destroyed.
I believe you’re being protected for great things.
