Grace Abounds: Hope and Healing From Sexual Abuse

Scriptures: Colossians 1:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 41:10, John 10:10

Has a traumatic past left you hurting? You might hurt in ways that are very difficult to describe at times, and it may often leave you feeling broken, angry, undeserving, or shameful. However, God promises a bright and abundant future despite your past. You can find hope in God’s presence and the Father’s unconditional love. God wants to restore the ability to love yourself again. He is waiting to guide you toward freedom from your pain. Take a step of faith and begin this journey toward healing with a Father who never disappoints. 

When the pain of recollection convinces you to deny its toxicity and forestall recovery, you must remember that God has more for your life. He has the strength to guide you through the darkest places into the safety of His arms. Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, wants to help you fulfill your unique purpose with peace, authority, and freedom! 

No, healing will not be an easy journey; there will be tears and frustrations. Fears will surface. Yet, take heart in knowing you are not alone in this battle for your freedom. The Bible says in Colossians 1:13, “God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much.” You already have victory in Christ, so walk towards that outstanding truth when times get tough along your healing journey. 

In the coming devotionals, we will explore scripture for insight into restoration through Jesus on topics such as identity, boundaries, shame, forgiveness, spiritual battles, healing, purity, and fulfillment.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for an opportunity to speak life into the woman reading this devotional. Provide her with trust in You as she takes her first steps toward healing. As she progresses in her journey, provide reassurance that You are covering her all along the way. LORD, You are good and always fulfill the promises contained in Your Word. Thank you for the love of Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen. 

Scriptures: Ephesians 6:12, Romans 11:36, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 61:3

Why did God allow this to happen to me? Does He care about me at all? 

If you have ever asked these questions, you are not alone. When I asked them myself, my mind was a battlefield between what I knew about God and what I assumed Hedid or did not do to protect me. I felt abandoned by God and questioned Him while trying to make sense of my pain. God had been with me in difficult situations too numerous to count, so I was aware of His presence in my life. However, my hurt and anger prompted me to lash out at God because I felt He could have done more. 

Like me, you may reason that God could have stopped the abuse and is, therefore, to blame for it. However, when you blame God, you fail to see the culprit behind evil in the world. Ephesians 6:12 says your struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world. Satan, the god of this world, is your enemy, and he manipulated your abuser to attack your vulnerability and steal your innocence. 

But if God is sovereign, why would He allow abuse in the world? Romans 11:36 says that all things proceed from God and exist for His glory. God’s Word says we will have trouble in this world, but to take heart because He has overcome the world with his Son, Jesus! God can use any tragedy, including your trauma, to work “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Yes, the world is fallen, but you are not of the world, and you do not have to claim its brokenness. God can transform your ashes into a crown of beauty for all the world to see!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I pray for the woman struggling to understand why someone abused her. Help her share her anger, resentment, and distrust with You. Allow her to release the truth of her emotions. Father, begin to chip away at the walls she created to protect herself and help her to invite You into her broken heart. Guide her step by step through the good and bad days of the healing journey and encourage her to keep going. Thank You for being a good, gracious, and patient Father. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures: Psalms 139:13-16, John 1:12, Romans 5:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Colossians 2:10, Romans 8:1-2, John 15:16, Ephesians 2:10, Psalms 17:8

The aftermath of sexual abuse often results in an identity crisis for the survivor. As many victims do, I internalized the traumatic experience and became overwhelmed with disgrace and shame. All clarity about my identity seemed lost, and I fell into an unhealthy thinking pattern, feeling dirty, unwanted, unacceptable, and unlovable. I questioned my worth and faded into an identity that the enemy wanted me to carry; an identity that closely aligned with the world’s standards instead of God’s. By constantly doubting my value and purpose, this false perception of myself completely disabled me. 

If you can relate, know that there is good news! God pursued and reached out to me while I was in my dark place. God reminded me that my identity is found in Him, my Creator. There is so much truth in the familiar saying, “We will never understand WHO we are until we get to know WHOSE we are.” Your Father loves you so much that He purchased you at the high cost of His Son’s life. Too often, we forget how committed He is to us. 

You will not find your identity in the world or the hands of the enemy. No matter what has happened to you, what you have done, or what was said to or about you, you have a pre-established identity that cannot be shifted or shattered. You are unmistakably valuable to God. The Bible says in Psalm 139 that God created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother’s womb. Nobody can alter your identity as a daughter of the King. 

Next time you hear an empty whisper that you are worthless or unlovable, allow the truths in God’s Word to combat those thoughts. Remind yourself of the fact you are God’s child (John 1:12), and you have been justified (Romans 5:1). You were bought with a price and belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10) and free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2). You have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16). You are God’s workmanship, intentionally created for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). You see, precious woman, you are God’s treasured possession and the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8)! 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for adopting the woman reading this today as Your daughter and reminding her that she does not have to search the world for meaning, purpose, or esteem. Please allow the Holy Spirit to gently nudge her back into a place of belief in the person You created her to be. You are forgiving, strong, and merciful, Father! Thank You for all You are. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 31:8, Jeremiah 31:3, Psalms 107:2

How do you begin to set boundaries when sexual trauma violates the core of who you are? For a long time, I was overwhelmed and frustrated that I did not know the answer. Have you felt similarly? 

One of my first steps to establishing healthy boundaries was learning my identity in Christ. Understanding my worthiness as God’s daughter gave me the courage to set and maintain healthy limits in relationships. I feared setting clear expectations would provoke division among family and friends. However, my firm no was deflecting unhealthy behaviors and allowed for rebuilding trust with God, others, and myself. 

Not everyone understood or supported my changes. Some had grown accustomed to old behaviors and perspectives, and creating new limits sparked conflict. People were hurtful, and I lost some relationships. This point in establishing boundaries was hard to walk through, but I was not alone! Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes in front of you. He will always be with you, to help you. He will never leave you. So do not be afraid. Be brave!” 

I witnessed God’s remarkable faithfulness in restoring some relationships. He allowed separation, at times, to develop Godly understanding, love, and forgiveness among us. With some of those relationships, God provided reconciliation; but with others, He did not— and may never. Only God knew which relationships were good for me, and I trusted Him to decide. 

With time, God may restore, rebirth, and reconcile your relationships. Reflect on the previous devotional on identity until the scripture captures your heart. Remember the LORD’s love for you is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3), and you are redeemed (Psalm 107:2). Once you realize who you are, establishing newfound boundaries allows your heart the space to take the necessary time to heal. This transformation is a glorious demonstration of how God redeems your ashes for a crown of beauty!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for being LORD and friend as survivors navigate the healing process. Strengthen the woman who wants to cry and give up with Your Spirit. When the pain of healing has begun, may she persevere with obedience. Help her establish healthy boundaries and to maintain them during a conflict. Give her wisdom to navigate the coming obstacles. You are our Deliverer and Banner of Victory! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures: Romans 8:38-39, Romans 8:1, Isaiah 54:17

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.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 6:15, Ephesians 4:31-32

I used to believe the path of forgiveness was supposed to be an easy one. When someone offends me, I immediately offer forgiveness with a friendly hug; end of story. 

However, my experience with forgiveness has been far from simple. I struggled to forgive my abuser because I felt the injustice was undeserving, much less capable of forgiveness. I did what I felt was the next best thing to forgiveness— appear unphased and okay. Certainly, pretending nothing happened, burying the pain, and putting on a brave face meant I was moving on. Or did it? 

I did not have a clear understanding of forgiveness. I had to learn that forgiveness did not minimize the offense against me or release my abuser from accepting responsibility or receiving consequences. I also had to understand God’s love for me and forgive myself before I considered forgiving my abuser. 

Choosing forgiveness is hard, and it may be a daily task. In moments of flashback or trigger, you must go to the foot of the cross and trust God to help you forgive again. You must lean on God’s strength to walk in forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that God’s grace is sufficient for you, and His power is perfect in your weaknesses. 

Did you know God commands forgiveness? You must understand the degree to which the Lord has forgiven your sins. God extends unbelievable grace and mercy by removing your guilt and securing your destiny. The Bible says to offer forgiveness in the same way that Christ forgave you.*

You cannot rely on the world to give you the ability to forgive a person who hurt you so deeply; only the power of the Holy Spirit can do that. Forgiveness is the fruit that comes from a transformed heart.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Life is hard sometimes, and forgiveness is often even more difficult. But Your Son, Jesus, provides the perfect picture of forgiveness that guides us into a life of mercy. May Your Spirit comfort the woman struggling with triggers and flashbacks. Rescue her and provide the safety required for her to forgive freely. Allow her to release the hurt to You as her Vindicator. May she experience freedom from unforgiveness. Lord, provide her with patience and grace on this healing journey. Thank You, Lord, for Your wisdom and understanding. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

*God calls you to love and forgive your enemies, but this does not equate with reconciliation. Restoring your relationship with an abuser may not be a safe option and can have mental, spiritual, physical, sexual, and emotional consequences.

Scriptures: Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:36, Romans 12:21

People are not our enemy; the devil is. […] The guilty have their own story as well. Our goal should be to love people and hate the devil (74). [i]

Have you considered that hurting people hurt people? The Bible explains in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world. Your anger should be directed toward the enemy who persuaded the flesh to sin, not solely your abuser. Attaining this perspective may be difficult. However, when you recognize your enemy, you can strengthen your defense! 

Not only does living by this God-lens require truth and justice, but also an endless hope and love for humanity. God fully and unconditionally loves all His children. Envision your abusers beyond their actions to recognize their imperfections, struggles, strongholds, and pains. God desires everyone to receive His gifts of freedom through salvation, mercy, and grace. 

Research shows childhood sexual abuse victims have a higher risk of becoming abusive adults or developing abusive relationships. The enemy divides families from generation to generation through the destruction caused by sexual abuse. He hopes survivors will live silently within an emotional prison that threatens their spiritual assurance and separates them from their God-given purpose. 

You must choose to be the generation that utilizes the power of God to break the cycle and offer truth and love to a hurting world. Recognize the disguise of the flesh of man and fight Satan with the supernatural, powerful weapons of God that guarantee victory. 

[i] Church of the Highlands Small Groups. (n.d.). Living in Freedom Every Day.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for being our Creator and Defender. Help the hurting woman see all people the way You do. Allow her to release the offense and utilize that energy to fight the enemy’s tactics. Give her the emotional and spiritual strength to focus on her path toward healing. Fill her with perseverance and heal her heart. Thank You, Lord, for Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures: Hebrews 13:8, Psalms 103:2-5, Luke 8:43-48, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you been afraid to pursue healing from sexual trauma because the memories are too painful to revisit? Perhaps you question whether God still performs miracles, or you have witnessed miracles but wonder, or even doubt, if He would do the same for you. 

Delaying the healing journey is like ignoring a check engine light on your car and hoping it turns off on its own. The truth is, sexual assault can affect all aspects of your life, and choosing to suppress the memories into the depths of your heart ultimately causes the wound to grow. 

The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever which means the God of the Bible still performs miracles today. The psalmist writes in Chapter 103: 

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” 

Forgiveness, healing, redemption, and abundance are benefits of the cross. Jehovah Rapha, your Healer, is capable of healing, and He desires to see you whole, strong, and vibrant. 

Restoration may be instantaneous such as the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8), and sometimes it takes much longer than you expect. Healing following sexual abuse is a journey, often taking time, due to the emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual repercussions. My journey has taken years of Christian therapy and time immersed in worship, prayer, and God’s Word. I surrounded myself with church family and joined a sexual assault support group called GRACE Group. 

Amid painful memories, a hurting heart is more prone to hear the screams of emotional pain than the whisper of a healing God. However, victory in this area of your life is as assured as Jesus’ resurrection. God’s love for you goes beyond rescuing you from death. He desires to touch every broken area of your life to make you whole and brand new!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Provide the comforting peace of Your presence for the woman struggling to take the next step toward healing. May she listen intently to Your small voice as You faithfully direct her journey. Give her the strength and courage to release her pain and the confidence to trust in Your direction. Bless her pursuance of the abundant life You offer. Thank You, Jehovah Rapha, for Your healing hand. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures: Colossians 1:22, Isaiah 61:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:5-14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Psalms 139:23-24

Sexual assault is one of the enemy’s primary means of distorting God’s original design for physical intimacy. For a long time, I felt I could never be clean or pure again. The abuser stole my innocence, and I wrestled with the thought that I would never again be untouched. I took long showers and scrubbed my skin, but I still felt dirty. I made church-related commitments hoping religion would make me clean, but I continued to feel impure. 

Jesus’ finished work on the cross ultimately provided hope and healing for my purity! The apostle Paul says in Colossians that because of Christ’s sacrifice, you can stand before God as holy, blameless, and above reproach. God clothes you with garments of salvation and dresses you with righteousness just as a bride adorns herself with jewels (Isaiah 61:10). You see, no matter what has happened, you are pure because of Christ! 

Not only does purity pertain to your past but your future as well. To live as a woman of purity, you must remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and belongs to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Caring for your body means putting your earthly nature to death and clothing yourself with love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:5-14). 

Closeness with a holy God drives you to leave behind anything that contaminates or confuses your identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit transforms your thought life, chosen entertainment, and the company you keep making you more and more like Jesus. 

Remember God’s promise of forgiveness, love, and purity. Although the enemy’s goal was to deceive, God uses the experience to refine you as the chosen vessel intended for His glory!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for Your wisdom and support throughout the healing journey. Build a desire within the heart of the woman reading this to live a pure life. Give her the tools to combat the lies the enemy uses to keep her trapped in impurity. You are a Father of truth and freedom. Allow the peace and protection of Your Holy Spirit to guide her along the journey of purity, one step and day at a time. Thank You for Your goodness and grace. In Your Son, Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures: Psalms 23:1-6, Matthew 22:37-39, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I reflect on how I learned the 23rd Psalm, and I am grateful for a mom who followed God’s prompting to teach her children to incorporate His word in our everyday lives. It was tradition for my family to recite this scripture at the beginning of our first car ride of the day. As we buckled our seat belts, Mom looked back at us, and, on cue, we said the 23rd Psalm. 

My sisters and I did this daily out of respect for our mother, not necessarily because we wanted to recite the scripture. Mom chose to lead from a place of obedience, releasing the precious seed of God onto the fresh soil of our young hearts. As this seed established itself in my heart, my choice transformed from a chore to a desire to live for a God who loves deeply. 

As my mom’s obedience resulted in my growth, your obedience to God’s calling can lead to the spiritual growth of others. Regardless of your past experiences, God uses your journey to tell an incredible story about His compassion to empower you with strength and clothe you with righteousness. He uses your testimony to vindicate and rescue those having similar experiences. God transforms you to fulfill His ultimate purpose for humanity: to love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love others as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). 

True fulfillment is drawing close to God, accomplishing His purposes, and encouraging others through similar journeys. In doing this, you become living examples of God’s extraordinary love, living a life that abounds in grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Teach the woman reading this today to walk with You on the path You created specifically for her. Help her recognize the enemy’s attempts to distract her with struggles, strongholds, and pain in this life. Encourage her to embrace You as the Shepherd who never requires perfection for companionship. Lord, thank You for Your mercy, everlasting love, and grace that overcomes any sin committed by or against her. Forgive her for her sins, and help her walk in hope for a future of fulfillment and peace. May she live as a vessel to bring glory and honor to Your holy name. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Remember, God promises in Isaiah 61, “To bestow on (you) a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Did this plan encourage you? We’d love to get to know you better. Connect with GRACE Ministries of Alabama at graceministries.life .