God Didn't Create Us To Be Average (Daily Devotional)

February 5th

"When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land." 2 Kings 11:1-3

That is what my Extreme Teen Bible has highlighted about abuse. I'm not going to talk a lot about abuse itself, but I'm going to share a bunch of bible verses in it.

Abuse is defined by "treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly".

The types of abuse are...

Physical: hitting, slapping, beating, burning, kicking.

Sexual: any exploitation of your body against your will.

Emotional: threatens or humiliates you. Name calling, putting you down, insulting you.

Any form is unacceptable. The bible regards abuse as a sin. We are called to to love one another. (John 13:34)

Only God can heal the wounds left by abuse. (Psalm 147:3)

In Colossians 3:19 husbands are told to love their wives, and not to be harsh with them.

1 out of every 4 women have experienced domestic violence during her lifetime. Anyone being abuse has no responsibility for going through that kind of suffering. Always remember that God loves you no matter what.

Be brave and trust the lord. Don't give up. Go to the Lord and trust that he will help you.

"Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." Psalm 112:2

"The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion." Psalm 11:5

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged" Colossians 3:21

If you or someone you know is being abuse get professional help.

Focus On The Family Help Line (a christian service) USA only: (800) 232-6459

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224

Remember in Christ you are never alone.

I know a few people that are in these situations and what I do to help is pray. I constantly pray everyday and night. Get them the help they need. Constantly pray for them, and if you are being abused, get help. Tell someone. By telling, your not being a tattle tale. You're helping your self and the abuser.

Dear Lord,

(If you're abused)

Lord, protect me and keep me safe. Show them that they need help too. Help them to realize what they do is wrong. Save them and heal them.

(If you know someone or just want to pray for anyone who is)

I ask you lord to put your hands on _____ or anyone that is being treated this way. It is wrong and they don't deserve being treated this way. Lord, keep them safe and have them see that they need to trust you. Thank you for guiding to safety and protecting them. In Jesus name, Amen.