How God's Glorious & Saving Grace rescued me - Wanda Moreno

Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth, love bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
— 1 Corinthians 13; 4-7

Recovery after abuse submitted by: Wanda Moreno

Therefore by the grace of God, go!!

I was in a dark place. Literally. I could not see.  My eyes were shut tight. They were swollen shut. They were black and blue. All I could see was darkness.  Hurt and confused I whispered his name. Jesus help me! I need you! Save me! It took me many years to find the courage to leave.  God’s grace sustained me. 

Over the years, the word of God taught me that abuse is not of God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, looking into the word is like looking into a mirror which transforms us into his image from glory to glory. Abuse is defined as: “to be misused, used improperly, or to be wasted; to use in such a way as to cause damage. To be treated cruelly.” Any time we are misused or used for a purpose other than what God has intended, its damaging.  

I am living proof that nothing is too hard for God. Moreover, no matter what you have been through or how bad you hurt, there is hope! God’s grace is sufficient for you!

October is national domestic violence awareness month. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It is not just punches and black eyes. Its yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation.  

Women who have experienced domestic violence or abuse are at significantly higher risk of experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse and thoughts of suicide. The effects of abuse can be devastating and long lasting.  Many people never recover from it.  But! I have good news! Anyone who has been abused can fully recover when they seek and surrender their life to Jesus.  God can heal you from the pain of abuse. Only His word can heal and change you. Therefore by the grace of God, go!!

I have been changing ever since, by his grace. I have changed and changed and I am still changing! Today I am a completely different person. I do not let PTSD define me anymore, although It is a constant struggle. It is the thorn in my side, but God’s grace is sufficient for me! I lean not on my own understanding and trust God's will for my life.  

My favorite bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 says, "for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I stand on that scripture daily because the God I serve knows only how to triumph.  My God never fails… He takes what the enemy meant for evil and uses it for good. I have found purpose in my pain. I now mentor young adults and women who have been abused. To God be all the glory!

You can recognize survivors of abuse by their courage. When silence is so very inviting, they step forward and share their truth so others know they are not alone.  (Jeanne McCelvey)

Therefore by the grace of God, go!!