My abortion was my biggest shame and only my husband, my mother (and my ex-boyfriend of course) knew about it. I can remember sitting in Bible study and the women talking about abortion. I thought I was going to be sick. I was sure everyone saw the pain and shame on my face–and these were my closest friends. I knew that if I told them they’d hate me. I hated me.
Then, about ten years after my abortion, I was at church and heard a woman talk about a Bible Study for women who’d had abortions. I was shocked she exposed her darkest sin. I knew I needed the freedom she had. The hardest thing I ever did was go to that Bible Study.
Satan can only keep us captive if we’re silent. If we shrink back from the sin. If we try to “handle it” ourselves.
Jesus is truth. Jesus brought us into a body of believers to depend on each other. When we share the truth, Satan no longer has a hold on us.
Your “secret” is different than mine, but the enemy of our souls would like nothing more than for you to keep your struggle to yourself. To keep silent. We need transparency.
To start taking steps toward transparency, see if there is a Bible study or some type of support group. Then confess to others who have the same issue. Care for each other. Pray for each other. Confession brings freedom; your burden will be lighter when you share it. I remember after I went to my first Bible study class, I started confessing other issues I had. I sought forgiveness from those I’d hurt, and the shackles fell from my heart.
Seek God and write out your prayers to Him. Know that your struggle is not hidden from His view. He knows your issues and still LOVES YOU COMPLETELY. Read Psalm 139. His thoughts of you are greater than the sand on the seashore.
Then, when the time is right, God will lead you to sharing your story with others. God will transform your trials into your testimony. He’ll also help you in your struggle. Turn to Him. Led Him guide Your steps. Jesus will lead you into freedom—trust that.
You can read more about my abortion story here.
I remember a few years ago attending a banquet where a woman shared her experience of abortion. She now counsels young women to adopt. She mentioned her guilt and that only God could take that guilt away. Thank you for sharing your story.
You’re welcome, Kathy! I’m so thankful for how God has healed me!
Great post and advice.
Thank you, Laura.
Very good post. I love the statement “Satan can only keep us captive if we’re silent.” That is so true. Confess, repent and believe. God bless.a
Kathy,
Yes, only God had take away that guilt and he can also use our mess ups for His ministry! He is amazing
Laura,
Thank you!
Phyllis,
Thank you for your words. One of my favorite songs is “Voice of Truth” by Mercy Me.
By the grace of God, I have never had to experience an abortion, but I know all too well the shame of hidden sin (I did plenty of things when I was younger that could have led to an abortion). …
Transparency is so important, but it’s so hard because there are so many judgmental people in the world… people who, if you try to be open with them, will hold your sins against you and flaunt them in your face (or share them with others) for the rest of your life.
Transparency with God is so much easier because He knows everything about us, and He loves us anyway!
It is shocking and so hush hush. Sins are secret. How can we encourage others if we can’t be transparent? I feel God is moving more of us in the direction of revealing. I need to post my story soon. Gathering courage. Hope to see you at Allume!
Mishael, that is very true. There are those who will use your transparency to cause hurt. But I’ve found that for every one person who has a negative comment there are 10 … 100 … who are blessed. God has spoke to my heart about this. It’s not my role to worry about others’ reactions. My job is to be obedient and share what He wants me to … in the time He desires. If God is asking us to open and share His redemption of our darkest moments than we will be blessed in our obedience to Him. “Well done good a faithful servant.”