HOPE for Abused Children

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When I read stories of how children are abused in such destructive ways, I feel deeply saddened. Many of them believe they’ve been abandoned by God. Jesus assures us that this is not so. He loved the children. To him, they are precious lambs. When his followers pushed them away, Jesus rebuked them and told them they, themselves, needed to become like children–humble, trusting, and truthful.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, rescues lambs. He carries them in his arms and protects them from the “wolves” who would deceive and destroy them. He said, ” My Father gave my sheep to me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal my sheep out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29).

He calls those of us who are sheep in his church to come beside him in his mission to rescue the lambs who’ve been deceived and are temporarily held captive. He calls us to bring hope and healing to abused children.

The following poem reflects how a precious lamb might feel when rescued by Jesus. I hope it will encourage you to get ask him how he would want you to get involved in reaching out to captive lambs.

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 When you rescued me, Lord!
 it was all because
 Of the love the Father
 Reigning above
  
 I am His child.
 He will never forget!
 His Spirit within me
 Assures me of that
  
 I'm no longer ashamed
 I'm no longer afraid.
 The lies of abusers
 I see and resist.
  
 Your power and love
 Fill my heart every day;
 So no one can ever
 Lure me away.
  
 Someday, you’ll return
 With a triumphant shout
 And my soul will be free
 No more tempted to doubt
  
 Never harassed
 And never in pain
 Lord Jesus, I long
 For that glorious day
  
 Jane Ault
 8/5/2019