Bathsheba - Her Legacy Of Prayer

Bathsheba - Her Legacy Of Prayer

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. . . . And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own.”

— 2 Samuel 12:7 – 9

REFLECT ON:	2 Samuel 12:1 – 25.
PRAISE GOD:	That he is quick to note our suffering.
OFFER THANKS:	That God calls the powerful to abide by the same moral standards as the weak.
CONFESS:	Any unforgiveness you may have toward another.
ASK GOD:	To restore your confidence and to free you from any tendency to take on the mind-set of a victim.

Lift Your Heart

If you have suffered abuse — whether sexual, physical, or emotional — don’t bury your feelings, absorbing the shame and guilt that belong to the abuser. Instead, share your pain with at least one other person — a trusted friend or counselor. Find other women who have endured similar abuse and gone on to lead fruitful and significant lives. Determine that you will not let someone else’s sin ruin your life. Learn the skills of a survivor. Even if you’ve never been abused, you probably know someone who has — a daughter, a friend, or an acquaintance. Do whatever you can to help that person and pray that God will restore her hope.

Father, forgiveness is so hard sometimes. I want justice, not mercy. Please help me to begin the process of forgiveness by letting go of my desire for revenge. Every time I start wishing something negative on those who’ve hurt me, help me to pray a blessing on their behalf instead. Only you can give me the desire to forgive. Only you can help me do the impossible.