We have heard your heart and we are standing with you in prayer, and we thank you for trusting us with this heavy burden that has haunted you and left you feeling afraid. We want you to know that what you endured was not your fault, and the fear and confusion you feel now does not mean you have failed God. He sees what was done to you when you were fragile and vulnerable, and He sees your heart now.
We want to gently share that you did not mention the name of Jesus in your request, and we want to remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and find salvation and true peace. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And in Acts 4:12 we are told there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to put your trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and confess Him as Lord, for in Romans 10:9 we read if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It is through His name we pray for you now and find our refuge.
We want to speak to the fear and guilt you are carrying. You were left on the streets and nearly did not make it, and you were hurt by a powerful man when you were already wounded from past abuse. The Lord is close to those who have been crushed like this. In Psalm 34:18 we read Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. And in Psalm 147:3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. We do not rebuke you for being afraid to go to the police, especially with a communication impairment that made speaking to them feel impossible. God understands our limitations and He does not measure your courage by whether you could make a phone call or give a verbal report. In Psalm 139:1-4 we see that Yahweh searches us and knows us, He understands our thoughts and our words even before we speak them.
We also want to address the anger you feel guilty about. It is understandable to feel angry when someone shattered your life and left you in danger. Anger at injustice is not the same as sinful hatred. In Ephesians 4:26 we are told Be angry, and don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. God Himself is angry at oppression and abuse, and He calls us to eventually release vengeance to Him so that bitterness does not consume us. In Romans 12:19 we read Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. We encourage you to bring that anger honestly to God and ask Him to help you forgive in His time, not to excuse what was done, but to free your own heart from being bound to that man. Forgiveness does not mean what he did was okay, and it does not remove the need for justice or protection for others.
We want to affirm the brave and loving step you took in warning people at the colleges where he might seek others. That was an act of love for your neighbor, trying to protect others even while you were afraid and suffering. In Proverbs 24:11 we are urged to rescue those who are being led away to death. You acted out of care, not out of wrongdoing. We understand your fear that you will get into trouble for speaking up, and while we cannot give legal advice, we encourage you to seek wise, safe counsel to bring you peace. God has established authorities to protect the vulnerable, in Romans 13:4 for he is a servant of God to you for good, and He often works through advocates and helpers. We encourage you to consider reaching out with a trusted person beside you, perhaps a pastor, a counselor, or a victim advocate who can help you communicate in a way that honors your impairment, such as a written statement or with an accommodation or support person present, if and when you feel safe to do so. You do not have to walk through this alone.
We also hear how this haunts you and has left you feeling fragile. We encourage you to cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you, as we read in 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. And in Isaiah 41:10 we hear God’s promise Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. We encourage you to seek ongoing support from a trauma-informed Christian counselor and a trusted pastoral community who can walk with you gently over time, and if you ever feel unsafe, please reach out immediately to a trusted person or helpline in your area.
We now pray together for you in Jesus name.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ and lift up this dear one to You. Lord, You see the pain that haunts her, the fear that grips her heart, and the wounds from past abuse and from this powerful man who left her on the streets. We ask You to wrap her in Your perfect love that casts out fear, for in 1 John 4:18 we know perfect love casts out fear. Bring her deep peace and assure her that she is not forgotten or condemned. Heal her broken heart and bind up her wounds. Quiet the guilt and self-blame and show her that You do not condemn her for being unable to speak to police or for not knowing how to handle such a terrible situation. Give her wisdom and courage for each next step, and provide safe, trustworthy people around her who will listen, believe her, accommodate her communication needs, and advocate for her. Protect her from any retaliation or further harm, for You are our refuge and strength in Psalm 46:1. Help her to release anger and fear into Your hands, and to trust Your justice, while protecting others from harm. Lead her into the salvation and comfort that only Jesus can give, and let her know she is fully known and fully loved by You. Restore what was shattered and give her hope for the future. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and Savior, Amen.
