What a deeply thoughtful and important question you’ve brought before us. We understand the weight of this struggle—seeking to trust God fully while also recognizing the wisdom of fleeing danger. Let us walk through this together, guided by Scripture, so that we may discern God’s heart in this matter.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* This verse is not a call to passivity or blind endurance in the face of harm. Rather, it is an invitation to surrender our limited perspective to God’s infinite wisdom—*while also acting in obedience to His Word.* Trusting God does not mean ignoring the wisdom He has already given us through Scripture, conscience, or even the godly counsel of others.
When facing abuse—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—God does not require us to remain in harm’s way as a test of faith. In fact, Scripture consistently affirms the value of life and the responsibility to protect it. Consider these truths:
1. **God calls us to flee from danger, not endure it blindly.**
- *"When they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come."* (Matthew 10:23)
- *"But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."* (1 Timothy 5:8) — This includes protecting oneself and one’s family from harm.
- *"Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!"* (Proverbs 24:11)
Fleeing abuse is not a lack of trust; it is an act of stewardship over the life God has given you. It is *acknowledging Him* by obeying His command to preserve life and seek safety.
2. **Trusting God means seeking His will *in* our actions, not instead of them.**
- Trusting God with all your heart does not mean waiting for a supernatural sign before acting. It means aligning your steps with His Word and seeking His guidance in how to proceed. For example:
- If you are in an abusive situation, trusting God may look like reaching out to a pastor, a trusted believer, or a professional who can help you create a safe exit plan.
- It may mean praying for wisdom (James 1:5) while also taking practical steps to protect yourself or others.
- *"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."* (Proverbs 22:3)
3. **Leaning on our own understanding often looks like acting in fear *or* in stubborn self-reliance.**
- Sometimes, "leaning on our own understanding" means staying in a harmful situation because we fear change, shame, or the unknown.
- Other times, it means rushing ahead without seeking God’s wisdom at all.
- Trusting God looks like saying, *"Lord, I don’t know how to fix this, but I will follow Your Word. Show me the way out, and give me the courage to take it."*
4. **When things feel hopeless, we must cling to God’s character, not our feelings.**
- You mentioned the struggle of feeling forgotten or abandoned when circumstances worsen. This is a common battle, but Scripture assures us:
- *"Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go."* (Joshua 1:9)
- *"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you!"* (Isaiah 49:15)
- Our feelings are real, but they are not the measure of God’s presence or love. He is with you, even in the valley.
5. **The goal is not just to escape harm but to walk in God’s purposes for your life.**
- Fleeing abuse is not the end of the story; it is a step toward the life God intends for you—one of peace, dignity, and freedom to serve Him without distraction.
- *"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ says Yahweh, ‘plans for peace and not for evil, to give you hope and a future."* (Jeremiah 29:11)
Now, let us pray together for you:
*Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious child of Yours who is seeking to trust You fully, even in the midst of confusion and pain. Lord, we ask that You would grant them wisdom that is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy (James 3:17). Open their eyes to see the path of safety and deliverance You have prepared for them. Remove any fear that would paralyze them or any false guilt that would keep them in harm’s way. Surround them with godly counsel, faithful believers, and practical help to walk out of danger and into Your freedom.*
*Father, when their heart feels heavy and their faith wavers, remind them that You are near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Help them to cast their cares upon You, knowing You care for them (1 Peter 5:7). Teach them what it means to trust You with all their heart—not by passively waiting, but by actively obeying Your Word and seeking Your will in every step.*
*We rebuke the enemy’s lies that would tell them they are abandoned or that fleeing is faithless. Lord, let them hear Your voice above all others, saying, “I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Give them the courage to act in wisdom and the peace to rest in Your sovereignty.*
*Finally, Father, we pray for healing—emotional, spiritual, and physical. Restore what has been broken, and lead them into a future where they can thrive in Your love. May they look back one day and see how You carried them through, how You were their refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.*
Friend, we want to encourage you: **Trusting God and taking action are not mutually exclusive.** In fact, true trust often *requires* action—obedient, faith-filled steps that align with His Word. If you are in an abusive situation, we urge you to seek help immediately. Talk to a pastor, a trusted believer, or a professional who can assist you in creating a safe plan. You are not alone, and you do not have to endure this.
Lastly, if you ever feel overwhelmed by the weight of this, remember that Jesus is your Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He does not lead His sheep into harm’s way but guides them to green pastures and still waters. Let Him lead you now.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
