The Exodus Breaking Cycles and Changing Lives: Repositioning Your Soul to Thrive After Domestic Violence

By Rev. Patrina M. Wright

Each year in the United States an estimated two to six million women are victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors, including physical, sexual, fi nancial, spiritual and psychological abuse.

Domestic violence is about control, manipulation and domination. Ninetyfive percent of assaults on spouses or ex-spouses are committed by men against women. Too afraid and too shame to speak up, there are countless numbers of women sitting in Churches all across America suffering in silence. Victims and perpetrators are from all ages, racial, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, educational, occupational, geographic, and religious groups.

If you or someone you know has ever experienced domestic violence you are in need of a personal, life changing encounter with a powerful God. One who delights in healing wounds and setting the captive free. The Exodus is that kind of encounter- its about coming face to face with a Holy God as He does those things that you cannot do for yourself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462068487

Rev. Patrina M. Wright

Rev. Patrina Wright a former newspaper reporter turned licensed minister, author, pastoral counselor and certified temperament counselor is the founder of Crossroad Women and Family Services, Inc. a 501 c (3) charitable abuse prevention and training organization. A native of Jersey City, New Jersey Rev. Wright has studied at the New York Theological Seminary in NYC. With degrees in public policy and counseling she is a preacher, Bible teacher, seminar speaker, and producer/talk show host of, "Restore. Recover. Rebuild". She is also the author of Still Scarred, Totally Healed, a book where she uses her personal story to teach adult survivors of child sexual abuse how to recognize childhood wounds that keeps them stuck in the past in order to find healing. She resides in North Carolina with her family.

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Contents

Introdcution From My Heart to Yours

From the Heart of Gods to Yours

CHAPTER #1 Moment of Truth

CHAPTER #2 The Enemy of Your soul

CHAPTER #3 Protecting your heart

CHAPTER #4 I Never Would Have Made It

CHAPTER #5 It’s Time to Remove the Mask

CHAPTER #6 No More Suffering in Silence

CHAPTER #7 Why Women Suffer in silence?

CHAPTER #8 Domestic Violence Only Delayed Your Destiny

CHAPTER #9 Delay Don’t Mean Denial

CHAPTER #10 It’s A New day

CHAPTER #11 What Is An Exodus?

CHAPTER #12 How Did I Get Here?

CHAPTER #13 Rock Bottom Activates the Exodus

CHAPTER #14 Understanding the Process of the Wilderness

CHAPTER #15 How Do You Define Success?

CHAPTER #16 Why You Must Reposition Your Soul to Thrive?

CHAPTER #17 Your Soul Must Embrace Healing

CHAPTER #18 Your Soul Must Embrace Prosperity

CHAPTER #19 Repositioning Your Spirit, Body and Soul

CHAPTER #20 Reposition Your Soul through Relationship

CHAPTER #21 Reposition Your Soul through the Holy Spirit

CHAPTER #22 Reposition Your Soul through the Word of God

CHAPTER # 23 Reposition Your Soul Through Prayer

CHAPTER #24 Reposition Your Soul Through Faith

CHAPTER #25 Reposition Your Soul Through Fasting

CHAPTER #26 Reposition Your Soul Through Forgiveness

CHAPTER #27 Reposition Your Soul through Praise and Worship

CHAPTER #28 The World Is Seeking God’s Word

CHAPTER #29 World’s Greatest Safety Plan

CHAPTER #30 Pastors Beware

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my Heavenly Father who is my maker, deliverer, redeemer, healer and lover of my soul. It’s to you that I give all glory, honor and praise.

From My Heart to Yours

Just the facts… You are not alone now… . You were never alone.

black.jpg    In the United States, a woman is abused every 9 seconds.

black.jpg    Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury to women-more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.

black.jpg    Everyday in the U.S. more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

black.jpg    In 2000 1, 247 women were killed by an intimate partner.

black.jpg    As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

black.jpg    Domestic violence cuts across all racial and ethnic boundaries.

black.jpg    47% of men who beat their wives do so at least 3 times a year.

black.jpg    Women ages 19-29 reported more violence by intimates than any other age group.

black.jpg    40-60% of men who abuse women also abuse children.

black.jpg    Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

black.jpg    On average, 1 in 5 high school and college students experience dating abuse.

black.jpg    Although battered women comprise 20-30% ambulatory care patients, only 1 in 20 is correctly identified as such by medical practitioners.

black.jpg    Separated / divorced women are 14 times more likely than married women to report being a victim of violence by their spouse or ex-spouse.

black.jpg    Only about one-seventh of all domestic assaults come to the attention of the police.

   70% of intimate partner homicide victims are women.

Under most state laws domestic violence is defined as any physical abuse, or threat of abuse between intimately involved partners, roommates, or family members. Domestic violence is pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person. This is accomplished through fear, intimidation, domination and isolation.

The cycle of domestic violence includes physical beatings, verbal attacks, coercion and threats, emotional abuse, economic abuse, using male privilege, playing mind games, using children as tools, minimizing and denying the abuse and blaming it on the victim.

In some states, the legal wording extends to include anyone with whom you have had a child, whether or not they live with you or ever lived with you. Violence can and often does happen outside of the home, in public and private places. What makes it domestic is the relationship between the parties, regardless of where the violence occurs.

In most cases when people think about domestic violence more than likely they picture abuse being inflicted from a husband to a wife. However domestic violence can also include violence from a child to a parent and from a wife to her husband. Additionally, it also occurs between gay/lesbian partners, siblings and other family members as well. Violent behavior takes place in a context of dating, courtship and marital relationships.

For instance, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, dating violence is defined as the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship. Regardless of what kind of relationship violence is taking place, it’s time for the cycle of violence to be broken and lives to be changed. Mankind was created in the image and likeness of God. He wants the violence to end. He will arise to victims out of Egypt and into their promised land.

Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise says the Lord, I will protect them from those who malign them (Psalm 12:5).

O righteous God, who searches the minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure (Psalms 7:9).

With man some things are possible. With God all things are possible. If you are or have been victimized, God has heard your cry. He is not a man. He does not lie. He defends the fatherless and the oppressed. He takes up the cause of those who have no help. He speaks on behalf of the voiceless. He works through people to provide the help, protection and safety victims of domestic violence and their children need.

You hear, O Lord, the desires of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed in order that man who is of the earth may terrify no more (Psalm 10:17-18).

On a national level, Domestic violence continues to claim hundreds of lives daily. Our Creator hates domestic violence. How could He approve of something that wounds the mind, body and spirit? How could He look upon the earth and not be moved by the attacks on women and innocent children?

Can He really turn His head when He sees women living in constant fear and torment, intimidation, coercion and threats, anxiety and depression, physical, emotional, verbal, economic, psychological and spiritual abuse? No, He cannot turn His head and He won’t. Man will but our Creator won’t.

Our savior, Jesus Christ died and rose from the grave on the third day so that humankind can have life more abundantly. He died once. We don’t have to die again. You must refuse to die before your time. Jesus shed His precious blood on Calvary’s cross with you in mind. He completed the will of His father. His blood is what gives us life. His blood is running through our spiritual veins and causing us to live.

The number of lives that are being snatched away at the hands of another human being is a very serious matter to God. He doesn’t take that lightly. He is the giver of life and the only One with the right to take back the life given. Therefore, it is man who is out of order. One life taken by the hands of another human being is premature death. Domestic violence is not the sovereign will of God, therefore it is premature death.

Neither is domestic violence a Christian or a non-Christian issue. It’s a people issue. It’s impacting the lives of believers and non-believers alike. Love and domestic violence are not associated. The two don’t mix. Those who perpetrate domestic violence cannot love. They have not experienced real love. When you encounter love you can’t help but want to give it away. God is love and His love for His creation is perfect. It does not change. There is nothing that you can do to stop God from loving you. He loves you. You are the work of His hands. No one has the right to take your life. Domestic violence is not love.

His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. He says to himself, God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees" (Psalm 10:17-18).

God looks down upon the earth to see if there are any seeking His wisdom and revelation. For too many years people have accepted domestic violence as a way of life, without asking God what He thinks about the issue. He has an answer for every problem we face. The Bible is our instruction manual for life and every area of our lives. Though domestic violence has been tolerated the suffering of the victims is not unnoticed.

At this very moment, someone is crying out. God has heard the cries of women and children exploited by abuse and He is going to respond. Whenever God’s people call upon His name, He comes. Just like He heard the cry of the children of Israel and sent Moses to deliver His people, He hears our cry.

If you are that woman, your appointed time for deliverance is now. God is a God of timing. He is a God of seasons. His Word will not return back to Him void. It will do what He has sent it to do. You were created on purpose, in purpose and with purpose and you shall not return back to God void [empty], until you have fulfilled your purpose.

Domestic violence cannot stop you or abort your purpose. You have a destiny to fulfill. You have always been destined for greatness. You were always God’s chosen. Even while you were in your mother’s womb you were destined to thrive. The enemy’s job was to try and kill you before you discovered that. But you are now entering your appointed season of deliverance where you will witness the greatness and sovereignty of God.

You are on God’s calendar. You are at the right place at the right time. It’s your season. Regardless of what you’ve been through the hand of God is upon your life. Despite the challenges that you currently face, they are only temporary. God is going to move on your behalf. He’s going to turn it around. He’s going to bring you out to bring you into.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has made a covenant with you. He is not a deal breaker. His plan for your life is still in effect. Abuse does not make His covenant null and void. It is the plan of God for the cycle to be broken. You will soon discover the blessedness of brokenness. There is purpose in the breaking.

God delivers, heals and restores. Brokenness leads to lasting transformation. God will allow you to be stripped of everything you have in order to give all you ever needed. This is where the healing begins. Healing can only take place after a season of brokenness.

You have to be in a place where you see your need for God. He is the only one that can truly put your life back together again. He can and will make you whole again. God is progressive. He’s always pursuing us. He wants to help us to move forward. Whenever God speaks it is not past tense. He reveals your present, gives you a glimpse of your future and helps you turn your back on your past. And what He says shall come to pass.

The former things I declared long ago, they went out from my mouth and I made them known; then suddenly I did them and they came to pass (Isaiah 48:3).

God is already in your future. But before you can enter your future you have to be willing to say good-bye to your past. It’s time to say good-bye to bondage and depression. Good-bye to low self-esteem and addiction. Good-bye to self-hatred anxiety.

Good-bye to apathy and anger. Good-bye to isolation and fear. You are not in this by yourself. God is with you. It’s time to say good-bye and allow the truth of God’s Word to set you free. See the former things have come to pass and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them (Isaiah 42:9).

God wants to prepare you for where you are going. He’s already there, in your future doing what has never been done before. Who else could do what needs to be done in your life besides God? Let Him have His way. He is the only way, the truth and the life.

"For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence for precious is their blood in his sight

(Psalm 72:12-14).

His power and glory is manifesting in ways that has not been seen before. He’s moving on behalf of the powerless. He’s giving strength to the weak. You are His creation and your blood is precious in His sight. You are precious [cherished, valuable, treasured, wanted, loved] by almighty God. His heart is breaking over the suffering and affliction of His people. You are wanted and loved by God. You have worth. You are cherished and adored. He loves you with a passion. He wants to move on your behalf.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).

As a creative act of God we were created His image and likeness. We were not made like the animals. God designed us fearfully and wonderfully. He knitted us delicately together in our mother’s womb. We were not born to live like animals or to be treated as such. We are distinctively different. Commanded to produce, be fruitful and multiply.

Since we are the work of His hands how could he not hate domestic violence? If He did not hate domestic violence neither would we. When you love God you will love what He loves and hate what He hates. We were created in such a magnificent way that we can feel what He feels. Whatever breaks His heart should break our hearts too. This breaking causes us to rise up as champions against evil and the forces of darkness.

We are His ambassadors. He empowers us, positions us and works through us. As we yield our lives to Him we become His eyes, ears, feet, hands and mouthpieces. We have the power to say what He says and do what He says we can do.

Domestic violence is an epidemic issue on a national level. For those of us who represent the Creator, it is our problem. God does not approve of abuse. He doesn’t make allowances for abuse or excuses for abuse. It is man who is out of order.

For God to approve of domestic violence that would have to mean that He hates His creation. In order for God to hate His creation He would also have to also hate Himself.

Because God is love and there is no self-hatred in Him, there should be no self-hatred in us. Yet, there are people in this world who hate themselves. The reason that many people cannot love thy neighbor as thy self is because they don’t love themselves.

Neither do they know who they are. When you don’t know who you are something else will define you, and you will hate who you have become. It is impossible to love someone else when you don’t even love yourself. The opposite of love is hate. If you hate me, then you hate yourself.

We have to get back to loving ourselves. The Word of God clearly teaches us that after He looked at all He had done He said that it was good. God could never hate those whom He has created. He doesn’t hate victims for being victimized nor does He hate the abuser for abusing. But He cannot tolerate the sin of abuse. The reason He cannot tolerate sin [living in opposition to His Holy Word, standards and principles] is because unchecked sin ultimately leads to death. Domestic violence leads to both a spiritual and physical death. When God’s creation is suffering He is ready, willing and able to deliver.

Reach down your hands from on high; deliver me and rescue me from mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners (Psalm 144:7).

Are you suffering? Have you been crying out? When we cry out to God He will come. He is a Sovereign God and there is no one greater than Him. I’ve seen Him work miracles in my life and on my behalf time and time again. When God delivers He works through people. He has people everywhere as well as in places you’d least expect. You don’t have to worry about how your deliverance will come. Just know that help is on the way.

We’re in a season that we’ve not been in before. During this season of divine deliverance the miraculous is going to take place. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. God has strategically placed people in difference sectors of society for Kingdom impact, purpose and influence. The sons and daughters of God have been called out. They are rising up to see that the kingdom of God is brought to the earth as it already is in heaven.

While God could come to the earth, He left us here to accomplish His purpose. As people of faith we are called to have Kingdom impact. God is always looking for those who would represent truth, life, justice, mercy, compassion, righteousness, salvation, wholeness, healing and restoration. It is time for us to be reconciled back to the Father so that we can get back to the Eden way of living. The blessing of Abraham is ours and deliverance is a part of that blessing.

As believers we are called to intercede on behalf of the afflicted and needy. Unfortunately, it hasn’t always worked out that way. Oftentimes, when it comes to child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence those who should get involved fail to rise to the occasion. Fear, intimidation, faulty belief systems, ignorance, tradition and the lack of knowledge can cause people to keep silent.

Now what? Does that leave victims out in the cold? Of course not and this is what the exodus is about. Victims have been victimized for too long. God is miraculously intervening on behalf of the abused. He’s giving strength to the weak and providing supernatural power to do things people didn’t think would be possible.

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Truly He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry, when he hears it, he will answer you (Isaiah 30:18-19).

God is ready to get involved in your situation. When He does, He will bring light to the darkness all around you. He’ll order your steps and help you hear things you’ve never heard before. You will hear a voice saying, This is the way walk in it.

God steps into our chaos to bring kairos. He is helping families break the cycle so that He can give them a new life. If you need a new beginning, get ready. God is going to help you break the cycle and experience a God kind of life.

Nothing new under the sun

Domestic violence is not new to society. Neither is it new to the church. It’s a serious problem that gets swept under the rug. Women have been suffering in silence for years, generations even. Many have been fearful of coming forward because the body of Christ, the Church, the set apart, chosen generation and royal priesthood, have yet to give women and their children a safe place to find hope and healing.

Women from all colors, races, creed, ethnic, social and financial backgrounds have no where to run and no place to turn to. The Church has failed to become the hospital for wounded souls. Battered women have no place to tell their story and if they did find enough courage to speak out, we have not believed their stories.

People have gone to the abuser to verify the reports of abuse without the victim knowledge, and then she got beat again. Pastors have counseled the victim and the abuser allowing the abuser to blame the victim for his abusive behavior. Additionally, there are no best practices in place to help protect families trying to break the cycle. If we had order in the Church then we could help bring order to society.

Instead the Church has played a role in hurting abused women and their children. There is no sense in denying it. Women have sought help from the Church only to be wounded time and time again. We have become a people who believe that ignoring a problem is an appropriate solution.

We ignore problems in our families, society and the church. We have a distorted view that says, If we ignore the problem it will just go away. Hasn’t experience taught us that ignoring a problem doesn’t make it go away?

I would agree that there comes a time in all of our lives that we have to get rid of some stuff and move some things out of our way. However, there also comes a time when we must move away from situations that leave us feeling disempowered.

Yes, prayer changes things. What you can’t move prayer will. What you can’t do prayer can. But prayer also prepares you for the journey. It’s time to learn how to pray, speak the Word of God over your own life, and get ready to move when God says move.

Get Ready for Your Breakthrough

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6).

If God said it, you can believe it. His Words are without fault or blemish. When He speaks it shall come to pass. I’ve learned that affliction and injustice will cause you to seek God’s perspective for yourself. Sometimes people won’t have any answers for you. But when you are sick, downtrodden and suffering you need to know the righteousness of God for yourself. God has given us His Word and He desires to teach through His Word. When He allows pain and suffering into our lives we must seek Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me will all your heart.

How long has God been trying to get your attention? Three years? Seven years? Ten years? Twenty years? God cares deeply about you. Not only does He care He has a unique blueprint for your life. There is nothing that takes Him by surprise. He has already perfected that which concerns you. He promises to take care of you.

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Before you picked up this book, He was already involved in your life. Whenever it seems as though no one cares God is at work. Regardless of what kind of box people try to put God in He will always be God. He will do what He wants to do, when He wants to do it. He is amazing and always thinking about us in ways that we could never imagine.

All power is in His hands. The very thing that people said you would never be able to accomplish, God makes it possible. With man, some things are impossible. With God absolutely nothing is impossible. We are the generation that will encounter God in great and awesome ways. He will never stop commanding us to be strong and courageous.

Domestic violence is to our generation is what Goliath was to David. The enemy must be defeated, and the head cut off. There is a battle cry for warfare against domestic violence.

God deals with reality. Truth is battered women have been crying out for years for someone to get involved. They have been hoping that someone would have enough compassion to see their plight [dilemma, troubles, difficulty].

Every time a battered woman calls the domestic violence hotline she is crying out. Every time she seeks godly counsel she is crying out. Every time she shows up to Church with scars and bruises she is crying out. But is anyone listening?

God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them (Exodus 2:24-25).

If you are that woman God wants to enter your daily life. The same way that He knew exactly what was going on with the children of Israel, He knows exactly what’s going on with you. Not only did He see their plight, He remembered His covenant [agreement, promise, pledge] with Abram. God sees your plight and remembers His promises towards you.

Then the Lord said to Him, Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years.

But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions" (Genesis 15:13-14).

God told Abram, whose name was later changed to Abraham exactly what would take place. He said that Israel’s deliverance would not come until the sin of the Amorites was fully complete. God has a set time for deliverance. It couldn’t have happened for the children of Israel until then. Since God is a God of patterns I believe that He is rising up to help you break the cycle because the sin of abuse has reached its full measure in your life. My friend, your deliverance couldn’t have happened until now.

What you are going through doesn’t take God by surprise. He knew that this day would come. God is looking for you. He knows all about your secret suffering. He will protect and provide. He will bring you out from where you are to enter into His rest.

You shall love the Lord your God, therefore, and keep His charge, His decrees, His ordinances, and His commandments always. Remember today, that it was not your children, but it is you who must acknowledge His greatness, His mighty hand and His outstretched arm, His signs, and His deeds that He did in Egypt. For it is your own eyes that have seen every great deed that the Lord did (Deuteronomy 11:1-3, 7).

Prepare your heart and mind for what is going to take place in your life. You have will encounters with a Sovereign God that no one will ever be able to take from you. Nothing and no one will ever be able to separate you from His love. Your experiences with an awesome and mighty God are yours to keep. They will be as memorials. They will help you believe Him for the impossible. It’s through our personal experiences with God that we get to know Him. As you come to know the depths of His love for you, you will believe in Him. You will discover that He can accomplish the impossible.

You are not called to a lifestyle of abuse. That is not your holy calling or duty. It does not bring honor and glory to God for you to be abused. You are not a doormat. You are not a punching bag. You are not someone’s property or possession. You are the daughter of a true and living God. You are His and He delights in you. Delight means [to take pleasure in, enjoyment, happiness, enchantment]. You are a gift to this world from God. You are a spiritual seed of Abraham and a daughter of Sarah. Because God takes delight in you He wants to lead you out of Egypt.

They will come with weeping they will pray as I bring them back, I will lead them besides streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble

(Jeremiah 31:9).

Have you been crying, Lord when are you going to come to my rescue? 2000 years ago God made a promise to Abram which still applies today. I wrote this book to help you to understand that I AM WHO I AM is still faithful. Deliverance is for this generation. Not in the sweet by and by. Aren’t you tired of the struggle? We serve a right now God. He is the God of yesterday, today and forever more. People change. But He does not. You can have His promises in this lifetime. How bad do you want it?

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).

For everything there is a season. When God made the promise to deliver the children of Israel out of bondage and oppression no one knew about it but Abraham. But that didn’t mean that He wasn’t going to do it. God didn’t tell the children of Israel what was going to take place. God is not required to tell us everything. He tells us on a need to know basis. My friend, there are some things that He hasn’t told you because you may not be ready to handle it. Or you may not be in a place to receive it yet. But just because He hasn’t told you everything, don’t believe that He’s not involved. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, something is always happening in the spiritual realm.

God wants to fulfill His promises toward you. Will you allow Him to do that without having to know everything all at once? The God who is already in your future has a set time for everything, especially deliverance. He will often allow sin to run its course before He judges it. The Bible tells us that what is going to happen, has already happened and what’s going to be has already been. It’s already done. Wait for the manifestation.

In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorite has not reached its full measure (Genesis 15:16).

You may be wondering, Why does God wait for sin to reach its full measure? Think of it this way. Have you ever boiled water and forget you had the water on? When the water stays on the stove longer than necessary the water runs out. When there is no more water the pot is at-risk of being totally damaged, burned, and of little use. The damaged pot would no longer be able to fulfill the purpose for which it was created. The sin of domestic violence has reached its full measure. God is not going to allow the enemy to damage you to the point that you can’t fulfill the purpose for which you were created.

When abusers and other kinds of people are bent on destruction and choose not to change they are prime candidates for righteous judgment. When sin reaches its full measure, the unjust will experience the judgment [sentence, ruling, finding, or conclusion] of a holy and righteous God. When our Creator says enough is enough He himself judges the situation from His righteous [moral, good, honest, upright] perspective and no one can take the credit for what He has done to bring about liberation in your life.

You don’t have to worry about something that God has already promised to take care of. You must make a declaration that the issue of domestic violence has run its course in your life. You must be willing to say, Enough is enough. You must give God permission to get involved.

People may have turned their backs on you. People may have laughed at you. Some people may have told you that you are getting what you deserve. Some said they couldn’t help you. And others blamed, ignored and criticized you. But God is about to bring about deliverance in your life. He will prepare a table for you in the presence of your enemies. He’s going to show them who He is. You must be pretty special for God to allow the world to watch what looks like defeat become the very thing that causes you to become the powerful woman God is calling you to be. You must understand your season. Your time of deliverance is at hand and God is going to give you the faith to believe that you are next in line for a miracle.

Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves (Isaiah 52:11).

Exodus is about departure. During your exodus you will exit [depart, go out, leave, walk out] with unwavering faith, boldness and confidence. Boldness means [courage, bravery and audacity]. Perhaps you’ve attempted to exit before and failed. Perhaps your exit was temporary. Maybe your abuser found you and forced you to go back home. God who is your redeemer is calling you back home. It has been stated that when a woman leaves an abuser, it is a very dangerous time for her because he is losing his control. This time your exit is going to be different because God is the one bringing you out.

Our ways are not like His ways, and our thoughts are not like His thoughts. In the mind of God you have been oppressed without cause. Therefore, you are not exiting in your own strength. He is with you. You have His approval and His guaranteed protection.

For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God is Israel will be your rear guard (Isaiah 52:12).

It takes courage to have an exodus experience. It takes courage to be healed. It takes courage to be delivered and set free. It takes courage to walk away from the familiar and into the unknown. It takes courage to do those things that will bring about change and transformation in your life. It’s easy to stay where you are, even if where you are is not a healthy place. But God wants to hear you say, Enough is enough I’m ready for change.

Whenever you say, Enough is enough God will move on your behalf. In fact, it’s the Holy Spirit helping you get to that place. This is your season of breakthrough. Nothing happens in our lives until something is said. When you start saying what God has already said, you must to get out of the way and allow Him to be God. Your words are source, they are life. What you speak, He will perform.

It’s time for you to get ready to move. This is your divine timing. God’s deliverance is not delayed. It’s not placed on whole. At exactly the right time, things will begin to happen. You will advance [move forward, press on, progress] in order to come out from where you are. God is already at work. Can you perceive it?

I encourage you to get ready to see Him do even greater works in your life. Get ready to exit out of and enter into. All of heaven is behind you to back you up.

The Lord, the God of your fathers-the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt (Exodus 2:16).

God is Sovereign. I cannot tell you how or when your deliverance will come. But you can rest assured that it will come. How do I know? I am a living witness. When a paradigm shifting took place in my mind my life started to change. When you open your heart and mind to the Spirit of truth God will always show you His perspective.

Despite what we’ve been taught or heard, domestic violence could never be God’s best for your life. It is the plan of the enemy to keep you in bondage, hindered, depressed and oppressed. Domestic violence is a demonic tool that the enemy uses against God’s people. At the end of the day what God thinks about you is what matters the most.

If you are going to be free, you must choose to STOP worrying about what other people may say or even think about your deliverance. Where were these people when you were being physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, spiritually and socially abused?

Were they there when you locked yourself in the room at night and slept with one eye opened? Or when you covered your scars with make-up and put on your smiley face in spite of?

Truth is there are some people who knew what you were going through, but didn’t lift a finger to help. It doesn’t matter what other people say. If what say doesn’t line up with the Word of God it’s not the will of God. Domestic violence is not the will of God and anything that’s not the will of God has to leave your life.

I know what God can do and what He has already done He will do again. What He’s done for one, He will do for another. Believe God because He responds to your faith. But even when we are faithless, He is faithful to a thousand generations. He will do exactly what He said He will do. He is your maker and redeemer. He is watching over you. He sees what has been done to you. His hand of deliverance is upon you.

I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors (Ecclesiastes 4:1).

He’s been watching all along and now is the appointed time. No one else may have been around but God saw it. No one else may have heard the words spoken but God heard it. No one else may have believed your story but God knows the truth. The same God who knows is ready to rescue those who are ready to leave Egypt.

If you have been victimized you may struggle with fear, anxiety and confusion. But I stand in agreement with you. Every mountain and every obstacle in your life must move. You have the power to speak over your life. Don’t be afraid. Fear is a spirit. Rebuke that evil spirit and command your mind and your mouth to line up with of the Word of God.

Speak life and proclaim, I will not lose my mind, I will not go under, I am not crazy, I am in transition, I am delivered, I am healed, I am made whole, I am a wanted, God loves me. I am His leading lady. I am complete in Him, I am His daughter, I am His queen, I am more than a conqueror, I am loved, I am precious in His sight.

When you speak life over your life, anything that exalts itself over the Word of God has to be brought down because all of your help comes from the Lord your God.

We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare, the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 124:7-8).

Now that you know that God loves you and wants to deliver you are you ready for deliverance? If you believe it, then say it. There is power in your words. Your deliverance couldn’t have happened until now, because nothing happens until something is said.

God always has the final word. Don’t allow the spirit of fear to stand in the way of your deliverance. God has you covered. The ministering angels of God are encamped all around you. When fear tries to rise up, make Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 your prayer until fear leaves. You are anointed and appointed for deliverance. Trust in the Lord expectantly and wait patiently for Him to act. Look for Him because He will show up.

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 42:27-29).

God calls you by your name

Do you feel like God has forgotten about you? Has the enemy been whispering that in your ear? He is a liar. What liar do you know that can be trusted? God has not forgotten about you. God knows you and He is calling you by your name. He has a calling and a cause for your life. You have purpose and a destiny to fulfill.

God knows when you are overwhelmed. He knows when you are at your lowest point. He is able to lift you up out of the pit you may find yourself in, even if you climbed in the pit yourself. Self-help is no help without God. What can we do without Him?

He wants to help you, help yourself. He promises that you can cast your burden on Him and He will sustain you. That means everything you are concerned about God is concerned about. What is going to happen has already happened so why should you worry about it? Cast all of your cares and burdens upon Him. He invites us to place them on His shoulder one by one and name by name.

The issue of domestic violence is close to the heart of God. He created the moon, sun and the stars and calls each star by its name. How could He forget about you? It’s not possible. Oftentimes we walk away from Him. But He will never leave us.

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep (Psalm 121:3-4).

You are His personal concern. He watches over you day and night and He is willing to save you. Regardless of the troubles and afflictions we find ourselves in we were created by God for God. He knows what we need and how to get it to us. His heart is bent towards us. You may have walked away from God, but it will never be the other way around. He will never leave or forsake you. The question is are you willing to:

Make that same promise to Him?

Love yourself enough to take that step?

Tell Him that you will never leave or forsake Him?

Want Him more than anything else in this world?

God is worthy of your love, commitment and so much more. The God who sent His Son to the cross to die for your redemption will never turn His back on you. He just can’t do it. For Him to turn His back on the very people Jesus died to save would mean that Jesus died a senseless death. The purpose of God sending His son to the cross was to deliver us from eternal [everlasting, endless] death and restore us to back to God.

When you receive Jesus into your heart you are immediately reconciled back to the Father. When you transfer from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light you will have enemies. People will stop liking you because you choose to change for the better.

But guess what? The devil was your enemy before you came to Christ, and He is your enemy now. But no weapon formed against you will prosper.

See, my servant shall prosper (Isaiah 52:13).

One of the ways the enemy attempts to wreak havoc in the lives of God’s children is through abuse. The reason many of us stayed