God Works in Difficult Places (Post Abortion Ministry #2)

In yesterday’s post, I shared a portion of a conversation I had with my friend, “Samantha.”  In this second of two posts in this conversation, she talks about being led to this ministry and the ongoing struggle today.

The church where I am a member now requires everyone to serve in a ministry in order to be a member. I have always felt led to work with women in some way, but at the time I thought I would work with the high-school-aged girls.  I wanted to help them with self-worth issues, which I believe lead some girls to choose destructive patterns that will affect their entire lives.   I served there for one year and just didn’t feel like I was in the right place.  Somehow God put it on my heart that He wanted me to work with women who were already broken and in need of healing, and I immediately thought of Someone Cares.  I called “Lulie” (the leader of that ministry) about my desire to work in the ministry and her exact words were, “I was waiting for you to call.” 

So, I am fairly certain I have found my calling in serving the Lord this way.  I am constantly amazed that God is still able to use me. It’s one of the biggest gifts He has given me.  Sometimes the idea of walking women through this process is a bit overwhelming and I often wonder if I am fully equipped for such a huge challenge.  Then, I realize it has very little, if anything, to do with me, Thankfully He is capable of anything.

Apparently, you have moved from a place of brokenness to now ministering to other women.  Can you comment on the change you experienced in your own life?

I will be honest and tell you that I still battle with the lies that Satan feeds me regarding my worth now that I have done this “horrible thing.”  But, now I am more confident and secure of my standing as a daughter of the King and I have trouble keeping quiet about it and not sharing it with women when I see them hurting and buying into the lies. 

It wasn’t really a “light bulb” moment for me, it was more of a gradual process where I came to understand Him better and as a result started to see myself in a new light.  It has affected every part of my life, not just the spiritual side.  My relationship with my parents is so much better now. I don’t get so wrapped up in relationships with men that I lose myself anymore.  I am just generally more content and more connected now. 

It’s amazing the difference when you stop hating yourself and learn to love yourself again.  There really is such freedom in accepting this grace that is available for each of us.

I am so thankful for “Samantha’s” willingness to not only talk about her ministry but her own life as well.  I am encouraged by how God is using her to encourage and bless other women who are experiencing brokenness.  I suspect there are more than a few people who read this blog who wrestle at times with guilt from choices made in the past.  Thanks be to God for his abundant grace.