In the midst of surviving domestic violence encouragement is such a necessity. I asked my friend, Pastor David Katina if I could share some of his notes with you. Dave is an amazing story teller and wonderful at helping me keep things in perspective. Although he didn't originally write this as domestic violence encouragement, it is delicious food for thought, a great read and very encouraging!!
“A Season Called "After"”
By Pastor David Katina
Continuing my walk through the book of Genesis, I've come across some very defining moments that begin with the word, "after". I'm going through somewhat of a "trying" season in my life and I'm pretty sure you are too. When will this season end? I have no idea. But here's one thing that I'm certain of, there is a season called "after". What happens "after" is determined by your willingness to walk this thing out, whatever it is, with perseverance and focus. Your "after" season of breakthrough also hinges on whether or not you will admit that you're on the wrong track and you begin to make adjustments to correct your course and make a U-turn into the right direction.
In Genesis, I found three situations in the life of Abram that teaches me what to do while I'm waiting for God's promise of "after".
A. Gen. 13:14- "After Lot was gone..." When God told Abram in chapter 12 to leave, he told him to leave behind his father's family. Abram "partially" obeyed that command by taking his nephew Lot. Partial obedience is just a fancy phrase for "disobedience". Lot was nothing but a headache to Uncle Abe but notice, "after" Abram releases Lot, the blessings start flowing.
B. Gen. 15:1 "Afterward" the Lord spoke to Abram, "Don't be afraid! I am your wages and compensation and your quickly increasing money supply." After what? After giving the first-ever," tithe" in chapter 14.
C.Gen. 17:1 After 13 years of no communication between God and Abram (because of Abram's disobedience) God says, "I'm giving you another chance, now walk before me and serve me faithfully"
So, what do you do while you're waiting for your season called "after"?
1. You release the "Lots" or wrong relationships in your life.
2. You honor God with the best of everything you have and allow HIM to be your wages and compensation.
3. You confess your disobedience towards HIM and allow HIM to speak to you again and also, receive HIS forgiveness and accept the opportunity that HE'S giving you to start all over again.
Don't get discouraged and call it quits. Just remember, God promises that you and I will have a season called "after" if we just hold on. Your "after" season will be a reflection of what you do "today".
My spiritual father Iliafi Esera once told me, "Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery but today is a gift, that's why it's called the PRESENT." Open the gift and enjoy it and no matter what you're facing today, Jesus said, "THIS TOO SHALL PASS." Stay in the fight my friend and in due time you will enter into a season called "AFTER".
*HaVeAgr8LiFe!!*
I hope you enjoyed this note as much as I did. Although it was written for people going through many different situations, it is great domestic violence encouragement. I hope you are encouraged, able to start looking forward, and dreaming big.
Only you know when it is safe to leave your domestic violence situation, or change the locks. Look over the safety plans, and ask for help if you need it. You don't have to go through this alone. Please be safe!!
Go to surviving domestic violence encouragement.org from domestic violence encouragement part 3
