As we study the 10th Anniversary Edition of Breaking Free by Beth Moore, we’re now half-way through our bible study lessons. This week we focus on how Jesus ministers the brokenhearted. We learn about the flaming arrow and God’s precise aim as he pierces our hearts. We learn about binding wounds that are hemorrhaging. I thought about the wife who’s husband has an affair, the obvious broken heart,and the resulting hemorrhaging. Or the Mom who tragically lost her son, and the unbearable grief she suffers. Life is about suffering and pain. God is about what we do with the suffering and the pain, allowing Him to heal our wounds, or drowning in our sorrows. This week as we study childhood hurts and betrayal, we are removing the bandages and allowing the Father to heal. Give yourself a gift of solitude, alone with your workbook, and allow time for His presence as you break free.
For those not participating in the Bible study and reading the post because of past hurt, continue reading the article and if you find healing and comfort in the words, then join the study or contact your women’s ministry at your local church and seek healing from past childhood abuse. Let’s clarify that childhood abuse is not only physical, but also includes emotional abuse or neglect. While there are various degrees of child abuse from mild to severe, in each case the spirit of an innocent child is deeply wounded and the child wears the badge of hurt throughout her adult life. You’ll see hurt by destructive behaviors-such as alcohol or drug addiction, gambling or sexual addiction, eating disorders, depression, and many other physical signs of her childhood abuse. What you cannot see is the spiritual wound, because she hides in shame from God and from herself.
In Breaking Free by Beth Moore, we’re peeling away the bandages that cover her shame. These bandages include:
- A cycle of shame
- A veil of fear
- A heart of stone
- A voice of anger
- A will to control
Her unbearable shame leads her to the darkest corners of her life, trapped in the four corners of a hard cold wall, shutting her heart to pain, unable to release it, fearing more abuse and shame. She is terrified of her past, fearful of her abuser, and angry at the abandonment of her security. Many women live their adult lives with this burden of shame, a spiritual bondage and yolk she is unable to break. She explodes in anger, she cries in hurt. She medicates with anti-depressants, food or addictive behaviors. She struggles with the one question that bleeds inside her heart: Why Me? As a child, her only answer is “I deserve it. I did something to cause this. I must be my fault.” Her heart is broken by childhood abuse and she is to ashamed to seek God’s presence and comfort. Her badge of shame removes her from the safety of her church, the pages of her Bible or the fellowship with other Christian women. Her spouse doesn’t want to hear it, her family continues to deny it, and her heart continues to deteriorate in the unyielding pain. Christ hurts too. Christ has accompanied this child from the abuse, through her walk of shame, and into her journey of restoration and healing. He knows what happened, he saw her pain, and he waits for her with His arms open. He knows it was not her fault. Christ hurts when children hurt. She is safe in the arms of Jesus and a father she trusts, God. She seeks Him diligently…and without shame. He restores her soul (Psalm 23)
Our week five study seems long and exhausting, because we’re reaching into our reserves for the courage and strength to deal with broken hearts wounded in childhood. Lesson One brought us right to the heart, lesson Two peeled open childhood wounds and lesson three examines a mending of these wounds. From these spiritual truths comes an opportunity to mend from past victimization and find glory in the presence of Jesus. We learn that some level of child victimization will probably continue throughout the world and we find the source of the abuse stems from Satan, the prowling lion, seeking his prey. Once abused in childhood, the enemy knows his opportunity exists to shame, punish, degrade and isolate us. We turn towards self-medicating sins, such as promiscuity, addictions, affairs, and scandalous behaviors. The trap has been set for us by our abuser and captivity is reinforced throughout our adult life. Satan takes us captive to to his will, not God’s. Until now, as we participate in Breaking Free and seek freedom from our captivity!
When we face betrayal, we assume that something must be wrong with us. We blame ourselves and isolate ourselves from further hurt. Jesus was betrayed by Judas and the disciples fled. A perfect son of God, tempted by Satan, walking in obedience and fear of the Lord, was deserted by HIS friends. Jesus did not respond with anger, temper tantrums or gossip-he responded with love and understanding for God’s perfect will. Next time you face betrayal, don’t turn towards self-analysis, destructive habits or bondage. Look up, at Father God, and seek glory and peace in His Presence. You always have One True Friend-Jesus.
Prayer Requests
Our Prayer Wall has many requests, so please print the page, place a copy in your workbook and pray for these women who are asking for your help. The best way to print the page is to copy and past the prayers into a Word document. If you have a prayer request for our prayer wall, please click here.
Beth Moore Quotes
- Self-made fortresses built to protect our hearts not only keep love from going out but they keep love from coming in.
- We risk becoming captive to our own fortresses.
- Shame is Satan’s stamp or approval.
- Anything that directly causes a child to have an increased tendency toward sin can be characterized as victimization or abuse.
- When you are trying to discern whether God or Satan is the author of a hardship, one of your best clues is whether or not sin is involved.
- Scripture is the strongest bandage God uses to bind hearts broken in childhood.
- Confession allowed me to bring sinful behaviors to the table for open discussion with God.
- The longer I held on to it, the longer the bondage strangled the life out of me.
- The road signs marking a positive change in my personal journey all appear in places of difficulty.
- Unlike people Christ is never intimidated by the depth of our need and the demonstration of our weakness.
- Jesus has walked in the sandals of those sinking in the sand of betrayal.
- A true betrayer is motivated by selfishness.
- The most deliberating loss for a Christian is the loss of faith.
- Christ desires to raise you from the LIVING dead.
- The life of a Christian is never about sameness. It’s always about change.
- When our hearts are hemorrhaging with grief and loss, never forget that Christ binds and compresses with a nail-scarred hand.
- Christ is never the author of abuse.
For Next Week
- Read Session Six in the workbook
- Listen to Audio Session Six or Video Session Six (optional due to cost)
- Join our Womens Bible Cafe Chat on Facebook
Group Discussion- Answer one question or as many as you like
- How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? (page 109 )
- How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? (page 114 )
- Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118 )
- Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? Describe how. (Page 122 )
- If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
Breaking Free,
5. If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study. The paragraph reminds that he is there for us, no matter what happens
Correction it was on page 115
Questions 1 & 2 are hard to write about on-line~
Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled?
Judas premeditated what he was going to do and be a part of.
This was an interesting part for me because I need to be constantly reminded that Jesus was betrayed. When I get caught up in my stuff my first reaction is anger & gossip. Gossip mostly & I an thankful this was pointed out to me.
If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
This weeks lesson was great timing thing for me. Even though I am behind I believe God’s timing was perfect. I have had two non-christian friends that have lost their dad in the last month. It has been heavy on my heart to minister to them. I am working on both of them. Day 5 was so helpful to me.. On page 123 it says “God becomes the only explanation for our emotional survival & revival.
How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? (page 109 ) – many wonder and think – how could a loving God let that happen. but – many times our worst times bring about blessings beyond compare. many times, our strengths come from those things that could have taken us down.
How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? (page 114 ) doubts and fears can often be consuming. not moving past the hurt and fears of this can forever hinder any good that this person can do for others
Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118 ) Judas “sold” the Lord, the others did not.
Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? Describe how. (Page 122 )
After my father died, I sank into a deep depression. I still struggle with fathers day but for 2 years, I simply worked and did what had to be done. I honestly didn’t care. I started pouring myself into our secret sisters that couldn’t afford to be a secret sister – getting things donated for them and slowly – the joy started consuming me once again. like i said, I still struggle – but i’m no longer in bondage.
If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
I’m loving the verses and applications. I love the quote Christ desires to raise you from the living dead. I was that… way back when.
@spreadingJOY
1. How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? (page 109 )
Obviously, Matthew 18:10 shows us that God takes harm to children very personally. You harm a child, you harm God. The enemy let me believe for years that I in some way “brought it on myself”, or “no one will believe you anyway”, or “it could be worse, at least you are not being physically harmed”, etc., etc. The person who abused me used a cycle of shame, a veil of fear, a heart of stone, and a will to control. These are not characteristics of Christ.
2. How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? (page 114 )
Now in my early 50′s I have moved past the destructive behavior that began in my teens and continued, unfortunately, well into my marriage. Because of the guilt and feelings of low self-worth, I found myself on a vicious cycle of sabotaging what was good in my life. It pains me to think of the endless search for acceptance and love that began in my childhood. Why could I not see that my husband and my kids were all I needed?
4. Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? Describe how. (Page 122 )
Yes. This is a very deep question. Going to one’s sister and mother for help only to have them call me a liar…bondage; having everyone practically hero worship the person who hurt me…bondage; becoming promiscuous and binge drinking during late teens to early twenties…bondage; believing that sex equals love…bondage; searching for validation in all the wrong places…bondage; parenting with a fear that I will screw this up just like my parents did…bondage; being practically a “be-otch” to my husband despite his unconditional love, care, support, forgiveness…what’s that about?
5. If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
Page 115. My child _________, I loved you before you were born…
How can we read this paragraph filling our name into the blanks and not trust God’s love for us? I learned that I am not defined by anything that happened to me or anything that I have done. Christ accompanies us from the abuse through the walk of shame and into the journey of restoration and healing. He knows what happened, he saw our pain, and He waits for us with his arms open. He knows it was not our fault. He knows we did not deserve it. I know Jesus hurts when we hurt. He knows our pain. Profound! Praise God!
How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? (page 109)
There is a lot of shame and guilt associated with such hurt and lost when someone has been abused. The enemy tells lies and puts doubt in your heart to trust God. It takes a lot of healing from the Lord and maybe the help of a christian counselor to get rift of the junk, deal with the hurt and release the past to the Lord. Satan wants you to doubt Christ and question how such a thing could happen to you.
How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? (page 114)
Believing that the Lord doesn’t love you unconditionally and that you can’t receive the gift of salvation because of your childhood abuse.
Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118)
Judas was deliberate and premeditated in his plans to give up Jesus to his accusers for murder where the disciples fled because of fear of reprisal or wanting acceptance from others.
Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? Describe how. (Page 122)
I have struggled with wanting approval and being controlled by others. Consequently, I gravitated towards people who were controlling and narcissistic because my family operates this way. I went the complete opposite and felt I didn’t deserve any good things in my life and it is a struggle to accept love and compliments from others. The good news is the Lord is healing me one day at a time and teaching me to let go of the past by forgiving and accepting that my family is this way. He is teaching me to establish good and healthy boundaries with my family and others.
If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
Gosh, there are so many favorite moments! The two things that meant a lot to me…Isaiah 61:1 – “He has set me to bind up the brokenhearted.” Also, a Beth Moore’s quote, “You are not defined by anything that happened to you or anything you have done.”
1.How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? (page 109 )
Satan can make the victim believe it is their fault, that they are sinners and unworthy of God’s love, and that noone cares about their situation.
2.How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? (page 114 )
The victim may act out, seek freedom in ways that only brings destruction. Look for a quick fix.
3.Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118 )
Judas was deliberate in his betrayal. The others fled because of fear. They repented of their mistakes and went on to live for Him.
5.If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
I really enjoyed the audio session, speaking about the woman from Samaritan at the well. I definitely think I have tried to fill myself up with everything but God, only to find that I am a broken vessel leaking. I am so thankful that the Potter is willing to keep working to make me a perfect vessel.
3. Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118 )
Judas betrayed Jesus on purpose. Judas was more interested in money and power and he was disillusioned when he realized Jesus was not going to “take over” by military means. He was then filled with Satan (personally I think it was really Satan and not one of his minions – John 13:27) so that Satan worked through Judas to carry out his evil plan. I think it was this way because after it was all said and done, Judas felt remorse and repented to the priests who gave him the money (Matthew 27:2-5). The disciples on the other hand, fled from Jesus out of fear. Fear of being captured also, of being tortured, of being thrown into prison, and being thrown out of the church (which was a huge deal back then). Their fear was born out of their human condition, but Judas’ betray was born out of Satan’s evil.
Praying Peace & Blessings over you …
Group Discussion- Answer one question or as many as you like
1.How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? By thinking that the abuse is our fault that it is something we did or did not do.
2.How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? By thinking that God could never love someone who is filled with sin and dirty.
3.Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118 ) “Clearly Judas’s actions were planned and deliberate while the remaining disciples reacted in fear. Judas showed premeditation.”
4.Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? Describe how. (Page 122 ) My father was an abuser, my soon to be ex husband is an abuser and both of these men kept me in bondage for many years….I am breaking free because my Heavenly Father wants me to be free from sin and bondage. He loves me!!!
5.If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
This has been my life story. Childhood abuse and marital abuse kept me in bondage for most of my life. My soon to be exhusband says God does not like divorce and I say God does not like abuse either!!! Thank God for this study and Beth Moore’s defense of women and children who need to break free from the cycle of abuse. While this study was a reminder of days past…it helped bring back the joy of a glorious future in Christ!!!
Oh my online friends! I have missed you!! I was traveling over the weekend let myself get a few days behind and wanted to be ready to read Christine’s thoughts as I answer questions. Boy this week’s lesson was hard yet so necessary and I truly see the Lord all over my life pulling back the bandage and healing me! It would be too easy to allow the devil in and not go through this process. But I know that God will use me for good. I pray that each of you are truly focused in his word and doing the work. Pray for me that I continue to stay focused and allow God to heal me. Love to you all!
1.How could the enemy tempt you to think wrongly about Christ’s attitude towards child victimization? (page 109 )
Christ punishes those that hurt children or cause them to sin. He says be like a child, love like a child, trust like a child; what you do for the child is like you are doing for God.
2.How could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question? (page 114 )
Being victimized by someone in a trust position, gives a child the incorrect belief of how they should be treated, what God wants for them and they fall in the pits of the devil’s desires and carry it through their life. The devil gets what he wants — more pain, more dispair, more confusion about what God truly has planned for this child. And sin after sin and the devil dances that he continues to win!
3.Why do you think Christ only considered Judas a betrayer even though the other disciples deserted Him and fled? (page 118 )
Judas was chosen because of his premeditation. Jesus knew that the writing of the prophets would be fulfilled and the disciples fell away from Jesus out of fear. The devil loves to fill us with fear, to mess with our minds and cause us to fall away from Jesus.
4.Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? Describe how. (Page 122 )
I have struggled my whole life with control issues and fear. I lost my brother and favorite cousin in a car accident when I was 15 years old and the next couple of years I lost a couple good friends. The Lord drew our families together, it was the first time I had heard the words “I Love You” from my parents, my cousins, friends. But the devil took these losses and continued through out my life to make me believe that God had deserted me in those times and that was NOT True. God was drawing me nearer to him and wanted me to know him. But through out my life I continue to sin, I continue to try to control things and not Let God. At these times, I would lose faith, lose hope, sin more and let the devil make me feel better — only to destroy me with the next sin.
5.If you want, share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
This entire study has me praying to the Lord for more kindness, compassion, to know him more. To have him heal me from the sins that I have done, the bondage that I am in and to reveal himself to me through his word, his pressence and to erase my fears, my distrust, my bondage that I am. I know that God is working in my life, he is wanting to grow me and fill me with his word so I can be armed against the enemy. I know that God is there amidst my trials but he is there to grow me and for others to learn and grow in their faith through this faith journey and repentence.