Admitting The Hard Truth

Admitting The Hard Truth

Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch! 1 Samuel 25:29

Andi arrived in the ER with injuries that didn’t match her story—and this wasn’t the first time. Over and over, several of us questioned her about the bruises on her face and how and when the “accident” happened.

But her story never added up. She had layers of bruises all over her body, ranging in color from black to green to yellow. Clearly, some of them had been there for a while. There was no way they were all caused by the same incident.

I entered the room with her lab results and X-rays under my arm. “Andi, you don’t have any broken bones, but you need to tell me the truth about what happened.”

She began sobbing. Through her tears, she told me a story of chronic abuse by an alcoholic husband.

“He’s always so remorseful the next day when he sobers up,” she said. “But I’m afraid he’s going to kill both of us if he doesn’t get help.” It was the first time she had ever told anyone the truth about what had been happening. I think it was also the first time she recognized the truth herself.

We arranged for Andi to stay in a safe house in Nashville for the night and to receive counseling the next day. The police had already picked up her husband, who had been belligerent with one of the policemen—which assured us that he would remain in jail for a while.

Once Andi was in a safe place, she had time to think and pray. She began to eat better and regained her strength and confidence. The next time she faced her husband, she exhibited her newfound fortitude, insisting that he enroll in treatment for both his alcoholism and his temper.

He didn’t want any part of her plan or her. He chose to leave, and a few days later, he filed for divorce. God had intervened in Andi’s life to protect her, and now she leaned into him as he led her on a new and safer life journey.

TODAY’S RX

The truth can be hard to admit and even harder to follow. But have courage because it will set you free.

You are my safeguard, Lord. My protector. My Shield. Thank you for watching over me and delivering me from evil.