~ HER Blog ~

20th Century Exodus
Monday, May 2, 2016 by Laura Bender

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I have indeed seen the oppression of my people. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free.” (Acts 7:34)

 

Without fail, every time I’ve read Exodus, I’ve thought, “People! Really! Your God just freed you from years of bondage, parted the Red Sea, and is right there leading you! Why all the bellyaching and complaining!” It’s funny how we think we would’ve done differently, but I too have proven to be a typical Israelite in my own Exodus.

 

Years of emotional turmoil in my marriage took its toll, and I was compelled to end my life. But fear that the Lord would keep me alive in spite of any attempt to take it, kept me paralyzed. Darkness began closing in on me as I kept trying to plan my death, and I was stuck in depression. Finally, I cried out to God in full surrender, telling Him I would do anything He asked of me if He would PLEASE deliver me! This very same day, a friend arranged a phone call between me and a Christian therapist. The therapist validated my state of being from my marital situation, and said, “You must have a great deal of faith in God if you believe He can keep you alive no matter any suicide attempt. If you believe Him to be that powerful, do you not believe He’s powerful enough to help you out of this prison you’re in?” It was then that I knew the Lord was saying to me, “I have indeed seen your oppression and heard your groaning, and have come down to set you free.”

 

Whenever I read in the Old Testament, what boldly stands out is that God wants His people to REMEMBER their deliverance! Being led by the Great I Am should not be scary or hopeless, but why is it for us? Because it IS scary and hopeless when we forget to remember His power in delivering us, and gaze at our situation instead of our great God.

 

In my journey, God has shown up in so many ways. Many times it was amazingly awesome, while other times I would describe as unpleasantly awesome, but regardless, I knew it was God and He was speaking to me and deepening my faith. One of those times happened at the onset of my divorce. I had started taking a Beth Moore Bible Study on the book of Esther, but I missed the second class due to visiting my uncle in Indiana. During my stay, I slipped down a flight of stairs and herniated four discs in my lower back. Needless to say I was totally out of commission and unable to fly home. After a few days when I was able to sit in a chair, I poured myself into my Esther study. I did a nine-week study in just one week, and I literally felt like God propped me up in a chair and said, “Now listen to Me!” God made such an impression on me through His Word, that I will never forget it! You would think my injury would dominate my memory, but when I think of that accident, I think of the story of Esther and how God spoke so deeply into my situation and deepened my faith!

 

Deliverance looks different for every betrayed wife; sometimes God comes to reconcile and restore a marriage, and sometimes He comes to deliver you from it. Regardless, dear sister, the Lord hears your cry, so REMEMBER HE IS YOUR DELIVERER!

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Laura Bender

Laura serves as the Executive Director on the board of HER. She is passionate about helping  betrayed women who struggle emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and financially. She has been leading weekly marital betrayal support groups for several years. Currently, Laura connects with leaders, writers, and counselors, to unite the efforts of those who share a burden for betrayed women.


Comments

Mama3Ways From Ventura County At 5/29/2016 2:35:09 PM

Although I am not going through marital difficulties, I find your words insightful and encouraging at the trial I am enduring. God is always faithful! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I hope you write more.

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