I should clarify something - it would not be an abusive relationship now. My former husband became saved 5 years after I left him and IS much changed. I saw him take his coat off in winter and without hesitation give it to a homeless man who didn't have one. He's kind-hearted, loving and giving, in a street ministry for the down and out. He's now a pastor, caught up in Old Testament doctrine (Deut. 24:1-4) which states a man who has divorced his wife, cannot take her back - to do so would "defile the earth." Told you this is very complex.
God would never send me back into the abusive relationship He took me out of. I'm not clinging to an abusive relationship - I was hoping to have what God revealed, a loving relationship which was totally free of abuse. I only want the Lord's will - I need to know what He expects and wants from me.
Dear Janet,
I have read your posts in this thread. I am clergy, and Christian, and I want to share a few words.
First of all, we are all sinners, so to answer your question "am I a sinner?", the answer is, of course, "yes."
Second of all, you state several times you want to know what God's will is. God's will is not a program for robots. In my experience, God rarely tells people to do something exact or precise.
However, He does call us to love, to serve, to be humble, to be merciful, to use common sense. It seems you endeavor to do these things. Do not open yourself to occasions for being abused by men.
You know that no servant is greater than her master. Jesus served and was killed. He voluntarily suffered so that others would have forgiveness, healing and hope. No one who claims to follow Jesus can expect any better treatment. Life is not about getting what we want, the way we want or when we want it. As you well know, that is not reality.
As for your sexual appetite, really I don't think any of us has the right to tell you what to do about it. However, I will ask you, is what you do the best and wisest thing you can be doing to be bringing glory to God? Is it giving and sharing love, or begging for attention of whatever sort or an attempt to fill a need that sex cannot fulfill? You have to find the answers to those yourself.
Janet, remember that self-pity and despair are your worst enemies. They are a nasty trap. If you feel either of these, remind yourself of how precious you are in God's eyes, and loved, and forgiven.
For what it's worth, I have been through a lot of painful and cruel experiences in my life, abused by men and women. This life is a tough race.
Your story, and mine, are not all that different from anyone else's. We cannot control what happens to us, only how we respond.
Job was willing to glorify God in all circumstances. That is God's will for you, and for me. Do you accept it?
I hope my words, from a stranger, are helpful to you. Feel free to ask anything.
I am a sinner, and make mistakes. With God's help I can get up and start walking closer towards Him again and again. We cannot fathom His love for us.
Peace be with you.
P.S. I would like to know if you've read any books by Patricia Evans.