Dear Sister:

If the Juanita Bynum story teaches us nothing else, it teaches that abuse is present even in the body of Christ. And in that body even at the highest levels. All around us, there are thousands of women (and men) who suffer at the hand of their mates either physically or emotionally. We see them and most of the time don’t have a clue because they act as if nothing is wrong. You may even be one of those living the lie publicly and suffering privately.

Not every abuser is a spouse or mate. Abusers come in many forms. But it doesn’t matter how they show up. It doesn’t matter how long they have been present. Today, wherever you are right now, take off the mask and go to war. In this moment take authority over the spirit that is the source of this attack on you. Bind and take authority over every foul spirit that is holding your abuser captive. Loose the power of God into their lives every day, throughout the day if you have to. Stand in all that you know. Seek a trusted prayer partner to stand with you, if you need to, and put those demons to flight. In doing so, you set the stage for your abuser to be set free and lay the foundation to begin your walk in the sweetness of liberty.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock , in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.”

–2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NLT)

For encouragement, edification, and example read the 22^nd chapter of 2 Samuel in its entirety. Today is Independence Day for all of us if we just act on what we know and trust in whom we know.