The first thing I will say to you is that I am so, so pleased that you have come to see me.
And, I'm so pleased that you've shared this
pain and this burden with me. And, I share with you your pain that you feel right now.
And then I want to ask you, whether you've gone to a doctor, you've seen a nursing sister
to see that you're alright. It's so important that you take proper medical precautions or
get medical treatment. So that your life isn't in any kind of danger.
So, please, please do take note of that. That is so important. That you see that there's no
permanent or long-lasting damage to yourself. The third thing I want to say to you
is that you really do need to speak to one of the female members of your family.
Now, you may find that very difficult. You may want to keep it from the family. But it is so
important that you get support and help from a family member. One of the ladies. Perhaps your
mother, your grandmother, perhaps an older aunt, or perhaps an older sister or an older
cousin. So that you can share with them what has happened. And they can help you and walk with you.
So, you're not alone bearing this burden and this pain.
So please consider speaking to one of the lady members of your family. Someone who is not going
to judge you. Someone who is not going to cause you further difficulties. But someone who can
help you, and talk to you, and walk alongside you. The next thing I would say is that you may need
some special counselling. Or someone who can specially walk with you, talk through
with you. Someone who has experience. It may be a nursing sister; it may be a counsellor.
I can find you someone who's been through the same experience. Who will be able to meet with you,
and to pray with you, and to read the Bible with you. So, it's very important that you
talk to someone who has gone through what you've gone through. And I can recommend someone to you
who would love to meet with you, and love to walk with you during this difficult journey.
Now, as a pastor I know that you bear incredible pain and you bear guilt.
And part of that guilt is that you know, right in your heart, deep down, you understand that
that decision you made was not the right one. And I understand the pressures, the emotions.
And as you look back you regret that. And so, you feel guilt because, of course,
that was your child. And I know this is so painful - but you know and I know that was your child.
And so, when we sin, when you sin and when I sin, we feel this pain, this guilt.
And that's really why the gospel is such wonderful news to people like you and me.
There's a lovely passage in 1 Timothy where Paul talks about his own sin,
and guilt and pain. And he describes what he was before he was a Christian.
Listen to these words, 1 Timothy 1:13. " Though formerly I was a blasphemer,
persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy... and the grace of our Lord overflowed
for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of
full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."
You see Paul before he was converted was involved with human rights abuses. He persecuted
Christians. He was probably responsible for the death of some of the Christians including Stephen.
And then God in His grace captured his heart and forgave him. And there was grace and forgiveness.
And then God used him again to tell other people about this great gift of grace.
So, you may be struggling with guilt and pain. Well, the gospel says to us, there is hope
for those who fall in sin, people like you and me. There's forgiveness,
there's cleansing. And when we accept that
He then wants to use us. And He wants to use you when you experience God's grace and His mercy.
God can use this pain. Imagine this, God can use this great pain for good. And He can use you
to help other young ladies. You may say to me, " I've asked God to
forgive me, but I don't think He can. What I've done is too terrible." Well, of course He can.
That's the good news of the gospel for you today.