I’m FOR these young women turning to Christ and seeking His face through the pain of having THEIR stories sensationalized and shared without their permission. We don’t know their specific names, but while the media tries to crucify Josh, their story is being shared over and over and over again.
I am FOR the Duggars to stay strong and to heal from the attacks on their family. I’m praying they will discover true friendship and a closeness to Christ through the valley. I pray for the younger children who do not completely understand. I pray their family is protected under the shadow of God’s hand.
Third, Restoration
While my heart aches for these young women, my heart also aches for Josh. I made stupid, horrible choices as a young teen. I acted selfishly and sinfully. I hurt others with my actions. I hurt myself.
Josh Duggar sexually abused young women … horrible. I chose to have an abortion … horrible. Josh says he regrets the pain he caused. I believe him. I regret taking the life of my child. Every time our large family gathers, I think about the son or daughter who isn’t there. I think about the son-in-law or daughter-in-law I don’t have. I consider the missing grandchildren—and generations—who will never be.
Sin kills.
Sin destroys.
Sin hurts.
Sin robs.
Young women were robbed of purity and wholeness. Josh was robbed of dignity and respect. Sin impacts everything forever. We can’t take back the actions sin causes. We can’t undo what has been done.
And so I’m FOR Josh too. I’m FOR his restoration. I’m FOR peace. I’m FOR his family. I’m FOR his heart.
Most of all, I’m FOR Jesus. I’m FOR His glorification. I’m FOR the world realizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I’m praying we will understand that without Christ, we are sinful, vile creatures. I’m praying when the dust settles the fingers will not be pointed to Josh, but to ourselves and the sin in our own hearts.
I’m for the other side of the story to be told, that …
When we need healing, Jesus is the healer.
When we need forgiveness, Jesus is the one who forgives.
When we need restoration, Jesus is the ONLY one who can provide it.
Perhaps you’re reading this and facing pain, shame or sin in your life. I’m for YOU too. I’m praying you’ll turn to Jesus. I’m praying you’ll find purity and wholeness in Him. I’m praying for your family and your heart. I’m praying God will heal all your broken places—the places where you were a victim and the places where you acted out in sin.
And in the end, when healing, forgiveness and restoration are found, I pray our finger then points heavenward as we point to the One, Jesus, who creates beauty from ashes and brings joy from mourning. May the Duggars find both in the months and years to come … and may they know I’m FOR them and FOR all those who have been impacted by the pain and shame caused by sin.
Tricia Goyer has written more than 35 books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and nonfiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.
