Bishop .T. D.Jakes on sexual lusts and rape

2 Samuel 13:1-20      

            There are all kinds of rape-emotional, physical, and spiritual. There are many ways to be victimized. The problem is compounded when a woman suffers because of something over which she had no control, when she fells guilty about being a victim.

            Tamar was the king’s daughter. She was a virgin-a “good girl.” She didn’t do anything immoral. It is amazing that her own brother would be so driven by desire that he would go to such lengths to destroy his sister. He thought he was in love. It wasn’t love. It was lust, a selfish compulsion based on gratification. He craved her so intensely that he lost his appetite for food.

            It is frightening to thing about the nights Amnon must have stayed awake plotting her destruction. The intensity of his passion for her was overwhelming. So much so, that even his father his cousin noticed. Tamar’s brother was filled with lust-and it showed.

            Amnon demonstrate how badly the enemy wants to violate god’s children. He is plotting your destruction. He is watching you with wanton eyes. Jesus told Peter. ‘Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail (Luke 22:31-32). Satan craves you with an animal-like passion. He’s hiding in the shadows, just waiting for an opportunity to pounce. In addition, he loves to use people to act on the same ravenous desire.

            Desire is a powerful force. It can make you to do things you never thought you were capable of doing. Lust can make a person break her commitment to herself. It can cause people to reach out for things – or other people – they shouldn’t have.

            The name Tamar means “palm tree.’’ Like the palm, Tamar is a survivor. She stands tall and green in summer, spring, and fall- full of life- able to withstand the chilly winds of winter.

            You, too, can be a survivor .like Peter and Tamar, you may have gone through some horrible times, but Jesus intercedes on your behalf. No matter what struggles you have faced, you can be confident in the ministry of our High priest. He is praying for you. Faith comes when you recognize that you can’t help yourself. Only trust in Christ can bring you through. He will give you the strength to overcome the attacks of Satan and your own human, selfish lust.

Source: T.D. Jakes