Artfully Controlled

I spent a great deal of last year being manipulated. This has been a hard revelation for me to admit because I don't want to think of myself as weak or naive, however I was being manipulated and I was blind to it (as being manipulated implies).
To manipulate is to 'manage or control artfully or by shrewd use of influence, often in an unfair or fraudulent way.' I was definitely artfully controlled. I'm still working to get past the damage that was caused during that time of my life.
This of course is about a boy. My heart aches thinking about it. As I continue to write this blog more will be revealed. But for now I thank God for getting me through! I wandered into that situation blind and unaware of what I was getting into. I limped out of it hurting and broken. The bible says that we overcome (the enemy) by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). Praise God that I didn't stay manipulated! I didn't stay deceived. That is my testimony. I know that God can and He WILL use that experience to warn, comfort, or encourage someone else. I know that God works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). God will be glorified through this. I think of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Had he not been hated by his brothers, had he not been sold into slavery and later imprisoned he would not have been elevated to his (eventual) place of honor. He was able to save his family. What was intended to harm God intended for good (Genesis 50:20).
I am encouraged that God can take an ugly and crummy situation and turn it around. 'To bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes' (Isaiah 61:3). I can't wait to see how God uses me and my past. I know He can. I know He will. I choose to yield myself to His control.