Finding an Unexpected Rescue in Rahab’s Obedience

by Stephanie Broersma
Founder, Reclaimed Ministry

“But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho–and she lives among the Israelites to this day.” Joshua 6:25

“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Hebrews 11:31

Most of us can’t relate to Rahab’s life. She was a prostitute who hid Israelite spies on her rooftop from angry Jericho men out to kill them.

But we can relate to her obedience.

Seven years into my marriage my husband came home and confessed to a ten-year pornography addiction that had led to multiple affairs. The details freely flowed from his mouth as his heart purged the toxic secrets he’d been hiding from me – the one to whom he vowed, “till death do us part.”

As you can imagine, my faith and obedience were immediately challenged. Would I walk out in faith, trusting God for my safety and provision? Would I seek a rescue out of my fear?

In the moment, fear was dominating my thoughts.

The unidentified emotion in the moment paralyzed all potential reactions except for the silent tears that streamed down my cheeks. As the confession continued, the room became still and all I heard was a firm but soft voice say, “It is well.” God gave me the protection I needed in the moment from the Holy Spirit. God saw the fear suffocating my soul and sent for a needed rescue not only in my life, but my husband’s.

My head and heart battled over the internal lies that came with my husband’s confession:

Was I not pretty enough, skinny enough?
How can I compete with airbrushed images seen through the lens of addiction?

My self-esteem tanked into a dark hole that believed no size, beauty, or personality would be reason enough for my husband to still want me when compared to the images imprinted on his mind. My head defined me as betrayed. My crushed heart tried to tell me I was chosen by my Father.

The insults of the confession were immediate. The enemy quickly attempted to claim ground on my heart as the situation became real through physical separation and confusion. I held God’s Word close to my body and flipped through endless pages of books and passages to receive any possible insight for the future. I sought accountability and counsel. I meditated on Rahab’s story of obedience in the midst of great fear.

In the end… I forgave.

Redeemed, replaced broken.
Faithful, outweighed mistrust and internal lies of being not enough.
Forgiveness, always graciously received by God, was also willingly given.
Rescued, replaced betrayed and lost.
Chosen, arose victor over sin.
Called, the result of His story.

Reclaimed Ministry was born

Out of my own rescue story, as well as the story of many other women who are now engaged in the ministry, Reclaimed Ministry was born. Reclaimed focuses on the broken heart and seeks to find healing through the vertical wholeness God offers to us. We accomplish this goal through two resources

Reclaimed: Finding Your Identity after Marital Betrayal, provided to women in immediate need
Reclaimed Small Group Guide, which is built to provide community in the church body, as women share confidentially with other women and work through the process of forgiveness and healing.

When God calls the faithful, He commands obedience. My heart is for women to not live lives that are stuck in shame from a husband’s betrayal, but to live victoriously through the blood of the cross. Healing is possible. Whether the marriage ends in divorce or restoration becomes possible, God wants His precious daughter to know that she is enough, is forgiven, and redeemed and pursued by the King Almighty.

You are worthy of a rescue.

“Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” Deuteronomy 4:39

Stephanie Broersma will lead a breakout session titled Finding Your Identity After Marital Betrayal: Who am I? at the 2020 Restoring Hearts Women’s Conference. The event is ONLINE June 12 & 13.

Restoring Hearts Women’s Conference is a ministry of Prodigals International, designed to come alongside, encourage and equip women who are facing the startling discovery of their partner’s or family member’s sexual brokenness (pornography, sexting, affair). The 2020 event features Keynote Speaker Lynn Marie Cherry.