Leave

“I’m fine. I just fell off my bunk,” stated a worried face in front of me, as the unit’s deputy stood nearby.

“You have to tell me now. This is your chance to really make yourself away from harm. If you didn’t understand me the first time, I want to ask you again, is there someone in your unit threatening you or wanting to hurt you in any way?” I repeated.

Silence…

“Sir, this is the last time I’m going to ask you. I can’t find anything wrong with you medical-wise. You complained of pain here and there. But there were not enough symptoms to pinpoint the cause…,”

“Yes, there is someone threatening me,” his words cutting off what I was saying above.

“I’m glad you finally told me. I can’t help you with that but I can have the deputy help you by having you leave that unit and be moved to another safer unit,” I replied.

I pulled over the deputy to one corner and let him know what the inmate told me. He nodded and thanked me. He made the inmate get up and he said “thank you” to me.

I knew he wouldn’t worry anymore. At least for the meantime. The threats would always be there somewhere. But it would be devastating not to be able to leave that situation if he didn’t become honest with my queries.

Prisoners who had been there in the jail sometimes try to intimidate newer ones. Sometimes, they threaten these weak ones so they can use them for their own selfish agenda. Like delivering illegal things, shanks, even drugs. They might use them to steal other inmates’ stuff for their own supply or use. They threaten the weaklings because they know they are too weak to avoid them and if they ever tell anyone from custody staff, the predators instill fear in them that they would end up getting hurt if they don‘t listen to their demands.

After a few minutes, I checked the housing location for that inmate I saw. He was already moved. I could only pray…for his safety and temporary refuge.

Our spiritual enemies are constantly bombarding us with his wily threats. He is so active in throwing those darts of temptations and they all come in subtle ways. However, if we are not careful and are not able to stay away from them, it could be costly with our own spiritual walks with the Lord.

[Please silence my playlist]:




Proverbs 3:25-26 - “You need not be afraid of disaster or destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 - “But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”

1 Timothy 6:9 - “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.”

Hebrews 2:18 - “Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.”

James 4:7 - “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

14 comments:

  1. Another powerful post, filled with Godly wisdom. Be blessed, love you sis.

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  2. Good Morning Rosell!
    I'm so blessed by this post! Because of your descernment and compassion this inmate probably was spared great harm and possibly his life. I thank God that I found your site dear friend.....each of your stories have touched my heart. I pray for you and the work - His Work - that you are doing. To God be the Glory!

    Have a blessed week!

    Sweet Blessings!
    Jackie

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  3. Rosel, have you ever given thought to publishing a book with these devotionals? I bet a lot of people who work in prisons (and even prisoners and x-prisoners) would eat these up!

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  4. Thanks for posting that Utube; it really enhances all you've already said here. Sometimes we choose to let the enemy ensnare us; it really does always come back to coming to Jesus.

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  5. Once again this was excellent Rosel! Loved the little video clip too! Great message in it, for sure!!

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  6. Rosel, this post touched my heart. I remember a young man of only 19 that was arrested for stealing food for his young wife and baby. He was later found hung in his cell. We never found out what happened, but that memory has been with me for 40 years. There is danger everywhere we turn, both physically and spiritually...our salvation and protection comes only from out wonderful God, who loves us...our young people need to know that, especially those that are in harms way on a daily basis...jails, schools, homeless...they are weak and in such need of our prayers and concern.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  7. I love that cartoon Rosel. Fits in perfectly with your story of the inmate. I pray he is safe now.

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  8. I'll have to come back for the cartoon since I couldn't get on. It sounds like these inmates are very vulnerable. And I receive the point you made as to our vulernabilities. I love the James scripture. It's our own fault if we don't claim our authority. He must flee. You rock, sister Rosel.

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  9. I love how often and how much the Lord encourages us to draw near to Him, and to stay near to Him. We are safest in His presence - set free and wizened.

    Bless you. This was a great post!

    Kathleen

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  10. Another great post, divinely inspired and written through your hands. May GOD bless you as you continue to touch so many lives.
    Love, hugs, and prayers, andrea

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  11. you really do have an amazing ministry. This post hits home. And I see you posted one I haven't read. Going there right now. Your words really hit home....Take gentle care.

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  12. Those people are so blessed to have you and your wisdom. Thanks for the cute little video and scripture verses. Blessing, Dear sister ~

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  13. Thank you for being there on your job, a light in a dark place.

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  14. I love how God's love is such a safe haven for me (us).....we find shelter and peace under His wings. I believe you were the bridge and the encouragement for that inmate to find his own shelter and peace.

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
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