Beautiful in quiet reflection in the background, words of John 4:24 written across.

Positioned, Not Pressured: A Teachable Heart in a Shifting Season

Learning to Let God Shape What We Carry

There are things we carry quietly in our hearts that weigh more than we realize. Old disappointments. Private fears. Beliefs we formed in survival mode and never revisited. Over time, they become familiar, and familiarity can look like truth if we’re not careful. Many of us don’t resist God outright; we resist change. Not because we don’t love Him, but because we’ve learned how to live with what hurts, and letting it go feels risky. Yet the very things we clutch for security often keep us from the freedom God is offering.

Scripture gives us more than encouragement; it gives us instruction through real lives. The New Testament is filled with people who loved Jesus deeply and still struggled to fully understand what He was doing in them. Their stories weren’t preserved to shame us, but to teach us. God shows us the pattern again and again: growth comes through surrender, and blessing follows a heart that remains open and teachable. That truth is especially important in seasons like this one, where pressure is real and faith is being refined.

A Faith That Grows Through Restoration

Peter is one of the clearest examples of this tension. He was bold, passionate, outspoken, and deeply devoted to Jesus. He left everything to follow Him and believed he would never fall away. Yet when pressure came, fear spoke louder than conviction. Peter denied Jesus three times, not because he didn’t love Him, but because his faith hadn’t yet matured to withstand the weight of the moment. Still, Jesus wasn’t surprised. He didn’t revoke Peter’s calling or discard him for failing under stress. He already knew Peter’s heart was still becoming teachable.

After the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter gently, inviting him back into relationship rather than shaming him for failure. In John 21:15–17 (NLT), Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—not to condemn him for his denial, but to heal him. Peter had to face the place where fear had overridden faith, and he had to let truth replace shame. That restoration became the doorway to transformation. The same man who once denied Christ stood up boldly in Acts and preached with authority. His growth didn’t come from avoiding failure; it came from allowing God to address it honestly.

Growth Requires a Teachable Heart

That’s where many of us find ourselves now. We’ve walked with God a long time. We’ve prayed, served, believed, and endured. But some of us are tired, guarded, and set in patterns that once protected us but now restrict us. We default to “this is just how I am” instead of asking God who we are becoming. That posture may feel safe, but it isn’t sustainable. God is always moving us forward, and resistance to growth eventually creates strain in the soul.

God is deeply invested in our spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) tells us, “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Growth requires humility and hunger. It requires the willingness to be taught, corrected, and reshaped rather than insisting on staying the same. Scripture reinforces this posture in James 1:21 (NLT): “So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”

Positioned for What God Is Ready to Release

Many women sense that this season carries something new, something weighty, something full of promise. That awareness isn’t meant to pressure us or make us anxious. It’s an invitation to readiness. God’s blessings flow most freely where hearts remain soft, honest, and aligned with Him. He doesn’t force transformation; He responds to surrender. And He is far more committed to our wholeness than we are.

So pray often. Slow down enough to listen. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and show you anything that no longer belongs in this season. When He reveals it, don’t shrink back. Trust that surrender is not loss; it is alignment. Repentance doesn’t close doors; it opens the right ones. And when we remain teachable before God, we find ourselves positioned—not pressured—for everything He has already prepared. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Positioned, Not Pressured: A Teachable Heart in a Shifting Season”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

I Won’t Stop Trusting God

Life certainly presents its share of challenges, something I fully realized one evening when I had a painful argument with my now ex-husband. As usual, he was settled into his lounge chair when I came home from work, ready to pick a fight. Silence and avoidance might not seem like abuse, but when you’re married and living together with children, it can be one of the most hurtful forms.

In times like these, I cling to the promise of Christ in John 16:33 (NLT): “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” This journey through life is often marked by trials and sorrows, especially in our most significant relationships. The hateful behaviors, passive aggression, and spitefulness can cut like a knife. Despite the trials, we can trust that God’s peace and strength will guide us through these storms, and He never fails.

As a communicator, I find it incredibly difficult to remain silent for long periods, so enduring my husband’s intentional silence was absolute torture. His refusal to speak was his way of punishing me for something he didn’t like. While I didn’t think much of it during our dating years, his behavior ultimately over-burdened our marriage. My opinions, our differences, and even the air I breathed seemed to annoy him at times. Rather than talking about it, he stopped speaking to me for months on end. Those were some of the loneliest times of my life. I wanted desperately to engage with my partner, but he seemed to value punishing me more than loving me. It ended up being a very dark place, and this is not want God wants for anyone.

James 1:2-3 (NLT)is a verse that really hits home: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” True growth begins during challenging times. It’s through these trials that we learn to trust God. When in your heart you desire nothing more than to love and be loved by your spouse, being mistreated by them a spouse is shockingly hurtful. You ask the Lord, “How much more must I endure?” But it is precisely during these moments of testing that our faith is strengthened, and our relationship with God deepens.

In these moments of struggle, it can be helpful to remember that every trial is an opportunity for transformation. As we navigate the difficulties in our relationships and personal lives, we are invited to lean into God’s grace and find strength in His promises. Each challenge can become a steppingstone towards greater endurance and understanding. Philippians 4:13 (NLT) reveals, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength,” By relying on God’s strength, we can face problems, disappointments, and stressful situations with greater resilience. He will light the path to greater blessings and hope if we resolve in our minds and hearts, “I won’t stop trusting God!” Through our faith in Him, we’ll discover that even in the midst of pain, God is with us, fueling our hope and renewal.

As we push through these tough times, remember that every struggle is a chance for growth and a step closer to something better. Each challenge helps us lean into God’s strength and rediscover the extent to which He’s empowered us through the Holy Spirit to overcome every obstacle. Keep pushing forward with faith, knowing that every trial is shaping you for greater things. Trust that God’s got your back, lighting the way even when the path seems unclear. These moments are building something amazing in you. In the end, you’ll come out stronger, clinging more tightly to God, and ready for the blessings that lie ahead. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“I Won’t Stop Trusting God”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

God’s Love is Your Refuge

When the person you love inflicts pain—whether physical or emotional—where do you turn for solace? In those moments of hurt and confusion, find refuge in God. Trust that His unwavering love will not falter. It is His love, grace, and mercy that will carry you through the darkest times. The psalmist encourages us in Psalms 34:8 (NLT) “Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” This verse invites us to personally experience the goodness of God and assures us that those who seek shelter in Him will find joy. While others may offer advice on how to trust God, the experience of faith is deeply personal and unique. It’s something you must witness and taste for yourself to truly understand.

Even the most seasoned Christians face challenges, but through steadfast trust in God, we find the strength to triumph over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As Romans 8:37 (NLT) declares, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” The trials we endure are not without purpose; they often lead us to a deeper understanding of His love.

Many people, including myself, face struggles that can feel overwhelming. Yet, there is a more effective way to navigate these challenges without separating ourselves from faith in God’s love and His power to help us. No problem is too big for Him to solve, but our faith must be firmly anchored in Him. I’ve learned that clinging too tightly to fears or past hurts can stifle our spiritual and personal growth. We can become so engulfed in our disappointment that we lose sight of the path to redemption and renewal. By trusting in God’s ability to guide us, we allow His grace to clear the way, helping us to overcome obstacles and find a path toward healing and transformation.

Faith in God opens our eyes to the light of Jesus Christ. Consider the promise of 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT), which says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” By letting go and placing your trust in God, you open yourself up to His transformative power. When you surrender your fears and hurts to Him, you allow His love to guide you toward a better tomorrow, one where His peace and grace can illuminate your path forward.

Often, what we’re missing is this very trust. The darkness of our situations can overwhelm our senses, leaving us feeling stuck and consumed by emotions and thoughts that cloud our clarity. We may feel disconnected, struggling with confusion and frustration. Yet, by turning our concerns over to God, we invite His light into our lives, clearing the way for healing and renewal.

It doesn’t happen overnight. Transformation and the strengthening of our relationship with God is a journey, and it takes time to see the fruits of our trust in Him. But He never leaves or forsakes us, and with each step forward, you are moving closer to the peace and clarity He promises. Remember, His love is your refuge, providing guidance and support even when the path seems unclear. Trust in His timing and allow His love to lead you. He will turn your disappointment into the breakthrough that you so deeply desire for your life. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God’s Love is Your Refuge”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

A Collapsed House

In Job 1:18-19 (NLT), there’s this shocking moment where a messenger comes to Job with some heart-wrenching news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”  Imagine the horror: a home reduced to rubble; children lost in an instant. It’s a nightmare that strikes right at the core of our sense of safety and stability.

When a home falls apart, it’s not just a physical collapse but an emotional one that shakes the foundation of our being. It also means a big hit to our sense of safety and stability. For many of us, this kind of disaster isn’t just a distant worry—it’s something we worry about all the time.  Maybe your husband has threatened to leave, and you lie awake each night dreading the moment you come home to find their stuff gone. Or you might be juggling everything on your own, trying to take care of your family while feeling completely worn out. Bills keep piling up, and it feels like one more setback could be the tipping point that makes everything crumble. In these moments, you might feel like the “house” of your life is on the verge of collapse, much like Job’s home.

Whether it’s the fear of losing a loved one, the strain of being the sole provider, or the relentless pressure of mounting bills, these scenarios bring up the same deep-seated anxiety. Dealing with these challenges, we’re constantly trying to keep our lives from falling apart, feeling like we’re right on the edge of our own breakdown. But Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) reminds us, “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” In these moments of overwhelming stress, we can find comfort and refuge in God. He’s our safe place, a stronghold that can help us weather any storm.

Admittedly, it can be challenging to believe this when you’ve been shouldering everything for those you love for so long. It’s easy to feel worn out and discouraged, especially when you’ve carried the weight of responsibilities, sacrifices, and fears on your own. At times, it may seem like there’s no end in sight, and the idea of finding refuge and strength can feel distant and unreal. Yet, even in the midst of exhaustion and frustration, God’s promises hold true.

When you’re overwhelmed and feel like you’ve reached your limit, remember that you’re not alone in this. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) offers a comforting invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Turning to God in these moments of struggle can bring renewed hope and strength, reminding us that there is a powerful source of support and comfort available, even when everything seems like it’s on the verge of collapse.

Our Heavenly Father doesn’t cause the painful situations in our lives, but He knows we will face them. 2 Peter 2:9 (NLT) tells us, “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.” This means that, even in our most challenging moments, God is fully aware of our struggles. He has the power to transform our difficulties into opportunities for growth and beauty. All power is in His hands, and He is both willing and able to guide us through our trials, turning what seems like rubble into something stronger and more magnificent.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“A Collapsed House”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Waiting for God’s Help

When things go wrong, our first instinct is often to fix them ourselves. But what happens when we can’t? Who do we turn to? As believers, we should always turn to God, yet sometimes we find ourselves questioning His plan or our own faith. Life can be tough; it can wear us down and cause us to wonder if we’ll find true answers and lasting peace. Many of us can relate to the sentiments in Psalm 69:3 (NLT): “I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.” This verse captures the raw emotion and desperate need for God’s intervention that many of us experience during times of hardship and uncertainty. It reminds us to lean on God completely, trusting that He hears our cries and will provide comfort, guidance, and help in His perfect timing.  

I recall a time in my life when I had to wait for God’s help. Early in my marriage, my husband became physically abusive. The signs were there even before we married, but I ignored them. Many nights, I cried myself to sleep, feeling trapped and without a way out. It was during those darkest moments that I turned to prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength. I questioned why this was happening and struggled to find the courage to change my situation.

Psalm 46:1-2 (NLT) reassures us, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” These verses are more than encouragement; they stand as a powerful testament to the enduring goodness of God and His unwavering love for us. Our faith in God provides a refuge and a source of strength that sustains us through the most challenging times. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming circumstances—like earthquakes and mountains crumbling—God remains steadfast and ready to intervene on our behalf.

This truth should inspire and secure our overwhelming confidence in Him. When we love and honor God, we find that He never disappoints. His promises hold true, and His presence brings peace amidst turmoil. This assurance allows us to face difficulties with courage, knowing that God is with us and will guide us through every storm.

In John 16:33 (NLT), Jesus Christ reminds us, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” The challenges of life can weigh heavy on us, especially the emotional, mental, and physical toll of domestic violence and abuse. It may seem that there’s no way out, but Jesus reminds us to focus on the victory he won for us on the cross when he gave his life as a sacrifice for our sins. He invites us to lay our burdens down and trust him with them.

It took time for me to grow in faith and courage, and to open my eyes to all the ways God was helping me. He had been extending His hand all along, and when the veil of doubt was removed, I could see His hand of mercy guiding me through the darkness. Through His grace and by following His guidance, He transformed my life in ways I never imagined possible, and He wants to do this for everyone that comes to Him.

Jesus plainly tells us that life won’t be easy. We will face trials and sorrows, but we can take heart because He has overcome them all. In every circumstance, we find resilience knowing that God’s strength sustains us. We won’t break or crumble because His promises are steadfast, and His love is unending. God can handle whatever burdens we cast upon Him; we just need to trust that He is faithful to His Word. ■

 Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Waiting for God’s Help”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

God Never Forsakes His People

Christians are often known for their warmth and friendliness, traits that might lead others to assume they have no enemies. However, in the lives of many believers as well as those who don’t yet know Christ, adversaries can unexpectedly surface, even within the closest circles of relationships. It’s alarming to confront the shocking reality that someone we’ve deeply cherished—a spouse, parent, or professed loved one—has transformed into a source of conflict, fear, or hostility. How did a bond that was initially blanketed in love turn sour, bubbling over with tension and potential harm? Regardless of the specifics, the prevailing emotions are those of fear and apprehension, as we find ourselves having to guard against someone or something that now threatens our peace and well-being.

No matter what trials you may face or what challenges lie ahead, remember that nothing is hidden from God. You are not alone, and there is always a path to resolution. God sees every aspect of your story and stands ready to provide help and restoration. Even in the face of persecution or loss, choosing to love Him steadfastly brings about a promise of restoration. Truth prevails, and God never abandons His people or leaves them defenseless. Even in the darkest moments, His presence remains unwavering, offering comfort, strength, and the assurance that His ultimate plan includes redemption and restoration.

In Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (NLT), our Heavenly Father proclaimed a message of hope to His people: “3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. 4 Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the LORD your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. 5 The LORD your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!”

This verse speaks to the promise of restoration and compassion from God. It addresses a time when the Israelites, due to their disobedience, were scattered among the nations. Despite their rebelliousness, God assures them that He will not abandon them forever. Instead, He promises to gather them back, restoring their wealth and showing them compassion. He tells them that even if they find themselves in the farthest reaches of the earth, His power and love are not limited by any boundaries, geographical or otherwise. He can reach them wherever they are and bring them back. This emphasizes our Heavenly Father’s incredible grace and mercy. Deuteronomy 30:3-5 reflects not just God’s enduring faithfulness to His people living in Old Testament times, but it demonstrates His willingness to forgive, restore, and bless those of us living today.

Jesus Christ told his disciples in John 15:18 (NLT), “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” This serves as a poignant reminder that as his followers, we may encounter hatred and persecution in this world. He doesn’t ever want any of us to go through betrayal and heartbreak, but he informs us that these things can happen in the world that we live in, and he prepares us this reality. We may experience undeserved persecution, and when we do, we must remember that we are not the first. Jesus experienced the full extent of human hatred and cruelty and endured the cross for the sake of us all. Our Heavenly Father victoriously resurrected him from the grave, and He invites us to share in this victory!

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) tells us, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”” As a society, many of us place a tremendous amount of confidence in money, material things, and even our relationships with others. This verse urges us to cultivate a mindset of contentment, not based on pretend or fluff, but based on truth—based on the reality that God will never fail or abandon us. Regardless of life’s circumstances, we must priority our relationship with God over any other pursuit. His enduring faithfulness is our security in life, and we can lean on Him and always trust Him to come to our aid. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God Never Forsakes His People”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

The State of Your Intimacy with God

Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

A close friend recently asked me what I would do if the person I loved the most betrayed me. She posed this question because it happened to her almost eleven years ago. While she has since recovered from the pain it caused, the memory remains a constant reminder of what was lost during the healing process and the price paid due to ignorance of the situation.

The sting of betrayal is something most people try to avoid at all costs. It’s not just about the person who causes the hurt but also the struggle of picking up the pieces. Once our hearts have been broken, the pain makes an imprint upon our memories that we will never forget, but there is also a lesson in our heartbreak. This lesson sheds light on the state of our intimacy with God.

In his epistle to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 11:1-3 (MSG): “Will you put up with a little foolish aside from me? Please, just for a moment. The thing that has me so upset is that I care about you so much—this is the passion of God burning inside me! I promised your hand in marriage to Christ, presented you as a pure virgin to her husband. And now I’m afraid that exactly as the Snake seduced Eve with his smooth tongue, you are being lured away from the simple purity of your love for Christ.”

Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate, the ‘Great I Am!’ Revelation 1:8 paints the picture perfectly—He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. His glory, intelligence, and perfection surpass all comprehension. No one can compare to our extraordinary, all-powerful, all-knowing God! He is Everything, and in Matthew 6:33, Jesus Christ commands us to prioritize seeking God and His Kingdom above all else. You see, God can never take second place. It’s just not who He is. He is sovereign, and He reigns supremely. If we place anything or anyone above our Heavenly Father, it reflects a misunderstanding of His nature. In such a case, He holds us accountable for seeking Him out, for delving into His Word to grasp the truth.

A lot of women haven’t really taken the time to understand and know God intimately. They often prioritize their relationships with guys over their relationship with our Heavenly Father, and this will not turn out well. It’s like they’re all in when it comes to romance, but not so much when it comes to God. That’s not going to lead us on the right path. The psalmist said in Psalm 16:8(NIV): “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” This verse is conveying to us that if we stay focused on God, sure, heartbreak might hurt, but it won’t knock us down completely. We won’t be left devastated just because a mere mortal decides not to be loyal. 

God wants us to put Him first, above everything else. This isn’t a big ask, because He truly deserves our utmost devotion. He is our Creator and everything that we achieve and possess in this life is because of His grace. Sometimes, when we look back with a deeper understanding, we realize that we left ourselves open to hurt. Cheating happens, and it’s up to us whether we want to stay in a relationship after betrayal. But here’s the thing: if we don’t change ourselves and place our focus on God, we might find ourselves in the same painful situation again.

When our relationship is tight with Heavenly Father, our thoughts and actions start to change; we’re no longer who we used to be. As our faith grows and gets stronger, we begin to understand how our words, feelings, thoughts, and actions can either make tough situations easier or harder to handle. Progressing spiritually means realizing that we can’t escape pain entirely in life.

Never forget that life, as designed by our Heavenly Father, requires us to confront our obstacles; otherwise, they’ll hinder our progress. So, when someone hurts us, it’s like holding up a mirror. It reflects something we need to address to move forward and live a richer, more purposeful life. Trusting in God, prioritizing Him and His righteousness, allows Jesus Christ to tend to your heart. He’ll mend it, shield it, and transform it into one that forgives and empowers you.

Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken from The Message. Copyright ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“The State of Your Intimacy with God”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

God Is the Glue that Holds Everything Together

Romans 8:28 (NLT)“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

2Corinthians 5:21(NKJV) tells us, “For He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This is an extraordinary truth, one we mut be grateful for every moment of each day. Through Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father has made us righteous and given us right standing in Him eternally! We are righteous in Christ this very moment, and God wants us to enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with being His children. He has placed His Holy Spirit in us, and Romans 8:15 makes it clear that we haven’t received a spirit that makes us fearful and afraid like slaves. No, no, no! We’ve have received God’s Spirit, and now we can cry out to Him as our beloved all-powerful Father!

Someone might think, “Well that sounds good, but I don’t feel righteous. I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders and my life is falling apart.” It’s a fact that life can sometimes feel this way. It can be heavy, with problems that seem insurmountable, but the reality is that the gifts and calling that God has placed on us isn’t dependent on how we feel. It’s dependent on our faith in Him. God has given us His righteousness because it was His good pleasure to do so. He’s clothed us with it, and every morning that we get up and every night that we go to sleep, our standing with God will always be right. We should be celebrating this every moment of each day.

God’s Word says in Colossians 2:10(NKJV), “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.The word “complete” in this verse means that we are completely, completely, complete in Christ, and in him, we lack nothing. God hasn’t held anything back. We’re packed to the full and running over with spiritual blessings. So, this word ‘complete’ describes who and what God has made us through Jesus Christ! This is a powerful truth, but many of us just don’t connect with it. We don’t think of ourselves as being empowered by God in this way, but we are, and it is our responsibility to change the way that we think so that our confessions, thoughts, conversations, behaviors, and attitudes mirror our completeness in Christ.

When we hear Good News like this, we might feel like we’re at the bottom of the ocean, and we can’t swim to the surface to breathe it in. Our problems and issues are blocking and preventing us from wading through. We want God to move everything out of our way so that we can see our way to the top. Our Heavenly Father is committed to helping us in every way possible. He will help us get to the top, but He requires us to open our eyes to see the way He’s made for us. In John 14:6(NLT), Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is that way! He is the way to the Father. He is the way to every victory we can enjoy in life, and these victories must be won through our faith in him.

Our faith should overpower our tribulations and problems, but in order for this to happen, we must surrender to God. In 2Corinthians 12:9(NLT), when the Apostle Paul asked for God’s help three times because someone was causing him serious grief, God told him, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul then said, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.We are nothing without God, so when we try to be the glue that holds our lives together, they fall apart. The truth is that we were never meant to be the glue. Our Heavenly Father is, and we must open our eyes to the greatness of this truth and have total faith in Him.

Colossians 1:15-17(NLT) tells us, “15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see–such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Everything that exists belongs to God, including us. We were created by Him for Him, and if we refuse to acknowledge this, our lives will feel as if they are moving in reverse. This is not what he wants for us. From the very first hint of a difficulty or obstacle in life, God and the victory we have in Christ must be our first thought. The instinct of conquering adversity is one that is inside the heart of every born-again believer. We just have to release it by opening our eyes to faith in God and remain focused on Him because He is the glue that hold our lives together, and the greatest thing that any of us can do in life is to trust this with all our hearts.■  

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God Is the Glue that Holds Everything Together”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Be Strong in Your Faith

1 Peter 5:9 (NLT)
“Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.”


Divorce can be one of the most painful ordeals that any of us can experience. When children are involved, it’s even more challenging. Some of us are still in shock even after a year or so has passed. We find ourselves just going through the motions on life, responding to it on autopilot. Sometimes the reality of no longer being married hits us like a freight train. For others, it’s a slower process of coming to terms with the emotions. Even when abuse is involved, and we’re finally free, the readjustment emotionally and mentally may cause us to lose confidence in our identity, decisions, and ability to live a happy life.

The Word of God teaches us that we should pray for our brothers and sisters all over the world, and 1Peter 5:9 reminds us that they are going through some of the same difficulties many of us are experiencing. This encouragement is not meant to minimize the pain and heartbreak we might be enduring. Jesus Christ said in John 16:33(NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Our Heavenly Father knows that life can be difficult for us, and He wants to help us. He wants us to know that just as He has helped our other sisters and brothers in Christ as they have suffered tribulation and come through it, He will help us as well.

It is God’s Will for the gift of being and having a spouse to be a blessing. It’s a role that is meant to be unifying, and to provide support and love, but sometimes people do not value the gift of marriage as it should be. Colossians 3:12(NLT) says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” The world would be a very different place if God’s commandment in this verse was obeyed by everyone, but many people do not obey it. They are not kind, humble, gentle, tenderhearted and patient. Often, they are just the opposite.

It is also the case that sometimes we don’t find out about the dark side of some individuals until after we’ve married them. While dating and getting to know one another, all of us try to present our best qualities, but when the things that lurk beneath the surface appear, sometimes the darkness is shocking. We didn’t see it coming, but God knows everything. He knew that this person had issues that would impede our lives. This is one of the reasons that we must seek God first on all things. Jesus Christ tells us this in Matthew 6:33(NLT), where he said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

In the aftermath of a difficult situation, we must never lose sight of God’s willingness and ability to come to our rescue. We can’t make decisions without God’s help. We need Him to lead, guide, and direct us, not just in the process of making the decisions, but also about living with those decisions. We need His guidance and help to maintain the blessings we’ve received.

Romans 8:29(NLT) says, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” We are God’s children and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. This is our identity, and it is a glorious one. The Christian life doesn’t exempt us from the hardships of life. Through our powerful Lord and Savior, we don’t remain in troubles and tribulations, we go through them and come out on the victorious side. We must stand firm and remain strong in our faith in this as we move from victory to victory through Jesus Christ.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Be Strong in Your Faith”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

God Gives Good Love All the Time

Romans 5:8-10 (NLT)
“8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”

In John 14:1, Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled, but to trust God in all things. The heart is a part of our souls, and our soul is the innermost part of who we are. Our reflection in the mirror reveals the physical attributes of our bodies, and although our physical being allows others to identify us, our bodies cannot define who we are. God has done this. Romans 8:29(NLT) tells us, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

We are God’s sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. God tells us in Genesis 1:26-27 that He created us in His own likeness. We are indeed His spiritual children if we have His seed, the Holy Spirit, abiding within us. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, and allow him to have lordship over them, we are no longer the lord of our own existences; he is, and because we make him Lord, we commit to God that we will have a heart and mind like Jesus Christ.

Having a heart and mind like Christ are a spiritual reality. We can’t touch the mind, heart, and soul, but we know that we have them, and for much of our lives, we have made deposits into them. Like checks in the bank, we signed our names on all the information and feelings that we deposited into our minds, hearts, and souls, but as Lord, only Jesus Christ should have this privilege. Our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors should have God’s endorsement, and they should be continually filtered through the example of Jesus Christ.

Through the work of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, God has made us brand new! 2Corinthians 5:17(NLT) tells us, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Now, we can pull off all the old thoughts and feelings that kept us filled with anxiety and fear, and we can put on the joy and faith of Christ and live abundantly. Our problem is that we don’t do this as readily as we should. God commands us to renew our minds to His Word, but most of us do this very slowly. We take a long time to change our thoughts to the thoughts of Christ. Because of this, our hearts can be easily troubled.

This isn’t God’s Will for any of us. Our Heavenly Father has made it possible for us to be so totally immersed in His love that fear and all its cousins like worry, doubt, and anxiety are a thing of the past. We may not feel this way, but our feelings do not dictate the truth. God’s Word does. So, although a heart that isn’t troubled may not be our reality, we can have 100% confidence that God has made a way through Christ for us to live free. 

There are no imperfections in God’s love. God gives good love all the time, and He tells us in 1John 4:18(NLT), “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” A lack of faith in Him will leave us confused about how to manage our own lives, but if we learn more about God and His love for us all, we’ll see that we have nothing to fear. We must trust in Him with all our hearts and do so until our love for Him is filled to overflowing and leaves no more room for fear and doubt.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God Gives Good Love All the Time”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!