Don’t Let Him Pick You Apart!

Posted on August 27, 2026 by daaorg1214

I bet just about every woman knows the verse in Philippians 4:6(NLT). It tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Look at how lovingly our Heavenly Father gives us a pathway back to peace. He doesn’t leave us guessing. First, He tells us what not to do: don’t worry. Then He tells us exactly what to do: pray, bring our needs before Him, and remember His faithfulness.

Worry has a way of slowly wearing us down. It creeps into our thoughts, steals our confidence, and makes us question what God has already promised. But worry is not who we are. Fear is not our identity. Doubt does not define us. As believers, we are women who have been given faith, strength, and authority through Jesus Christ.

And we have to be careful because the enemy loves to use painful situations to make us turn against ourselves. He wants us to replay every hurt, every mistake, every word spoken against us until we begin to believe the lies. But we can’t let the devil pick us apart. We can’t partner with the very voice that is trying to convince us that we are powerless, broken, or forgotten.

This is especially important for women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. Many women have spent years hearing words meant to tear them down. They have been criticized, controlled, blamed, and made to feel like they were the problem. Little by little, those wounds can settle deep within the soul if they are not brought before God for healing.

I’ve heard the testimonies of so many women of faith who have walked through some of the darkest seasons imaginable. They have faced abandonment, financial struggles, betrayal, emotional abuse, and physical violence. Some felt like they were being attacked from every direction. Just when they thought one storm was finally passing, another storm appeared. They felt like throwing in the towel, but they didn’t.

One of the common threads in their stories is that they discovered something powerful: anxiety and doubt can steal precious moments that God intended for peace. They spent time worrying about whether God would show up, whether He would make a way, or whether they would be left behind.

His Word reminds us in Isaiah 43:2 (NLT), “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

God never abandoned them. He never lost sight of them. He walked with them through the valley and brought them into a place of healing, restoration, and renewed strength. He will do the same for you. Their testimonies remind us that every believer will face moments when their faith is tested. We can know God’s promises, and still struggle with fear.

We all know the grips of that sinking feeling. The kind of heaviness that settles so deeply you cannot even explain the depth of it. Your heart feels troubled, your mind feels exhausted, and nothing seems to bring comfort. In those moments, we know God’s healing power. We know His promises. We know He has told us not to worry, yet there are moments when fear still rises within us.

Many women who have experienced abuse know this feeling all too well. After being hurt, controlled, criticized, or made to feel powerless, fear can become a familiar companion. Even when friends, loved ones, and spiritual mentors remind us to give it to Jesus, we may find ourselves surrendering our burdens one moment and picking them back up the next. But this is where God begins His healing work within us. He is not asking us to pretend we were never hurt. He is teaching us that our pain does not have to determine who we become. He is showing us that the things that happened to us do not have the authority to define who we are.

As God’s children, we can learn something powerful by looking at the love we have for our own children. Many of us would do everything within our power to protect our children, provide for them, and help them through difficult seasons. That love did not originate with us. God placed that capacity to love within us because we were created in His image.

And if we, as imperfect parents, know how to love our children, how much greater is the love of our Heavenly Father? God’s love is higher, deeper, and more complete than anything we could ever give. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. He sees what we cannot see. He knows what we do not know. And even when we feel forgotten, He has never lost sight of us.

Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it tries to convince us that something is true simply because it feels real. Fear says, “You will never recover.” Fear says, “You will always be broken.” Fear says, “God will not come through for you.”

But fear is a liar.

We cannot allow the enemy to continue picking us apart with thoughts that contradict what God has spoken over our lives. Instead, we must learn to bring those thoughts before God and replace them with His truth. Yes, learning to choose faith over fear takes time. Healing takes time. Trust takes time. But God has given us a pathway forward. His Word tells us in Philippians 4:6-8 to remember His goodness, to thank Him for what He has done, and to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

This is how we begin to rebuild what was damaged. This is how we strengthen our faith. This is how we stop allowing fear to have the final word.

The enemy may have tried to pick you apart, but God is in the business of putting you back together.

If someone has spent years trying to convince you that you are not enough, remember this: their words do not have the authority to define you. God’s Word does. You are loved. You are seen. You are valuable. You are a daughter of the King.

Don’t let him pick you apart. Don’t let his words determine how you see yourself. Don’t let the pain of what happened to you become stronger than the truth of who God says you are.

Give those broken places to the One who knows how to restore. The same God who carried you through yesterday will strengthen you for today and prepare you for tomorrow. ■

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.

Are You as Open to God’s Blessings as You Should Be?

Posted on August 20, 2026 by daaorg1214

Cynthia is 47 and has been a full-time Gospel singer since graduating college with a degree in music arts. Music has always been her world, and she’s genuinely grateful for a career she’s thoroughly enjoyed. She’s met nearly all of her favorite Gospel artists, even shared stages and green rooms with many of them. But now, Cynthia finds herself at a crossroads.

Doctors have advised her to give her vocal cords a serious rest. Physically, she’s tired. Twenty-five years on the road have taken a toll, and although she’s met some amazing people along the way, she’s lonely. The distance and constant travel have made it hard to sustain relationships. None of them have lasted long, and for the past six years, she’s only dated occasionally—with no real commitments.

Recently, an old high school classmate reached out through social media. Back then, he was the class nerd—quiet, awkward, but smart as a whip. What Cynthia never knew was that he secretly fell for her the first time he heard her sing in the seventh-grade choir. He’s always carried a soft spot for her in his heart, but she never noticed him. Like her, he never married, but life kept him busy—he’s now a vice president at a tech company, active in his church, and well-respected in his community.

After exchanging a few messages, he invited her to an event his church was sponsoring. Cynthia declined—politely—but dismissed him almost as quickly as she did back in high school. He wasn’t her type. Not a musician, not a singer, not a choir director. Just a good, available, honorable, saved man… but still, not her type.

Cynthia didn’t think twice about turning him down. In her mind, God’s best for her would come wrapped in a package she was familiar with—someone who shared her musical passion and lifestyle. But what if God was trying to give her something new? Something stable, real, and rooted in the kind of love that grows deep, not just wide?

Sometimes we pray for blessings, ask for companionship, even cry out for something meaningful—but when it shows up in a way we’re not used to, we brush it off. It doesn’t look how we thought it would. It doesn’t fit our type. But the truth is, our “type” isn’t always God’s Will.

Proverbs 16:25 (NLT) says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” That may sound a bit dramatic, but it speaks to how when our preferences are unchecked, they can blind us to God’s direction. We lean on what we’re used to instead of leaning into what He’s doing.

Cynthia’s story isn’t about settling. Some of us might think so, but there’s no such thing as settling when it comes to God’s Will. He’s the One with the plan for our lives, and He knows exactly what He’s doing. He only wants what is best for us. So, it’s about being open. Open to the possibility that God knows what she needs in this next chapter of her life more than she does. Maybe the blessing she’s been waiting for isn’t coming through a microphone or a tour bus, but through a conversation with someone she once overlooked.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) reminds us that God “is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” That includes healing our hearts, restoring our strength, and sending blessings we didn’t even know we needed.

When the prophet Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel, he was certain he’d recognize the right one based on looks, stature, and presence. But 1 Samuel 16:7(NLT) tells us that God corrected him, saying, “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” That moment wasn’t just about choosing a king—it was about showing all of us how easily we can misread what God is doing because we’re focused on the surface.

Cynthia, like many of us, had a checklist. Years of living in a specific lane had shaped her expectations. She imagined the man who would come alongside her life would carry a microphone, know his way around a choir stand, and understand the rhythm of Gospel ministry. But God might be writing a new melody—one with a slower tempo, grounded in peace, companionship, and purpose outside of performance.

What if this man from her past—faithful, consistent, and grounded in the Word—wasn’t a detour, but a divine appointment? When we cling too tightly to our preferences, we risk overlooking God’s provision. His blessings don’t always come in the wrapping we expect, but they always come with His signature—peace, goodness, and fruit that lasts.

So the question becomes personal: Are you as open to God’s blessings as you should be? Have you shut the door on something—or someone—because it didn’t look like what you had in mind? Could it be that God is presenting you with a new chapter that requires you to trust Him more than your instincts? It’s easy to pray for favor, but it can’t be filtered through our preferences; it doesn’t work that way. Psalm 84:11 (NLT) says, “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” If He’s not withholding it, don’t put yourself in a position of resisting it. Let go and let God. ■

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.

When You Just Can’t Take Anymore

Posted on August 13, 2026 by daaorg1214

Everyone has a breaking point, and when we’re pushed to the limit, everything just feels overwhelming. We become emotionally exhausted and may find ourselves thinking, “I just can’t take anymore.” It all feels like too much to bear, and as much as we want to be strong, standing solidly in faith, we’re so emotionally exhausted that we don’t think we can even connect to it anymore. Whether it’s dealing with loss, disappointment, heartbreak, or the overwhelming demands of life, we can’t stop thinking that we’re at the edge, and our reservoir of strength feels depleted.

How do you bounce back from this? Well, the one gift we must give ourselves is to remember that, with the Lord, it’s entirely possible to bounce back—to be rescued from the edge by His mighty hand. God promises us something powerful in times of emotional exhaustion: He is our strength when we have none left. In Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), He says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” When we’re at that breaking point and feel as though we’re going to shatter into pieces, this is exactly where God wants us to turn to Him. It’s where His strength can shine the brightest, and where we can truly experience His sustaining power. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT): “But he said to me, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” This reminds us of God’s amazing grace, and His willingness to use His power on our behalf.

Am I Humbling Myself?

Sometimes, when life becomes unbearable, our first instinct is to fight against whatever is coming at us. We might think we can stand strong in our own strength, but life has a way of teaching us that this simply isn’t true. God calls us to humble ourselves in the midst of our struggles. We must bow to His sovereignty, power, and strength, recognizing that we can’t do this alone. James 4:10 (NLT) tells us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” Our Heavenly Father invites us to release control and let Him work things out of us. Humbling ourselves means admitting that we don’t have all the answers and that we need Him to guide us through the storm. When we surrender our will for His Will, God promises to lift us up.

Am I Willing to Let Go and Let God?

When broken pieces fall to the ground, our tendency is to want desperately to pick them up and put them back together. Our burdens are heavy on us, but we’ve convinced ourselves that if we can’t fix it, things won’t come together the way we think they should. We cling to the struggle instead of clinging to the One who holds our tomorrows—who can fix any issue or problem perfectly. In God’s Word, He invites us to release our worries into His capable hands. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) encourages, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” This is not just a suggestion—it’s a call to trust that God will handle what we cannot.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means trusting that God’s plans for us are greater than anything we could put together ourselves. It means letting go and letting God–surrendering our anxiety and worries and allowing Him to take full control. This is where true peace begins. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) tells us: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Can I Patiently Endure?

As God’s children, all of us have what it takes to patiently endure. The question is whether we will trust God through to the end. He deserves this level of trust from us, and we are never disappointed when we have faith in Him. Yes, in the middle of our struggles, patience can seem like an impossible task. We want relief right now, but God often calls us to wait and trust in His timing. Romans 12:12 (NLT) teaches us to “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Patience isn’t about passive waiting—it’s about actively trusting God’s process while we endure the challenges that come our way.

Endurance is part of the Christian journey. James 1:2-4 (NLT) says, “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. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Our character and faith are strengthened through this testing. So, when you feel like you’re about to break, remember that God is doing something powerful in you through your patience.

Will I Trust the Victory Christ Won for Me?

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to forget the victory Christ has already won for us. The challenges we face might seem insurmountable, but Romans 8:37 (NLT) reminds us, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Christ has already conquered sin, death, and every power that would seek to defeat us. The victory is already won—it is a finished work. When we remember this, it helps us to press on, knowing that even in our weakest moments, his victory covers us. We are more than conquerors, not because of our own strength, but because of his finished work on the cross.

At some point, life is going to throw all of us for a loop. It’s going to rock us to our cores, to the point where we finally understand that God is in control, not us. When life pushes us to the edge, He is faithful to deliver us. God offers us hope and strength. And it’s not a surface level, temporary solution that He offers us; it’s the fullness of deliverance and restoration He bestows upon us. We don’t have to give up. With humility, trust, patience, and faith in Christ’s victory, we can make it through. As we lean on His promises, we can endure, knowing that He is holding us up with His victorious right hand. You are not alone in your struggle, and you do not have to carry the weight on your own. God is with you, and through Him, you can overcome.■

A Prospering Soul – Part 2

Posted on August 12, 2026 by daaorg1214

Part 2- The Blockers of Idolatry, Love of Money, and People Worship

Abraham, the father of faith, emerged in the ancient times of the Old Testament. This was a pivotal period because God established His covenantal relationship with His people. Abraham’s record marks a crucial turning point in biblical history. God chose him to be the father of a great nation that would eventually bring forth the Messiah, our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. The most defining characteristic that is so meaningful to believers is the longing of Abraham’s heart for a son. For years, he dreamed of having a son who would carry on his name and legacy. As the years passed and Abraham grew older, he was convinced all hope was lost. He was well beyond his prime, and so was his wife, Sarah. The dream of fathering a child seemed to slip further from their reach.

God Always Has a Plan

Abraham didn’t know it, but God had an awesome plan for his life. Genesis 12:1-2 (NLT) tells us: “The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation when Abraham was 75 years old. It’s important for us to note the significant lapse of time between the promise and its fulfillment. It wasn’t until 25 years later, when Abraham was 100 and his wife Sarah was 90, that they would see the birth of their son, Isaac.

This long waiting period wasn’t all fun and games. The depth of Abraham’s faith took time to cultivate. Wait mode can be taxing on the soul, and for Abraham, it was marked by doubt, fear, pain, and moments of questioning. These often come to the surface when we’re waiting on a blessing to manifest. When they do, we must not disregard these heavies, but confront and overcome them. This is often what makes the delay necessary. During those 25 years, Abraham had to deepen his trust and reliance on the One who had made the promise. Those years of waiting were not wasted; they were a time of refining, testing, and growing Abraham’s faith to the point where he could finally see that nothing, not even his own limitations or the passing of time, could hinder God’s Will.

The First Step: Separation from Idolatry

Genesis 12:1 tells us that God called Abraham to leave his native country, his relatives, and his father’s family. This was the first step of Abraham’s journey toward fulfilling his divine purpose. It began with this crucial step of separation. In the culture of Abraham’s time, fathers were central to the family unit and held all the authority. Their influence shaped not only the household but also the community and spiritual life. To leave his father and his father’s family was no small thing; it meant detaching from everything that Abraham had known and trusted.

We should try to put ourselves in his shoes; being surrounded by siblings and relatives, living comfortably with them, and enjoying their support for much of his life. Abraham was not a young man when God called him, but in his senior years. So, he was immersed, as was the culture then, in the close bonds of a community of family and friends. Imagine how daunting it would be to leave it all behind. There’s no doubt that this tapestry of loved ones was central to his identity, as it is for us in some respect. Yet, Abraham was obedient to God’s request.

Abraham’s father, Terah, was an idolater. In Joshua 24:2 (NLT), it states, “Long ago your ancestors, including Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods.” This sets the stage for understanding the environment in which Abraham grew up. His community was steeped in idolatry, and though the Bible doesn’t explicitly detail how deeply Abraham’s father’s idolatry affected him, we can imagine that it shaped much of his early life and understanding of the world. Idols, whether they are made of stone, wood, or false ideas, are powerful influences on the mind, heart, and behavior of people. They lead people to turn their backs on God and His Will. The constant exposure to this must have subtly affected Abraham’s thoughts, desires, and decisions in some way.

For Abraham to step into the fullness of God’s promise, there had to be a clear break from that idolatrous influence. We have to know that the Lord’s command to “leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family” wasn’t just about geography; it was about separation from the spiritual and cultural influences that would hinder Abraham from fulfilling his divine calling. Idolatry, in all its forms, is an enemy to the prospering soul. It draws people’s attention away from the one true living God and places it on temporary, powerless things; this is a dark and deadly way to live. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that for Abraham to truly walk in faith and receive His promise, he needed to step away from the old ways, the old patterns, and the old allegiances that had been established in his family.

Its Influence on the Heart

A prospering soul is required for us to fulfill our purpose, become the person God has destined us to be, and to receive all that He has in store for our lives. But we have to recognize that the soul’s prosperity can be hindered by strongholds of sin and toxic patterns. Among the most insidious blockers to a thriving soul are idolatry, the love of money, and the worship of people. The fruition of the promise came to Abraham when his mind, heart, and soul were no longer hindered by doubt and darkness. This is the case with us as well. When we place anything—whether it’s material wealth, the approval of others, or even ourselves—above God, we set up false idols that rob us of peace, joy, and the intimacy in our relationship with Heavenly Father that He requires and deserves.

Idolatry is anything we place above God in our hearts, whether consciously or unconsciously. It’s not just about bowing to statues or worshiping false gods—it’s about what we prioritize, trust, and depend on more than Him. Money, success, relationships, status, or even our own desires can become idols when they take the throne that belongs to God alone. 1 John 5:21 (NLT) warns us: “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” Idolatry isn’t just about misplaced priorities—it deeply affects the condition of our hearts. When we allow something other than God to take center stage, it reshapes the way we think, feel, and respond to Him. Over time, idolatry hardens our hearts, making us less sensitive to God’s voice and more attached to what we crave.

The danger of idolatry is that it creates a divided heart. Instead of fully loving and trusting God, we become torn and fragmented. One part of us still desires Him, but another part is consumed with something else. This inner conflict makes it harder to surrender to His Will. When we idolize money, our hearts grow anxious and restless, constantly striving for more. When we idolize relationships, our hearts become dependent on people for validation and security, rather than resting in God’s love. When we idolize success, our hearts become full of pride. We start to measure our worth by achievements rather than by God’s grace. This sets us up for disaster.

Jesus Christ said in John 4:24 (NLT): “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” Idolatry corrodes the heart in a way that disconnects it from worshipping God in spirit and truth. It blinds the heart, distorts our perception, and makes us justify the compromises we’ve made against our faith. We convince ourselves that our desires are harmless, even when they are pulling us away from God. The more we chase after these things, the less room we leave for His presence.

God desires undivided devotion because He knows that anything we elevate above Him will ultimately leave us empty. The only cure for an idolatrous heart is to return to Him in full surrender. When we let go of the things we’ve clung to and allow God to take His rightful place, our hearts find the peace, joy, and fulfillment they were created for. ■

“A Prospering Soul-Part 2: The Blockers of Idolatry, Love of Money, and People Worship”, written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

A Prospering Soul – Part 1

Posted on April 8, 2026 by daaorg1214

Part 1- A Prospering Soul is A Yielded Soul

In 3 John 1:2 (NKJV), the Apostle John prays for Gaius, saying, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” This is God’s Will for every person. He wants us to prosper in everything we set our hands to do. Contrary to what many have wrongly believed and taught, God doesn’t cause people to become sick and afflicted. This is one of the reasons that Jesus’s ministry is so impactful to us. He was moved with compassion to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and hearing to the deaf. He performed these wonderful miracles because it was God’s Will for him to do so. Paul’s prayer for Gaius beautifully reflects the Father’s Will for our total wholeness, where our body, soul, and spirit are all aligned with His divine purpose.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT) helps us grasp this more fully. Paul writes: “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” In this verse, our Heavenly Father emphasizes the wholeness of humanity, describing the three parts that make up a person: spirit, soul, and body. Paul mentions these parts separately, and we can’t allow the truth of this to slip by us. He’s signaling that each part must be considered individually, but also in harmony with one another. This is necessary for us to understand and experience true wholeness in the way the Father desires. Paul has made it clear that individually, we each play a huge role in achieving this harmony and balance, because the soul and the body are governed by our free-will.

The Impact of Free-Will Choice

The soul is the part of us that we have control over, and within the soul lies our emotions, our feelings center, our thoughts (the mind), and another crucial component—the human will. It’s important to remember that God will never overstep the gift of free-will that He’s given us. Romans 11:29 (NLT) affirms this: “For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” God’s gifts and call are irrevocable. This means He will never take back His call or overstep the gift of free-will He’s provided to every living person.

Essentially, we do what we want to do. There are rules that govern our daily lives, and more importantly, God has generously provided His laws to govern the way we should live as His children. Yet, in just about every aspect of life on earth, we find very creative ways of breaking these laws and requirements, and our Heavenly Father does not prevent us from doing so. Just as He allowed Eve to make the choice to sin when she was deceived by satan, and He allowed Adam to make the choice to sin when he was deceived by Eve, God will allow us to make our own free-will choices and decisions, even when they lead us to sin. We choose whether we will love and obey God or not. He doesn’t force us to live by the Holy Spirit, and He will allow us to go to hell if that’s our choice. Our Heavenly Father is committed to His Word, and therefore; He will not violate our free-will choices.

Before we are born again, we walk by the flesh and engage in works of the flesh. After we give our lives to Christ, in Galatians 5:16, we are instructed make a complete turnaround and “walk by the Spirit.” This is a powerful commandment intended to transform how we live. It is also, at its core, a choice that includes incredible privilege and responsibility. It’s an ongoing, day by day, moment by moment decision to allow God’s presence to shape how we think, feel, speak, and act. It is the way to consistently live victoriously and abundantly. Our Heavenly Father commands us to live this way and helps us through the Holy Spirit that indwells us, but He does not force us to do so.

We must not make the mistake of thinking the indwelling Holy Spirit will take control of our souls and make us yield to God. We must make the free-will choice to yield to Him ourselves. The Holy Spirit will not control our souls unless we surrender them, and most of us do this bit by bit—not in one fell swoop, but little by little.

Our emotions, thoughts, and will must be surrendered to His guidance. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In this passage, our Heavenly Father is lovingly imploring us to do what is best for our souls and surrender our entire existence to Him. Again, He does not force, but gently guides.

Say ‘Yes’ to God

It’s no secret that many of us struggle with releasing certain habits, addictions, obsessions, and phobias to the Lord Jesus Christ. He invites us to leave them at his feet, and never pick them up again, and it is our choice to do so. Everything in life, from the smallest to the greatest detail is spiritual, and sometimes there’s a ‘no’ in our souls that keeps us separated from the victory the Holy Spirit is leading us to.

There are hidden places within our souls that we often avoid confronting. These are areas where we hold back from fully surrendering to God’s Will. To experience true transformation, we must come to a place where we can say “yes” to God even in those deep, unyielded parts of ourselves. Our will must be fully surrendered to God’s Will. This means willingly allowing the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation and alignment with the Will of the Father. This is a soul that is yielded to the Holy Spirit, and when it is, we can truly experience the power and peace that comes from walking in the Spirit. It’s the key to a prospering soul—one that is continually surrendered to God’s transforming work. Pray, invite, and let the Spirit be at work in you.■

“A Prospering Soul Series: Part 1- A Prospering Soul is A Yielded Soul” written for DomesticAbuseAwareness.Org ©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

The Journey from Anxiety to Trusting God

Posted on April 1, 2026 by daaorg1214

Rezi is 43 now, and something peculiar has been happening to her since she was old enough to remember it. During the wee hours of the morning, just before she’s fully conscious, a rush of ideas flashes through her mind. It’s as if her subconscious takes over, flooding her thoughts with flashes of inspiration, new projects, and creative breakthroughs. Sometimes they are so vivid that she can almost see them in full detail. As a child, she became a collector of beautiful and odd things, certain she’d need them as she tried to bring her visions to life.

Over the years, Rezi has tried many things to capture the dreams and visions she receives. Naturally creative, those who know her have been dazzled by her ingenuity and artistic flair. Yet, after her thirties, her enthusiasm began to wane. Like many of us, life has been no joke for her. Her oldest brother, who she loved deeply, was tragically killed in a car accident, and the grief from that loss has cast a long shadow over her life. Her parents were devastated by the loss of their son. They’ve never fully recovered, and the weight of their ongoing ailments has only deepened Rezi’s own sense of helplessness.

In the years that followed, Rezi found herself sinking deeper into anxiety. The idea of losing another loved one, particularly her son or husband, often keeps her up at all hours of the night. She fears she might not ever feel the peace she once knew, worry seems to hang over her like a dark cloud, one that she can’t seem to shake.

The dreams that were once a source of inspiration and wonder, now feel like distant memories. The creative fire that once burned so brightly has become smothered by the weight of her fears and responsibilities. She feels defeated but keeps it hidden from her family. “Let go and let God.” Those are the words she hears reverberating in her head, but in her heart, she doesn’t think she’ll be able to do it. The trust she once had in His peace and guidance seems so far out of reach now.

In 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT), the Apostle Paul said: “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” Paul was speaking about spiritual maturity. It’s the progression that occurs as we grow in understanding and faith. It’s how our understanding and perspective changes as we grow spiritually. Just as we mature physically and emotionally, our relationship with God calls for spiritual maturity. We move beyond the limited thinking of our younger years and embrace a deeper trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Responsibilities change us in ways we don’t fully comprehend. Life teaches us that we can’t think and reason childishly if we want to keep pace. Our problem is that we abandon those parts of us that keep us humbly seeking God. They keep us from depending on Him with unwavering faith in His love and power.

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 18:3-4 (NLT): “3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” He calls us to embrace humility and trust in our Heavenly Father in the way a little child humbly trusts their parents. We are to approach God with this same simplicity, openness, and dependence that children naturally have. This level of humility is a conscious choice that you and I must make. It’s in us, and we must choose to allow it to rule our hearts and minds rather than allowing fear and doubt to become a lifestyle.

We can become so disconnected from a sense of wonder and enthusiasm about God and His willingness to bless us that we somehow trust worry over joy and fear over hope. The truth is that only we can make the decision to reverse this for ourselves. We must consciously choose to let God’s love win in our hearts and then choose to walk in that victory every moment of each day. As Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” By choosing to place our worries in God’s hands, we can embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding and allow it to guide us toward joy and hope.

Romans 8:37 (NLT) tells us: “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Philippians 4:13 declares that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Putting away childish things means putting away anything that interferes with us being fully persuaded in our privilege and responsibility to trust God with all that we are. We cannot allow ourselves to become slaves to fear and doubt; that is not a mark of the spiritually mature.

Our need to control cannot exceed our requirement to honor God through our faith in Him. True spiritual maturity is found when we move beyond the fears and limitations that once held us back. It’s when we make the choice to trust that God is in control, and He is faithful to care for us. So, we must always remember that His plans for us are greater than anything we can plan for ourselves. We can rest in His safety and walk in peace as we trust His love, His wisdom, and His protection. ■

When It’s Time to Make A Shift

Posted on March 25, 2026 by daaorg1214

Dissatisfaction is that feeling of frustration or unhappiness that hits when our expectations, desires, or needs aren’t being met. It can show up in different areas of our lives—whether it’s personal experiences, work, or relationships. When it comes to the manifestation of blessings we’ve been waiting to receive, emotionally, this is where many of us are right now. We might be stuck in this space between where we thought we’d be and where we actually are. And in this space, it’s easy to get discouraged or even question ourselves, but we shouldn’t let that deter us. Instead, we should remind ourselves that dissatisfaction can be a great motivator. It can push us to reevaluate what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. It can help us make room for the blessings we’re after, even if they show up in ways or at times we didn’t expect.

Stepping away from fear

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” In the context of our every day lives, there are two kinds of fear, the natural kind that fuels responses that keep us from getting close to danger, and the unnatural kind that holds us back and keeps us separated from the blessings of God. The natural kind of fear is a helpful, protective instinct that keeps us safe and aware in potentially harmful situations. Unnatural fear is unhealthy and unproductive to every aspect of our existences. We need to step away from it mentally and emotionally because it keeps us from stepping out in faith. Therefore, it keeps us from embracing the fullness of blessings that God has in store for our lives.

Unnatural fear comes from doubt, insecurity, and a lack of trust in God. This is the kind of fear that 2 Timothy 1:7 is addressing. It doesn’t come from our Heavenly Father, and to overcome it, we must be totally honest with ourselves about this. We need to recognize when fear is taking root in our hearts, because it will prevent us from stepping out in faith and fully trusting God’s promises. Often, this fear is rooted in past experiences, negative self-talk, or the fear of failure. But when we acknowledge it, we can begin to confront it with the truth of God’s Word, which reminds us that He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

God is going to come through

When a blessing is taking longer to materialize than what we expected, we might become afraid that God isn’t going to come through for us. We may start to doubt whether our prayers are being heard or wonder if we’re doing something wrong. This fear can creep in when we don’t see immediate results, but a delay can also be an invitation for us to grow in trust. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) reminds us, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” A delay can be an indicator that a shift in our attitude, deeds, and higher level of faith are necessary. During seasons of waiting, God’s strength empowers us to rise above challenges, recalibrate, and lay hold of His promise.

The truth is that God has already come through for us. He isn’t in heaven waiting to bless us; He has already blessed us through Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) tells us, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Through our union with our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God has already given us everything we need to live abundantly. To lay hold of these treasures, our minds and hearts must be fully persuaded in God’s provision. In every situation, no matter the circumstances, God always comes through on His promises.

It’s a done deal

We must remind ourselves that God set His Will in motion long before any of us can fathom. His Will is perfect. He doesn’t make up things as we go along. It’s already a done deal. Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) tells us, “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.” Echoing this extraordinary truth is Isaiah 14:27 (NLT), which tells us, “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken—who can change His plans? When His hand is raised, who can stop Him?” God has already made up His mind about you, and He’s called you to be His very own. How you would be blessed, who you will bless, and exactly who will be a blessing to you was decided long ago. All that is left for you to do is to trust in His Will and seek it with your whole heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) tells us, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” God’s Will for us involves a heart of joy, prayer, and gratitude in every situation. When this isn’t your motivation, it’s necessary to shift from your agenda to God’s agenda, recognizing that no matter what it is you desire, His Will for you is a done deal. It’s not subject to whims. It’s not ambiguous or fluid. His Will and plan for you was determined long before you were born.

Your great pleasure is to seek Him relentlessly to know His Will for your life, so that you can begin to pursue it with vigor. It’s not about the blessing we hope to receive, it’s about trusting that God’s Will for us is all that we need, and it will yield the very best outcome for our lives. When we align ourselves with His Will, every step we take is guided by His wisdom and love. The process of surrendering our desires to His perfect plan transforms us. It will deepen our faith and lead us into the abundant life He has already prepared for all who honor and trust Him through Christ. ■

When Your Plans Don’t Work Out

Posted on March 18, 2026 by daaorg1214

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) tells us, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” This verse is so plain and straightforward, and most of us have heard it many times. While we know that the Will of God will always prevail in exactly the way that God has planned, feelings of dissatisfaction may cause us to wonder if we really understand this truth. When we’ve carried certain dreams in our hearts for years, and they still seem out of reach, those feelings of regret and frustration can be overwhelming. It’s especially tough when we get to a point in life where it feels like time is running out, and we wonder if we’ve missed our chance. You’ve spent years trying to put the pieces of life’s puzzle together, but somewhere along the way, it just seems like some of those pieces went missing.

Being frustrated with how our lives have turned out is not uncommon, especially as the years pass. I remembered those feelings when I heard Doris share her feelings about an unfulfilled dream. She just celebrated her 50^th birthday and described herself as a woman with a heart full of love. For as long as she can remember, Doris envisioned herself with a family of her own and has dreamed of a husband to share life’s ups and downs. She desperately wanted children to raise, and a home full of love, but somehow, it hasn’t worked out that way. Instead, she finds herself single, with no children, and wondering where things went wrong.

Her life has been full of love and purpose, even if it didn’t unfold in the way she had always imagined. Doris has poured her heart into her nieces and nephews, showering them with affection and support. She’s been there for every milestone, every challenge, and every victory. They count on her and know that she’s always ready to lend a hand and share her wisdom. But even with all this love surrounding her, there’s a quiet, nagging emptiness that she can’t seem to shake. At the end of the day, when the laughter dies down and the house grows still, she’s left wondering if it’s too late for her dreams. She shared—almost reluctantly—that sometimes she wonders if God has forgotten about her, or if maybe her faith just isn’t strong enough.

If you’re like Doris, you’ve probably had a moment where it feels like life just didn’t do you right, and it hurts. It hurts our feelings to have dreams and expectations that don’t turn out how we planned. Maybe you’ve been single longer than you expected, or your career didn’t take off in the way you hoped. Perhaps your health hasn’t improved even though you’re doing everything you know to do. Or, could it be that you’ve missed out on something you deeply desired. You look around and think, Lord, are You still with me? Did I miss something?

You must remember that when it comes to God’s love for you, there are no limitations. He hasn’t forgotten about you. His plans for us are always bigger, better, and far beyond what we could ever dream up on our own. You might not see it now, but He’s working in ways you can’t fully comprehend. As His Word tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT): “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” His plans for you are beyond anything you could ever imagine. You can trust this with your whole heart.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) reminds us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” There isn’t anything about us that God doesn’t know. Long before we entered our mother’s womb, He knew the exact moment of our births and what we’d be doing this very moment. He knows our next breath, thought, and deed. We can be assured that our Heavenly Father isn’t sitting back, watching us from a distance. He’s with us every moment, and He has woven our story with His purpose and love, even when it doesn’t seem that way to us.

When life doesn’t go according to our plan, disappointment is a real thing. In fact, it’s part of the human experience. If you think about it, even our precious Lord and Savior had moments of sorrow and anguish. He wasn’t exempt from feelings of frustration or hurt. So, it’s okay to feel like things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to, and God doesn’t abandon us when we feel this way. Psalm 34:18 (NLT) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” You can be comforted in the truth that God sees your pain, and He is close to the brokenhearted.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) is a verse we hear often, but not nearly often enough. Our Heavenly Father told His people living in Old Testament times: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” He is the same God today that He was then, and He does not change. So, when your plans don’t work out, remember that God’s plans are still in motion. His version of good might look different from yours, but trust that it’s infinitely better.

Doris’s story isn’t over. Neither is yours. There are things you may not see right now—purposeful delays, unexpected detours, and quiet moments where God is shaping your heart to receive His best. The love we pour into others, our devotion to God, and our efforts to live rightly before Him are not in vain. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) encourages us: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” God will reward our faithfulness. So, hold on to your faith, knowing that there’s still so much ahead. Stay hopeful and watch how God will move powerfully in your life, bringing blessings that exceed your expectations. ■

Background of a beautiful Wheat field and blue sky with the words of Matthew 9:38 in the foreground.

Becoming the Blessing You Were Meant to Be

Posted on March 10, 2026 by daaorg1214

Each of us was created for a specific purpose, designed by God to be a blessing in this world. This isn’t a random thing; it was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” You were made with intention, and before you even took your first breath, God knew exactly what you were meant to do. This is your divine calling. It’s not just about the things you will accomplish—it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be, one who reflects God’s love and blessing to those He has ordained to cross your path.

Romans 8:29-30 (NLT) deepens our understanding of this purpose by showing us that we were chosen to become like Christ: “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. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” This transformation into Christ’s likeness is the heart of our calling. It’s not just about what we do—it’s about who we become. Our purpose is not to live for ourselves but to reflect Christ’s love, compassion, and generosity to those around us. It’s through this transformation that we fulfill the unique role God has for us, bringing His Kingdom to earth through our lives.

The path to the abundance of God’s blessings begins with fulfilling this purpose. Everything God does is in perfect order, and when we align our lives with His Will, we open ourselves to the full range of blessings He has prepared for us. As 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NLT) affirms, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” There is a divine order to our lives, and part of our responsibility as God’s children is to live in accordance with His plan. We may not have all the details right away, and that’s why we’re commanded in His Word to seek Him and His righteousness first. God reveals more about our purpose and the path of success that He’s laid before us as we walk with Him step by step. As we seek Him with all our hearts, He promises that He will reward us. Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Blessings flow continuously as we diligently seek to know God’s Will through His Word.

Along this journey, there are people who are part of your divine calling, people you are destined to influence and bless. Your life is meant to touch others. Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT) encourages us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” You were not placed in this world simply to receive—God has positioned you to be a source of blessing, a light to those around you. The acts of kindness, encouragement, and love you offer to others will come back to you in ways you can’t imagine. Our Heavenly Father sets us up to be an overflowing and never-ceasing fountain of giving and receiving His love in multiple ways. Being a blessing causes us to step into and maintain this flow.

When we become born again, something powerful happens: the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. This is a life-changing truth. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives inside of us, empowering us to do good and to be a blessing. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) tells us, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” All the spiritual blessings we need are already ours—every ounce of power, love, wisdom, and grace is available to us through the Holy Spirit. But this power is not meant to stay bundled up within. No. It’s meant to flow out. We are to take these blessings and use them to bless others. The more we give of ourselves, the more we grow, the more we experience God’s abundance. As we pour into others, God pours into us.

This is how we create a landing strip for God’s blessings to land in our lives. Think of it as an open space that welcomes the fullness of His favor. Just like a runway where a plane can safely land, our lives become a place where God’s blessings can freely flow. This is what happens when we live according to His Will. When we’re generous with our time, love, and resources, we make room for God to do great things in us and through us, by positioning ourselves in alignment with what He has purposed us to do and who He has purposed us to be.

Blessings will chase us down. As we step into the purpose God has set before us, His provision and favor follow. This is not a promise of a perfect, problem-free life, but it is the assurance that when we live according to God’s Will, His blessings will find us, pursue us, and overtake us. The more we focus on being a blessing to others, the more we find ourselves overwhelmed by God’s goodness. It’s the kind of blessing that we can’t contain, that spills over into every area of our lives.

You were meant to be a blessing. Not just to receive, but to give—to pour out what God has poured into you. This is the divine purpose that you were created for. The more you step into it, the more you will see God’s blessings manifest in your life. Become the blessing you were always meant to be. Your life will not only be changed, but the lives of others will be impacted for God’s Kingdom, and this will bring Him great pleasure. ■

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

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

Posted on January 28, 2026 by daaorg1214

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!

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