Marriage can be a beautiful union, when designed God’s way! Although, it can be a challenging journey, when there is opposition from Satan and the various forces he uses to weaken our foundation. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it, build it in vain…”Psalm 127:1. During our twenty-three-years of marriage, my husband and I withstood many challenges by relying on our faith in God. I would love to tell you our marriage has been bliss and always sweet, but we’ve had our share of sunshine, rain, heartaches and pain just like everybody else. What do you do as a couple? How do you survive it all? In many cases, we learned first hand how to build a strong foundation through faith. We learned one struggle at a time, how to search the scriptures to find the promises that God’s word spoke to us concerning our situation, rather than believing what we were seeing at that moment. We stretched our faith and began to work on our mindsets. “Do not be conformed to the patterns 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 for your life.” Romans 12:2. We gleamed from scriptures that would provide guidance and support to navigate those tough times in our marriage. We were able to build on our faith in God, which provided us with the strength to persevere through our storms. We learned to speak ” Grace, great Grace to the mountains!” Zechariah 4:7 and “Peace! Be still!” Mark 4: 39. As a couple, we began to draw closer to God, then closer to each other. God began to work through the Holy Spirit in me first, the path of least resistance, then my husband. Through scripture I was trained, by the Holy Spirit, and by many teachings in the area of Spiritual Warfare. As we united our faith and stood together in unity, God bestowed upon us a Commanded Blessing! Psalms133:1-3. As our prayer life became stronger, so did our prayers! The “anointing to destroy” evil yokes began to manifest itself in our lives, Praise God! The more time we intentionally spent in the presence of God, He began to transform us both. God is patient with us “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11. Attending church alone was not enough, prayer alone was not enough, but when we added fasting and prayer together, it was a real game changer, we became a force together against the real enemy! The old way of thinking had become new, how we talked, walked and represented the Kingdom of God was now our priority. We understood that faith and patience were required. James 1:4 says ” but let patience have its perfect work.” We made a committment against all odds that “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. Through our renewed faith, we were able to overcome many obstacles and challenges that could have easily destroyed our marriage. But God, in His infinite wisdom had mercy upon us! Romans 9:15 says “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and compassion on whom I have compassion.” Ultimately, His love for us prevailed and provided us with the endurance to build a stronger, lasting marriage and to help equip others to do the same!
“Achieving Marital Restoration Through Scripture”
Marital restoration is a unique, yet complex process that requires effort, patience, and a deep level of commitment to your spouse and God, to effectively restore your relationship. Scripture can be a helpful guide in this process. Here are some steps that can help you achieve marital restoration through scriptures:
- Recognize the importance of forgiveness: Forgiveness is a central theme in scripture, and it is critical to restoring a broken relationship. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Forgiveness does not mean forgetting what has happened, but it does mean letting go of resentment and bitterness and choosing to love your spouse despite their flaws.
- Seek reconciliation: Reconciliation is another key aspect of marital restoration. Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Reconciliation involves taking responsibility for your part in the relationship and working to restore trust and intimacy.
- Prioritize communication: Communication is essential in any relationship, and it is especially critical in the process of marital restoration. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Speak life into your relationship by choosing words that build up and encourage your spouse. Listen actively and seek to understand from their perspectiv.
- Practice patience: Restoring a relationship takes time, and it requires patience. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Be patient with yourself and your spouse as you work through the issues that led to the breakdown of your relationship.
- Seek wise counsel: Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Seek wise counsel from a trusted pastor, counselor, or mentor who can offer guidance and support as you work through the process of marital restoration.
Remember that achieving marital restoration through scriptures is a journey, not a destination. It requires a daily commitment to living out biblical principles in your relationship and seeking the help and guidance of God and others along the way.
In His Servivce,
Carolyn
Prevailing Faith…
“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” —Luke 22:32 (NIV)
If you’re reading this, I want you to know—I see you. I know what it feels like to walk through fire and wonder if you’ll ever come out whole. I’ve been through the storm and the rain. I’ve been broken, not just once, but in pieces. Life didn’t just bruise me—it tried to destroy me. I was betrayed, lied to, emotionally stripped, and spiritually drained. And yet, here I am… still standing.
But not by my own strength.
There came a moment, when all I had left was a cry. Not a prayer dressed up in pretty words, but a raw, guttural cry from the depths of my soul. And in that moment—the Lord intervened. I want to talk to you today, not from a place of bitterness or defeat, but from victory. I’m here to declare that God’s mercy reached down into my brokenness and pulled me up from ashes I never thought I’d rise from.
People may have conspired against me. Maybe you know that kind of pain—the kind that comes with betrayal by those you trusted most. But let me tell you, their plans did not override God’s purpose.
The enemy sifted me like wheat, just as Jesus warned Peter in Luke 22:31–32. But look closely at verse 32—Jesus says, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.” That verse became a lifeline for me. Even when my faith was hanging on by a thread, Jesus was interceding for me. He knew I would fall. He knew I would be wounded. But He also knew I would rise.
And just like He told Peter—“when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers”—I believe that’s what He’s calling me to do now. To turn back and strengthen you.
Let me tell you what God’s intervention looked like in my life. It wasn’t always lightning and thunder. Sometimes it was a gentle nudge. Other times it was a flood of peace that made no earthly sense. He sent people, scriptures, worship songs, therapy, rest, quiet moments, and even closed doors to save me from myself.
When I thought my story was over, He began a new chapter.
I learned to focus on Him until I remembered who I was. Until I could look in the mirror and not see damage, but destiny. He reminded me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). That I am not forgotten (Isaiah 49:15–16). That His plans for me are still good—even after the pain (Jeremiah 29:11). And most of all, that my scars are not signs of shame but of survival and strength.
So here’s what I want you to know, beloved:
- You are not too far gone.
- You are not too broken.
- God has not forgotten you.
- He still intervenes.
You may be in the fire now. But the fire won’t consume you—it will refine you (Isaiah 43:2). You may feel sifted, but you will not be destroyed. God is still the God who steps into broken places and breathes life again. I’m not telling you this from a stage of perfection. I’m telling you this as a woman who has walked through the valley and found the Shepherd still there. Who came out with limp and wisdom, with beauty for ashes and joy that makes no sense except that it came from God.
And now, I rise. Not because I am strong, but because He is. And if He did it for me, He’ll do it for you. Let this be your confirmation: The Lord is intervening—even now. Let me pray for you…
Heavenly Father,
I thank You that You are our Defender, our Protector, and our Advocate. When we are weak, You are strong. When we are surrounded by enemies—seen and unseen—You go before us and fight our battles.
Your Word declares in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” So Lord, I surrender every battle, every lie, every attack of the enemy into Your hands. We will not fear, for You go before us as a consuming fire.
Your justice will not be mocked, for Exodus 22:18 declares “suffer no witch or wizard to live.” So let your all consuming fire consume them into ashes now! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
“The Potter Still Holds The Pieces”
“I am the Potter; You are the Clay” Isaiah 64:8
There are moments in life when everything shatters—our expectations, our relationships, our hearts. Whether through betrayal, emotional abuse, divorce, or the quiet ache of rejection, many of us have found ourselves staring at the fragments of what once was, wondering how it all fell apart. But here’s the truth that breathes hope into broken places: even in the crushing, the Potter still holds the pieces. He never left the wheel. He never dropped the clay. In His hands, nothing is wasted.
In Jeremiah 18:4, we read, “But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Notice the detail: the clay was damaged in the Potter’s hands. That means your breaking didn’t happen apart from God’s awareness—it happened under His care. And though you were marred, you were never discarded. He’s still shaping you, still molding the brokenness into beauty.
Think of it like this: when people throw dirt on your name—through gossip, betrayal, sabotage—they think they’re burying you. But in the hands of God, that dirt becomes fertilizer. It nourishes the buried seed within you. What looks like the end is actually the beginning of germination. Your hope, your faith, your calling—it all starts to grow in the soil of adversity. Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God gives us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” What others thought would bury you, God uses to birth something greater.
Psalm 147:3 declares, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This is not just a poetic promise—it’s a spiritual reality. The same hands that formed you are faithful to restore you. While others walked away when you cracked, the Potter leaned in. He gathered the shattered pieces and began again—not to replicate the past, but to create something stronger, more radiant, more rooted in Him.
So if you’re still feeling broken or overlooked, I want to tell you this: you are not forgotten. You are not beyond repair. The Potter still has the pieces, and He’s not finished with you yet. Every crack is an opportunity for His light to shine through. You are His workmanship, His masterpiece in progress (Ephesians 2:10), and your story—every jagged, painful, glorious part of it—is being rewritten for His glory.
Let’s pray:
Father God, thank You for being the Potter who never lets go of the clay. Even when life shatters around us, You lovingly gather every piece and begin the work of restoration. Help us to trust the process, even when it hurts. Remind us that nothing is wasted in Your hands—not the betrayal, not the tears, not the silence. We surrender every broken area of our lives to You, believing that You are crafting something beautiful. Heal what’s been crushed, restore what’s been lost, and use it all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“When You Pray, Hell Shakes”
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16 (NIV)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
Satan isn’t afraid of your job, your title, or your talents. What terrifies him is your prayer life. He knows that every time you pray, you tap into heaven’s power. He knows that when you call on the name of Jesus, chains break, strongholds fall, and God moves.
That’s why he tries so hard to distract you, discourage you, and disconnect you from prayer. He knows your prayers can limit him.
Prayer is your spiritual weapon, your divine hotline to the King of Kings. It’s how you declare war on darkness, bring heaven’s will to earth, and shift the atmosphere around you.
So the next time you feel too tired, too busy, or too discouraged to pray—remember: that’s exactly what the enemy wants. Fight back with your words. Fight back on your knees. Because every whispered prayer, every tearful cry, every faith-filled shout—it shakes the gates of hell.
Prayer:
Father God, remind me daily that my prayers carry power and authority through Jesus Christ. Help me not to grow weary or distracted but to stand strong and stay connected to You through prayer. I declare that my prayers will limit the enemy and unlock heaven’s will in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“When the Door Swings Wide Open”
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.’”—Acts 10:34
There’s something powerful about a door swinging open—especially one you thought would stay closed forever. That’s the picture God gives us in Acts chapters 10 and 11. Peter, a devout Jewish man, receives a vision from heaven: a sheet comes down filled with animals that the Law once deemed unclean. Then God speaks, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:15). At first glance, it seems to be about food. But spiritually? It’s about people.
Imagine standing in front of a huge door marked “Access Denied.” People walk past you. Some get in. Others tell you, “You don’t belong here.” You’ve tried everything—praying, fasting, proving yourself—but the door remains locked. Now picture this: God Himself reaches down and swings the door wide open. No keypad. No gatekeeper. No list of qualifications. Just grace. That’s what He did for Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile—a man the religious system would have overlooked. Yet Acts 10:4 tells us, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Cornelius hadn’t followed Jewish customs. He didn’t know all the “church rules.” But he feared God, gave generously, and sought truth—and that was enough for heaven to move.
The church had once been a tight circle, only open to those with the right bloodline or background. But in Acts 10 and 11, God pulls back the chairs and says, “Make room at the table.” Peter realizes this and says in Acts 10:34, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.” Later, as he defends God’s divine move, Peter declares, “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17). Sister, if God says you belong—you belong. No one can shut what He opens. No tradition, no trauma, no title, and no label can block your access when God swings that door wide. It’s time to stop trying to earn your way into what grace has already unlocked.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who opens doors that no one can shut. Just as You welcomed Cornelius and his household, welcome us. Remove every lie that says we’re not worthy, not enough, or not chosen. Teach us to recognize when You are shifting old mindsets and making space for those who seek You—even if they look, speak, or live differently than we expect. Swing open every door You’ve ordained, and give us the boldness to walk through it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“The Beauty of Becoming”
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” — Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
Becoming is not instant. It is a slow, sacred unfolding — like the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Hidden inside the stillness of the cocoon, the caterpillar is not dying, but transforming. There is no beauty in that dark space at first glance — just confinement, waiting, and mystery.
And yet… God does His most extraordinary work in hidden places.
The same is true for us. The season where everything feels torn apart — the marriage that ended, the dream that crumbled, the silence that stretches too long — may actually be the chrysalis God is using to reshape your life. You are not stuck. You are becoming.
What looks like delay is divine development. What feels like loss is sometimes holy shedding. You’re not who you were — but you’re not yet who you’ll be. You are in between — and that’s exactly where God does His most intimate work.
Becoming feels hardest in the quiet places — when you are no longer who you were, but still unsure of who you are becoming. That in-between space can feel like exile. You’ve stepped away from what was harmful, but healing hasn’t fully arrived. You feel the ache of waiting. It’s in this place that your soul whispers, “How long, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1).
You may feel hidden — like your prayers are unheard, your efforts unnoticed, your grief unvalidated. But the truth is: God does His most intimate work in the unseen places. Just as a seed must first be buried in darkness before it blooms, so too are you being cultivated in the soil of surrender. You are not being overlooked — you are being rooted. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
In the stillness, God is strengthening your foundation. In the silence, He’s restoring your identity. And while you may feel invisible to the world, you are never unseen by Him — “You are the God who sees me,” said Hagar in her own wilderness (Genesis 16:13).
Becoming requires trust: not just in who you are now, but in who God says you are becoming. And even if your hands feel empty, remember — “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Let that promise be your anchor in the dark: you are not done, you are in progress. And what God finishes is always beautiful.
Lord,
In the quiet spaces of becoming, meet me. When I feel lost between who I was and who I’m becoming, anchor me in Your truth. Help me to trust that even in the darkness, You are working. When I feel hidden, remind me I am held. When I grow weary of the process, whisper again Your promise — that You finish what You start. Make beauty from my broken places, Lord. Shape me in secret, and strengthen me for glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From Stuck to Freedom
“I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19, NIV)
Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle—knowing what’s right, wanting to do better, but somehow ending up doing the very thing you promised yourself you wouldn’t? You’re not alone. In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul shares that same inner struggle: “I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19) It’s a raw and honest glimpse into the tug-of-war between our desire to please God and the pull of our human nature. Even with all the right intentions, we find ourselves trapped in behaviors or thought patterns that bring guilt and shame. It’s as if we’re locked in a spiritual prison—knowing the rules, seeing the standard, but lacking the power to break free.
Imagine being in a jail cell with a book of rules that tells you what not to do, but no key to unlock the door. That’s what the Law without the Spirit feels like. We know what God desires, but we feel powerless to live it out. Paul’s words echo our desperation when he cries out, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). And then comes the breakthrough: “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 25)
Romans 8 opens with hope and power: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven—we’re filled with the Holy Spirit who gives us strength to walk in freedom. One way to picture it is like this: imagine your life is a car stuck in a muddy ditch. You press the gas pedal, but the wheels just spin. That’s life in your own strength—frustrating, tiring, and unproductive. But then, someone shows up with a tow truck. They pull you out of the mess, clean you off, and fill your tank with fuel. That’s life with the Spirit. You’re no longer stuck. You’re empowered.
Paul reminds us in Romans 8:11 that “the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.” That’s not a motivational quote—that’s a promise. You don’t have to live in Romans 7 defeat. You can walk in Romans 8 victory. Even when life gets muddy, the Spirit lifts you, leads you, and reminds you that you are a child of God. You are not condemned. You are not forgotten. And nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from His love.
Lord, thank You that I no longer live under condemnation. Even when I fall short, Your grace meets me and Your Spirit lifts me. Help me to surrender my will and walk in the freedom You’ve already given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The LORD My Defender
“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.— Romans 12:19
Why Vengeance Belongs to God, and Provision Comes From Him Alone—In a world that often seems upside down—with injustice thriving, lies spreading, and the powerful oppressing the weak—it’s comforting to know that God is still on the throne. He is not silent. He is not passive. He is our Defender.
When people rise against you, when betrayal comes from those closest to you, and when life seems unfair—God sees it all, and He has something to say about it.
Vengeance Belongs to the Lord—We live in a culture that glorifies revenge, claps back on social media, and encourages us to “get even.” But the Word of God offers a different perspective:“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.— Romans 12:19
Trying to avenge yourself only delays your healing and disrupts your peace. God makes it clear: He will deal with every wrong done against His children. You don’t have to fight dirty when God fights for you.
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.”— Proverbs 26:27
“Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by Me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”— Isaiah 54:15 (KJV)
Let the wicked plot. Let them scheme. If God didn’t send them, their plans will not stand.
God’s Heart for the Poor and Overlooked is clear. God has always had a special place in His heart for the poor, the broken, the overlooked, and the oppressed. He is not impressed with titles, status, or wealth. He looks at the heart—and He is a protector of the vulnerable. “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case…” — Proverbs 22:22–23
God doesn’t forget those society tries to erase. While the world may marginalize the weak, God draws near to them. He lifts up the humble and promises to be a refuge for those the world ignores.
God Is Our Source—Not Man or Government. In seasons of lack, fear, or uncertainty, we may be tempted to depend on people or institutions for provision. But the Lord reminds us to look higher. Our hope is not in man. It’s not in government programs, political leaders, or worldly wealth. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”— Psalm 20:7
God is still Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides. He is not limited by recessions or inflation. When man fails, He remains faithful. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”— Jeremiah 17:7
God’s Protection in Times of Chaos
Let’s be real—these are unstable times. We see war, economic collapse, injustice, and spiritual confusion spreading across the globe. But those who belong to God are not without hope. “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”— Psalm 91:7. Even in judgment, God knows how to protect His people. He did it before—and He will do it again.
Egypt vs. Israel: A Divine Contrast
Remember the story of the Exodus? While plagues ravaged Egypt, something incredible was happening in Goshen, where the Israelites lived.
- Egypt was in darkness, but Israel had light (Exodus 10:23).
- Egypt was struck with disease and disaster, but Israel was spared (Exodus 8:22, 9:4).
- Egypt’s firstborn died, but Israel was covered by the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:23).
This is not just a Bible story—it’s a prophetic picture of how God protects His people in times of trouble. The economy around you might collapse. Injustice might rage. But in your home, there can be peace, light, and provision because God is with you.
The Wealth of the Wicked Is Stored for the Just—When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He didn’t just rescue them—He made sure they left with more than enough.
“The Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians… so they plundered the Egyptians.”— Exodus 12:36
God is not just interested in saving you—He wants to restore what was stolen. He is storing up resources, opportunities, and favor for His righteous ones.“The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”— Proverbs 13:22
You may feel like you’ve been overlooked, but heaven has not forgotten you. Your obedience, tears, and sacrifice are not in vain.
Let God Be Your Defender—You don’t have to chase revenge or beg for provision. You have a Defender. A Father. A Provider. A Righteous Judge. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him… For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”— Psalm 37:7,9
Hold your peace. Walk in integrity. Trust His timing.
The Lord will repay—The Lord will provide—And the Lord will protect.
Stay encouraged. Your Defender is working behind the scenes. Justice, provision, and restoration are coming—on God’s terms, in God’s time.
Rest in Him. The battle is already won.
“When God Intervenes”
“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” —Luke 22:32 (NIV)
If you’re reading this, I want you to know—I see you. I know what it feels like to walk through fire and wonder if you’ll ever come out whole. I’ve been through the storm and the rain. I’ve been broken, not just once, but in pieces. Life didn’t just bruise me—it tried to destroy me. I was betrayed, lied to, emotionally stripped, and spiritually drained. And yet, here I am… still standing.
But not by my own strength.
There came a moment, when all I had left was a cry. Not a prayer dressed up in pretty words, but a raw, guttural cry from the depths of my soul. And in that moment—the Lord intervened. I want to talk to you today, not from a place of bitterness or defeat, but from victory. I’m here to declare that God’s mercy reached down into my brokenness and pulled me up from ashes I never thought I’d rise from.
People may have conspired against me. Maybe you know that kind of pain—the kind that comes with betrayal by those you trusted most. But let me tell you, their plans did not override God’s purpose.
The enemy sifted me like wheat, just as Jesus warned Peter in Luke 22:31–32. But look closely at verse 32—Jesus says, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.” That verse became a lifeline for me. Even when my faith was hanging on by a thread, Jesus was interceding for me. He knew I would fall. He knew I would be wounded. But He also knew I would rise.
And just like He told Peter—“when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers”—I believe that’s what He’s calling me to do now. To turn back and strengthen you.
Let me tell you what God’s intervention looked like in my life. It wasn’t always lightning and thunder. Sometimes it was a gentle nudge. Other times it was a flood of peace that made no earthly sense. He sent people, scriptures, worship songs, therapy, rest, quiet moments, and even closed doors to save me from myself.
When I thought my story was over, He began a new chapter.
I learned to focus on Him until I remembered who I was. Until I could look in the mirror and not see damage, but destiny. He reminded me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). That I am not forgotten (Isaiah 49:15–16). That His plans for me are still good—even after the pain (Jeremiah 29:11). And most of all, that my scars are not signs of shame but of survival and strength.
So here’s what I want you to know, beloved:
- You are not too far gone.
- You are not too broken.
- God has not forgotten you.
- He still intervenes.
You may be in the fire now. But the fire won’t consume you—it will refine you (Isaiah 43:2). You may feel sifted, but you will not be destroyed. God is still the God who steps into broken places and breathes life again. I’m not telling you this from a stage of perfection. I’m telling you this as a woman who has walked through the valley and found the Shepherd still there. Who came out with limp and wisdom, with beauty for ashes and joy that makes no sense except that it came from God.
And now, I rise. Not because I am strong, but because He is. And if He did it for me, He’ll do it for you. Let this be your confirmation: The Lord is intervening—even now. Let me pray for you…
Heavenly Father,
I thank You that You are our Defender, our Protector, and our Advocate. When we are weak, You are strong. When we are surrounded by enemies—seen and unseen—You go before us and fight our battles.
Your Word declares in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” So Lord, I surrender every battle, every lie, every attack of the enemy into Your hands. We will not fear, for You go before us as a consuming fire.
Your justice will not be mocked, for Exodus 22:18 declares that witchcraft and wickedness have no place among Your people. So we stand firm in the authority of Jesus Christ and declare that every scheme, every curse, every evil word spoken over our life is broken now in Jesus’ name. No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue risen against is condemned. (Isaiah 54:17)
I call on You as David did in Psalm 35:1–2: “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid.” Lord, arise on our behalf. Surround us with Your heavenly armies. Be our shield and our strong tower.
Silence every accuser. Scatter every assignment of the enemy. Cover us in Your blood and protect our mind, our heart, our home, and our destiny.
Thank You, Lord, that vengeance is Yours (Romans 12:19) and deliverance belongs to Your children. (Mark 7:27). I decree and declare today that we are free, I are defended, and we are rising in victory—because You intervened.
In the mighty, matchless name of Jesus I pray,
Amen.
“Beyond the Ashes…. Finding New Purpose”
“To all who mourn…He will give beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing for mourning , festive praise instead of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3,NLT).
There comes a point in life when loss feels like it has scorched everything familiar—leaving behind only ashes of what once was. Whether it’s the loss of a marriage, a loved one, a dream, or the stability you once clung to, the aftermath can feel paralyzing. Yet, in the midst of the ruin, God’s Word promises restoration. “To all who mourn… He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3, NLT). God is not intimidated by our ashes. In fact, He specializes in redeeming them.
Ruth’s story is one of the most powerful biblical pictures of finding new hope after deep and unexpected loss. She was widowed young, far from her homeland, and seemingly without a future. But her faithfulness to follow Naomi, and ultimately God, positioned her for a divine encounter with destiny. “Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16) wasn’t just a declaration of loyalty—it was a surrender to a new beginning. What started in tragedy ended in legacy, as Ruth became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. Her ashes didn’t define her; God’s hand did.
Loss is like walking through a wildfire. When everything seems to burn away, we wonder if anything beautiful can ever grow again. But just as scorched land can bring forth richer soil, the places in our lives that feel destroyed can become the very ground where God plants new purpose. What looks like an ending to us may, in God’s hands, be a divine setup for rebirth. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Nothing you’ve lost disqualifies you from the life God still has in store for you.
So if you’re standing among the ashes, don’t lose heart. What feels final is often a doorway to something deeper, something better. Just as He did for Ruth, God is able to rewrite your story. He’s not asking you to understand it all—just to trust Him with what’s left. Beyond the ashes, there is new hope, new joy, and a new beginning.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being near to the brokenhearted and for promising beauty in place of our ashes. When life feels heavy with loss and uncertainty, remind us that You are still writing our story. Just as You restored Ruth’s life and gave her purpose beyond her pain, we trust that You can do the same for us. Strengthen our hearts to believe that hope still exists, even when we can’t yet see it. Help us to walk by faith, knowing that nothing we’ve lost is beyond Your power to restore. Breathe new life into our weary souls, and guide us into the new beginning You’ve already prepared. We place our broken pieces in Your hands and receive the courage to rise again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Understanding Your Assignment”
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV)
Understanding Your Assignment: Living as an Ambassador for Christ
When you surrendered your life to Jesus, you weren’t simply added to a pew—you were commissioned for a purpose. Scripture declares, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV). Just as an ambassador carries the authority and message of their homeland, you carry the presence and truth of God’s Kingdom into every corner of your world. Your life is not a private affair; it’s a diplomatic posting, and every interaction is an opportunity to reflect God’s grace, love, and righteousness.
Think of your assignment like that of an envoy sent to a distant land. The envoy must learn the culture, listen well, and speak on behalf of home with wisdom and integrity. In the same way, you must engage your community—your workplace, your neighborhood, your family—with sensitivity to its needs, while faithfully representing the heart of Heaven. As Paul reminded the Philippians, “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). Your primary loyalty is not to earthly trends or priorities, but to the King you serve.
History’s pages are filled with believers who embraced this mandate. Esther, though a foreigner in the king’s court, recognized that she was placed there “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14 ESV). She risked her life to intercede for her people and shifted the course of a nation. Paul, once a zealous persecutor, became a passionate ambassador to the Gentiles, declaring, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV). Their stories remind us that our assignment may look different in context, but its essence remains: to faithfully represent Christ and lead others into reconciliation with God.
Your own sphere of influence—whether it’s a living room, an office cubicle, or a classroom—is your diplomatic station. Every conversation tinted with truth, every act of compassion offered in Jesus’ name, every choice to honor God under pressure advances His Kingdom. You don’t need a pulpit to preach; your life is the message. Walk in the authority you’ve been given, speak with the compassion you’ve received, and serve with the humility modeled by your Master.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for choosing me as Your ambassador. Give me eyes to see the people and opportunities around me as fields ripe for Your Kingdom’s Harvest. Fill me with Your wisdom to speak words of life, grace to act in compassion, and strength to stand firm in truth. May my life never betray the message I carry. Instead, let me faithfully reflect the love of Christ in every moment. Use me, Lord, to draw others into reconciliation with You, and may all I do bring honor to Your name.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.