As the days stretch longer and the skies warm with sunshine, I find myself pulled in many directions. The calendar starts to fill—appointments, gatherings, errands, obligations—and though these are often good things, I feel this tug in my heart not to lose sight of what matters most: sharing a word of encouragement with you.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t sit down with a specific message in
mind this time. I’m trusting God to guide these words as they unfold. Sometimes,
when life is busy, the heart gets quiet. Not because it has nothing to say,
but because it’s waiting—waiting for the right moment, the right words, the
right opportunity. Maybe this is that moment.
Lately, I’ve found myself struggling with the feeling of
having to “appear” a certain way. Do you ever feel that way too? Like you can’t
let folks see your real thoughts or your tired soul? Like you’ve got to wear a
mask just to get through the day?
I think we all do it at times. We smile when we’re hurting.
We say “I’m fine” when we’re barely holding on. We serve others while silently
hoping someone might see our own need. But God sees. Oh, how He sees.
“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on
the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel
16:7
There is such comfort in knowing that God isn’t fooled by our mask. He sees behind it. He knows when we’re overwhelmed, weary, or just longing for a quiet place to breathe. And He invites us to come to Him exactly as we are.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
If today you’re wearing a mask—trying to keep it together
for others, pushing past your own weariness—know that God isn’t asking for your
perfection. He’s asking for your honesty. He wants your heart. He wants you to
come just as you are.
Even in a full schedule, He has a place for us to rest. Even
in a world that demands a polished image, He gives us permission to be real.
And when we show up—raw, honest, and seeking—He meets us with grace.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1
Peter 5:7
The Power of a Testimony
Speaking of being real, I want to share a personal testimony
from just a couple of weeks ago. Because Revelation 12:11 tells us:
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by
the word of their testimony…” Revelation 12:11
Testimonies have power. They are not just stories;
they are evidence of God’s presence and work in our lives. And I believe
with all my heart that what He does for one, He can and will do for another.
God does not play favorites, and He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).
So if this touched me, maybe it will touch you too.
During a recent church service, I had been quietly
struggling. I didn’t know exactly how to respond to God’s spiritual tug on my
heart. I felt unsure—unsure of how to pray, unsure if I was hearing right,
unsure if I should go to someone, or just stay where I was. I had this
weight in my soul, this longing to feel close to God, but also a hesitancy I
couldn't quite name.
And so I prayed.
It wasn’t a fancy prayer or even a long one. I just told the
Lord that I didn’t even know what to ask for. I admitted that I didn’t know
whether I needed to go to the altar, speak to someone, or just sit quietly. But
I asked Him, simply and sincerely, “Lord, if I need prayer—could You please
send someone to me?”
Within minutes, a dear saint came to my pew, leaned over
gently, and said, “I want to pray for you.” Just like that. No prompting. No
signal. Just God, answering in real time.
That moment reached deep into my heart. It was exactly what
I needed. Not just the prayer, but the reassurance that God sees me. He heard a
quiet prayer of uncertainty and responded with perfect timing and love. That
wasn’t coincidence. That was God—personal, compassionate, present.
He Sees and Responds
I share this because maybe you’ve felt that same quiet
struggle. Maybe you’ve been in a place where you didn’t have the words. Maybe
your heart has been overwhelmed to the point where all you could do was sit in
silence and hope that somehow, God would meet you there.
He will.
God doesn’t require grand gestures from us. He meets us in
the whisper. In the tear. In the moments when we admit we don’t have it all
figured out. That day in church reminded me once again how near He is to the
brokenhearted.
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18
And here’s what else I want you to know: I have not
arrived. I have not evolved into some spiritually perfect version of myself. I
still need God’s help, His guidance, His comfort, His correction—every single
day. I need prayers at all levels of my being. And I believe that makes me
a candidate for grace, not disqualification from it.
More Than Words
I also struggled with what to say this time. I never want my
words to feel empty. I don’t want them to just sit on a page. I want you to feel
them, to connect, to know that you're not alone in whatever you're pursuing or
facing.
Whether it’s a healthier lifestyle, diving deeper into Bible
study, or tackling a brand-new endeavor, I want you to be reminded of one
foundational truth:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me.” Philippians 4:13
This verse has anchored me through countless challenges,
especially during my recovery journey—a journey still in motion, still
incomplete. But even though the process isn’t finished, I take hope in the
progress. Each day is a step closer than the one before.
I’ve often held this truth close: If God has brought you
to it, He will bring you through it. It’s not just a nice saying—it’s been
a lifeline. When I couldn’t see the way forward, He made a way. And He’ll do
the same for you.
Sometimes, when we feel that way—not knowing what to do or
say—it can bring feelings of shame or discouragement. We may wonder, “Why
can’t I get this right?” or “Why do I still feel stuck when I’m trying
so hard to please the Lord?”
When we’re doing our best to live right, to listen for His
voice, to honor Him in our daily walk—but we still feel like it’s not enough,
like something’s missing—that’s a vulnerable place. And I just want to say: you
are not alone there.
I’ve been sitting in that space too. And I have to
believe—I choose to believe—that clarity is coming.
It may not come in flashing lights or sudden answers. But it
will come. God is not a God of confusion. He is a God of peace, of order, and
of gentle leading. And when we stay near to Him, even in our uncertainty, He
promises to direct our paths.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…” 1
Corinthians 14:33
...So hold on. If that’s where you are right now—between
questions and clarity—just keep holding on. Because He hasn’t forgotten you.
And when He does answer, it’s often in the most personal,
unmistakable ways. I go back to that moment in church—a moment I’ll never
forget—when I asked God silently, from the depths of my unsure heart, if
someone might come pray with me. I didn’t even have the words. I just knew I
needed Him to move.
And He did.
That dear sister came to my pew with no idea what I had just prayed. But God knew. He heard. He answered.
There is such great comfort in knowing that the very
thing I whispered in prayer—He responded to. It wasn’t grand or loud, but
it was precise, timely, and full of His care. That’s the kind of God we serve:
one who sees the need, hears the heart, and answers in love.
“Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet
speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
Grace for Today
So, if you're reading this and thinking, “That sounds
like me—unsure, weary, hidden behind a mask”—then you’re not alone. You are
seen. You are loved. And you are right where God can reach you.
Today, don’t worry about looking the part. Just be real. Lay
your burdens before the Lord, even if all you can do is whisper His name.
He’s listening. He’s responding. And sometimes, He might just send someone to
your pew too.
With all my heart, be encouraged 🧡
🎵Listen to these words Trust in God
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