Have you ever met someone and you instantly knew they were in your corner? That usually means that person knows what it is to walk through fire, so they grab your hand just in case you need someone to cheer you on. That’s what I felt when I first met my friend, Kelly Balarie. She’s a woman who is in your corner. I’m so honored to have her as a guest on my blog today. ~ Suzie
Have you ever thought life was going to be easy?
There’s this expectation after enduring hardships that we’re about to arrive at a better place.
After all I’ve been through, I’ve made it. Now life will get easy. Let the blessings flow!
We envision a well-earned personal promised land where milk and honey flow like chocolate fountains. Dreams come alive. Problems fade away. Rest emerges. We think of this place so fondly we can almost taste and smell the goodness. After the battle, it’s become a far-off place we mentally rely on.
Until the next Mack truck of issues hits.
Bam! What happened here, God? Where did my peace go?
I’ve found myself in this cycle more than a couple dozen times. I’ve made it through a battle like depression, financial debt, or discouragement, only to get hit by another problem such as family issues, a health crisis or a basement flood.
That makes me feel like a magnet for trouble.
Don’t I deserve a break?
Don’t you have better for me, God?
Didn’t Jesus promise it would get easier?
Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). But he also said, “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2).
Our trials do not shut out joy, but make room for it to walk in. As odd as this sounds, I realize great joy isn’t over the hill. It is right here in the heat of the battle. God is with us. Seriously. And if God is with us, not only is joy with us, but His goodness is also.
[bctt tweet=”Powerful women understand; it’s not their circumstances that make them, but Jesus. https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4FC #BattleReady #giveaway ” username=”suzanneeller”]
Despite the enemy’s lies to convince us otherwise, God’s goodness is not out of reach. We are not far from God, lost to His peace, or distant from life. We don’t need to bite a red apple of escape or denial. God, who is the fullness of life, has not abandoned us. We have the best of the best – Jesus – even in the worst of times.
Daughter, trust me. Even in this battle, there is joy and peace for you.
Knowing this gives us power in the battle.
Because powerful women understand: it is not a circumstance that makes them, but Jesus.
We are not tied to our battles like chained victims, but released in Christ’s powerful love. We are filled with a ministry outlook. Love comes in, then goes out, no matter the cost. We get back up again. We decide God’s best thing is here, not on the other side of some seemingly unscalable mountain. We find the gold under the piles of stink, problems, and pain.
Jesus’ promised peace is not just for tomorrow or some far-off day. It is here, available and ready for us today.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27 NIV).
Kelly Balarie
Q: How is it possible to find joy in the heat of a battle? What is your story?
Kelly is giving away one copy of her book, Battle Ready, to one of you who shares her story or thoughts on this post.
Meet Kelly Balarie
Kelly Balarie, an author and national speaker, is on a mission to encourage others not to give up. Through times of extreme testing, Kelly believes there is hope for every woman, every battle and in every circumstance. She shares this hope on her blog, Purposeful Faith, and on many writing publications such as Relevant, Crosswalk, and Today’s Christian Woman. Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, 700 Club Interactive, Moody Radio and other television and radio broadcasts. When Kelly is not writing, she is chilling at the beach with her husband, a latte, and two toddlers who rightfully demand she build them awesome sand castles.
“The best time to be strengthened against the Enemy’s tactics of doubt, disappointment, and devastation is before he makes his first move toward us. We all desperately need the biblical guidance and preparation found in Battle Ready!” ~ Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries
To take the “Find Your Battle Style” quiz, and for other freebies, visit: www.iambattleready.com
I really needed to hear this. It really seems like one thing right after the other is hitting our family and it really is hard to stay strong through all of it.
I’ve had what feels like more than my share of big challenges beginning at a young age and they continue to come-even bigger now that I’m in my later years. I always thought that by the time I got to be 57 and my kids were raised, life would be easier, but I find myself in the most difficult time ever. Battling the man whom I believed loved me and I’d spend the rest of my life with. Instead, I learn he hasn’t loved me and I now have to fight this Goliath in a legal divorce battle to try to have what’s rightfully mine so that I can get on with my new life. I just want to have a simple quiet and peaceful life. I’ve lost everything that I spent my life building-family and financial security. Drug addiction is at the core of the destruction and I was too naive to even see it happening right in front of my eyes (not literally). Oh, I could write a book… But no one would believe it’s true. And without sharing the details I find myself battling another kind of battle. One within myself. I’m fighting legalism. I was reared in it and sat under it in church leadership as an adult for years. It is a huge part of my story and has done probably the most damage of all. Damage to my spiritual health. My ability to have a relationship with Jesus. I long for that. I realize that’s where the joy is. I’m just struggling to believe that it’s for me.
Nancy Silvers-LFT Care Team on July 12, 2018 at 8:14 am
Dear friend, Praying for God to give you comfort and peace during this battle. I pray the Lord brings women to walk besides you as you deal with these circumstances. I am praying for peace and joy that surpasses ALL understanding. Praying for the truth to come out and for you to feel God’s presence, in a mighty and personal way, each and every step you take. May JOY be yours despite your circumstances.
Isn’t this the truth ?! After walking out my faith for many years, I have somehow believed the lie that as you say “After all I’ve been through, I’ve made it. Now life will get easy. Let the blessings flow!”………. I am (slowly) coming to the realization that though struggles and battles may change with time and in different seasons, but there will always be situations that threaten to steal my peace if I allow them to…. Thanks for this reminder today of the need to be battle ready……Look forward to reading the rest of your book.
Lately I have been having a lot on my plate. Two years a go we had a house fire. We are finally finished fixing it up. We are in the process of selling it and the buyer is moving at a snail’s pace. We have a very small house that we bought to live in while we were fixing the old house. But, it is just to small. The other one is too big for our family now. So, we found the house that is just right. I’ve been praying and praying that our house would be sold quickly so we can hurry and purchase this other home. We’ve made our offer and we agreed on a price. But, the realtor called and said she was going to show the house incase our buyer fell through. Ugh! We want this house so bad. She didnt end up showing it thank God for that! Then, I my job has been cutting our hours like crazy and I need to make more money. So I prayed for a new job. I got an interview for store manager for the new Goodwill that is opening in our town. She said she would call me in a week or two either way to let me know if I got the job or not. It was two weeks yesterday and I still haven’t heard. I need this job so bad. But, I’m afraid I’m not going to get it. I’m still praying for it. Then, to top it all off last Thursday someone set my husbands truck on fire. Let me tell you that is not a good way to be woken up in the morning. That was his dream truck. We ended up finding another one almost identical only a year newer so I made an appointment to look at it. We drove over an hour away and when we pulled in another couple was pulling out in the truck we were supposed to be looking at. I’m very ashamed to admit that I cussed this salesman and his sales manager up one side and down the other. I was so angry! I have never sworn so much in my life. 😕 When the couple came back from their test drive e the sales manager ran out there and talked with them. I dont know what he said to them but they left. He came in and said are you ready to test drive your truck? I felt about an inch tall. We ended up buying this truck. Then, Sunday at church I felt so much better. I asked the Lord to forgive my actions. But, later that day my family was about ran over in the Walmart crosswalk so I started yelling at this woman. I’ve never felt so under attack in my entire life. EVER! So, I went to several Facebook pages like P31 OBS and Thy Will Be Done and asked for prayers. Let me tell you I feel like a new woman. I still dont know about that job. But, if God wants me to have it I will have it. Maybe he has a better plan for me. I’m just ready for my life to slow back down to normal.
Nancy Silvers-LFT Care Team on July 12, 2018 at 8:08 am
Angie, That is a lot to have on your plate. One of my favorite scriptures to go to when things just don’t make sense is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I’m praying for God to give your comfort, peace, wisdom and guidance during thus waiting time for a new positiona and the sale if your house. We don’t always understand the why for the wait but I do know God has his best for you. Grateful you were able to reach out for prayer-prayer changes everything!!
I too have felt like “a magnet for troublr” and have found myself living in the midst of my circumstances instead of in Jesus. I would love to read your book.
Suzie, I just love you and am SO thankful for you. I do not feel that my trials are comparable to what you or many others face. Yes, we have been through hard times. But God has always been faithful to see us through them and into His blessings. Today we face another trial. Chris is having a skin biopsy. I am trusting God for his health and healing. But I still cover your prayers. Love you, Angelia
Nancy Silvers-LFT Care Team on July 12, 2018 at 7:58 am
Gracious heavenly Father, we come to you this morning lifting Angelia and Chris up to you for peace and comfort. Guide the surgeon’s hand and Chris’ complete medical care team. Grant them peace, as they wait for results. Wrap your loving arms around them and put your banner of love over them. Remind them today, in tangible ways, that you see them, know them and love them deeply. Thank you, Lord, for Angelia and Chris and all you are doing in their lives. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Thank you for the timing of this blog. As I know that it was a reminder in the midst of great firy times fir our family I know that it will bless others as we share this article with other women fighting and struggling to find their way through the battles orchestrated before them. Thank you! What a precious reminder that bore witness right from the spirit to take and hold on to the voice inside of me of faith instead of the tormenting voices of fear and dread that day, “this time it’s done and this time is different and this time God cannot save your family!” LIES, all LIES straight from the enemy sent to discourage and steal joy, and steal faith! Thank you for reminding and bringing the voice of truth! Have a blessed week IN the fire or OUT of the fire, nonetheless blessed in the fires that God ultimately can use to refine you. Lord bless, and THANK YOU THANK YOU
Yes, I’d love to read this book. For 7 years , my husband and I have been caregivingvto members of our families.. we are thankful for the opportunity to serve God and them. Caregiving is still going on, and we feel continuously hit by other issues. We’re looking for joy and peace in all of this. Thank you got your timely devotion and an opportunity to read your new book.
So many battles for all of us everyday but there can also be blessings out of the battles. From a mother of a child with addiction, issues with her sexual identity and unexpected pregnancy. The unexpected pregnancy was probably the most difficult for our family at first…but looking back over the last 3 years God was only drawing us closer to Him to trust Him. We have a beautiful, healthy grandson that we are now raising…even though some days are not easy….we couldn’t imagine life without our beautiful blessing! I think being battle ready is important but sometimes through the battles God brings us closer to Him for His peace and comfort.
This is an awesome and timely devotion. I’m walking through some challenges with my 22 year old daughter that hit me by surprise. I think I unconsciously had the mistaken idea that life would always be trouble-free as it had been for years. I can see all the ways God has been with us through this crisis, but I’d love to read this book to help me continue to renew my mind to trust in Hi. And not fall prey to anxiety and despair. PS Susie, I love your devotions and get excited when I see a new one from you arrive. You have a great and relatable way of expressing what God is showing you. ❤️
Thank you! We have recently retired, and relocated. I am so grateful for where God has planted us, but the fact is that it does mean beginning again with a new church family and making new friends. In the waiting, this was such a good reminder. I am so grateful for the Body – whether through face to face connections, or cyberspace, God uses each of us to encourage one another and build each other up.
I kind of feel like life is like that ‘whack-a-mole’ game. I think I can catch my breath after some life jag, and then something else pops up. I just want to rest & breath…& regroup. Would love to read this book!
I would love to read the book Battle Ready! We are more than conquerers and we can walk on this path in Victory. Thru lots of battles I shut my heart off to survive them and now thru God’s healing I am opening it back up to Joy – love your blog post above!
After decades of living on the sidelines in my family, I established boundaries several years ago after my siblings either lied about me, bullied/verbally abused me, or disbelieved me. I’m currently in the midst of safety-planning for an event where paths will again cross. I am thankful for wise and godly counselors who remind me hiding and missing an event I really want to attend, is not healthy. They encourage me to be brave and BATTLE READY!!
Thanks for your devotion.I always think one big, challenge, and or crisis should come one at a time. However, it usually doesn’t – it comes in bunches. I would never make it ,but the Lord is always there. In the 70’s my husband was in ICU – I walk out to my car late at night – my car has a flat & I am feeling woe is me – however the Lord provided a stranger to leave a can to fix your tire by my car & a brother – in- law who was walking out with me used the can to fix the tire so I could get home. Wow and double wow Thank You Lord I got a new tire the next day. My husband was 28 years old at that time and he is now almost 69 years old and has been cancer free for all this long. He has had many other health issues over the years,but is for the most part really doing well now. Thank You,Lord
I am and have been in a battle for 15 years. I am also a mother of and addicted child. He is actually not a child but a 32yr old man that in so many ways has not matured or learned life coping skills and seems as if he is only 20. Life has and is so painful when you are in fear of burying your child. His addiction has progressed very much in the last year or two. He has spend most of the last year in different rehabs, given narcan probably 10-15 times. My heart feels crushed. I am trying very hard to trust God in this as I know he is the only one that is in control and nothing I can do will heal my son. I so desperately want be strong and at peace all the while still feeling joy during this battle that i continue to live. I would very much appreciate your prayers for my son and family.
Michele, LFT Care Team on July 12, 2018 at 12:18 pm
Dear Tina, as a mother, when your children suffer, no matter the age, your heart breaks. Your journey with your son is hard. I am sorry. I wish I could reach into my computer and hug you, sweet sister. Thank you for your courage to share about your son.
Heavenly Father, I am coming to you and petitioning for my sister, Tina. You know her, you see her, and you understand her pain. You are near her, and you love her passionately. You also love Tina’s son, and you cry tears for him too. I pray your freedom over this family and your son. I ask for complete healing that only you can give. I ask you to help Tina navigate in this path of hardship and give her strength and courage. I thank you for Tina and the faith she has in you. Please pour your peace over her in the wait. We love you. Amen.
Thanks for the chance to win this book. I think life is always filled with battles, at least it feels like it, and we have to decide whether we are going to become victims or trust in God and choose to keep fighting. Its hard though, especially when you get worn down. That’s why its so good to be around other Christians and be encouraged by them. Its so easy to focus on only ourselves and our problems that we forget that God might be trying to teach us something through our struggles. Thank you for this devotional.
“Fear not, for I am with you “, I still hear these words from Jesus daily. My husband and I were both college graduates working in high level professional jobs and we had the world before us for the taking. We built our first home after four years of marriage and had quite the portfolio in savings. One year later I was pregnant with our first child. Being a high risk pregnancy due to my Addison’s Disease we decided it would be best if I cut back on my hours of working. Everything was going great but then I delivered our daughter three and half weeks early. She seemed healthy upon delivery weighing in 5 pounds 13 ounces. She wouldn’t eat (bottle fed) while we in the hospital. However, the nurses from the nursery said she ate fine for them. So perhaps she was picking up on my new first time mother jitters. We were discharged home on a Saturday. She ate nothing from my husband or my mom the rest of that day and all day Sunday. By Monday she was screaming. We took her back to the Pediatrician’s office where they tried to do a spinal tap on her unsuccessfully. We were sent straight to the hospital for re-admission less than 24 hours after being discharged. Long story short she was diagnosed with Citrobacter diver versus meningitis. One of the most deadly dangerous gram negative meningitis there is. We were told to pray she doesn’t live because if she did she would be nothing more than in a vegative state. Here we were twenty four hours post partum hearing this news about our beautiful first born daughter. “Fear not, I am with you “. We were in hospital two months fighting that bacteria with the most antibiotics available. I had never given her a bath. Or changed her diaper. My heart was hurting beyond what I can describe. She needed to have a shunt inserted into her damaged meninges to drain her spinal fluid correctly and that couldn’t be done until the infection was completely cleared. That day finally came and we had no idea what her brain scans would look like. Because at that time it appeared she didn’t have one. Once the pressure was relieved and her brain started filling back into the brain cavity the scans showed two areas of brain damage. But because she was so little neurosurgeons couldn’t tell us what she would be able to do. As she slowly started developing we realized she had a visual impairment but we couldn’t tell how severe it was. She talked and walked. It was truly a miracle. The neurosurgeon stood with his open when she toddled into his office for a check up. He told us we were a rarity because this just doesn’t happen with infants who get this bacteria. I politely told him we weren’t a rarity but a miracle from God. Things weren’t all rosey though. Her visual impairment was extensive. Then the seizures started. The uncontrollable seizures that lasted for almost ten years. Isolationset in and I withdrew from my friends and all family events. I became bitter and cynical about life. You know that woe is me attitude? Comparing my life to everyone else’s and I nearly destroyed my marriage. Satan masquerades as an angel of light and he had me bound up in lies believing I was responsible for my daughter’s health issues in life. Because of my Addison’s Disease I was the one who caused her to have all her problems. Through Christian counseling I was and am still working through anger and depression. I re-dedicated my life to Jesus. He prepared me through the truth of Scripture and removed the veil to allow me to see the clarity of the wrong choices I had made in believing Satan’s lies and what I had allowed into my life. Jesus is the only deep, true lasting peace. Peace that isn’t a fleeting feeling that comes by faith. A relationship with Jesus isn’t about a feeling – it’s that faith – it’s about truth. Evenwhen it’s not comfortable. It’s about trusting Him and that He is God and I am not and He knows I’m submitting to that. And I can look back on the years and choices I made and see God always had His hand of protection on me. He is and was patient and never gave up on me.
Michele, Thank you. I wrote a watered down story. But then who can write about thirty two years of life and God’s faithfulness on someone’s blog? Even now I’m a work in progress in the Master’s Hand.
I made mistakes in my comment. I don’t know if there’s a way to go back and make corrections. If so, I can’t figure it out. I would like to be able to correct. If someone knows, I would appreciate your help. Thanks.
Hi Cyndi, beautifully written, I enjoyed reading that 🙂 I just wanted to say one thing that has helped me so much and I think you will relate. I can heart how much you loved your daughter and how fearcly you fought for her survival after was born, how you watched her grow in amazement, how proud you were when you walked into the doctors office and you suffered when the after effects started. Now take that and times it by ten million trillion… That is how much God loves His children. And as much you hated to see her suffer, He hates it too and its from Him. You would not punish daughter, and He doesn’t punish you…you get the gist. I couldn’t get anywhere God because I was sooo petrified of Him, not true! He loves me and I am His daughter as are you. Xx
Merle, Thank you for your encouraging words. And for the reminder that God is always on my side and that of my daughter. The meningitis left her handicap and I grieved the loss of what I thought was supposed to be her perfect life and mine. If I’m honest I’m still grieving. Because right now she would be married and having children right now. In the deep secret places of my heart I still blame myself. But put on a mask for the rest of the world to not see my hurt. But who am I kidding? I have to lay this down at the Cross if I’m ever going to be healed. Again, thanks for helping to remove the veil from my eyes and heart and so I can see the truth.
Thank you for giving us a opportunity to win. I find joy in the heat of the battle by keeping my focus and perspective on the lord which isn’t always easy in the heat of the store.
This a such a powerful and encouraging article! It could not have arrived at a better time as God keeps telling me to endure during a season that frankly is threatening to drown me. It feels like my life has been a constant battle and each battle the Lord has been Victor! But each trial that comes my way is more and more difficult (like a video game) and I’m thankful for the refining but so weary…
I am still in my battle. My husband left me and my kids 2 yrs 3 months ago, and he hasn’t file for divorce nor has he come home. He has gotten better about seeing and spending time with our kids, but he has left our official marriage status in limbo. I’ve been struggle a lot lately because it’s been so long. The first year was awful, but I survived by forming a relationship with God. I’ve continued to grow that relationship with God, and with other ladies. I was asked to take over the women’s life groups’ at my church on Sunday and Wednesday, and that even deepened my pursuit of Christ. I begged God to not make my message in life about my failed marriage, but time and time again women have reached out to me or been put in my path for me to reach out to. I still struggle, but I use a prayer journal to tell God my struggles. I try to be there for others who want to know how to survive because the hardest thing I struggle with is not having another woman to give me Godly advice or to talk too. I try to find joy in the little things, and little victories. Like the first time I went a whole day without crying, and having a good day with the kids. I try to focus on the day to day, and not the long term.
Dear Chanda, It sounds like you are rightfully clinging to our One and Only Source that will provide for you always and perfectly. And you are serving: however you also need to fill up your cup. Pray for God to give to you a woman to guide you in your struggle. May the Lord continue to bless you and rain down hia healimg and comfort.
I have found this to be true. My spiritual trials have become the manure that fertilized my flower beds. Blessings are always there in the midst of the circumstance.
I agree- we have Jesus who helps us to get thru battles, sometimes back to back battles. But I think it is ok to give ourselves a bit of a break even when we feel tired of one trial coming after the other. It might be better to be honest with ourselves and God- about our fatigue about trials or battles (spiritual or of the world). Then I think God would get even more glory- because as you say, He will restore us with peace and even joy, and refreshment; and He will help us to fight our battles- that is our only hope I think that will help us to persevere and not give up, especially in the season of continuous battles. These are just my thoughts…but I’d love to read your book to learn about yours and also how to be battle ready better and more mature than I have to date. Because (unfortunately) I guess battles are not going anywhere as long as we are here, but we can always improve how we see them, deal with them, and learn from them.
So true. I feel there are some things in our life that are so desvastating and sudden we can’t train our brain in advance. We pastored for over 40 years and saw miracle after miracle. Then sudden tragedies back to back. It devastated us when we knew the power God had and yet he didn’t intervene. My faith was still strong, but it smashes all future dreams of graduations, engagements, weddings, great grandchildren. One thing I knew….. God was, is and always will be sovereign. Then I had a major stroke that paralyzed my right side. I was a baby again in 2016 after the tradgedies of 2014, Like a baby, I had to learn to eat, walk, write, pick up a cup, dress myself all over again. I found myself literally, except for having to be diapered, going through life again! God is sovereign, but sometimes you become like Job. But, like Job, God told Sara, “Have you considered my servsmt, Job…..,and your ministry then really begins!
One of my favorite scriptures is the one in Romans 8 — how we are more than conquerors because of God. It is so true how the battles keep coming. I spent so many years handling issues and unfairness at work, getting stressed out, and had finally reached a point where I could honestly say that I had surrendered all the work issues to God. Then a year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but during the entire experience God showed me that He was with me and in control of the situation. Because of God’s presence, I could trust and be confident that I would be fighting the battle with Him.
Battle seems to be my middle name. I have been in battles with depression and anxiety. Mymom passed away twould 2 days before my birthday. My house was put into foreclosure. while at this time Bank of America foreclosed on my house Legally. I can tell you that after all this I have come to the conclusion that I should become a comedian and use this information out in a very funny act. this is my way of laugh in in the devil’s face.After five years God Is steel my first love.HE WAS NOT ABLE to turn my heart form father Abba. This book is what I need to read so I can learn how to have more joy while in battles. I will be sure to purchase it for advice.
I surely do relate to this, After a huge health battle @ 24, I thought God wouldn’t ask any more from me! Little did I know !! When the next battle came, I was shocked to say the least ! But even that one wasn’t the last. I’ve found I continue to grow AND lean on him.
I literally just got done praying to the Lord to show me how to not be scared and then I saw this blog post. Thank you ❤️ My husband and I have had some trials over the past 7 months that have left us both shaking in our boots and scared. A family members addiction directly effected our immediate family, and my husband just lost his job, now we’re most likely going to have to move. We are battle weary to say the least. I’ve felt the Lord’s hand throughout this time and I’m so thankful for his love but I’m so easily forgetful and get scared about the future.
It seems like every time things get “normal”, life happens. My husband just lost his job and I have a daughter who is chronically ill and I’m a two time cancer survivor who deals daily with treatment side effects and recurrence thoughts. My faith is pretty strong but sometimes I struggle. I know God is with my family and we trust Him as our Father but it is just hard sometimes. Thank you for your words of encouragement!
The last few years it’s really seemed like there’s been one battle after another. I find myself constantly wondering “ why me” and “isn’t it time for a break “. I can’t wait to read this book, I think it’ll really help me in the place I’ve been in.
Everything that has been said is true, but if you don’t have a job and can’t get one that you can handle, physically or mentally it is hard to survive. I love Jesus I haven’t lost faith in Him, I just don’t know how to survive while waiting on His answers.
Everything that has been said is true, but if you don’t have a job and can’t get one that you can handle, physically or mentally it is hard to survive. I love Jesus I haven’t lost faith in Him, I just don’t know how to survive while waiting on His answers. Not same content just similar.
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I really needed to hear this. It really seems like one thing right after the other is hitting our family and it really is hard to stay strong through all of it.
Sarah, you are the winner of Kelly’s book, Battle Ready. I’ll send a personal email to you to let you know! Congratulations.
I’ve had what feels like more than my share of big challenges beginning at a young age and they continue to come-even bigger now that I’m in my later years. I always thought that by the time I got to be 57 and my kids were raised, life would be easier, but I find myself in the most difficult time ever. Battling the man whom I believed loved me and I’d spend the rest of my life with. Instead, I learn he hasn’t loved me and I now have to fight this Goliath in a legal divorce battle to try to have what’s rightfully mine so that I can get on with my new life. I just want to have a simple quiet and peaceful life. I’ve lost everything that I spent my life building-family and financial security. Drug addiction is at the core of the destruction and I was too naive to even see it happening right in front of my eyes (not literally).
Oh, I could write a book… But no one would believe it’s true. And without sharing the details I find myself battling another kind of battle. One within myself. I’m fighting legalism. I was reared in it and sat under it in church leadership as an adult for years. It is a huge part of my story and has done probably the most damage of all. Damage to my spiritual health. My ability to have a relationship with Jesus. I long for that. I realize that’s where the joy is. I’m just struggling to believe that it’s for me.
Dear friend, Praying for God to give you comfort and peace during this battle. I pray the Lord brings women to walk besides you as you deal with these circumstances. I am praying for peace and joy that surpasses ALL understanding. Praying for the truth to come out and for you to feel God’s presence, in a mighty and personal way, each and every step you take. May JOY be yours despite your circumstances.
Nancy, Thank you for your sweet prayer.
Isn’t this the truth ?!
After walking out my faith for many years, I have somehow believed the lie that as you say “After all I’ve been through, I’ve made it. Now life will get easy. Let the blessings flow!”……….
I am (slowly) coming to the realization that though struggles and battles may change with time and in different seasons, but there will always be situations that threaten to steal my peace if I allow them to….
Thanks for this reminder today of the need to be battle ready……Look forward to reading the rest of your book.
Good or bad — we must always be battle ready.
Lately I have been having a lot on my plate. Two years a go we had a house fire. We are finally finished fixing it up. We are in the process of selling it and the buyer is moving at a snail’s pace. We have a very small house that we bought to live in while we were fixing the old house. But, it is just to small. The other one is too big for our family now. So, we found the house that is just right. I’ve been praying and praying that our house would be sold quickly so we can hurry and purchase this other home. We’ve made our offer and we agreed on a price. But, the realtor called and said she was going to show the house incase our buyer fell through. Ugh! We want this house so bad. She didnt end up showing it thank God for that! Then, I my job has been cutting our hours like crazy and I need to make more money. So I prayed for a new job. I got an interview for store manager for the new Goodwill that is opening in our town. She said she would call me in a week or two either way to let me know if I got the job or not. It was two weeks yesterday and I still haven’t heard. I need this job so bad. But, I’m afraid I’m not going to get it. I’m still praying for it. Then, to top it all off last Thursday someone set my husbands truck on fire. Let me tell you that is not a good way to be woken up in the morning. That was his dream truck. We ended up finding another one almost identical only a year newer so I made an appointment to look at it. We drove over an hour away and when we pulled in another couple was pulling out in the truck we were supposed to be looking at. I’m very ashamed to admit that I cussed this salesman and his sales manager up one side and down the other. I was so angry! I have never sworn so much in my life. 😕 When the couple came back from their test drive e the sales manager ran out there and talked with them. I dont know what he said to them but they left. He came in and said are you ready to test drive your truck? I felt about an inch tall. We ended up buying this truck. Then, Sunday at church I felt so much better. I asked the Lord to forgive my actions. But, later that day my family was about ran over in the Walmart crosswalk so I started yelling at this woman. I’ve never felt so under attack in my entire life. EVER! So, I went to several Facebook pages like P31 OBS and Thy Will Be Done and asked for prayers. Let me tell you I feel like a new woman. I still dont know about that job. But, if God wants me to have it I will have it. Maybe he has a better plan for me. I’m just ready for my life to slow back down to normal.
Angie, That is a lot to have on your plate. One of my favorite scriptures to go to when things just don’t make sense is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I’m praying for God to give your comfort, peace, wisdom and guidance during thus waiting time for a new positiona and the sale if your house. We don’t always understand the why for the wait but I do know God has his best for you.
Grateful you were able to reach out for prayer-prayer changes everything!!
I too have felt like “a magnet for troublr” and have found myself living in the midst of my circumstances instead of in Jesus. I would love to read your book.
So true, the joy of the 😇 is our strength to fight the battle we are facing! I would 💝 to read this inspirational book 📖! Blessings
Suzie,
I just love you and am SO thankful for you. I do not feel that my trials are comparable to what you or many others face. Yes, we have been through hard times. But God has always been faithful to see us through them and into His blessings. Today we face another trial. Chris is having a skin biopsy. I am trusting God for his health and healing. But I still cover your prayers.
Love you,
Angelia
Gracious heavenly Father, we come to you this morning lifting Angelia and Chris up to you for peace and comfort. Guide the surgeon’s hand and Chris’ complete medical care team. Grant them peace, as they wait for results. Wrap your loving arms around them and put your banner of love over them. Remind them today, in tangible ways, that you see them, know them and love them deeply.
Thank you, Lord, for Angelia and Chris and all you are doing in their lives. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Thank you for the timing of this blog. As I know that it was a reminder in the midst of great firy times fir our family I know that it will bless others as we share this article with other women fighting and struggling to find their way through the battles orchestrated before them. Thank you! What a precious reminder that bore witness right from the spirit to take and hold on to the voice inside of me of faith instead of the tormenting voices of fear and dread that day, “this time it’s done and this time is different and this time God cannot save your family!” LIES, all LIES straight from the enemy sent to discourage and steal joy, and steal faith! Thank you for reminding and bringing the voice of truth! Have a blessed week IN the fire or OUT of the fire, nonetheless blessed in the fires that God ultimately can use to refine you. Lord bless, and THANK YOU THANK YOU
Yes, I’d love to read this book. For 7 years , my husband and I have been caregivingvto members of our families.. we are thankful for the opportunity to serve God and them.
Caregiving is still going on, and we feel continuously hit by other issues.
We’re looking for joy and peace in all of this. Thank you got your timely devotion and an opportunity to read your new book.
So many battles for all of us everyday but there can also be blessings out of the battles. From a mother of a child with addiction, issues with her sexual identity and unexpected pregnancy. The unexpected pregnancy was probably the most difficult for our family at first…but looking back over the last 3 years God was only drawing us closer to Him to trust Him. We have a beautiful, healthy grandson that we are now raising…even though some days are not easy….we couldn’t imagine life without our beautiful blessing! I think being battle ready is important but sometimes through the battles God brings us closer to Him for His peace and comfort.
This is an awesome and timely devotion. I’m walking through some challenges with my 22 year old daughter that hit me by surprise. I think I unconsciously had the mistaken idea that life would always be trouble-free as it had been for years. I can see all the ways God has been with us through this crisis, but I’d love to read this book to help me continue to renew my mind to trust in Hi. And not fall prey to anxiety and despair.
PS Susie, I love your devotions and get excited when I see a new one from you arrive. You have a great and relatable way of expressing what God is showing you. ❤️
Thank you! We have recently retired, and relocated. I am so grateful for where God has planted us, but the fact is that it does mean beginning again with a new church family and making new friends. In the waiting, this was such a good reminder. I am so grateful for the Body – whether through face to face connections, or cyberspace, God uses each of us to encourage one another and build each other up.
I kind of feel like life is like that ‘whack-a-mole’ game. I think I can catch my breath after some life jag, and then something else pops up. I just want to rest & breath…& regroup. Would love to read this book!
I would love to read the book Battle Ready! We are more than conquerers and we can walk on this path in Victory. Thru lots of battles I shut my heart off to survive them and now thru God’s healing I am opening it back up to Joy – love your blog post above!
After decades of living on the sidelines in my family, I established boundaries several years ago after my siblings either lied about me, bullied/verbally abused me, or disbelieved me. I’m currently in the midst of safety-planning for an event where paths will again cross. I am thankful for wise and godly counselors who remind me hiding and missing an event I really want to attend, is not healthy. They encourage me to be brave and BATTLE READY!!
Thanks for your devotion.I always think one big, challenge, and or crisis should come one at a time. However, it usually doesn’t – it comes in bunches. I would never make it ,but the Lord is always there. In the 70’s my husband was in ICU – I walk out to my car late at night – my car has a flat & I am feeling woe is me – however the Lord provided a stranger to leave a can to fix your tire by my car & a brother – in- law who was walking out with me used the can to fix the tire so I could get home. Wow and double wow Thank You Lord I got a new tire the next day. My husband was 28 years old at that time and he is now almost 69 years old and has been cancer free for all this long. He has had many other health issues over the years,but is for the most part really doing well now. Thank You,Lord
I am and have been in a battle for 15 years. I am also a mother of and addicted child. He is actually not a child but a 32yr old man that in so many ways has not matured or learned life coping skills and seems as if he is only 20. Life has and is so painful when you are in fear of burying your child. His addiction has progressed very much in the last year or two. He has spend most of the last year in different rehabs, given narcan probably 10-15 times. My heart feels crushed. I am trying very hard to trust God in this as I know he is the only one that is in control and nothing I can do will heal my son. I so desperately want be strong and at peace all the while still feeling joy during this battle that i continue to live. I would very much appreciate your prayers for my son and family.
Dear Tina, as a mother, when your children suffer, no matter the age, your heart breaks. Your journey with your son is hard. I am sorry. I wish I could reach into my computer and hug you, sweet sister. Thank you for your courage to share about your son.
Heavenly Father, I am coming to you and petitioning for my sister, Tina. You know her, you see her, and you understand her pain. You are near her, and you love her passionately. You also love Tina’s son, and you cry tears for him too. I pray your freedom over this family and your son. I ask for complete healing that only you can give. I ask you to help Tina navigate in this path of hardship and give her strength and courage. I thank you for Tina and the faith she has in you. Please pour your peace over her in the wait. We love you. Amen.
Thanks for the chance to win this book. I think life is always filled with battles, at least it feels like it, and we have to decide whether we are going to become victims or trust in God and choose to keep fighting. Its hard though, especially when you get worn down. That’s why its so good to be around other Christians and be encouraged by them. Its so easy to focus on only ourselves and our problems that we forget that God might be trying to teach us something through our struggles. Thank you for this devotional.
“Fear not, for I am with you “, I still hear these words from Jesus daily.
My husband and I were both college graduates working in high level professional jobs and we had the world before us for the taking. We built our first home after four years of marriage and had quite the portfolio in savings. One year later I was pregnant with our first child. Being a high risk pregnancy due to my Addison’s Disease we decided it would be best if I cut back on my hours of working.
Everything was going great but then I delivered our daughter three and half weeks early. She seemed healthy upon delivery weighing in 5 pounds 13 ounces. She wouldn’t eat (bottle fed) while we in the hospital. However, the nurses from the nursery said she ate fine for them. So perhaps she was picking up on my new first time mother jitters. We were discharged home on a Saturday. She ate nothing from my husband or my mom the rest of that day and all day Sunday. By Monday she was screaming. We took her back to the Pediatrician’s office where they tried to do a spinal tap on her unsuccessfully. We were sent straight to the hospital for re-admission less than 24 hours after being discharged. Long story short she was diagnosed with Citrobacter diver versus meningitis. One of the most deadly dangerous gram negative meningitis there is. We were told to pray she doesn’t live because if she did she would be nothing more than in a vegative state.
Here we were twenty four hours post partum hearing this news about our beautiful first born daughter.
“Fear not, I am with you “.
We were in hospital two months fighting that bacteria with the most antibiotics available. I had never given her a bath. Or changed her diaper. My heart was hurting beyond what I can describe. She needed to have a shunt inserted into her damaged meninges to drain her spinal fluid correctly and that couldn’t be done until the infection was completely cleared. That day finally came and we had no idea what her brain scans would look like. Because at that time it appeared she didn’t have one. Once the pressure was relieved and her brain started filling back into the brain cavity the scans showed two areas of brain damage. But because she was so little neurosurgeons couldn’t tell us what she would be able to do.
As she slowly started developing we realized she had a visual impairment but we couldn’t tell how severe it was. She talked and walked. It was truly a miracle. The neurosurgeon stood with his open when she toddled into his office for a check up. He told us we were a rarity because this just doesn’t happen with infants who get this bacteria. I politely told him we weren’t a rarity but a miracle from God.
Things weren’t all rosey though. Her visual impairment was extensive. Then the seizures started. The uncontrollable seizures that lasted for almost ten years.
Isolationset in and I withdrew from my friends and all family events. I became bitter and cynical about life. You know that woe is me attitude? Comparing my life to everyone else’s and I nearly destroyed my marriage.
Satan masquerades as an angel of light and he had me bound up in lies believing I was responsible for my daughter’s health issues in life. Because of my Addison’s Disease I was the one who caused her to have all her problems.
Through Christian counseling I was and am still working through anger and depression. I re-dedicated my life to Jesus. He prepared me through the truth of Scripture and removed the veil to allow me to see the clarity of the wrong choices I had made in believing Satan’s lies and what I had allowed into my life.
Jesus is the only deep, true lasting peace. Peace that isn’t a fleeting feeling that comes by faith. A relationship with Jesus isn’t about a feeling – it’s that faith – it’s about truth.
Evenwhen it’s not comfortable. It’s about trusting Him and that He is God and I am not and He knows I’m submitting to that. And I can look back on the years and choices I made and see God always had His hand of protection on me. He is and was patient and never gave up on me.
Cindi, your story is powerful and so is your strength in God. Thank you.
Michele,
Thank you. I wrote a watered down story. But then who can write about thirty two years of life and God’s faithfulness on someone’s blog? Even now I’m a work in progress in the Master’s Hand.
Blessings to you,
Cyndi
I made mistakes in my comment. I don’t know if there’s a way to go back and make corrections. If so, I can’t figure it out. I would like to be able to correct. If someone knows, I would appreciate your help. Thanks.
Hi Cyndi, beautifully written, I enjoyed reading that 🙂 I just wanted to say one thing that has helped me so much and I think you will relate. I can heart how much you loved your daughter and how fearcly you fought for her survival after was born, how you watched her grow in amazement, how proud you were when you walked into the doctors office and you suffered when the after effects started. Now take that and times it by ten million trillion… That is how much God loves His children. And as much you hated to see her suffer, He hates it too and its from Him. You would not punish daughter, and He doesn’t punish you…you get the gist. I couldn’t get anywhere God because I was sooo petrified of Him, not true! He loves me and I am His daughter as are you. Xx
Merle,
Thank you for your encouraging words. And for the reminder that God is always on my side and that of my daughter. The meningitis left her handicap and I grieved the loss of what I thought was supposed to be her perfect life and mine. If I’m honest I’m still grieving. Because right now she would be married and having children right now. In the deep secret places of my heart I still blame myself. But put on a mask for the rest of the world to not see my hurt.
But who am I kidding? I have to lay this down at the Cross if I’m ever going to be healed. Again, thanks for helping to remove the veil from my eyes and heart and so I can see the truth.
Thank you for giving us a opportunity to win. I find joy in the heat of the battle by keeping my focus and perspective on the lord which isn’t always easy in the heat of the store.
This a such a powerful and encouraging article! It could not have arrived at a better time as God keeps telling me to endure during a season that frankly is threatening to drown me. It feels like my life has been a constant battle and each battle the Lord has been Victor! But each trial that comes my way is more and more difficult (like a video game) and I’m thankful for the refining but so weary…
I am still in my battle. My husband left me and my kids 2 yrs 3 months ago, and he hasn’t file for divorce nor has he come home. He has gotten better about seeing and spending time with our kids, but he has left our official marriage status in limbo. I’ve been struggle a lot lately because it’s been so long. The first year was awful, but I survived by forming a relationship with God. I’ve continued to grow that relationship with God, and with other ladies. I was asked to take over the women’s life groups’ at my church on Sunday and Wednesday, and that even deepened my pursuit of Christ. I begged God to not make my message in life about my failed marriage, but time and time again women have reached out to me or been put in my path for me to reach out to. I still struggle, but I use a prayer journal to tell God my struggles. I try to be there for others who want to know how to survive because the hardest thing I struggle with is not having another woman to give me Godly advice or to talk too. I try to find joy in the little things, and little victories. Like the first time I went a whole day without crying, and having a good day with the kids. I try to focus on the day to day, and not the long term.
Dear Chanda,
It sounds like you are rightfully clinging to our One and Only Source that will provide for you always and perfectly. And you are serving: however you also need to fill up your cup. Pray for God to give to you a woman to guide you in your struggle. May the Lord continue to bless you and rain down hia healimg and comfort.
I have found this to be true. My spiritual trials have become the manure that fertilized my flower beds. Blessings are always there in the midst of the circumstance.
I agree- we have Jesus who helps us to get thru battles, sometimes back to back battles. But I think it is ok to give ourselves a bit of a break even when we feel tired of one trial coming after the other. It might be better to be honest with ourselves and God- about our fatigue about trials or battles (spiritual or of the world). Then I think God would get even more glory- because as you say, He will restore us with peace and even joy, and refreshment; and He will help us to fight our battles- that is our only hope I think that will help us to persevere and not give up, especially in the season of continuous battles. These are just my thoughts…but I’d love to read your book to learn about yours and also how to be battle ready better and more mature than I have to date. Because (unfortunately) I guess battles are not going anywhere as long as we are here, but we can always improve how we see them, deal with them, and learn from them.
So true. I feel there are some things in our life that are so desvastating and sudden we can’t train our brain in advance. We pastored for over 40 years and saw miracle after miracle. Then sudden tragedies back to back. It devastated us when we knew the power God had and yet he didn’t intervene. My faith was still strong, but it smashes all future dreams of graduations, engagements, weddings, great grandchildren. One thing I knew….. God was, is and always will be sovereign. Then I had a major stroke that paralyzed my right side. I was a baby again in 2016 after the tradgedies of 2014, Like a baby, I had to learn to eat, walk, write, pick up a cup, dress myself all over again. I found myself literally, except for having to be diapered, going through life again! God is sovereign, but sometimes you become like Job. But, like Job, God told Sara, “Have you considered my servsmt, Job…..,and your ministry then really begins!
One of my favorite scriptures is the one in Romans 8 — how we are more than conquerors because of God. It is so true how the battles keep coming. I spent so many years handling issues and unfairness at work, getting stressed out, and had finally reached a point where I could honestly say that I had surrendered all the work issues to God. Then a year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but during the entire experience God showed me that He was with me and in control of the situation. Because of God’s presence, I could trust and be confident that I would be fighting the battle with Him.
Battle seems to be my middle name. I have been in battles with depression and anxiety. Mymom passed away twould 2 days before my birthday. My house was put into foreclosure. while at this time Bank of America foreclosed on my house Legally. I can tell you that after all this I have come to the conclusion that I should become a comedian and use this information out in a very funny act. this is my way of laugh in in the devil’s face.After five years God Is steel my first love.HE WAS NOT ABLE to turn my heart form father Abba. This book is what I need to read so I can learn how to have more joy while in battles. I will be sure to purchase it for advice.
I surely do relate to this, After a huge health battle @ 24, I thought God wouldn’t ask any more from me! Little did I know !! When the next battle came, I was shocked to say the least ! But even that one wasn’t the last. I’ve found I continue to grow AND lean on him.
I literally just got done praying to the Lord to show me how to not be scared and then I saw this blog post. Thank you ❤️ My husband and I have had some trials over the past 7 months that have left us both shaking in our boots and scared. A family members addiction directly effected our immediate family, and my husband just lost his job, now we’re most likely going to have to move. We are battle weary to say the least. I’ve felt the Lord’s hand throughout this time and I’m so thankful for his love but I’m so easily forgetful and get scared about the future.
It seems like every time things get “normal”, life happens. My husband just lost his job and I have a daughter who is chronically ill and I’m a two time cancer survivor who deals daily with treatment side effects and recurrence thoughts. My faith is pretty strong but sometimes I struggle. I know God is with my family and we trust Him as our Father but it is just hard sometimes. Thank you for your words of encouragement!
The last few years it’s really seemed like there’s been one battle after another. I find myself constantly wondering “ why me” and “isn’t it time for a break “. I can’t wait to read this book, I think it’ll really help me in the place I’ve been in.
Easy to forget, and easy to never learn in the first place too. Thanks for the reminder!
Everything that has been said is true, but if you don’t have a job and can’t get one that you can handle, physically or mentally it is hard to survive. I love Jesus I haven’t lost faith in Him, I just don’t know how to survive while waiting on His answers.
Everything that has been said is true, but if you don’t have a job and can’t get one that you can handle, physically or mentally it is hard to survive. I love Jesus I haven’t lost faith in Him, I just don’t know how to survive while waiting on His answers.
Not same content just similar.