Author Darlene J. Conard

Gently, God’s divine presence stirred me from my deep slumber, enveloping me in a warm embrace of glory that filled the very air around me. The normal atmosphere itself turned into serenity. Although I felt as though I were floating, weightless, and utterly carefree, I found myself unable to move—nor did I desire to.

“Oh Lord,” I whispered, my heart overflowing with longing, “how I’ve yearned to finally experience this sacred moment. Here I am, emerging from the dark valley of shadows, entangled in thorns and thickets. At last, I stand in the breathtaking realm of faith, a place of peace and complete clarity. Finally, I see things from a unique perspective.

As we navigate through the unforgiving thickets of life and its sharp thistles, they rend us, causing wounds and weariness.

Each prickly branch seems intent on snagging our hope, causing us to lose precious fragments of our journey amidst the tangled chaos. Yes, they grab, tear, and bring blood, but in the end, the realization of how invaluable those things we’ve carried will come.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Peter 1:6-8 KJV)

Multiple temptations indicate that God is at work. Jesus experienced this during His forty-day fast. Satan did not succeed; Jesus recognized that his goal was to lead Him to failure (Matthew 4:1-11). While Satan cannot take away what God has given us, he will try to tempt us into giving it up. Everyone can agree that temptation is a heavy burden, especially when we are surrounded by it. However, the challenges we face in our faith bring us strength, revelation, and a closer connection to God.

In the scriptures of 1 Peter, it is emphasized that facing challenges is a mark of honor. Our faith, which holds a value far greater than gold, serves as a testament to the presence of our fears, especially those instilled by Satan. Ultimately, the profound joy that awaits us at the end of our trials surpasses any treasure we might encounter in this world.

… “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

When we look through the lens of faith, we gain a glimpse of God’s incredible plans for us. Our emotions can often lead us astray, so it’s important not to rely on feelings, sights, sounds, or thoughts as the foundation of our beliefs. Instead, we must anchor ourselves in faith.

Let this message fill you with hope, dear one. A dear friend of mine lives by a powerful mission statement that resonates deeply: “Be brave, be bold, and stay focused. Trust that you are destined for greatness, and soon you will realize that you are more than simply okay; you are meant to thrive!”

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