Author Darlene J. Conard

“God is going to make you tough-skinned.” This morning, I woke up with the echoing tone of my friend Dallie’s profound and fervent prayer lingering in my spirit. The intercession group’s powerful declaration over me set in motion immediate and tangible changes, serving as a touching demonstration of the incredible influence that our words possess. I have felt this way for months since then.

Jesus prepared His disciples, saying, “^Behold, I send you forth as sheep amid wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 KJV)

Sheep possess a remarkable trait – they have an impressive 300-degree field of vision. This means they can see what is behind them without having to turn their heads. This wide visual range helps them remain alert and aware of their surroundings, making it easier to detect potential predators or other threats.

These gentle creatures pose no threat. They are receptive, very accepting of instruction, and submissive. Wolves prey on sheep; that’s why Jesus said to be wise as serpents yet harmless as doves. 

When we are at our lowest, it’s easy to feel hopeless and lost. Yet, through divine intervention, God has a remarkable way of shifting our viewpoint, filling us with hope, and sparking inspiration within our hearts. His intervention is like a beacon of light in the darkest times, guiding us towards a brighter, more hopeful future.

God is calling us into deeper waters. Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.”

“Did you know you can experience such a deep connection with God that you become resistant to the chaos around you? When God promises that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, no rumor, curse, sickness, bad news, or negative opinion can have power over you. It’s an incredible state to be in! It doesn’t matter who said what or whether they believe it because God’s protection surpasses all, providing a profound sense of security and protection.

I hold what a friend of mine said to me deep within my heart: “Darlene, God chose you to be on the front line of the battle because He knew you could handle it.” Being tough doesn’t mean having a macho attitude. It means standing firm in faith, believing God for what He said He would; it means being full of the joy of the Holy Spirit!

Take this message to heart: God will make you tough enough to withstand anything that comes your way!

Trust Him to do what He said He would do! He’s so faithful!

Please feel free to share this with anyone you like. My mission is to encourage everyone to wholeheartedly follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. © Darlene J. Conard, Vision Ministries 2024. This text may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

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