Author Darlene J. Conard

Sitting quietly in the stillness of my living room, I could almost feel a tangible resolve forming within me—a fierce determination to conquer the grogginess that threatened to take over my day. No longer would I surrender to the torment of sleepless nights, where I tossed and turned, battling restlessness that clung to me like a shadow. This had to be the last time! “God, what words do You have for me today?” I whispered, striving to push aside the pressing reminders of all the tasks that lay ahead.

But confusion swirled around me like a storm. Just yesterday, out of the blue, a phone call from a long-lost friend broke through the silence—a voice I hadn’t heard in over a year, brimming with encouragement. As soon as I finished my prayer, he reached out. I should have felt buoyed by this unexpected connection, reveling in the realization that incredible things were unfolding in my life. God was opening doors, weaving miracles into the lives of those around me. So then, what was weighing me down? I began to sift through the recent events, searching for clarity. It struck me that a splinter isn’t always immediately felt beneath the skin; sometimes, the signs of trouble manifest as redness or infection before the source of pain is uncovered.

My thoughts drifted back to a conversation from last week—a moment that had taken a sharp turn into negativity. That was when the seeds of doubt had been sown.

Just a few careless words that hinted at the superficial standards of beauty—expectations women should somehow conform to—planted themselves in my mind, triggering a flood of negative voices from my past to resurface.

Weeks earlier, I had watched a poignant 3D animated short that struck a chord deep within my spirit. It began with a mother bird, gracefully gliding through the vast expanse, searching tirelessly for nourishment before returning to her unhatched egg. Nearby, a serpent-like creature lay in wait, plotting to ensnare her attention. At the opportune moment, it unleashed a small snake as a distraction, luring her away from her protected nest. She pursued it, driven by instinct, unaware that her precious charge was now vulnerable and exposed. When she realized what had occurred, a heart-wrenching panic surged through her. With fierce determination, she turned back, confronting the creature that threatened her unborn baby. In the fierce clash that ensued, she was bitten and wounded by the creature’s venomous fangs. Yet, just when it seemed her strength was waning, she remembered the precious life she was fighting for. Summoning every ounce of her dwindling energy, she clawed at the creature, relentlessly battling for what was rightfully hers and ultimately vanquishing it.

That short film bore a profound lesson that resonated deeply within me.

Satan will exploit the little things—small distractions—to coax us away from the promises God holds for us. Without even realizing it, we find ourselves pursuing opinions or ideals that stray far from divine truth, ensnared instead by society’s narrow definitions of who we should be, how we should look, and what we should aspire to become. As the Song of Solomon wisely advises: “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” (Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV). It is often these seemingly insignificant things that can inflict great damage.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 KJV)

So I will fight in prayer, clinging tightly to the promises God has bestowed upon me.

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish. My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2026. This 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. If you have a prayer request, please email it to darlene.conard@hotmail.com, and my intercessors and I will pray.

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