Author: Darlene J. Conard

Ever Present

Ever Present

Author Darlene J. Conard

Every time we take a purposeful step toward connecting with God, we open ourselves up to a wealth of knowledge and profound understanding. The act of fervently seeking God can have a transformative impact on all facets of our lives. This intense yearning we experience often signals a deep inner stirring, compelling us to pursue a more intimate relationship with Him. As beautifully expressed in Psalm 34:9, “The young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing,” we find reassurance that those who earnestly seek the Lord will never be deprived of the richness and goodness that life has to offer.

Encountering God is not merely an encounter; it’s a life-altering experience that reshapes our very essence. The transformation we undergo can be likened to donning a new garment—each moment spent in His presence leaves us renewed, invigorated, and imbued with a sense of purpose we may have never known before. This journey of seeking Him molds us into a more authentic version of ourselves, forever altered by the grace and wisdom we receive along the way.

In the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in verses 18-26 of chapter 9, there is a detailed account of a woman who had been suffering from a chronic illness characterized by an issue of blood. This passage describes her journey seeking healing, likely involving consultations with medical professionals and significant financial investment. The narrative also touches upon the universal experience of navigating through crowds, highlighting the frustration and pressure that often accompany such endeavors. The text prompts readers to consider the impact of their level of desperation on their determination to achieve their goals, posing the question: How far are you willing to go to attain what you desire?

“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early” … Isaiah 26:9 KJV

Through the challenges I have faced, I have acquired valuable insights and wisdom. I have learned how to take these struggles and turn them into blessings, finding strength and growth in the process.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Instead of trying to make sense of the struggles we face, let’s focus on embracing God’s promises. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties, seek solace in His presence and find strength and comfort there.

And he said, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” Exodus 33:14 KJV

“If we must “feel” God’s presence before we believe he is with us, we again reduce God to our ability to grasp him, making him an idol instead of acknowledging him as God.”     Author Craig S. Keener

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 2024.   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.

**Watchmen** 

**Watchmen** 

*Author Darlene J. Conard* 

My meticulously made bed, adorned with fresh sheets and soft pillows, turned into a chaotic wrestling match over several sleepless nights. I found myself pleading, “Lord, this feels so unfair. You are ever-watchful, never resting, while my tired body longs for sleep, yet You keep me wide awake.” Some of us bear a heavier burden as intercessors. 

**Standing on the Wall: The Sacred Calling of a Watchman** 

The word “watchman” conveys a deep sense of solemn dignity. It brings to mind someone who stays alert while others sleep, who remains vigilant when others rest, and who perceives what may go unnoticed by many. In Scripture, a watchman is more than just a guard; he is a spiritual sentinel—one who listens, discerns, warns, and intercedes. 

Being a watchman is less about having a formal title and more about embracing a certain posture of the heart. 

**The Watchman’s View: Seeing From the Heights** 

In the profound words of Ezekiel, God speaks with unmistakable clarity: 

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” — Ezekiel 3:17 

A watchman occupies a high vantage point, not from a desire for power, but to see beyond the immediate landscape. This elevated position provides both the privilege of a broader perspective and the weighty responsibility it carries. 

To embody a watchman’s role in today’s world is to develop a deep spiritual insight that goes beyond the ordinary: 

• To recognize subtle threats before they arise 

• To detect underlying shifts in the spiritual atmosphere overlooked by many 

• To distinguish truth from deception amid widespread confusion 

• To tune one’s ears to hear God’s gentle whisper despite the world’s noise 

Achieving this level of spiritual discernment demands intentional stillness, genuine humility, and a heart attuned to the whispers of heaven. It is within this sacred space that one can truly fulfill the role of a watchman. 

**The Watchman’s Burden: Warning in Love** 

A watchman’s calling is not to instill fear or cast judgment; rather, his warnings spring from a deep reservoir of love and concern for others. The prophet Ezekiel emphasizes this responsibility: “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning… his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezekiel 3:18). This shows that being a watchman is not about condemnation but about compassion and responsibility. A watchman speaks out of genuine care for individuals and the community. To remain silent is to neglect one’s duty. 

In our complex and often tumultuous world, being a watchman can take various forms, including: 

– **Speaking Truth In Edyfication**: A watchman knows how to address challenging topics with kindness, understanding that truth communicated with love adopts understanding. 

– **Interceding for Others**: This involves fervently praying for family, friends, the broader community, and even the nation, advocating before God for those in need. 

– **Standing Firm**: In a society with rapidly changing cultural norms, a watchman remains steadfast in upholding truths and values that reflect their convictions, regardless of external pressures. 

– **Calling People Back to God’s Heart**: A watchman lovingly guides others to reconnect with spiritual truths and the love of God, urging them to return to their roots and deepen their faith. 

This call to be a watchman ultimately requires bravery, infused with tenderness and empathy. 

**The Watchman’s Vigilance: Staying Awake in a Sleeping World** 

Jesus stressed the importance of vigilance in His teachings. He instructed, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). He emphasized again: “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching” (Luke 12:37). 

To be spiritually vigilant is not to live in fear, but to practice committed attentiveness. It means remaining spiritually alert in a world that often promotes distraction and lethargy. 

A watchman actively: 

– **Guards His /Her Own Heart**: Vigilance begins within, ensuring personal spiritual health and integrity by aligning one’s heart with God’s truth. 

– **Protects His/Her Home**: By nurturing a positive environment, a watchman safeguards both the physical and spiritual well-being of his family. 

– **Covers His/Her Community in Prayer**: Engaging in prayer for the community. 

We must remain vigilant, diligently observing and dismantling the enemy’s hold over various territories. We find ourselves in a pivotal moment where everything that can be shaken will indeed be shaken, while only that which is truly steadfast will endure.

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 2024.   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.

Through the Eyes of God

Through the Eyes of God

Author Darlene J. Conard

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” the Holy Spirit gently reminded me, illuminating the true state of my heart. I could feel the weight of weariness settling in as I piloted through struggles that felt both challenging and relentless. Each day in the past two weeks seemed to stretch on endlessly, and the fight became more daunting, leaving me wrestling with despair, until I prayed with my prayer warrior friend.

When hope has slipped away, we begin to fade like a fragile plant obscured in the ever-growing shadow of an imposing object. I want to share the answer the Lord gave me. I had a dream last night, a woman stood on a sunlit deck, peering through a pair of binoculars that magnified her view. She basked in the radiant warmth of the sun; her gaze steadfastly fixed through the lenses. In that moment, I distinctly heard the Lord speak to me: “Darlene, refocus your vision. Adjust your spiritual perception so that you can discern the finer details that await you.”

To truly understand our circumstances, we should strive to view them through the eyes of God. I often find myself pausing and praying, “God, please help me discern this situation and let me see it through Your eyes.” When we seek His guidance sincerely, He will reveal insights that might not be immediately apparent. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us and provide direction in all aspects of our lives, illuminating our path and helping us navigate the challenges we face. By opening our hearts to His wisdom, we can navigate our journeys with clarity and purpose.

Be encouraged, God is a promise keeper. There are promises that await you.

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”— 2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV

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 2024.   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.

I Have God’s Promise

I Have God’s Promise

Author Darlene J. Conard

I lingered in the shower, enveloped by the soothing warmth of the water cascading over my shoulders. The droplets streamed down my face, mingling with the remnants of tears that had just fallen, their saltiness fading away into the soothing flow. It felt like a moment suspended in time, an interlude in a symphony of uncertainty. God, I’m at a loss in this unexpected pause you’ve placed me in, I thought, frustration and confusion swirling within me. I couldn’t grasp why such heavy emotions weighed on my heart.

As I continued to rinse away the suds that clung stubbornly to my skin, I felt a gentle presence envelop me, and the Lord’s voice reverberated softly through my spirit: “I’m cutting away what does not belong; the next season holds great and glorious things.” The words hung in the air, a promise of transformation that stirred hope deep within me, even as I wrestled with the unknown.

Often, God places us in situations filled with uncertainty to shape and guide us. He frequently grants me visions and dreams. On one occasion, I sought clarity about a particular matter, asking, “Lord, could you reveal more about this situation?” He responded, “I can, but I won’t.” 

“Why not?” I found myself pondering aloud, a sense of uncertainty swirling within me. In response, He spoke softly, His voice imbued with warmth and understanding. “I want you to have faith in what I have promised,” He explained, a gentle assurance wrapping around my doubts. “In other words, I need you to trust in what I said I would accomplish, even when circumstances seem bleak.”

I realized that even during those moments when I don’t feel my best, or when my faith seems to be on shaky ground, there’s a profound truth at play—He’s still actively working in my life. In fact, it is often during these challenging times that His efforts become the most powerful and transformative. The realization filled me with a sense of hope, reminding me that His promises stand firm, regardless of my feelings or circumstances.

As the evening settled softly around me, I nestled into the comforting embrace of my living room, the gentle hum of silence enveloping me. I concentrated on the stillness, my heart attuned to an unseen presence. Then, in a voice that resonated with warmth and familiarity, the Lord said, “Darlene, thrust your hand in My side and feel the promise.” A surge of emotion overwhelmed me, and tears streamed down my cheeks, glistening like tiny stars against my skin. The clarity of His words washed over me, intertwining with the profound weight of His invitation, filling the room with a sense of unmistakable power and hope.

We can find comfort and assurance in the promises made by God, knowing that what He vows to us is not a wish, but a certainty that will come to fruition. His commitments are steadfast and unwavering, providing us with hope and a sense of security as we navigate through life’s challenges.

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” —2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV

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 2024.   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.

Footstool of Authority

Footstool of Authority

Author Darlene J. Conard

The Hebrew word הֲדוֹם (hadom) conjures an image of small yet potent significance, deriving from a root that means “to stamp upon.” Picture it: a finely crafted footstool, cradling the feet of a powerful ruler, nestled beneath an opulent throne. In the grand courts of the ancient Near East, these footstools were not merely utilitarian objects but were imbued with rich symbolism, representing the monarch’s elevated stature.

Each footstool, embellished with intricate designs, served as a bold emblem of authority, a silent proclamation of the ruler’s dominion over all subjects present. When a ruler casually rested their foot upon the stool, it was more than an act of comfort; it was a profound assertion of power. It communicated dominance over adversaries and the assurance of protection for their people. In this way, the footstool harmonized with the throne, amplifying the ruler’s majesty and the peace promised to their domain.

Consider Isaiah 66:1, where it states, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” This ancient text profoundly encapsulates God’s sovereign reign over creation. Within the sacred spaces of the tabernacle and the temple, the Ark of the Covenant emerged as the divine footstool, representing the tangible intersection where the unseen King made His presence known to His people. The Hebrew term כִּסֵּא (kisse) denotes “throne,” distinguishing it from hadom, while the concept of the kapporet, or “mercy seat,” dances alongside the footstool, rich with meaning.

This imagery invites a deeper contemplation of the relationship between humanity and the Divine. While we might regard our world as vast and significant, from the vantage point of divine majesty, it appears remarkably small—much like a footstool beneath a monarch’s feet. It’s a humbling prospect, urging us to acknowledge our place in the grand tapestry of existence.

In the resonance of these words, we find a call for humility. Before the greatness of God, the earth, a footstool, reminds us of our own smallness, yet magnifies the divine’s settling presence among us.

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 2024.   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.

The Realm of Faith

The Realm of Faith

Author Darlene J. Conard

God’s divine presence stirred me from the depths of slumber, wrapping me in a radiant embrace of glory that transformed the very air into serenity. The atmosphere itself seemed consecrated, infused with peace. Though I felt weightless, floating in a realm beyond care, I could not move—nor did I wish to.

“Oh Lord,” I whispered, my heart overflowing with longing, “how I have yearned for this sacred hour. I emerge from the valley of shadows, once entangled in thorns and thickets, and now I stand within the breathtaking realm of faith—a sanctuary of peace and clarity. At last, I see life from a divine perspective.”

Life’s journey often leads us through unforgiving thickets. Sharp thistles pierce, leaving wounds and weariness. Each branch seems intent on stealing fragments of hope, snagging our joy amid chaos. Yes, they tear and draw blood, but in time we discover the priceless worth of what we have carried through the struggle.

“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)

Temptations are not signs of abandonment but of divine activity. Even Jesus endured them during His forty-day fast (Matthew 4:1–11). Satan failed, for Christ discerned his intent: to lure Him into surrender. Though Satan cannot steal what God has given, he tempts us to relinquish it. And yes, temptation is heavy—but through it, faith is refined, strengthened, and drawn closer to God.

Peter reminds us that trials are marks of honor. Faith, more precious than gold, is tested in fire yet emerges radiant. Though fear may whisper, though Satan may press, the joy awaiting us at the end of our trials surpasses every treasure this world can offer.

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

Through the lens of faith, we glimpse God’s extraordinary plans. Feelings, sights, and sounds may mislead, but faith anchors us in truth. It is not emotion that sustains belief, but trust in the unseen hand of God.

So let this message fill your spirit with hope, dear one. A friend of mine lives by a mission statement that echoes heaven’s call: “Be brave, be bold, and stay focused. Trust that you are destined for greatness, and soon you will realize you are not merely surviving—you are meant to thrive.”

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 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries. If you have a prayer request, please email it to darlene.conard@hotmail.com. My team of intercessors will pray for you.

From Abram to Abraham

From Abram to Abraham

Author Darlene J. Conard

God knows that perfection is not an inherent trait of humanity. Instead, the Spirit of Truth can and will form a connection with individuals fully committed to a purpose greater than themselves. Throughout history, prophets and other inspiring leaders have embodied this truth, showing intense zeal and passionate devotion to God. Their unwavering dedication inspired those around them and illuminated the path to a deeper understanding of faith and purpose.

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land I will show thee: (Genesis 12:1)

… “Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan they came.” (Genesis 12:5)

In a land filled with the customs of idol worship and false reverence, there lived a man named Abram. Surrounded by the noise of pagan rituals and the temptations of worldly distractions, Abram’s heart was touched by the voice of God, calling him toward a higher purpose. Embracing this divine invitation, Abram decided to lead a life characterized by perfection and unwavering faithfulness to God, striving to embody His holiness and righteousness in every aspect of his life.

This solemn commitment to follow God’s directives filled Abram with a profound sense of assurance; he understood that through his obedience, he would lack for nothing in this life, for God would provide abundantly. Moreover, God bestowed upon Abram a mighty promise—He would be a shield, a protective barrier against all forms of danger that might lurk in the shadows. With this divine reassurance, Abram felt fortified, knowing that God would intervene at crucial moments, guiding him through trials and tribulations with steadfast love and mercy.

The characteristics that God recognized in Abram’s life were his unwavering faithfulness and obedience. God entrusted both Abram and Sarai with His divine plan for their lives (Nehemiah 9:8), which led to their calling out of darkness and into His presence. Had they remained in Ur, this transformation could not have occurred. Through His mercy, God bestowed upon them a new identity.

God has the incredible power to transform individuals in profound ways. He doesn’t define us by the labels that others might place upon us, nor does He allow our past experiences to dictate our identity. Instead, through His grace, we are renewed and given a fresh start, free from the constraints of what others perceive or what we have previously endured.

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 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries. If you have a prayer request, please email it to darlene.conard@hotmail.com. My team of intercessors will pray for you.

For This Time

For This Time

Author Darlene J. Conard

We are amidst a significant and powerful shaking that is rousing individuals from their deep slumber, stirring both their hearts and minds, and urging us all to embrace a state of heightened awareness. This movement is so tangible that you can feel the palpable, electrifying energy of God sweeping across nations like a mighty wave, revitalizing the weary and awakening the dormant. It is a divine intervention, orchestrating a profound awakening, and that is exactly the sacred work He is doing in this unprecedented moment in time.

“You were chosen for such a time as this, Darlene,” they would exhale with a mix of reverence and urgency, their voices imbued with a warmth that enveloped me. Yet, no matter how many times I heard those powerful affirmations, I remained unable to fully grasp the power behind them, like a delicate flower struggling to open its petals to the sun. Each utterance hung in the air, heavy with expectation and hope, but it felt as though a veil of doubt shadowed my heart, leaving me to wrestle with the weight of my own uncertainty. Why would God choose me to be in this chaotic time, with relentless minds firmly avoiding accountability? Well, I understand now.

We are living in an unprecedented time—an hour unlike any that has come before.

The world trembles with uncertainty, yet heaven is poised with promise. God has spoken: “I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh.” The prophets declared that the latter rain would surpass the former, that the harvest of His glory would be greater than the seed. Joel 2:28–29 (KJV)

Some say to me, “Darlene, He is already pouring out His Spirit.” And I agree—yes, we feel the gentle mist, the refreshing droplets that awaken dry ground. But these are only the first signs, the early dew before the storm of His presence. What we see now is but a foretaste, a whisper of the abundance that is coming.

For the heavens are heavy with promise.

The clouds are gathering, thick with glory, ready to break open in a downpour that will drench the nations. The Spirit will not trickle—it will flood. The latter rain will rush like rivers, saturating hearts, igniting visions, birthing dreams, and raising up voices that cannot be silenced.

What is coming will exceed imagination. It will be more than revival—it will be re-creation. The Spirit will move not in droplets, but in torrents. Every desert will bloom, every wilderness will sing, every valley will be lifted.

So let us not grow complacent with the mist. Let us lift our eyes to the horizon, for the storm of His glory is near. The latter rain is not just promised—it is prepared. And when it falls, it will exceed the former rain in power, in reach, and in wonder.

the doorway to deliverance.

Her courage was not born of circumstance but of consecration—she fasted, prayed, and clothed herself in humility before stepping into the throne room. In that sacred act of surrender, she aligned herself with the purposes of heaven.

Her obedience ushered in a liberation that was not merely political but spiritual. A people marked for destruction were preserved, and the decree of death was overturned by the decree of life. What began as one woman’s hidden resolve blossomed into a nation’s salvation.

In Esther’s story, we see that true dedication is the seed of liberation, and liberation is crowned with glory.

This liberation was crowned not with earthly jewels but with the glory of God. The unseen hand of providence wove through palace corridors and royal decrees, turning fear into triumph. Esther’s dedication became the vessel through which divine glory was revealed—her crown was not of gold alone, but of radiant faith that shone brighter than any diadem.

Her life reminds us that when human weakness bows to divine strength, heaven’s rain falls, and the future is transformed.

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 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Secrets in the Cleft of the Rock

Secrets in the Cleft of the Rock

Author Darlene J. Conard

I awoke on Saturday morning feeling refreshed, as if the night had washed away my fatigue. The warm sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow in my room. I experienced a deep sense of peace and comfort as God lovingly ministered to me in my dreams. Hope bubbled within me, ignited by the unmistakable presence of the Lord, filling the air with a joy that promised a beautiful future.

God concealed Moses within the rock’s crevice for a specific purpose. He was filled with yearning, imploring the one who revealed Himself as a burning bush. “I pray, reveal to me your glory.” This is Moses directly addressing God, craving a deeper understanding of His divine essence. It’s a brief yet profound request—an earnest appeal for the unveiling of God’s majesty.

In the subsequent verses, God replies by vowing to allow His goodness to pass before Moses, but clarifies that no one can behold His complete glory and survive. Instead, Moses is protected in the rock’s cleft, experiencing God’s presence in a manner that is both awe-inspiring and safeguarding. (Exodus 33:18-23)

In that place, Moses encountered a transformative experience that would change the course of his life forever, just as Elijah did.  (1 Kings 19:9-16) The air was thick with anticipation, and both men felt the weight of their divine encounters deeply reshaping their purposes and destinies.

There is power in secret places, when it seems we are alone; everything is chaotic. The greatest place to be is in the cleft of the Rock. It is in such places that prophetic words echo. A voice reverberates in a cave because sound waves reflect off the solid rock walls and ceilings, returning to the listener. The dimensions, form, and composition of the cave enhance and extend these reflections, producing the well-known echo effect. Always remember that our actions and words ultimately shape our future. The intentions we nurture and the thoughts we express, especially in the quiet corners of our hearts, will eventually resonate back to us. It’s a reminder that what we sow in the secret place—whether it’s kindness, love, or negativity—will return to us in some form. So, let us be mindful of what we sow, for it will define the harvest we reap.

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” — Matthew 6:6 KJV.

“And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.”— Isaiah 45:3 KJV.

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 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

Don’t Waste the Wait

Don’t Waste the Wait

Author Darlene J. Conard

I understand, I really do. The endless waiting for circumstances to shift can feel like an eternity stretching ahead. You’ve shed countless tears, the kind that burn as they stream down your face, and you’ve poured out your heart in prayer whenever you found a moment to spare. Yet, despite your fervent hopes and desperate pleas, it often feels like your words echo back in a cruel twist, as if they’re mocking your faith and leaving you feeling even more isolated.

I want to share my personal journey regarding finding my own place—an experience that shaped my understanding of patience and faith. Until 2014, I lived at home, surrounded by the comforts and chaos of family life. During that time, my longing for an apartment felt distant and almost unattainable. Watching my sisters, who meticulously planned their lives, smoothly transition into their own homes made my heart ache even more. I often found myself questioning, “God, why does it feel like you are overlooking me? I pour out my heart in prayer and weep at night, but is it simply not enough?”

In the depths of discouragement, an answer came to me, echoing the words of Philippians 4:11: “In whatever state you may find yourself in, be there with content.” I didn’t want to hear God’s answer; it was a reminder that my current circumstances were part of a larger plan.

Waiting, I learned, is not merely a passive act defined by the clock. Instead, it is an active season filled with preparation, growth, and a deepening relationship with God. In Luke 21:19 KJV, I found further wisdom: “In your patience possess ye your souls.” The wait cultivated not only patience but a greater understanding of the importance of God’s timing.

 “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” are words to a poem written by a man who understood the dangers of acting too hastily. It suggests that embarking on a path without careful consideration—one that wise individuals would avoid—leads to pitfalls and complications. Through my experiences, I came to appreciate that sometimes the waiting itself is as important as the destination.

I want to encourage you to embrace your waiting period as an opportunity to soak in everything God’s pouring into you. He’s not just teaching us patience; He’s also helping our faith to grow. Remember, waiting isn’t a sign of rejection—it’s part of a greater plan unfolding in our lives.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” —Galatians 6:9 KJV

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 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.