Author Darlene J Conard

“A lump of coal under pressure becomes a diamond, and the suffering of a person in Christ only turns you into somebody gorgeous. “

– Tim Keller-

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV

In the passage, mentioning “light affliction” prompts a reflection on the perception of hardships as minor when experiencing them. It can be challenging to accept this perspective, especially when enduring pain with no clear end in sight. However, the scripture implies that our suffering is transitory, parallel to a moment that will withdraw once we relinquish it to the divine, saying, “OK Lord, take it, it’s yours.” While there might be a temptation to take back control of the situation we have entrusted to God, it is crucial to exercise faith in His guidance. The verse conveys that our afflictions, compared to the extraordinary weight of glory surrounding us on earth, are indeed light. This realization fills me with profound gratitude knowing that by seeking Him, we can experience the expansive reach of His glory. “

The heavy trial we are enduring is preparing us to face future challenges. Once it passes, our glorious encounter will diminish the significance of any difficulties, as His presence will fulfill its purpose!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1 KJV

 Author Darlene J. Conard

  ^“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

The passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 beautifully describes the attributes of pure love. It emphasizes that pure love is characterized by patience and kindness, lacks envy, boastfulness, arrogance, irritability, and resentment, and does not delight in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It also highlights the enduring nature of pure love, stating that it bears all things, believes in all things, hopes in all things, and endures all things, never losing its essence. In contrast, the passage also touches upon the transient nature of prophecies, tongues, and knowledge, emphasizing that while these elements may eventually pass away, pure and true love remains everlasting.

This gives us an understanding of why and how love has so much power. It doesn’t however this doesn’t mean we permit people to take advantage of us.

Love is telling the truth with compassion. Nowadays when people are told the fact they take offence. It’s considered hate speech.

I watched a true story about parents who gave their daughter money anytime she wanted to, and let her go as she pleased. When she got hooked on drugs, they couldn’t understand why she was a mess. “You never set boundaries,” the counselor informed.

 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1 Timothy 1:5

“Your actions in service of God are always meaningful and have a purpose. Keep offering prayers, sharing hope, and showing love to your loved ones in the spirit of Christ. Stay steadfast and observe as He works wonders and performs miracles in your life and the lives of others.

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2 KJV

“Nothing is impossible for pure love.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Author Darlene J. Conard

I never tire of recounting the story of Calvary. The sacrifice was undeniably brutal. Although Jesus was not obligated to make such a sacrifice, the love within Him was more powerful than His self-will. There is a poignant song that expresses how He was thinking of me when He died, emphasizing that it wasn’t the nails through His hands and knees that held him on that cruel tree, but rather a self-denying, all-consuming love for someone like me. This signifies a powerful, unconditional love. There have been numerous occasions when I’ve needed mercy and release, and each of us has our own story to tell. Finding comfort in knowing there is a higher authority than this world is reassuring. Every day, we can acknowledge that we’ve been at the foot of the cross, seeking mercy in our brokenness. The more I meditate on His death, burial, and resurrection, the more it is impressed upon me that I was on His mind, and so were you. While rivers may dry up occasionally, the crimson flow from Calvary still flows just as fluently as it did then. We require that experience every day.

“Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:4-5 KJV

“Only in the Cross of Christ will we receive power when we are powerless. We will find strength when we are weak. We will experience hope when our situation is hopeless. Only in the Cross is there peace for our troubled hearts.   –Michael Youssef- “

You were on His mind when He hung on the old rugged tree.

   Author Darlene J Conard

Jesus saith unto him, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” John 14:9 KJV

It’s frustrating when people claim to know me well but question my loyalty simultaneously. Those who truly know me have no doubts. It’s bewildering how we can spend so much time with someone only to realize that we’ve been strangers to them all along. It happens. Important details get overlooked.

Jesus approached his disciples while fishing, walking along the sea, and during John the Baptist’s ministry. When they heard the announcement, “Look, the Lamb of God,” they followed him (Reference Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, John 1:35-51). Despite all this, they failed to recognize the face of the Father through Christ. Jesus reminded His disciples, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.”

We must actively pray, seek, and knock to overcome apathy and develop intimacy with Him. That’s the only way to know Him without any doubts truly.    

“I want to truly know my Savior, the One who rescued me from darkness. I don’t want to assume I understand who He is. I aim to grow closer to Him each day. It’s important to acknowledge that His ways and thoughts are beyond our understanding. Nevertheless, God desires our trust, believing He is exactly who He says He is. “

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” …      James 4:8 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

I’ve realized that God often doesn’t change our external circumstances, rather, He transforms us to cope with them. The more time we dedicate to prayer and immerse ourselves in His word, the more we find strength. He molds our character to align with His purpose.

My grandmother’s life stories provide me with hope and reassurance. Despite facing seemingly impossible trials, she remained steadfast and resilient.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul talks about a “thorn in the flesh,” a source of anguish that Satan used to afflict him. Although he pleaded with the Lord three times to remove it, Paul received the response, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Essentially, Paul realized that embracing his weaknesses allowed the power of Christ to rest upon him.

Remember this any and every obstacle you face, God will meet you there

Never lose hope, for He will never abandon you.“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV

“There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer.” – Beth Moore

Author Darlene J. Conard

I’m learning a lot about faith — what it truly means and doesn’t. Take telemarketers, for example. They can be quite persistent, spending a considerable amount of time trying to convince you that their product is essential. It’s crucial to consider how much of your time you’re willing to give. They will push as long as possible, hoping to get their foot in the door. “Maybe I do need it?” they make you question. You need to resist this temptation and seek the truth, as they often don’t reveal all the details. Resisting the temptation with a clear conscience will guide you in the right direction.

When those voices of discouragement start whispering, saying, “It’s hopeless, give up! Look at this mess!” That’s when faith should step in and firmly shut the door on them, assuring you, “It’s going to be alright. God is all-powerful. He will never leave or forsake you. He’s going to turn this mess into a masterpiece.”

I have two remarkable young people to whom I send pictures of my unfinished art. When I’m feeling frustrated with my progress, their unwavering faith in me banishes my discouragement. They don’t merely believe; they truly know. God uses people to teach us extraordinary things!

   “The battle is not ours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,” Ephesians 3:14-17 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I woke up feeling a bit drowsy, I made an effort to start my day. Suddenly, a scripture resonated in my spirit: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1 KJV). After enduring a spiritual wilderness that lasted over three months, I was determined not to be pulled back into it.

Then, the Holy Ghost began speaking to me, conveying, “Darlene, you can’t move forward if you keep looking back. You must cease looking backward and cannot progress forward without falling.” I responded to the Lord in my thoughts, acknowledging His message. This difficult season has brought about a resurrection within me and has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life.

Too often, we become fixated on the beginning of the previous season of our lives, failing to recognize the new things that God is doing in our midst. For a moment visualize yourself planting seeds in a garden. Imagine yourself sitting by waiting for the seed to turn into what it’s expected to be. That’s time wasted on false expectancy. We are to do other things and care for that garden properly. We have to know that in its time it will flourish!

This is where faith comes in. Trust God to do what He said He would do.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

Author Darlene J Conard

The oppressive presence of the night stubbornly lingered, leaving me desperate for sleep, while the gentle light of dawn remained concealed. I lie restlessly, tangled in the confines of the blankets, as an internal struggle overwhelms rational thought.

As I reach under my pillow for my iPhone, the burning sensation in my eyes intensifies as I squint to read the time. “Only 1:30 am,” I mutter to myself.

Voices of defeat scream in my mind, banishing any hope of peace. Clutching the blankets tightly, I resist their grip, refusing to succumb to weakness. “I can’t bear this any longer,” I whisper determinedly.

Finally able to rise, I sat on the bed’s edge, tears streaming down my flushed cheeks. Perhaps sitting in my chair for a while will provide some relief. I thought. Is this how Jacob wrestled at the brink of the brook? Did the night still wear its timeless cloak even then? The radiant moon and twinkling stars offered no solace, their heavenly display dismissed by my turmoil.

I abhor these moments, but afterward… the light of day began piercing through the night.

We often go through things we do not understand and feel we will live through it. One of the greatest feelings is seeing God’s Light through a new set of eyes.

I declare Isaiah 58:8, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.” KJV

I decree that darkness has no dominion and God’s Light will break forth. Your health is restored by the spoken word of the Lord. His righteousness is a path before you for the glory of the Lord is upon it in Jesus’ name, Amen

Author Darlene J. Conard

… “David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Lord God. What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. O Lord, for thy servant’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (1 Chronicles 17:16-20 KJV)  

As I immersed myself in these verses, tears of gratitude streamed down my face. “Who am I, God? Who am I that such a mighty, all-knowing God desires to hear my praise? Who am I that You, Lord, would choose to speak to or inspire to write Your messages? What words can Darlene speak of You that truly capture Your greatness?” Sometimes, all we can do is stand in awed silence because His ways are so mysterious and incomprehensible!

In moments when we feel insignificant, fragile, and stuck, His love continues to pour into our lives without ceasing. God wants you to understand that you are incredibly precious in His sight. He longs to spend time with you.

Take heart, for God is in control, and His ears are open to our prayers, with open arms ready for us to find rest in Him.

Author Darlene J. Conard

As children develop, they frequently encounter various levels of pain that can have a profound impact on their overall well-being. Similarly, as we mature in our spiritual journey, we may undergo periods of discomfort that challenge our sense of security and familiarity.

Even amid our trials and tribulations, we can find solace in the presence of God. Our pain is temporary; we can draw upon His strength to navigate challenges. Psalm 92:12 (KJV), “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon,” conveys the idea that those who are faithful will thrive and grow resilient, like the sturdy palm tree and cedar in Lebanon.”

I understand that pain feels unbearable to the point of our destruction. Hold on, something greater is beyond that pain! Continue reaching for God. He will give strength and comfort during that time.

And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV