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.

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.

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I watched, the workers carefully removed the branches of the apple tree. I couldn’t understand why they were dismantling something so beautiful at that time. The tree’s delicate white and pink blossoms had always brought joy to the picnic area, filling the air with a gentle, calming fragrance in spring. Now, their absence left me feeling disappointed and disheartened. I realized my negative reaction was because I didn’t understand. It wasn’t until later that I learned the purpose of this process — pruning. The men only did this to ensure the tree’s future growth and survival. I will have to wait until next year to see their beauty again. This year wasn’t their time.

In a spiritual sense, I felt a deeper connection with the idea that if those trees could scream out in pain, asking, “Why have you cut my branches?”  I could relate. Just as the men knew exactly how and where to cut, God knows exactly when and where to remove things from our lives. He has to. Pruning is an indication of fruitfulness. For the trees to bear fruit again, they would have to be pruned.

Mark 2:22 says, “No man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.” “It can’t be done. Human nature kicks in to do things our way prematurely. We step in with our thoughts and ideas. God requires us to walk in the Spirit and the truth.

God deals with people, but it takes time.

Saul, surnamed Paul, encountered the two-edged sword on his way to Damascus. Deep within, he honestly thought he was doing God’s service. Jesus’ appearance blinded him. (Acts 9:1-9) We go through pruning not because something is wrong with us, but because we want to know what is right. God knows much more about what lies dormant than we are aware of.

Through trials, I have gained more than I lost, which initially didn’t make sense to me. We will receive an honorary position. The Almighty Creator Himself puts us before the small and great, saying, “They have glorified Me well.”

God permitted Satan, knowing that Job was fruitful and would not lose his luster or faith in Him.

Jesus stood silently before Pilate as he searched deep within himself for the right questions. How could he break through Jesus’ silence? Pilate was wise, yet Jesus’ refusal to speak challenged Pilate’s physical authority. “Don’t you know I have the power to crucify you?” Pilate asked. In response, Jesus said, “You would have no power at all if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:9-11)

Satan only has the authority that’s given from above to test us.

Be encouraged knowing that God is in control of our lives if we allow Him to be.

^“ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 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.

Author Darlene J. Conard

I pressed my palm against my forehead, the coolness of my skin contrasting with the warmth of the tears that cascaded down my flushed cheeks. A torrent of emotions surged within me as I grappled with an unimaginable challenge: a beloved person had fallen prey to the dark and insidious grip of witchcraft. The weight of fear and sorrow clung to me, tightening like a vice as I struggled against the enemy’s voice. “Quit praying, quit, fasting — it’s no use. You know it’s too late to do anything about it.” I fully understood that this was a falsehood. Having experienced it firsthand, I can confidently say that I am living evidence of the transformative power of prayer and the effects of fasting.

“If it’s truly fruitless, Satan, then why are you so relentlessly trying to dissuade me from breaking my fast and stop praying?” I swiped at the tears rolling down my cheeks, feeling the weight of despair lift as I rose from my bed. Determined, I remembered the words of God echoing in my mind, urging me to claim my power through faith. With renewed purpose, I stood tall, ready to exercise my authority in Christ, preparing to face the darkness with strength and conviction.

The Lord said, “Darlene, too many times my people quickly give in to the enemy. They believe the enemy’s lies over My truth.” Conviction pierced my soul because I am guilty of allowing the enemy to have his way, too many times!

Remember this, beloved: keep praying, keep fasting, and keep pressing. My friend, whom I love and cherish, reminds me, “Darlene, the enemy fights the hardest when a breakthrough is at hand.”

I am overjoyed to share the incredible story of how this cherished individual in my life experienced a miraculous transformation! Don’t give up! Defeat is not our portion!

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 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.

Author Darlene J. Conard

I find myself wrestling with the challenge of maintaining focus on the tasks I need to complete lately. The Lord has placed several important research assignments in my care, each one vital and requiring my utmost attention. Yet, despite the significance of my responsibilities, I often notice my mind drifting away from the work in front of me.

In this age of information overload, it’s all too easy to become ensnared by the innumerable distractions that the internet bombards us with—social media notifications, endless news updates, and the temptation to explore irrelevant topics. Each distraction pulls us into its stronghold. I think of it as a hypnotic mechanism that lures us off the path.

“Stay focused, Darlene,” The Holy Spirit reminds me, trying to center my thoughts.  The enemy of our souls is cunning and relentless, doing everything in his power to divert our gaze from the purposeful path ahead. We must be determined to resist these distractions and to pour our energy into the work that really matters, seeking wisdom and clarity in each task the Lord has entrusted to us.

As soon as Peter took his gaze away from the Lord, entrusting his focus to the turbulent waters around him, that was the moment he became ensnared by the fury of the storm. The howling winds whipped at Peter, and the towering waves crashed relentlessly, threatening to engulf him in their chaotic embrace. In that instant of distraction, fear overtook him, and the violence of the raging sea became all too real, pulling him into its grasp. (Matthew 14:29-31)

From my own journey, I’ve discovered that once you truly focus your spiritual vision on the promises that lie ahead, the challenges and turmoil of life’s storms begin to fade into insignificance. The weight of those troubles feels lighter, and what once seemed overwhelming transforms into mere hurdles on the path to something greater.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” —Colossians 3:2 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.

This week I am setting aside time to seek God’s guidance concerning the nations and the events that lie ahead. As we approach Thanksgiving, I pray that your celebrations with family are filled with joy, gratitude, and peace.

There is a tremendous shift taking place in the spirit realm. Yet we can rest assured: God remains in complete control. His hand is steady, His plan is sure, and His timing is perfect.

With faith and hope, Sincerely, Darlene Conard

Author Darlene J. Conard

The wilderness seasons weigh heavily on me—I loathe them. They stretch on endlessly, marked by silence so thick it presses against my chest. The days feel long and hollow, the nights echo with uncertainty, and every step seems shaky, as though the ground beneath me might give way at any moment. It is a place stripped of comfort, stripped of answers, stripped of anything that could soothe the ache. There is a silence; God withholds details. He replies, “Trust Me.”

Nothing can fill the emptiness, because it is not meant to be filled by human effort. It is a void—a sacred emptiness—that God Himself has carved out. In that barren space, He intends to do His deepest work. The wilderness is not punishment, though it feels harsh; it is preparation. It is the place where He dismantles what is fragile, exposes what is false, and recreates what is eternal.

Though I resist it, though I long for escape, I know the wilderness is where God reshapes me. It is the crucible of transformation, the silent workshop of His Spirit. And while I loathe its loneliness, I cannot deny its purpose: the void is not abandonment, but invitation. It is the canvas upon which He paints new life, the soil where He plants unseen seeds, the silence where His voice will one day thunder with revelation.

The wilderness is not wasted—it is vital. It is the forge where tomorrow is shaped, the hidden classroom where God teaches lessons too deep for crowded places. Every barren stretch, every silent night, every trembling step is preparation for the season yet to come.

Do not think He has forgotten the promises He whispered over your life. The silence is not neglect; it is a strategy. The waiting is not a delay; it is a design. In the wilderness, He is weaving strength into your spirit, stretching your faith, and sharpening your vision.

He is not still because He is absent—He is still because He is working. Beneath the surface, He is aligning paths, opening unseen doors, and preparing you for your next great walk. The wilderness is the threshold, the rehearsal, the holy pause before the unveiling.

So endure the quiet, embrace the ache, and trust the unseen hand. For when the season shifts, you will step out not fragile, but fortified—not wandering, but walking with purpose into the promises He has kept all along.

James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

“O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” — Psalm 139:1-2 KJV

“I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”— Jeremiah 17:10 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.

Author Darlene J. Conard

For many years, I wrestled with the pain of rejection, the loneliness of not fitting in, and the sting of being labeled as odd. I carried those experiences heavily, often turning the blame inward and punishing myself for what I thought were my shortcomings. I questioned my worth, replayed moments in my mind, and wondered why I seemed so different from everyone else.

What I once mistook for flaws were never failures at all, but markers of a path uniquely prepared for me.

This morning, as I gently rose from the quiet embrace of sleep, the first light of dawn broke softly through the fading veil of night. Its golden rays carried more than warmth—they bore a sacred whisper from heaven. In that tender stillness, God’s message unfolded within me, reminding me that His revelations arrive not in haste, but always in the perfection of His timing.

I’ve come to understand that every rejection, every season of solitude, and every label imposed upon me carried a hidden purpose—shaping my spirit, teaching resilience, and preparing me to realize that my identity was never meant to be defined by others, but revealed by God Himself.

There is a weight that comes with a heavy anointing. I asked God a question, “Why, God, is it that every time I’m in a crowd of people or with people, something bad happens, every—single—time?” He answered me that night through a dream. “Darlene, I sent you as a sheep among wolves for a reason. This is how I expose wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are lured in, and I will use My staff against them. That’s what shepherd’s staffs are for.” Yes, the hook is to pull the sheep out of danger.

Be wise as serpents, discerning and discreet—guided not by fleeting emotions but by steady judgment. Be gentle as doves, free from anger or frustration, walking in peace and harmlessness. (Matthew 10:16) We must have strategic awareness. It’s not in debate, it’s vital!

The attack is not random—it is aimed directly at the divine purpose God has planted within you. The enemy resists destiny because your calling carries weight in the Kingdom. People are naturally drawn to the radiant love of Christ shining through you, like iron pulled irresistibly to a magnet. Yet when the anointing upon your life begins to flow, it does more than attract—it illuminates. That light exposes hidden darkness, revealing what was concealed. And in that exposure, resistance rises. But remember: the very opposition you face is proof of the power and purpose within you. The anointing is both a fragrance of life to those who receive it and a mirror of truth to those who resist it.

Matthew 11:15 says: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (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.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Slowly, I drifted from sleep into wakefulness, and the room greeted me with its familiar companions. The decorations sat like patient protectors, unchanged, unmoved, the pictures still whispering their silent stories from the walls. Even the curtains—faithful guardians of twelve years— hung in their familiar folds, as though time itself had chosen not to pass.

Yet within me stirred a restless thought: I longed for change, though I knew the strangeness of the new would press against me like an unfamiliar wind. Still, the ache for renewal lingered— a quiet rebellion against the comfort of sameness.

In that moment, the Holy Ghost began to speak to me about change—not as something to fear, but as a divine invitation to grow. The Lord often works through the circumstances of our lives, especially those that unsettle us, to move us beyond our comfort zones. Comfort can feel safe, but it rarely produces transformation. By permitting challenges, transitions, and unexpected events, God is not abandoning us but positioning us to uncover new strength, to deepen our faith, and to grow in greater dependence upon Him. What feels disruptive is often the very means by which He prepares us for transformation and draws us closer to His heart.

Change, then, is not random; it is purposeful. It is one of the ways the Holy Spirit teaches us resilience, renews our vision, and prepares us for the next season of calling. What feels like disruption is often the very tool God uses to align us with His greater plan. It’s like being rooted in one spot for far too long—your body grows heavy, the blood slows, and a dull numbness creeps into every limb. Muscles stiffen, joints throb, and even the air feels stale, as if life itself is pausing around you. That’s what stagnation feels like: a slow erosion of vitality, a quiet surrender to spiritual slumber.

But my spirit refuses to settle there. I hunger for movement, for growth, for the living waters that flow endlessly from God’s heart. He is infinite—His depths unsearchable, His revelations without end. Each moment with Him holds the possibility of a new horizon, a fresh unveiling of His glory.

Beloved, I encourage you: lean into the changes unfolding in your life, even when they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. These shifts are not random—they are sacred invitations, divine nudges guiding you toward something greater than you can yet see.

Change often arrives cloaked in uncertainty, but within it lies the seed of transformation. Don’t resist it. Instead, open your heart to the possibilities it brings. Let go of what was, so your hands are free to receive what is coming.

In these moments of transition, I urge you to turn your heart toward Him. Ask for revelation—not just answers, but divine insight. Ask Him to show you what He sees, to whisper His wisdom into your spirit, and to illuminate the path ahead with His light.

You are not alone in this. Philippians 1:6 declares, The One who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Trust that even in discomfort, you are being led into deeper purpose, greater peace, and unexpected joy.

We are in a pivotal moment where God is making the familiar unfamiliar. Get ready for a heavier glory; it’s coming!

 “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 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.