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Showing posts with the label God's faithfulness

What Kind of Soil Is My Heart?

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Luke 8:4–15 Recently, during my quiet time, God asked me a question that I haven't been able to shake: What kind of soil is your heart today? As I read Jesus' Parable of the Sower in Luke 8, I realised He wasn't giving us a checklist to identify different types of people. He was inviting us to examine our own hearts. I've often thought about these four types of soil as though they describe different people, but this time I felt God asking me a much more personal question. What is the condition of your heart? The more I reflected, the more I realised something else. The true condition of my heart isn't revealed when life is easy, it is revealed when challenges come. It's easy to say I trust God when everything is going well. It's easy to worship when prayers are being answered and life is moving in the direction I had hoped. But pressure has a way of exposing what is really happening beneath the surface. Challenges reveal the condition of my hea...

Every New Beginning Is God’s Way of Continuing My Story

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Every new beginning reminds me that God is still writing my story. My life has moved in chapters. Some have been filled with joy, others with pain, and some have left me unsure of how I would ever move forward. But even when a chapter ends with tears, disappointment, or uncertainty, I remind myself that it is not the end. It is simply the beginning of something new unfolding in God’s hands. I am learning that God never wastes what I go through. What once felt like loss has often become the very place where new purpose has grown. What felt like brokenness has been reshaped into something more beautiful than I could have planned. Even the seasons of waiting have become the foundation of testimonies I did not see at the time. There is something deeply comforting in knowing that God is still at work in my life, even when things feel unclear or still. He has a way of opening new paths when doors close and turning delays into preparation for something greater. Nothing I walk thr...

The God of Purpose: Finding Hope in Suffering

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In John 9:1–3, Jesus reminds us that suffering is not always punishment for sin. Sometimes our struggles become the very place where God reveals His power, grace, and glory. God’s protection does not mean a life without hardship, but the assurance that He is with us through every trial. When the disciples saw the man born blind, they immediately asked Jesus who had sinned—the man or his parents. Like them, we often assume that hardship must mean we have done something wrong. But Jesus answered differently: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” — John 9:3 Jesus shifted the focus from blame to purpose. Not every struggle is punishment. Sometimes suffering becomes the place where God’s glory is revealed. Through weakness, pain, and difficult seasons, God can show His power, deepen our faith, and use our lives as testimonies of His grace. God never promised a trouble-free life, but He promises His presence in ...

Different, Not Less – A Mother’s Reflection

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This time of year always makes me pause. It’s more than just a date, it’s a moment filled with emotion, reflection, and deep gratitude. I think back to the day my son came into this world… a world that, in many ways, had already decided what he could and couldn’t be before he even took his first breath. But God had the final say. By His grace and mercy, he fought his way into this world. And that fight didn’t end there, if anything, it was just the beginning of a journey that would require strength, patience, and faith. It hasn’t been an easy road. There have been beautiful moments, but also challenging ones, times of uncertainty, frustration, and exhaustion. But when I look back now, I can clearly see God’s hand over his life. Where others saw limitations, God saw purpose. Where others expected less, God was working on something greater. So many things that come naturally to others, he has had to learn with effort and determination. Progress hasn’t always been straightforward. At...

He Is Not Here – The Power of the Empty Tomb

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“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6) These words are more than a moment in history, they are the foundation of our faith and the heartbeat of hope for a broken world. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a miracle; it is the ultimate proof that God keeps His promises. What seemed like defeat on the cross became victory in the empty tomb. For the women who came to the grave, despair turned into awe. For us today, that same truth still speaks: death is not the end, hope is alive, and new beginnings are always possible. Because He lives, everything changes—our pain has purpose, our future has hope, and our faith has a firm foundation. The resurrection reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work. The empty tomb is not just a symbol, it is a declaration: Jesus is alive, and because He lives, we can live with renewed faith, courage, and joy. It is both a powerful symbol and a constant reminder that God always keeps His promises.

When God Feels Silent: Trusting Him When We Feel Forgotten

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Have You Ever Felt God Is Far Away? Have you ever prayed and felt like God didn’t answer—or even like He wasn’t there at all? We all go through seasons where God feels silent. His voice seems quiet, our prayers seem unanswered, and it’s easy to feel forgotten. Recognise your feelings Sometimes life feels overwhelming, and we wonder if God has left us to face it alone. David knew this feeling well. In Psalm 13:1–2, he cries: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” David doesn’t hide his frustration or doubt. He brings his raw, honest emotions to God. And here’s the beautiful truth: God welcomes our honesty. He’s not offended by our questions or doubts—He desires a real, genuine relationship with us. Shift from Despair to Trust David doesn’t stay in despair. Later in Psalm 13:5–6, he chooses trust over doubt: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing th...

What’s in Your Cup? Learning to Overflow With Thankfulness

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Life has a funny way of revealing what’s really inside us. Imagine this: you’re walking back from the office kitchen with a cup of coffee. Someone bumps into you and—splat!—coffee everywhere. You spilled coffee because coffee was in your cup. If it had been tea, tea would have spilled instead. That moment teaches us something powerful: when life bumps us—through challenges, stress, or unexpected situations—whatever is in our hearts tends to spill out. That’s why Paul encourages us in Colossians 2:6-7 to live rooted in Christ: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Being “rooted and built up in Him” means our hearts are filled with Christ’s love and strength. When life bumps us, what spills out isn’t frustration or fear—it’s thankfulness. How do we stay full of thankfulness? So the question becomes: how do we stay full of tha...

God’s Word That Opens Paths Through the Impossible

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God’s Word is a gift that renews the mind. At the dead ends of life, in the darkness we never saw coming, His Word steps in like a bright light cutting through every shadow. From the very beginning, God’s voice has always made a way where there seemed to be no way. At the edge of the Red Sea, when the Israelites were trapped between deep waters and a relentless enemy, God spoke — and the sea opened. His voice carved a path through the impossible. “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” — Psalm 77:19 That is who God is. His Word doesn’t always explain every detail, but it always guides. It doesn’t always prevent the struggle, but it never leaves us to face it alone. Maybe today you’re standing at what looks like a dead end — hoping for a miracle, longing for direction. Don’t lose heart. The Word is still alive, and it still makes a way. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Open the Bible. Inside are promises that do not...

What does “living ready” for Christ’s return look

  “Living ready” for Christ’s return is about having a lifestyle and mindset that reflect faith, obedience, and anticipation of His coming. Here’s what it can look like in practical terms: Faithful Relationship with God – Spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking to know Him more each day. Obedience and Holiness – Living in a way that honours God, and making choices that align with His Word. Love and Service – Showing love to others, helping those in need, forgiving, and being kind. Yo have a heart that mirrors Christ’s love. Peace and Joy – Trusting God in all circumstances, being content, and not being consumed by worry or worldly distractions. Sharing the Gospel – Actively sharing God’s message with others, so that more people can know Him before Christ returns. Watchfulness and Readiness – Being spiritually alert, aware of the times we live, and preparing for His return, not living in complacency. In short, it’s about living with intentional faith, love, and...

Celebrating 26 Years of Dara: A Mother's Journey of Love, Growth, and Gratitude

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Wow—26 years! Where has the time gone? As I reflect on the incredible journey so far, I’m filled with gratitude, pride, and awe at the young man my son has become. The first ten years of our journey were filled with discovery. I was navigating the world of raising a child with a learning disability and on the autism spectrum. I threw myself into countless training workshops, determined to understand the unique and wonderful person you are. I wanted to equip myself with the right tools to be the best mum I could be for you. It wasn’t easy, but I thank God for His wisdom, His guidance, and the amazing friends He placed around me during those formative years. The next two years were a battle—one I fought fiercely within the education system. I was determined to ensure you had every support needed to thrive. During this period, I also had to confront and release my own fixed ideas—that success only came through attending a mainstream secondary school. That was a major internal strugg...

Cancer: Journey to Victory - The Lord is my strength and impenetrable shield

Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my impenetrable shield , my heart trust in, relies on and confidently leans on him, and I am helped therefore my heart greatly rejoices and with my song I will praise him. Thank you Lord for you are my strength and my shield that keeps me safe I will confidently rely on you so regardless of what is going on. I will rejoice and I will sing your praises because you deserve it. I thank you for keeping me safe, I thank you for being my strength, I thank you for all your promises and I will confidently lean on and trust in them because you are a God who never lies. I will rise above anxiety by giving you praise by saying positive things and confessing you word.

Cancer: Journey to Victory - Second Surgery

My second surgery was on Thursday, 21st March 2019. I thank God and I am so grateful that everything went well. I am so grateful that I am here today.  Ambreen came down from Stockport on Wednesday. She is such a dear. Surgery morning, Ambreen and I were out of the house by 6:50pm and we got to the treatment center on time. I was an expert at this since I have been through this before. Ambreen stayed with me until I was checked in at 7:20am. Once in the treatment center the surgeon and anaesthetist came round. Today I was the first person in theatre. Putting me to sleep this time was painful because the anaesthetist couldn’t find my vein but finally he did. I came into the recovery room around 11:00am and I was back home by 2:00pm. I want to thank you for your word to me, which was that before this day came you knew about it, you knew what was going to happen, and that you are in control. This gave me the assurance I needed so I was not afraid. Father your daughter was brave and co...

Cancer: Journey to Victory - The steadfast love of God

“GOD ’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with GOD (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.” Lamentations 3:22-24 MSG  This powerful promise in His word offers peace to my heart in my current journey in life. He gives me great hope in the battles I face today. It is like a ray of light through the darkest night. For just as I am sure the sun comes up every morning, I can be confident that His mercies never end. His mercies are never based on how good I am, but only on his steadfast character. His compassion towards me is fresh every morning, and each day is a gift straight from his hands. I can trust his heart is for me. It will be easy to complain about everything than to offer God praise. But I choose to set my heart on the steadfast love of God, offering him praise for who He is and how He is at work in my life. I will remember God’s promise and choose ...