In Uncategorized

3 big reasons God leads believers to a wilderness

June 5, 2025 No Comments

The following content may contain affiliate links. All scriptures appear in the New International Version translation. Some biblical text has been highlighted for emphasis.

By Jessica Lindsey

I believe every Christian woman will enter a wilderness season at some point in her lifetime. Perhaps it will come through a significant loss. Others may experience heavy turmoil in their health or finances. For many, it’s a multitude of stressful factors heaped up together. But God is not leading women to the wilderness as a punishment – there is a divine, refining purpose to this season.

Here are 3 big reasons God leads believers into a wilderness season:

1. The wilderness tests hearts

When I was living on nothing, raising my four sons, I was part of a small online prayer group. I needed their support. At times, I had anxiety so strong I felt like my legs were burning. I explained to these women that though I was going through the most stressful period of my life, I also felt the closest to Jesus I ever had. One woman said that made perfect sense to her, sharing a quote that has stuck with me through the years:

“When you squeeze a Christian, Christ should come out.” Just like squeezing an orange would produce orange juice, life’s pressures should show what we are made of also.

I have learned through my own wilderness journey that this squeezing is an intentional act of God. He brings us to a place where our comforts in life are stripped away. We’ve got mud on our face from the fallout of whatever has brought us to this place. We’ve lost our honour and sometimes even our dignity. Yet, if our relationship with God is real, we will be soaring spiritually to new heights at the same time. If it is not real, we may find ourselves sinking to lows we never conceived possible, some Christians even some falling away. Christ should come out when we are squeezed, but sometimes anger, bitterness and resentments are the results of the discomfort and pain the wilderness brings about.

After their escape from Egypt, the Israelites followed Moses into a dry, barren wilderness where they wandered for 40 years. As the miracle of God parting the Red Sea faded from their minds, the Israelites began to gripe and complain, some even saying they would prefer their old life of slavery to the place God had brought them (Exodus 14:12).

But God did not bring His chosen people to the wilderness to make them happy. He brought them there to test their hearts.

^“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2

When the wilderness hits, God is watching. He is using this season of hardship to see whether His followers will remain faithful to him even when life becomes difficult. Our trials and tests will prove whether we truly belong to God and His kingdom or to the world and all of its false promises of personal glory.

The Apostle Peter also warned this time of testing was coming and why:

^“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12

Peter assures us that those who suffer with Christ will have His glory ultimately revealed to them. Though we will have pain during our testing time, this season shows God the quality of our faith – something far more important than our temporal comfort.

“…though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

2. The wilderness pulls down pride

I was once a woman filled with pride. I believed there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish in my own power if I set my mind to it. I was heady, high-minded, too certain of things (especially my own righteousness), haughty, arrogant, stuffed up, unyielding, unmalleable and in every way stubborn. At the time, I thought these behaviours were signals of my strength, determination and ambition – things the world applauds. It wasn’t until the striping away of it all that I came to understand that it was in fact pride all along and it standing in the way of God’s desire to shape me into who I am meant to become in His son.

I stayed full of pride until Christ chose me out of the world and began the refining process. This journey took a sharp turn when I entered a lengthy wilderness season following an abrupt divorce, entering into a time where I had heaps of responsibility with my four young sons and no family support.

As Proverbs 16:18 states: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride had been telling me that if I would be able to save my marriage if I only tried harder, prayed longer, or had strong enough faith. This pride (along with well-played deception from the enemy), led me to accept living circumstances which were neither safe nor sane. I believed my will would be done; that God would repair my broken marriage and make my family whole for me, neverminding that my spouse at the time showed no intention of making any of the changes I demanded.

I wanted God to do what I wanted, not what He wanted, so that I wouldn’t have to face the miserable consequences of my poor decisions.

When my marriage ended anyway, I found myself in a deep pit with no earthly means of getting out. God knew I’d end up where I was and He’d had a plan all along. He scooped my up, peeling off the pieces of my pride one at a time, one day at a time. I started becoming who He wanted me to be – a woman who relies on His strength, ability and power to succeed.

3. The wilderness produces humility

“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” Proverbs 29:23

When Christ was on the earth in the flesh, He taught that He wanted us to be “meek and lowly in heart” like him (Matthew 11:29). In our culture today, being meek and lowly sounds like being weak and allowing people to stomp all over us. Perhaps this worldly image of the words was influenced by the enemy in his evil hopes to prevent people from pursuing these things. In reality, meek means gentle, and lowly in heart is humility – a purity of self-reflection, knowing that any goodness within us comes from God and not ourselves.

The wilderness dismantles our ego-driven works we were once arrogant about, teaching us that without God, we would be nothing, have nothing and could do nothing, as illustrated in John Chapter 15:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” This pruning process is the cutting away of things that are impeding our growth, especially our pride.

Jesus teaches that we cannot “bear fruit” without Him. “…No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

When we suddenly cannot rely upon our own intelligence or talents to get us out of our mess and instead have to wait patiently for God to help, pride is slowly replaced with humility – a trait that is much more desirable to God and useful to us in our influence among other people.

I discovered that though the wilderness season was unwanted and painful, it was effective. The haughty stubbornness slowly wore away. I began to look more like Christ and less like the world. The difference means that a person who was once a problem for God’s kingdom is now someone capable of serving Him in a meaningful way.

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

God’s desire is to pull out pride, replace it with humility and reward us with to give His people spiritual wealth, honour among people and more life. I like the woman I am today, and that would have been impossible without the wilderness season I lived through.

“…because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6

The wilderness is an act of love; it’s a disciplinary process that tests our hearts, dismantles our pride and produces humility so that God is able to ultimately reward us and use us for His purpose.

By Jessica Lindsey

In Bible stories

8 Bible figures who wanted to end it all (and what actually happened)

April 12, 2025 No Comments

All quoted scriptures in New International Version. This content may contain affiliate links.

By Renewing Our Minds

Overcoming the darkness

Though chosen by God to serve His purpose, many Bible characters faced moments of profound despair, at times preferring death to their problems. Here, we explore eight stories of God’s servants who wanted to die and what actually happened.

Bible characters who never died — **Even though Elijah the prophet at one time prayed for an early death in a crisis moment, he didn’t die at all – instead he ascended to Heaven in a chariot of fire.** (Renewing Our Minds)

1. Elijah prays to die

After triumphing over the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled from queen Jezebel’s wrath. In his despair, the prophet journeyed into the wilderness where he sat under a broom bush and prayed for death to come.

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4

Recognizing Elijah’s physical and mental exhaustion, God sent an angel to feed and strengthen the prophet. After refueling, Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb. There, God announced Elisha would become successor prophet.

After anointing and mentoring Elisha, Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire, one of the most remarkable exits from Earth ever recorded in biblical history.

Cover of a woman walking through a spiritual wilderness. — Available now: Christian women’s devotional book A Way in the Wilderness: 100 Meditations of a Woman’s Spiritual Trial. A Renewing Our Minds book, this collection contains 100 excerpts cataloguing the wilderness season of author and Renewing Our Minds founder Jessica Lindsey.

2. Jonah hides from God

Some may think the prophet Jonah did not want to serve God when he tried to run away. But as the Bible story reveals, the prophet who spent three days in the belly of a whale was afraid of delivering God’s mercy to the evil people of Ninevah.

After announcing impending destruction to the backslidden city, Jonah was filled with bitterness and anger when the people of Ninevah repented and God spared their lives. Jonah was so distraught by God’s decision to have mercy that he pleaded for death.

“Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:3

In the final verses of the short Bible book, Jonah maintained his anger, though God reminded the prophet of His absolute just judgment and the righteousness of His divine mercy.

3. Job tempted to curse God

Though Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9), the righteous man refused. However, stricken by calamity, loss, and disease, Job cursed the day he was born, saying:

“May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’ Job 3:3

Through his unwavering faith and talking with God, Job’s life was eventually completely restored, receiving double what he had lost, along with profound insights into God’s justice.

4. Moses asks God to kill him

Overwhelmed by the burden of leading the Israelites and their incessant complaining, Moses asked God to end his life.

^“If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.” Numbers 11:15

Instead, God appointed 70 elders to share the leadership responsibilities, easing Moses’s burden and providing him strength to continue his mission.

5. Jeremiah curses the day of his birth

**The prophet Jeremiah, curses the day he was born.** (Renewing Our Minds)

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, faced intense persecution and suffering for his prophecies. In his despair, he cursed the day he was born, wishing he had never been conceived.

“Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed!” Jeremiah 20:14

Through his lamentations, Jeremiah remained committed to his calling, finding solace in the promises and plans God had for His people.

6. Samson prays to die with his enemies

Samson, betrayed by Delilah and blinded by his enemies, prayed to God for the strength to end his life along with the Philistines.

Samson prays to God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)

Even though he lost his strength after his hair was cut, Samson regains power long enough to push on the pillars of the Philistine temple. The temple came crashing down on the Philistines and himself, killing more of his enemies in his dying moment than all the while he lived serving God.

7) Judas Iscariot hangs himself

Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, hanged himself after realizing the gravity of his actions.

Judas Iscariot, one of the original twelve disciples, is infamously known for betraying Jesus Christ for t30 pieces of silver. This act of betrayal weighed heavily upon him, leading to immense guilt and remorse.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas tried to return the silver to the chief priests and elders.

“I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” Matthew 27:4

However, they dismissed him.

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

In his anguish, Judas threw the silver into the temple and went away. Overwhelmed by his actions and unable to cope with the guilt, Judas ended his life by hanging himself.

8) Paul describes despairing ‘life itself’

Paul’s journey was marked by intense persecution, physical suffering, and deep emotional struggle.

The Apostle’s anguish is poignantly expressed in his second letter to the Corinthians.

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” 2 Corinthians 1:8

Yet, in this moment of profound despair, Paul found a greater purpose and reliance on God’s power. He ultimately became responsible for writing most of the New Testament.

In Christian faith

25 best Bible verses on love

March 30, 2025 No Comments

Love is the most important theme in the Bible, reflecting the character of God and instructing believers how to live. Here are 25 of the best Bible verses on love!

1) 1 John 4:16

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

2) 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

3) 1 Corinthians 16:14

“Do everything in love.”

Devotional book by Renewing Our Minds founder Jessica Lindsey.

4) 1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.”

5) Colossians 3:14

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

6) 1 John 4:12

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

7) Ephesians 4:2

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

8) Romans 12:9

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

9) John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

10) Matthew 22:37-39

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

11) Romans 13:10

“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

12) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

13) John 15:12

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

14) Galatians 5:14

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

15) 1 John 3:18

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

16) Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The Adventures of Flip and Paul: The Treasure of Alman Duzan by Jessica Lindsey

17) John 14:21

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

18) 1 John 4:7

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

19) John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

20) Proverbs 10:12

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

21) Song of Solomon 8:7

“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”

22) Leviticus 19:18

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

23) Deuteronomy 6:5

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

24) Psalms 63:3

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”

25) Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

In Worry anxiety and fear

8 things to remember when anxiety hits

March 22, 2025 No Comments

This content may contain affiliate links. All quoted scripture in the New International Version.

We are all confronted with feelings of anxiety, some of us on a daily basis. Though it may be impossible to avoid the onset of anxiety in these last days, there are practical, biblical ways of coping.

Here are 8 things to remember when anxiety hits:

1) You only have to do today

Often, when we are anxious, it’s either about some future thing we’re dreading or a past event we can’t change. But God doesn’t want us living in tomorrow or yesterday – He wants us living in today.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

2) God’s got this

As tornados spin and fires burn; while our family members spiral in addictions, God promises He will not let us drown in our troubles.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Devotional book by Renewing Our Minds founder Jessica. Lindsey.

3) It’s ok to ask for help

No where in the Bible does God tell us to go it alone. He gave us His spirit, our family and friends, our church fellowships, as well as health care and medicine. We have both supernatural help in His word and power and earthly sources of help available.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

4) Substance abuse will probably make it worse

As the Bible explains, fear brings torment, described as “extreme pain or anguish of body or mind” by Merriam-Webster’s definition. Human tendency is to attempt to alleviate pain if it occurs. However, abusing drugs and alcohol or turning to dopamine-inducing behaviours like gambling and porn is causing millions of people worldwide additional harm.

“’I have the right to do anything’, you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23

Read more about Jessica Lindsey, ministry founder of Renewing Our Minds.

5) Go outside

Contact with nature is associated with positive benefits including more happiness, a better sense of well-being and lower mental distress, according to a report by the American Psychological Association.

“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm 96:12

6) The Word works

If you want to cut off the negative thought train in its tracks, find a good scripture to meditate on.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The Adventures of Flip & Paul: The Treasure of Alman Duzan

7) Stop scrolling

There is almost nothing good reported in the news and social media can exacerbate anxiety. A better option could be to shut the screens off and turn the tunes up. Studies show music can elevate mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Maybe even better, we can pick up our Bible and read some verses aloud, forcing our minds off the dark thoughts and onto the light of Jesus Christ.

^“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

8) Jesus is coming back

Whatever trouble is pushing its way through the door, it’s only temporary. Our Lord and Savior is about to return – guaranteed. Those of us who are Chosen will then enter a blissful eternity with the King of Kings, leaving all earthly miseries permanently behind.

^“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

In Worry anxiety and fear

7 times God says “do not be afraid” in the Bible

March 15, 2025 No Comments

This content may contain affiliate links.

Quoted scriptures are from the New International Version translation.

Every Christian woman will be tempted many times in her life to be afraid. There is no way to stop the enemy from launching this attack, but the Bible is heavily equipped with the amour needed to fight back.

In scripture, we find stories of God’s people who had good reason to feel afraid. In these verses, God in reveals the attitudes He wants His people to adopt when a spirit of fear approaches. Often, He gives directs commands.

Here are 7 times God told His people “do not be afraid” in the Bible:

1. Genesis 15:1

Abram was concerned that though his estate was large, he had no heir. A servant in his house would end up inheriting everything, to Abram’s great dismay. God then speaks to Abram in a vision.

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

God lays out the famous promise that Abram would have an heir of his own flesh, and that his offspring would one day be as innumerable as the stars in the sky.

2. Isaiah 41:10

Addressed to the Israelites in exile, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, reminding His people that He is in control and His powerful arms are wrapped around them.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

3. Joshua 1:9

About to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, Joshua is full of fear. God reassures him of His continual presence.

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

A Way in the Wilderness: 100 Meditations of a Woman’s Spiritual Trial is Renewing Our Minds’ premier production, an inspired devotional written by ministry founder Jessica Lindsey.

4. Matthew 10:28

Jesus is preparing the disciples to send them out into the world to spread the gospel. He warns them that persecution will come. But Jesus says people should not fear each other – they should fear God in reverence of His eternal power.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

5. John 14:27

While the peace and security the world offers comes from money and status, which can be wiped away in a day, our Lord offers us his own supernational peace that no type of earthly destruction can erase.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

6. Deuteronomy 31:6

Moses had become old and learned from God that he would not cross over to the Promised Land with the Israelites. They would have to trust that God, along with their new leader Joshua, would be there to protect them as they headed into a land full of enemies.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

7. Isaiah 43:1

In another message of comfort from God to the Israelites, the Lord emphasizes that He has chosen them, made them His personal possession, and subjects of His divine protection.

“But now this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

In Forgiveness

4 times the Bible links healing and forgiveness

March 2, 2025 No Comments

This content contains affiliate links.

God commands His people to forgive one another, while providing the blood of His only son for the forgiveness of our sins. Throughout scripture, God shows us that forgiveness is critical to unlocking His power and opening the doors to His kingdom. But it’s not just our eternal welfare at stake. Let’s take a look at four times the Bible clearly links forgiveness of sins and the release of healing power in people’s lives:

Psalm 103:2-3: “Praise the Lord, my soul; and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

In this psalm, David commands his soul to remember that God forgives and heals. He praises God for human redemption through His love and mercy; His power to renew strength inside a believer empowering people to prosper.

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Isaiah 53:5: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”

This profound prophecy points to the painful punishment Jesus took to pay for the sins of all God’s people. For our sakes, and because of our “iniquities” or sins, Jesus’ body was tortured. He took our punishment, exchanging eternal torment for everlasting peace. But His wounds not only provided a way to Heaven – the crucifixion of Christ has also provided healing for us today.

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James 5:14-16: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed.”

This promise emphasizes the power of communal prayer and faith in healing. It offers express instruction of who – the elders of the church – and how – by praying over the sick in the congregation, physically pouring oil over the ill. This instruction shows us that healing happens when sins are forgiven.

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Mark 2:5: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son your sins are forgiven.”

The paralyzed man had some very good friends. Four of them, desperate to get their friend in front of Jesus, cut a hole in the roof of the room where Jesus was preaching. Jesus healed the paralytic because of the faith of his friends. As the religious teachers heard Jesus forgiving the man, they accused Him of blasphemy. Jesus schooled them,, saying in verse 9: “Which is easier: to say to this this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk?’”

In this exchange, Jesus shows us that forgiving sins and commanding healing flow together.

Jesus finished His argument by letting the religious teachers know He has authority to forgive sins, telling the paralytic to take his mat and go. With the forgiveness of sins and command of healing, the paralyzed man was healed in front of everyone.

Cover of Jessica Lindsey's devotional book, A Way in the Wilderness — Read A Way in the Wilderness: 100 Meditations of a Woman’s Spiritual Trial, a devotional book from Christian author Jessica Lindsey

In Jessica Lindsey

3 truths for Christian women under attack

February 21, 2025 No Comments

Content may contain affiliate links.

#1 – Fear is a creation of the enemy

Daughter of God – it’s not true. Whatever is in your head right now – that niggling worry that you can’t shake, that thought that’s making you feel anxious, anything that is making you afraid – it’s a lie. There may be a fragment of reality mixed in, but you are not seeing the full truth of the matter if you are full of fear. Remember that Satan is a strategist. He knows your triggers. Is it worries about money? Your health? Is it fear of rejection or disappointing people? If the devil is on the attack, he will strike at the things that he knows are most likely to topple you – sometimes all in the same day! Keep in mind, Satan would like you to believe he is like God, but he is not. The devil is a finite being with limited resources who has already been defeated at the cross.

Here’s the truth – you are loved and protected by our infinite God who is already working on your problem – your moment of weakness, that devastating oversight or error, that loss – to turn it around for your benefit.

As the Apostle Paul wrote: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

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#2 – You are not alone

Another of Satan’s favourite ploys is isolation. Ever notice how he will work endlessly to obliterate a woman’s support system, keep her from her church, destroy her relationships and make her feel alone? He is a weak enemy but he is cunning. He has learned through the ages that humans need other humans to connect to in order to feel safe. His constant work is to destroy all human love through betrayals, abuse, addiction and all forms of strife. But there is one human connection Satan can never destroy and that is the one with our saviour Jesus who isn’t going anywhere. In fact He has gone ahead of you, is beside you and inside you right now.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Jesus did not want us to ever feel alone, promising the Holy Spirit will be ever-present with us as a source of comfort and someone to back us up.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

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#3 – You have a sword

God has not left us defenseless. In fact, He entrusted us with the most powerful tool in the universe – His word. The apostle Paul instructs us to “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” This unseen armour is available always when an attack is launched in our minds, the battleground where our fears are generated. We cannot stop the enemy from attacking, but we can control our response.

In Hebrews 4:12 Paul writes: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Our chief weapon of warfare isn’t a physical creation of a mere man – it is a supernatural weapon of God’s power and strength (2 Corinthians 10:4). We are not expected to use our own mortal strength to fight for ourselves. We are given the power of Christ and the the truth of His word to slice off the lies creating the fear in our lives, leading us into victory.

In Jessica Lindsey

How to avoid end times heart failure

January 25, 2025 No Comments

In the gospels, Jesus warns that people’s hearts will fail them in the last days because of fear over what they witness in the skies.

Leading up to that, we are promised a great deal of calamity – false teachers leading Christians astray, heavy persecution, wars, earthquakes, famines and disease. A multitude of tempests will toss the sea and a world powers will tumble (Luke 21). As darkness escalates, there may be nothing tangible left in this world to offer anyone comfort.

Knowing that this will be a stressful time and that His people will be on the Earth waiting for his return, Jesus gave many instructions on how to deal with the threat of these fears on our hearts.

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In John’s gospel, He tells us to “let not your hearts be troubled.” This passage seems to indicate that we have a choice in the matter. But how do we ease our troubling hearts when the world is falling apart? Believe in God and in Him, Jesus says.

At the end of His warnings about how the last days will look, Jesus lets us know the source of our ultimate hope: He is coming back to get us. As the world crumbles down around us, we are not supposed to cower with fear. He says, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

We are not to be fearful, but rather hopeful, because though many in the world will be entering a time of great suffering, God’s chosen children will be about to realize their ultimate redemption in Christ, a reward well worth the wait.

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The world rapidly unraveling around us is, in a way, good news for those of us who truly believe in Jesus. We are going to be home with our saviour. The end of pain and suffering on the Earth is finally coming, after millennia of children being abused, mothers being widowed, cancer ravaging human life, and every atrocity that rends at the heart. As the world accelerates towards darkness, our hope as Christians should rise knowing that permanent relief is on its way for us.

For those who don’t already believe, it’s a call to wake up to the reality that everyone will ultimately bow to the name of Jesus, either willingly now or forcefully after Jesus arrives to claim his throne as King of the earth.

Until His glorious return to the Earth, Jesus left us a present to prevent terror from paralyzing us.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

We are waiting, but as King David prophesied, those of us who believe in Jesus, who hope in Him, will receive strength into our hearts from God:

“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

For more on Jessica Lindsey’s journey, read A Way in the Wilderness: 100 Meditations of a Woman’s Spiritual Trial.

In Finances

Living free from financial worry (even if you’re broke)

November 20, 2024 No Comments

By Jessica Lindsey

I divorced the father of my four sons when my youngest was seven months old. My middle son was still in diapers and my twin sons were in elementary school. At the time, I had no personal income, as I’d been home caring for my infant and toddler.

It was during this time of extreme financial pressure that I learned how to trust the one I’d begin calling my 11^th hour God. Many times, I thought I was finished, believing I had failed myself and my children. There were moments I feared we were on the brink of homelessness. I’d find myself with only a few dollars left in my account, bills coming in fast and hard, the children needing food. I’d pray, agonizing over my situation. Then, at the 11^th hour, just as there was almost no time left to deal with the problem, God would show up with the provision He’d been planning all along. As time and again, He showed up for me in this way, I began to trust Him at His word:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33

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Following this command wasn’t easy to do. How does one put her mind and energy into actively seek after God’s righteousness when your children’s tummies are rumbling and the electricity needs to be paid? It became an exercise of learning that I had control over my thoughts. If I wanted to survive and remain sane, I would have to bend them towards God’s kingdom and away from the worries of this world. Back then, I believed this was a test from God to see if I would be more overcome by my physical need than by Him. Perhaps it was, partly. But looking back now, I can see He was teaching me that the secret to overcoming the perils of the world is to seek Him in every moment. Focusing on Jesus defeats the onslaught of hell trying to convince you that your very survival is wrapped up in your own abilities , in your bank account, in your possessions. That way, you will chase those things always. But God showed me to leave my survival is in His hands. This way, I free up my time and energy to pursue His Kingdom.

Over time, I began to realize that when I put my mind on Christ and off my earthly problems, I was able to minimize and even diminish them to nothing. When I chose to wallow in disastrous thoughts, anxiety would grip me hard. During these terrible times, when worry about money would take hold of my mind, I would feel my legs burning with the physical affects of anxiety. I’d have panic attacks with heart palpitations, my stomach wrenched in knots. I’d be rendered incapable of doing anything because fear had me physically and mentally bound.

I learned to meditate on Scripture. No, medicate on scripture, because no other remedy worked against the wall of fear I faced. When I let the Father’s promise of supply sink into my mind, and when I chose to believe it, the anxiety would settle enough that I could take productive action. I found this was a much more effective and productive way of handling financial stress.

If I was able muster the strength to believe, even if I had to force myself, it was better than succumbing to that crippling level of anxiety. After all, when the panic attack subsided, the bills were still there. Worrying about them never did a thing to solve my problem. God taught me to focus only on the 24 hours ahead of me. If rent and food were covered that day, I considered myself okay.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

I needed to work these Scriptures into my heart or be destroyed by worry. I had faith and God supplied, as His promise is written:

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22

Many times, money became desperately tight, but I testify today that God was always faithful. Today, I the twins are in college and doing extremely well. I’m not where I want to be financially, but I believe the same God who saw me through the leanest of times will never leave me. I still have some praying to do for my financial goals to be achieved, but I do not suffer from the depths of anxiety I once had. Thank God, my troubles are not quite as dire as I now have my own source of income.

He proved to me that it is true that He will never leave or forsake me. He will always feed me. Always clothe me. I am loved.

In Christian divorce

Navigating divorce as a Christian woman

October 4, 2024 1 Comment

Acceptance has been a difficult concept for me to grasp.

As a Christian woman, I struggled for a long time learning which were my conditions of living that I would have to accept, which were unacceptable, and therefore my responsibility to change, and which of my battles belonged to the Lord.

My dilemma was whether I should stay in my marriage or not, causing deep conflict within me. I wanted to please God, to be an example of faithfulness to Him and to my husband. Though our relationship was full of turbulence, I believed miracles would happen to restore our marriage to the glory of God. I wanted to please the church which seemed to only ever point to one resolution of every kind of marital madness – keep staying married, no matter what.

But there was a problem with that – I was the only person in our marriage who had adopted this mindset. I had taken doing all the work on my shoulders, expecting I’d have this wonderful testimony of how my faith was the game changer that turned things around for us. I’d be the hero. Angels would be applauding me in the halls of heaven for all the faith I’d had. So I prayed and I stayed. And yet, nothing got any better.

In fact, it got desperately worse.