Pain without purpose is a tragedy, but pain with purpose is a powerful testimony. In the midst of our pain, we can participate in God’s purpose by exercising our spiritual gifts and sharing the Good News of Christ. We can enter into broken places and embrace our hard stories. Doing so leads to healing, gives hope to others, and glorifies the God that carries us through the most challenging circumstances.
When MaryBeth was diagnosed with a rare, agressive tumor, the life she had envisioned for herself and her family seemed to slip through her fingers. Feeling like she was watching someone else’s story unfold, she was forced to let go of control and trust in God’s provision. In her periods of greatest doubt, God showed up, gave her the strength she needed to persevere, and kept her tethered to hope. Now more than a full year in remission, MaryBeth testifies to faithfulness and goodness of God Who never leaves or forsakes us.
Laura’s testimony of overcoming addiction, escaping an abusive relationship, and shedding the lies she once believed about her identity and worth is so powerful! Once she began attending church and seeking Christ, God began to reveal things in her life that needed to change and ground her in truth. Today, she is a Sunday school teacher, women’s ministry leader, and woman of God who is sharing her story to bless others and glorify Him.
In, From Unworthy to Beloved – Breaking Free from Insecurity, Lenae shares her struggle with feelings of insecurity, unworthiness, and fear. Her self-worth was largely determined by what others said (or did not say) about her and by society’s definition of success. As she sought to find her true identity in Jesus Christ, she became able to calm her fears, unmask her insecurities, and let go of her desire to be in control so that she could follow Him. In doing so, God led her down an unexpected path that turned out much differently, but much more beautifully, than she could have ever imagined.
This is a guest post by Cathryn, who harbored fear, bitterness, and self-doubt as a result of events from her childhood. After turning to God’s Word, she was able to recapture the voice she had once lost and let go of the negative emotions that held her back. She emerged as a spiritual leader and today is able to see herself as a new creation in Christ. Her story tells how God enabled her to grow into the courageous, confident, and passionate woman that she is today – how He transformed her from Fearful to Faithful.
