I always thought myself to be mentally and emotionally strong. But I now see a deep vein of fragility running through me, like a hairline crack waiting to bust-open under applied pressure, Lord.

“You are My delicate porcelain treasure, fashioned by My fine workmanship, but you are not frail.” said the Lord.

Pondering His Words, I felt something worrisome inside me. “I am concerned this weakness will cause me to fail and become ineffective in the purposes You have for me, Lord.”

Moving toward me, the Lord placed His hands on my shoulders continuing to comfort me. “I know you feel hard-pressed on every side, but you will not be crushed. I hold you strong by My Power which far exceeds any other authority or force. With Me, all things are possible.”

Staring at the floor with my head lowered, the real fear was rising in my heart when I confessed, “Will I still be pleasing to You, even with this flaw that hinders me?”

“Oh, My love.” Jesus said softly as He lifted my chin, looking into my tear-filled eyes. “I sacrificed Myself so you can be whiter than snow; flawless, blemish free in your spirit.”

Taking both my hands, lightly kissing the back of my right hand, Jesus continued. “I am not finished with you. You are still clay in My hands, an unfinished piece of pottery. I use the fiery trials of this world to add layers of gorgeous detail to your original clay vessel. Each time you are re-fired in the world’s kiln, irreversible changes take place within you, increasing your strength and endurance, softly blended with a meek and quiet spirit.”

Jesus paused, tenderly caressing my palms. “My hands are mighty, but My touch is gentle as I transform you into a vessel of honor crafted for a specific purpose, both beautiful and functional. Do not lose heart, for I am renewing you inwardly day-by-day.”

I was spellbound by the Lord’s gentle but fiery eyes as He concluded with these Words. “You are not a disappointment to Me. You are, in fact, My crowning glory.”

Comforted by 1 Peter 3:4, 5:4; Luke 18:27; 2 Corinthians 4:7, 16-18; Isaiah 64:8; Song of Solomon 4:7; Ephesians 2:10, 5:27; Psalm 51:7; and 2 Samuel 22:33

It is rare to have one person in your life who will love you in spite of your shortcomings and who will fight to keep your heart from harm. My cup runs over because You blessed me with two people who filled me with such love and acceptance. But in their absence, I am left sitting in a void that leaves me longing for what was. A longing to belong; to be loved and accepted; to be seen and fully known. Who will see me now, Lord?

“I understand the longing in your heart because I put it there.” Jesus explained.

I turned toward the sound of my Savior’s voice as He continued, “I created you with a deep longing in your soul, along with a need to be loved. Love is the most powerful element in the universe, so the perceived absence of it will seem immense. The combination of love and longing was designed to produce a strong desire within you to seek Me with all your heart, because I am Love.”

“I miss their human presence and their gentle strength in my life. Each day finds hidden sorrow within my heart.” I replied.

“Will you let Me fill those voids for you?” asked the Lord. “I also am longing for love.”

Captivated by the vulnerability of the Son of God, my heart clung to every Word as He continued, “My eyes constantly scan throughout all of My creation looking for that one person whose heart is committed to Me. My eyes have landed on you, My beloved. Let me fill your heart with My Love and Goodness. Let Me show you My strength.”

He paused. I held my breath. My eyes fixed upon Jesus, filled with tears as I heard His next words.

“I see you. Do you see Me?”

Comforted by 1 John 4:16,19; John 3:16, 15:5, 17:23; Psalm 107:9; Jeremiah 29:13; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Mark 1:1; Genesis 16:13; Matthew 5:8

Today, I have no fight left in my limbs. My energy is spent from fighting these daily battles. I just want to give up and raise my white flag. Continuing to ponder that idea, sitting in my frustration, I wondered what a day with no problems would actually look like.

Riding the waves of that thought, a voice entered my mind saying, “You do not deserve this trouble. Why not just escape from all this misery?”

The voice was familiar, but it was not my own thought.

The tongue of the Tempter continued, “Let me ease your pain. I can keep you out of this blazing furnace, just bow to my god of easy.”

Shaking my head and snapping-to-attention, I protested out loud, “No. I will not take what you are offering. My Lord has told me that I will have trouble in this world, but He will give me strength to push through, delivering me from all my distresses. Jesus will hold me strong and that is what I will stand on.”

The spiritual tension in the room was wrapped with a heavy blanket of silence when I suddenly felt the Lord’s presence behind me. His authoritative voice split the air commanding attention. “This woman belongs to Me and she has claimed My Name. Now leave.” The Deceiver vanished upon the Lord’s charge, the oppression leaving with him.

Turning to face my Savior, I threw myself into His arms, leaning on His love and faithfulness. Gently resting His hand on the back of my neck, Jesus softly whispered in my ear, “You are valiant, My darling: worth far more than rubies.”

“I do not feel valiant, Lord. My weakness began to overtake my true desire.” I confessed.

“Your adversary the devil will always be tempting you to worship his golden images, that take on many different forms, trying to lure you away from Me. But when your flesh and heart fail, My strength prevails. I am forever your portion of strength.” said the Lord.

Pulling me away from our embrace to look into my eyes, Jesus continued, “Do not try to escape the troubles that come your way, because I am using them to strengthen your foundation. You are being groomed to abide in Me and remain faithful to your calling. Avoiding the blazing furnace, means you by-pass the trying of your faith, which is more precious than gold. Each trial builds your spiritual muscle and if you avoid what is in front of you, the next difficulty will be harder to endure. I am training your hands for war and your fingers for battle. The devil will flee when you resist him and surrender to Me.”

“You are Good, Lord, and I will sing aloud of Your Mercy and Power. You have been my defense and refuge in the days of my troubles, and I delight in Your commandments. Give me strength to endure the blazing furnace so those watching will see the Angel of the Lord standing in the midst of the flames, ensuring no harm is brought to me.”

Comforted by 2 Corinthians 11:3; Matthew 4:3; Psalm 119:143; Psalm 37:39; Psalm 107:13,19; Daniel 3:13-30; Psalm 73:26; Proverbs 31:10; Psalm 144:1; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Revelation 20:10; 1 Peter 5:8; John 16:33; James 4:7

As I watch the sun break the horizon, quietly announcing its arrival, I wonder what today has to offer. Moving away from the windows, still lost in my thoughts, my words broke the silence, “I sense a change coming, Lord.”

“Nothing in My creation remains unchanged.” The Lord replied as He moved toward me, hearing the concern in my voice.

“Small changes I can handle, but life-altering events blind me to the familiar things that bring me comfort.” I confessed, feeling embarrassed.

Placing His hand under my chin, Jesus gently raised my head, wiping the tears from my cheek. “Keep your eyes focused on Me, the familiar Rock in your life. You know Me. I have never changed, and I never will. In the midst of continual chaos, I AM your one constant. I will not leave you nor allow you to be shaken as the world shifts around you.”

Pulling me close to rest my head on His chest, the Lord continued, “I am the bright Morning Star that will return for you. My plan is unfolding, and you are at the center of that plan. Every morning is a reminder for you to watch, for time ticks to My specific tempo, creating the pace to reveal My plan. Stay close, for I will return soon.”

Opening my eyes, I found the room empty. Whispering, I said, “I am watching and praying. Come quickly, my Lord!”

Comforted by Malachi 3:6; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Exodus 3:14; Hebrews 13:5,8; John 10:14; Mark 13:32-36; Revelations 22:20-21; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 55:22

My life feels like an unfinished piece of artwork, Lord. A canvas propped up on its easel, yet set aside: full of potential, but colorless as I wait for the Artisan’s touch.

“I have not set you aside.” said the Lord. “On the contrary, for you are a work in progress. I am dry brushing tangles of deception from your mind and blotting out misdeeds which will interfere with your experiences of Me. I am preparing you to receive the colors of your calling.”

Hanging my head, I responded, “I do not want anything to stand between You and me.”

Knowing the real concern in my heart, the Lord moved toward me. Lifting my chin to meet His eyes, Jesus said, “Nothing and no one can separate you from My love. Before I formed the worlds, I knew you. Your name has always been on My lips, even speaking to you while in your mother’s womb. I know you well, and I will finish what I started in you.”

Pausing long enough to let His Truth take hold, I confessed, “When I am quiet, I can sense Your gentle brush strokes applying watercolors to the fabric of my soul.”

“Yes, and not just any palette.” the Lord explained. “I have carefully selected the colors that are displayed on your banner. These pigments have been blended with the vapor of My breath, mixed with My power, and washed over you. You are My masterpiece, and your final unveiling is yet to come, My darling.”

“I am humbled by Your lovingkindness and mercy, Lord. Help me to stand firm in Your love as You complete Your work in me. I have put my hope in You and will rejoice in Your salvation as my colorful banner flies in Your name.”

Comforted by Isaiah 49:1; Psalm 51:1, 139:13-16, 20:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Song of Solomon 2:4; Philippians 1:6; Revelations 4:11  

Some days I feel like Cinderella, imprisoned in a bad story that has me bogged down with labor and dressed in rags. I married my prince, but he is now deteriorating before my eyes.

Peering out the window and feeling trapped in my castle, I thought to myself, “Can anyone see the silent pain that I carry deep inside? I need someone to hold me tight.”

The room was quiet, lit only from the morning sun spilling through the glass. The silence was broken when I heard a Man’s voice behind me, “I see you and your pain.”

When I turned, Jesus was standing there. The room was filled with the power of His presence, mingled with compassion. Holding out His right hand, the Lord said, “Join your hand in Mine and dance with Me.”

Captivated by His gesture, I moved toward Jesus. All anxiety melted away as we began swaying to the soft melody that He was singing over me. Consumed with unspeakable joy, I began to twirl like a ballerina. Smiling at my child-like faith, the Lord said, “Look down at your garment, for I have adorned you with My glorious robe of Righteousness. Your jewels sparkle as you spin in joyful abandonment. Rest in My love, for I rejoice over you, My dear.”

My heart racing, still swept-up in the moment, I said, “You have shown me the wonders of Your love and my heart delights in You. Will You meet with me again tomorrow, Lord?”

Looking at me with eyes that pierced my soul, the Lord said, “I will hear you in the morning when you call My name. Wait expectantly, for I will come to you.”

Comforted by Genesis 16:13; Isaiah 61:10; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 5:3, 34:15

The snowstorm has caused the atmosphere to become thick in a composition of white, gray, and black; colorless, like the canvas of my soul. Out of nowhere, a beam of light cuts through the clouds, radiating in a spectrum of colors.

“I know that is You, manifesting Your glorious presence, Lord. Thank you for being present with me in my pain.” I said, wiping tears from my cheek.

“Your spirit is so heavy; what is weighing down your heart?” the Lord asked rhetorically, fully aware of all things hidden.

Looking down at the ground, not proud of my answer, I said, “I have no peace in my heart, Lord.” After a short hesitation, I continued, “I know You are The Prince of Peace, but I can’t seem to keep my heart calm. It keeps getting tangled in the reality of this world.”

Looking at me with His kind eyes, the Lord said, “I offer My perfect Peace to those who choose to abide in Me, but you must make room for My Words in your heart. My Peace will keep your heart and mind secure when nothing in life makes sense.”

Moving toward me, Jesus placed His arm around my shoulder and continued talking while we strolled along the path. “Cling to Me, for there are forces that will try and steal your peace.”

“I can sense my peace start to fade when I fill my heart with other things, allowing darkness to encroach.” I confessed.

“Ah.” The Lord said with a smile. “Do not be troubled by this, for I am also The True Light which lights every person that comes into the world. All darkness must bow in My presence and it obeys My Word. Stay in My Light and you will be flooded with the Light that gives understanding.”

Turning to face me, the Lord said with a more serious tone, “Stay close to Me so you can fulfill what I have called you to do. I have placed you in the middle of this crooked and perverse nation where you can shine as My Light, in spite of your pain. You are My prism set high on a hill, bending My Light and dispersing a rainbow of colors that cannot be hidden. I am spellbound by your beauty of obedience, for it pleases Me. Continue to follow Me and you will not walk in darkness but will have My Light of Life.”

“You are my Light and my Salvation, the strength of my life, Lord. May I bring You honor and glorify our Father in Heaven as I walk as a child of the Light. I pray Your face shines upon me and Your peace rules in my heart at all times.”

Comforted by John 1:9, 8:12, 12:46, 14:27; Isaiah 9:6, 26:3; Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15, 4:7; Psalm 36:9, 45:11, 119:130.

This decision is too much for me. Closing my eyes to rest my mind, I soon found myself running down a narrow tree-lined path. Something was chasing me and the horror I felt seemed real. Shadows began casting their long images over the pathway, but I noticed a Light in the distance. I kept pushing toward that Light until the trail emptied into a courtyard and my feet landed at the threshold of a gate.

There was a Man standing at the post of the gateway, whose eyes were filled with light. Smiling, He said to me, “I saw you coming from a long way off. The winds of your storm have captured your sweet-smelling fragrance, filling the air. The aroma pleases Me greatly.”

Collapsing on my side of the gate, I could only sob. “What is your request of Me?” He asked.

Standing to my feet and raising my eyes to meet His, I whispered, “I do not know what to do, Lord. My husband has reached a point of decline where I need to determine next steps. No option is a good one, but what is the best option, Lord? I cannot make this decision on my own. I need You to show me what is the right decision.”

“People plan their lives.” the Lord answered. “But they never know their own way because I am the One who directs their steps.”

Still standing in the courtyard, the Lord swung open the gate that stood between us. Extending His right hand toward me, the Lord said, “Take My hand and walk with Me.”

Stepping over the threshold, we entered a spacious garden. I felt Peace come over me as the Lord said, “I know this journey seems bleak, but I will not leave you alone. I will guide you and help you along the way, bringing about success in all you do. Take refuge in Me. I will be with you for the duration, watching over you and guiding you back into a fruitful land.”

“My heart is etched with Your Words and drawn to Your love, Lord. May I be found entering in at the King’s gate of Righteousness, sitting at Your feet with thanksgiving. Strengthen my resolve as I trust in Your provision and guidance.”

Esther 5:1-3; Philippians 4:18; Song of Solomon 1:12; Psalm 118:19-21; John 10:9; Genesis 28:15; Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:28; Proverbs 20:24