As a person who grew up in a Christian home, I knew that being a follower of Jesus does not make me exempt from the “bad things” happening.

Jesus tells His disciples: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” Then He says: “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” John 15:18-20. Life does NOT get easier when you decide to walk with Him. But here is the best part: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.” Matthew 5:10-12.

And what I understand is that when He says “persecuted,” it is not only on earth—physically—but also spiritually. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. When we decide to walk with Christ, we bother the devil. While you walk in your own desires and do not obey the Scripture—the Bible—”you are fine” for your adversary. You are doing exactly what he wants you to do: avoid God and what He has told us to do. But when you decide to follow Jesus and obey the Word, your adversary will come after you as a thief to rob your choice of following Jesus. “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” John 10:10. And the thief of our soul will try to steal your peace, your family, your business, your finances. How are you going to react to his attempts?

In November of 2025, I attended a Christian Women’s Conference in Dallas. I sought God because I wanted more of Him. There, the Holy Spirit touched me in a way I had never felt before. I felt a recharge. I prayed with a sincere heart. I told Him what I needed, what was bothering me. He heard. I asked Him to intervene. When I got home from Dallas, I did a whole week of fasting and prayer for my life. I did not know what was coming. Later that month, something happened which I am not yet allowed to share, but it extremely hit me and my daughter. The moment I got the phone call, all I could do was scream and cry out. I immediately said, “Is it God? Is this the crushing moment of my season? Please be with me.” I prayed for a purpose, for a testimony, for restoration, for a change.

It was 7 months of praying. During that time, a lot of things happened. Good, bad, uncomfortable… I was confused, scared, disappointed, sad. I remember there was a time when I told myself I was not allowed to cry because when I did so, I felt like I was abandoning my faith and giving up hope. My dad messaged me and said, “Honey, cry. Even Jesus cried when Lazarus died. You are allowed to weep, to feel sad, just don’t let that sadness strip away your faith.” There were moments when there were no more tears left. But through it all, I continued to trust Him.

I realized that my prayer was not “let Your will be done.” I was focused on asking Him to come through it, to bring us the miracle. But when I decided to pray that His will be done, it was like a peace that surpasses all understanding came to me. I couldn’t explain it. Some days, when sadness came, I would pray for joy and ask God for strength. He was giving me all the strength I needed to continue to go through that season.

Our breakthrough came, and we finally saw the miracle. He kept His promises. I went through the hardest season of my life, and my faith is stronger in Him. He cared for our family through the season. He provided. He sustained us. He is a good Father.

If you are going through a hard season, don’t give up hope. Your outcome will depend on the decisions you make through the process. If you turn around and leave the battlefield, you will never know what God was going to give you at the finish line. Hard seasons always have a purpose. Always. “Who has spoken and it came to pass unless the Lord has commanded it?” Lamentations 3:37. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31. Let God take control of your situation by giving it to Him and saying, “Let Your will be done.” He will not disappoint you. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.” Isaiah 49:15-16. You are not alone in your season. You never will be. Ask Him to show you what to take from this suffering. “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-5.

I am not validating the suffering as if we will live a miserable life on earth for a long period of time. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; He withholds no good things from those who walk with integrity.” Psalm 84:11. During the difficult times, God is there. In the middle of it. You are not alone, and this shall pass. And what you have endured and learned strengthened you and brought forth a beautiful testimony for His glory. Allow your life to be an instrument to create testimonies so that more people can get to know Jesus. And remember: “Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21.

May the Lord bless you and your house. May He give you peace that surpasses all understanding. Stay strong; the Lord your Father is with you through each season.

Xo,

Vanessa