For some time now, I have been slowly and intentionally working on a project that is very close to my heart. This special project combines art, words, beauty, truth, and encouragement.
I have gathered stories from a variety of women in different stages of life, from different backgrounds, different geographical locations, different upbringings, and with different views of the world. I asked each of these women to talk to me about a specific struggle in their life. Some of those struggles were in the past, and some are still happening in the present. Due to my own struggles, I have seen my timeline for this project come and go more than once. Although that has been disappointing, I also know my own struggles have shaped my heart for this project even more so.
Even though their stories run the gamut, sharing things that are difficult and extraordinary, heartbreaking and hopeful, every single one of them had this thing in common: Not one of these women made it through their struggle alone. Each one saw God meet them right where they were and right when they needed Him to meet them the most. He saw them. He met them. He loved them.
He met them in hospitals, in their homes, at their child’s bedside, while caring for their spouse, while mourning, while addicted, while scared, while hoping for miracles. He was there when miracles were found, and He was there weeping alongside when they were not. And you know what, He loves us either way. He is good either way. There is nothing He won’t see us through.
God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (NASB)
Their stories have taught me beautiful lessons about sorrow and beauty, strength and perseverance, and how struggles come in all shapes and sizes. Struggles are a universal human experience. They are part of everyone’s story. We are all struggling with realities we would have never chosen for ourselves. We think others won’t understand, but they really do. That has also been the beauty of the community here at (in)courage. We share our stories, and we know we are not alone.
It is an unbelievable encouragement to know that no matter what we go through, God will meet us and see us through. He does it again and again. Because I have experienced this first hand, I know He will continue to be there when struggles arise, and arise they will.
This is the beautiful hope I want to give you to carry and hold on to: He will never leave you alone. He loves you. God is part of each and every story. He is with you, and He is for you.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)
I wanted to leave you with these words of encouragement because this is my last article here as a contributor. If I have done anything in my time here, I want it to be that I have encouraged. I want it to be that someone didn’t feel so alone because they saw themselves in my words, in my story, and that that gave them hope.
It has been incredibly special for me to be part of (in)courage, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so very grateful for the community here, for your love and support. Thank you.
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Amen! And thank you, you have accomplished your desire to encourage us. I suspect you will continue to do just that in all your future endeavors because it is Christ in you that shine through. Blessings upon blessings!
Aww, thank you so much, Ruth. That means so much to me! Thank you for being a wonderful part of this community. I appreciated all your comments on my articles!
Amen! Thank you. Thank you for sharing, guiding, informing, teaching, and blessing with your comforting writings. You will be missed. You are blessed to bless others. May the good Lord continue to bless and keep you as he positions you for something new and different.
Thank you for your thoughtful and beautiful comment, Olivia.
Thank you for this devotional. This is the one I needed today. In the midst of right now, I know God is with me. I love him and knows he loves me. Thank you for your contributions here.
I am so grateful to hear it met you when you needed it today Ada! Thank you!
Thank you for allowing God to minister to many through your writing. Your words have brought tears to my eyes. Blessings to you from our Lord as you continue on your journey.
Oh, Susan, thank you. That means a lot to me. I appreciate you so much!
Amen and amen, Jennifer! How well our families know the strength that God provides when life is hard, not only through His unending love, grace, and peace, but also through community He provides to walk alongside us in those dark days. We have seen it, and we are grateful. Your voice here will be missed, but as always, looking forward to the pieces that come to life through the art in your studio. Love you, girl, and I’m so grateful for your heart for Jesus!
May God always bless and keep you!
You have been a constant, beautiful, uplifting voice, Jo. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough. Forever grateful for you and your support and your prayers. Love you!
Thank you, Jennifer, for the ministry of encouragement that has poured out of your heart through your words written here. I’ve always been uplifted by your devotions, and I know God will continue to use you to encourage others.
Thank you so much, Kathy! That really means a lot for me hear. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community!
Wonderful reminder. Thank you!
Thank you, kimmieg! So happy you are here today!
God Bless you! Thank you for your contributions in this space.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Thank you for your encouragement that you have consistently shared here. Hoping and praying for a wonderful next season for you. 🙂
Oh I appreciate that so much, Heidi! Thank you!
This is an encouragement to be there for others in their struggles because you’re so right: we don’t get through them on our own. God’s presence is a given, but how often does He work through people? I needed this reminder. Thank you for your writing and may you be given what you need for your future endeavors.
I am so happy this met you today, Pearl. It is such a beautiful thing how He works through others! Thank you for being here!
God bless you and be with you on the next part of your journey. Thank you for today’s encouragement which I needed so much. After recent health news my anxiety has reared it’s ugly head. With much prayer I’ve been able to keep from a full blown panic attack like I experienced years ago.
I am so sorry for your recent news and anxiety. I can relate. I join you in prayer, Betsy. God bless you, too!
Your words this morning are a gift from God to me. I’m in a lot of pain and headed to the ER and so needed this. Thank you.
Oh no, Heidi! Praying for you today. Pain and ER is not new to me and my husband. My heart goes out to you. So thankful these words met you today when you needed them most!
Oh no! Another good-bye! You will be sorely missed dear Jennifer. I hope your future will be bright and filled with love.
Thank you so very much, Irene! I appreciate that. So grateful you are part of this wonderful, loving community!
Thank you for your words — they really blessed me. God bless you and your journey.
I am grateful to hear that! Thank you for being here today, Katharine!
Jennifer,
You will be missed here by many including myself. God said we will have trials & tribulations down here. He has not left us alone. He has given us the Holy Spirit living within us. Plus He is walking with us guiding our every step. He is well acquainted with anything & everything we are going through. I know this all to well. He was with me when I would sit in a hospital lobby crying my eyes out because dad was in gero psych ward. It was His love & care plus the extraordinary love of church friends that got me through that not once but twice. God is so good not to leave us alone in our trials.
P.S. How are you doing with your auto immune problems? Praying hard for healing.
Blessings 🙂
I am so thankful for you, Beth! You have been a faithful, caring friend through my years writing here. I loved being able to pray for you and I have been grateful for your prayers. I am learning to manage with my health issues. Part of the reason the step back here and using my good time focused on my new work. Blessings to you! xo
Thank you so much for sharing, Jennifer! God bless you, friend!
Thank you so much, Stephanie!
Nooo:( As I read this I started to guess that you were going in the direction of saying goodbye, and I’m so sad to see you go! I always look forward to your articles on (in)courage and you’re going to be terribly missed!
Blessings on your future endeavors elsewhere and prayers for you as you continue on a path toward healing!
Aww, that means so much to me, M! I really appreciate your kind words. Touches my heart to know you looked forward to my articles here. I hope we can stay connected! Thank you so much for your prayers, they mean the world! xo
Jennifer, I loved this article so much. Indeed you have achieved exactly what your heart desired! For your words have always pointed us straight to the hope and encouragement of Jesus. I’m so proud of you for being faithful to pursue this project — extended timelines and all. I can’t wait to see how it all come together! Thank you for your years of service and friendship here. You are so loved.
Thank you, Becky. Hearing you are proud of me and my project… tears. Thank you for your love and support! xo
Its been wonderful to see and hear from women like you, Jennifer, who is passionate about making people to enjoy God’s touch, healing, comfort and blessings especially women who are in pains or distress in any way through your write ups.
As you go ahead to pursue your passion, God’s hand will be upon you, family and the business. Your coast will be enlarged. You will be fruitful.
Your business will encourage and draw men to God in Jesus name.
I will miss you in this community. God bless you.
Kemi George
This is so beautiful, Kemi. Thank you. Your words mean so much to me. I am grateful for you!
Jennifer, thanks so much for your words today and through the years. They have encouraged me a lot. I especially remember your article about following the combine. It was a conformation for my own “tractor story” that I was preparing to give at a women’s retreat. God is indeed with us through everything! Blessings on your future plans and ministry.
Oh I love to hear that, Judyc! Thank you for sharing. I am sure your tractor story was a blessing to those listening!
You have been such a blessing to all of us who are part of the (in)courage family and friends (contributors and readers). Your heartfelt writings have helped so many of us realize that we are not traveling through life alone……we have God always at our side and we have others who are walking the same walk. May God bless you, your family, and your next endeavors. God is so very good! Thank You for all you have shared of yourself – your time, your talent, your spirit, and your fierce love and trust of God.
I am so grateful you are part of this community. Thank you, Phyl! And thank you for these beautiful words I will carry with me. xo
Thank you for all you’ve done. May God bless you richly!