Freely Speaking with Karen

"But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior’” (Isaiah 43:1‭-‬3a ESV‬‬).‬‬‬

The struggles of this world are complex and often heart-wrenching, wouldn’t you agree?

I often get overwhelmed by what I am facing. I forget that Christ Jesus has gone before me, and His Spirit lives within me. That’s why these verses from Isaiah are such a comforting reminder.

I struggled, for years, with being single. I saw and felt the slights of married people during my 20s and early 30s. However, when the children I used to babysit started marrying and having children… the weight of being treated as different and discarded crashed down on me.
I was told I must not be marriageable, wasn’t following God’s plan for my life, or “something is wrong with me.” These words came from everywhere! No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape them.

After my older sister married and I turned 40, I finally landed in a church where I felt comfortable yet compelled to seek my God. I learned anew of His truth, redemption, and love.
Christ has always been present, behind, beside, and before me. His spirit is within me. Living proof of Isaiah 43:1-3! The marvelous part of His grace is that I now teach little ones, 3-5-year-olds, in Awana. I have great relationships with their parents and am “Grantie” (grandma +auntie) to two special kiddos.

God’s promises are true and never failing. I pray you have found comfort, strength, and courage to keep pressing forward. We are always here for you at OHSOFREE Ministries! Please request any prayer because no one should walk this life alone.