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When Praise Feels Hard: Finding God in Life’s Most Difficult Seasons
When life feels heavy and hope seems distant, what if the very thing we struggle to do, praise, is the key to encountering God’s presence?
If you would like to listen to this message, please click on the link and listen on Podbean for free. Alternatively, you can search for The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite platform, e.g. Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/praise-and-worship/
When Life Feels Overwhelming
When we are going through a challenging time, loss, sickness, financial hardship, or other trials, it can feel like God is far away.
Our thoughts may be filled with sorrow, anguish, or even bitterness about the turn our lives have taken.
We may pray for relief… for healing… for change.
And sometimes, if we are honest, we may even question God.Why did this happen?
Why didn’t He protect me?
This shouldn’t be happening… I’m a Christian.These are real and human responses.
What Jesus Actually Promised
God never promised that our lives would be “perfect” whatever perfect really means.
In fact, in John 16, Jesus tells us plainly that we will weep and mourn… that we will have trouble in this world.
But He doesn’t leave us there.
He also promises that our grief will turn to joy and encourages us to take heart—because He has overcome the world.
This is our anchor in the storm.
A Powerful Example: Praise in the Prison
I have always been deeply moved by the response of Paul and Silas.
Beaten, chained, and imprisoned…
Yet instead of despair, they chose praise.“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”
Acts 16:25–26 (NIV)What an incredible moment.
Their praise didn’t just shift their situation… it shifted the atmosphere.
The jailer and his entire household were saved.
And what about the other prisoners?
Scripture tells us that even when the doors opened and chains fell off… no one ran.
Why?
Perhaps they were so gripped by the presence of God that they forgot their chains had been removed.
Perhaps something deeper was happening in their hearts.
We may never know fully, but we can be certain of this:
Their praise had a powerful, eternal impact.
God Draws Near to Our Praise
The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3 KJV).
He is enthroned on our praise.There is something deeply powerful about choosing to praise God—especially when it costs us something.
It is easy to praise in the good times.
But a sacrifice of praise in the middle of suffering… that is powerful.It draws His presence like a magnet.
When You Don’t Feel Like Praising
Let’s be honest—this isn’t easy.
There may be times when you don’t feel like singing.
When words won’t come.
When your heart feels too heavy.That’s okay.
Start small.
A whisper…
A simple “Thank You, Lord”…
A quiet reminder of His goodness…Even a broken, trembling voice lifted to God is precious to Him.
As we begin to remember who He is and what He has done, something shifts.
Our spirit begins to lift.
Peace starts to settle.
Hope begins to rise again.His presence changes the atmosphere:
from fear to peace,
from despair to hope,
and yes… even to joy.
A Gentle Invitation
If you are walking through a difficult season right now, you are not alone.
God is not distant.
He is near… closer than you realise.And sometimes, the doorway into His presence is found in the quiet, costly act of praise.
Prayer
Lord,
In the middle of my struggles, help me to remember who You are.
When my heart feels heavy and my voice feels weak, give me the courage to praise You anyway.
Remind me of Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your promises.
Draw near to me as I draw near to You.
Fill my heart with Your peace, restore my hope, and turn my sorrow into joy.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Activation
Today, take a small step toward praise:
- Speak out three things you are thankful for, even if they feel small
- Read a Psalm of praise (Psalm 23, 27, or 100 are beautiful places to start)
- Put on a worship song and simply sit in God’s presence
Don’t worry about doing it perfectly.
Just begin.
If this message encouraged you, please share the link with someone who might need it today. I’d love to hear how you connected with God in a difficult season. Please share your story in the comments below.
And consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿
Right now is always the best time to begin.
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🌿 Cultivating a Servant Heart: Serving with Joy, Wisdom and God’s Leading
Serving others is at the heart of the Christian life… but what if true service isn’t about doing more — but about being led by God?
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
If you would prefer to listen to this message, copy and paste the link below into your browser and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/cultivating-a-servant-heart-insights-from-jesus/
💛 Jesus Modelled a Servant Heart
Jesus showed us what it truly means to have a servant heart.
He didn’t just teach it — He lived it.
He demonstrated God’s love and compassion through His actions, especially toward those who were often rejected or overlooked:
- He washed His disciples’ feet
- He invited a tax collector into relationship and purpose
- He touched and healed the leper
- He protected and forgave the adulterous woman
- He welcomed and valued the poor and the outcast
This is the heart of God — humble, compassionate, and full of grace.
🌱 The Desire to Serve
As Christians, many of us carry a deep desire to serve: in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities.
This is a beautiful and God-given desire.
But the question is not just “Are we serving?”
It is:👉 Do we have a servant heart?
A servant heart is not only about what we do…
it’s about why we do it.
💭 Checking Our Motivation
It’s worth gently asking ourselves:
- Am I serving with joy… or out of obligation?
- Do I grumble, complain, or feel resentful?
- Am I seeking recognition or approval?
- Am I trying to be seen as a “good person”?
Or perhaps…
- Do I struggle to say no?
- Am I afraid of disappointing others?
- Do I want to be liked or needed?
Sometimes, what looks like service on the outside
may actually be driven by pressure, fear, or insecurity.
✝️ Grace, Not Works
We must remember this foundational truth:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—”
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)We are not saved by what we do.
We serve because we are saved, not to become saved.
This changes everything.
Service becomes a response of love…
not a striving for approval.
⚖️ The Danger of Overdoing It
When there is so much need around us, it can be tempting to say “yes” to everything.
But without boundaries, we can fall into what I like to call
“the craziness of the busies.”So busy doing…
that we lose time with God.So busy serving…
that we lose our sense of peace.So busy helping…
that we become exhausted.And when we take on too much:
- We lose effectiveness
- We risk burnout
- We may even prevent others from stepping into their calling
Sometimes, saying “no” creates space for someone else’s “yes.”
🌿 Being Led by God
Jesus invites us into a different way:
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”
Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)What if, instead of rushing to do everything…
we paused and asked God:👉 “Lord, what would You have me do?”
When we spend time with Him, we begin to understand His heart.
He brings clarity.
He reveals our calling.
He directs our steps.
🕊️ Serving with the Holy Spirit
When the Holy Spirit is guiding our “yes”:
There is a lightness.
A joy.
A sense of rightness.We are no longer striving.
We are co-labouring with God.And as we do, He provides:
- Strength
- Wisdom
- Creativity
- Guidance
- Heavenly resources for every situation
🌸 A Gentle Invitation
Perhaps today is an invitation to pause.
To step back from the noise…
and draw close to God.To serve not from pressure…
but from peace.Not from fear…
but from love.
🙏 Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the example of Jesus and His servant heart.
Help me to serve with the right motives. Not out of pressure, fear, or striving, but out of love and obedience to You.
Teach me when to say yes… and when to say no.
Lead me by Your Spirit, and fill me with joy as I serve.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
🌼 Activation
Today, take a moment to reflect:
👉 Is there something I am doing out of obligation rather than God’s leading?
👉 Is there something God is gently asking me to release… or step into?Ask Him:
“Lord, what is my next right yes?”
✨ Right now is always the best time to begin.
I hope you enjoyed this message, please share it with someone who might need it today. I’d love to hear how you are serving God. You can share your story in the comments below.
Consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿
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🌿 Raising Resilient Children: When Love Lets Go and Trusts God
What if the very thing we do to protect our children… is actually holding them back?
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
If you would prefer to listen to this message, copy and paste the link below into your browser and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite platform, e.g. Spotify or Apple Podcasts, etc.:
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/raising-resilient-children-the-dangers-of-overprotective-parenting/
💛 Our Deep Love for Our Children
We all love our children and grandchildren deeply.
We don’t want them to suffer.
We don’t want them to struggle.
And we certainly don’t want them to make the same mistakes we’ve made.And if you’re anything like me… you’ve made a few.
So, out of love, we step in.
We help.
We fix.
We protect.But sometimes… in trying to shield them from pain…
we may also be shielding them from growth.
🌱 When Help Becomes a Hindrance
It often starts with small things.
They want an expensive pair of jeans…
and instead of letting them save, we lend the money.It feels harmless. Loving, even.
But over time, this can quietly grow into something bigger —
what I like to call “Parentlink.”A place where our children come to draw from what feels like an endless supply of resources…
interest-free…
and sometimes with little expectation of responsibility.Now, of course, there are times when real need calls for generosity and support.
But we must gently ask ourselves…
👉 Are we helping… or preventing growth?
🧠 Solving Problems for Them
Then there are the challenges of everyday life.
A problem in the schoolyard…
a conflict with a friend…And we step in quickly with solutions.
Or even step in on their behalf.This becomes what we might call “Parentthink.”
But if we do all the thinking for our children…
how will they learn to think for themselves?Instead, we can ask curious questions:
- What do you think you could do?
- What might happen if you tried that?
- Is there another way to handle this?
In doing so, we help them build wisdom, confidence, and resilience.
(Of course, serious issues like bullying must always be addressed with care and protection.)
🧹 Doing Life for Them
And then there’s what I call “ParentClean.”
The adult child whose home is messy…
and we step in to clean, organise, and restore order.Again, sometimes support is needed — especially in seasons of struggle or mental health challenges.
But if this becomes a regular pattern…
why would they ever learn to take responsibility?
⚖️ The Gift of Small Failures
When we become the safety net for every situation…
we may unknowingly rob our children of life’s most valuable lessons.Small failures teach powerful truths:
- I am responsible for my life
- My choices matter
- Effort leads to growth
- Relationships require care and kindness
- Actions have consequences
“For each will have to bear his own load.”
Galatians 6:5 (ESV)These lessons shape character.
They build resilience.
They prepare our children for life.
💭 Love or Fear?
This leads us to a gentle but important question:
👉 Is this love… or is it fear?
Are we afraid of seeing our children struggle?
Are we finding it hard to let go of control?
Are we unintentionally creating dependence?Or perhaps…
are we trying to be everything for them?
❤️ What Love Really Looks Like
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”
1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (ESV)True love is not control.
It is not fear-driven.True love trusts.
It releases.
It allows growth.
🙏 Making Room for God
Sometimes, without realising it, we can take the place that only God should hold.
If all our children’s needs are met instantly and effortlessly…
will they learn to seek Him?Will they develop a prayer life?
Will they discover their identity in Christ?
Will they experience the joy of giving… not just receiving?God loves our children even more than we do.
Do we trust Him enough…
to allow them to walk through disappointment, rejection, and even failure?Trusting that He is with them.
Guiding them.
Working all things for good.
🌿 A Gentle Shift
Perhaps today is not about doing less…
but about doing differently.Walking beside… instead of stepping in front.
Guiding… instead of controlling.
Trusting… instead of fearing.
🙏 Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the precious gift of our children and grandchildren.
Help us to love them with wisdom, not fear.
Give us the courage to step back when needed,
and the discernment to know when to step in.
Teach us to trust You with their lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
🌼 Activation
Today, reflect on one area where you may be stepping in too quickly.
Ask yourself:
👉 Can I guide instead of fix?
👉 Can I trust God more in this area?Take one small step toward releasing control… and inviting growth.
✨ Right now is always the best time to begin.
If this message blessed you, please share it with someone who might need it today. I’d love to hear how your parenting is going. Please share your story in the comments below.
And consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿
God bless you and your family.
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Radical Love: How Jesus Calls Us to Love Our Enemies
What if the greatest evidence of our faith isn’t what we believe—but how we love, especially when it’s hard?
If you would prefer to listen to this message, click on the link below iand listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify or Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/radical-love-embracing-jesus-teachings-on-forgiveness-and-compassion/
A Kingdom That Turns Everything Upside Down
When we read the Bible, it often feels completely opposite to what our culture teaches.
Jesus said:
- Blessed are the poor
- Blessed are the hungry
- Blessed are those who weep
- Blessed are those who are hated for His sake
Yet in our world, image, status, power, and possessions are often valued above kindness, integrity, loyalty, and honesty.
The Kingdom of God invites us into a completely different way of living.
A Love That Feels Impossible
Recently, my husband was reading the Bible to me, and these words resonated so deeply within my spirit that I couldn’t move past them:
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you… Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Luke 6:27–31Even today, these words feel radical.
It’s not just about forgiving our enemies.
We are called to bless them… and pray for them.That stretches the human heart beyond its natural limits.
The Heart of the Father Revealed
This kind of love reveals something profound about our precious Father.
He holds nothing back.
He loves us fully, freely, and unreservedly, even when we fall short.And if we are honest, we all fall short.
I know I’m not perfect, far from it. There have been times when forgiveness has been a journey, not a moment. Letting go hasn’t always come easily.
But here’s the truth I keep coming back to:
What feels impossible in the natural becomes possible with God.
Transformation From the Inside Out
When we begin to pray for transformation, not just behaviour change, but a deep renewal of our:
- mind
- heart
- will
- imagination
- spirit
Something beautiful begins to happen.
God starts to release a flow of:
- patience
- humility
- forgiveness
- love
- peace
- joy
- compassion
And these qualities don’t just bless us, they reveal Jesus to the world around us.
A Prayer for Radical Love
Lord,
Transform my heart to look more like Yours.
Help me to love when it’s hard, to forgive when it hurts, and to bless even those who oppose me.
Renew my mind and soften my spirit, so Your love can flow freely through my life.
Let my words, my actions, and my heart reflect Jesus every day.
Amen.
Activation: Living Out Radical Love
Today, ask yourself:
- Is there someone I need to forgive?
- Can I pray for someone who has hurt me?
- How can I show unexpected kindness today?
Take one small step. It doesn’t have to be perfect, we just need to be willing.
If you were encouraged by this message, please share the link with someone who might need it today. I would love to hear how you are choosing to love radically in your everyday life. Please share your story in the comments below.
And consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿
Right now is always the best time to begin.
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Leaving a Legacy of Love: How Our Words and Actions Shape Generations
The smallest moments, our words, our tone, our everyday choices are quietly shaping the legacy we leave behind.
If you would prefer to listen to this message, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean.
Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
A Quiet Moment That Speaks Loudly
Tonight, I am babysitting two of my grandchildren.
The youngest, just under two months old, is nestled in a pouch against my chest as I walk the floor at 10pm, gently soothing her.
In moments like this, my heart often drifts to a deeper question:
What kind of legacy am I leaving behind?
Will my children and grandchildren know how deeply I loved them?
Will they know how deeply God loves them?
Will my life leave the world a little better than I found it?
The Ripple Effect of Our Lives
Like it or not, our words and actions ripple outward, far beyond what we can see.
In everyday moments, we are quietly mentoring those around us.
The way we speak.
The way we respond.
The way we treat others.Even when we don’t realise it, people are watching. Learning. Absorbing.
What Are We Passing On?
Are we leaving behind:
- Anger
- Judgement
- Criticism
These things can cause others, especially children, to feel:
- Unworthy
- Unloved
- Insignificant
Or are we leaving something different?
A legacy of:
- Love
- Kindness
- Truth
- Peace
Because how we live doesn’t just affect us, it shapes how others see themselves… and how they see God.
We Represent Christ
Even in our ordinary, everyday interactions, we are representing Jesus.
When we speak harshly, engage in gossip, or react in frustration, others notice.
And sometimes, it’s not just us they turn away from, but the Christ we represent.
That’s a sobering thought—but also a powerful opportunity.
God Sees and Knows
Even when we feel unseen, we are never unnoticed.
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence.
Psalm 139:1–4 (TPT)God gently draws our attention to the areas that need refining.
That quiet nudge… that check in our spirit…
It’s His loving invitation to grow.
Responding with Humility
When we recognise we’ve missed the mark, we have a choice.
We can justify our behaviour, or we can turn to God.
When we pause, pray, and listen, the Holy Spirit leads us:
- To change
- To grow
- To apologize
Even apologizing to children is powerful. It models humility, integrity, and authenticity—qualities we long to see in them.
Choosing a Legacy of Love
We have the opportunity every day to leave something beautiful behind.
A legacy where people feel:
- Safe
- Valued
- Loved
- Encouraged
A legacy that draws others closer to Jesus because what they see in us is genuine, life-giving, and full of grace.
Love in the Small Sacrifices
As I walk the floor tonight, tired and wishing I was in bed, I am reminded:
Love often looks like small sacrifices.
My daughter and son-in-law have been looking forward to this night for a long time. And in this moment, choosing to serve them is an act of love.
Jesus said:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:12–13 (NIV)His example sets a high standard.
And while my small act is nothing compared to His sacrifice, it is still an opportunity to reflect His love in a practical way.
A Simple Question
What is one small thing you could do today to bless someone in your life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that every moment of my life has meaning and impact.
Help me to be mindful of the words I speak and the way I live.Teach me to leave a legacy of love, kindness, and truth.
When I fall short, gently correct me and guide me back to Your ways.Help me to reflect Jesus in my everyday actions—especially in the small, unseen moments.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activation
Today, choose one intentional act of love:
- Speak encouragement to someone
- Offer help where it’s needed
- Pause before reacting and choose kindness
- Do something sacrificial, even something small
Remember, legacy is built in the everyday moments.
If this message encouraged you, please share it with someone who might need it today.
If you’d like to share what you’ve done—or plan to do—to bless those around you, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below.
You’re also warmly invited to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.
God bless you and your household.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
Christian encouragement, Christian family values, Christian legacy, Christian parenting and grandparents, Faith in Everyday Life, generational faith, impact of words and actions, influence and discipleship, leaving a legacy of faith, legacy of love, living like Jesus, modelling Christ to children, small acts of kindness -
My prayer for 2023
Thanks to Carson Arias @carsonarias for making this photo available on Unsplash 🎁 May 2023 usher in a time of energy, vitality, joy, peace and prosperity in each of your lives.
May the God of creation guide you to build lasting memories and relationships with family friends, and colleagues.
May you pass on a legacy of constant support, kindness, love and mercy to the next generation. May you bring His presence wherever you go and change atmospheres.
But most of all, I pray that we would all draw closer to God and be sensitive to his still small voice and be obedient to him.
In Jesus name. Amen
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Choosing the Kingdom Way: How to Respond with Grace When You’re Hurt or Rejected
When someone hurts or rejects you, your response has the power to either deepen the wound, or reflect the heart of Christ.
If you’d prefer to listen to this post, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean.
Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/transformed-living-responding-in-a-kingdom-way/
When Relationships Are Difficult
Have you ever experienced rejection?
Perhaps someone has turned away your friendship, spoken poorly about you, or excluded you at work or in social settings. Maybe they seem to go out of their way to irritate or upset you.
These moments can be deeply hurtful.
And naturally, something rises up within us.
The Natural Response vs The Kingdom Response
In the natural, the response seems obvious:
“An eye for an eye.”
We defend ourselves.
We rehearse what we’ll say next time.
We may even be tempted to speak negatively about them or distance ourselves completely.Culture today encourages this—cancel, retaliate, respond in kind.
But to what end?
Does it bring peace?
Does it reflect who we are in Christ?
Set Apart for Something Greater
The Bible reminds us that we are different:
If you were of the world, the world would love you as it’s own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you
John 15:19 (ESV)As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in this world, but not be shaped by it.
We may face the same challenges as everyone else, but we are invited to respond in a different way.
A Transformed Way of Living
God calls us to something higher:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)Transformation begins in the mind, but it shows up in our responses.
Instead of reacting in hurt or anger, we can choose to pause… and turn to God.
Prayer: Our First Response, Not Our Last Resort
One of the most powerful things we can do in difficult situations is pray.
Not just about the situation, but for the people involved.
At first, this can feel hard. Even unnatural.
But over time, as we choose prayer again and again, something begins to shift.
Our hearts soften.
Our perspective changes.
Peace begins to replace frustration.Prayer moves us from reaction to reflection, from hurt to healing.
A Lifestyle of Blessing
I’ve found it so helpful to fill my day with quiet conversations with God.
Praying for:
- My family
- My friends
- My colleagues
- My community
- Even the people I pass while driving
These small, intentional prayers begin to shape our hearts into something beautiful, hearts that bless instead of curse, that love instead of react.
Choosing Peace Over Reaction
You may not be able to control how others treat you.
But you can choose how you respond.
And when you choose the Kingdom way of grace, prayer, and love, you reflect Jesus in a powerful and life-giving way.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You have called me to live differently.
When I feel hurt, rejected, or misunderstood, help me not to react in the natural, but to respond in Your way.Soften my heart toward those who have hurt me.
Teach me to pray, to bless, and to walk in love.Renew my mind and transform my responses so that I reflect You in all I do.
Fill me with Your peace.In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activation
The next time you feel hurt or frustrated by someone:
- Pause before responding
- Take a deep breath
- Pray a simple prayer: “Lord, help me respond Your way”
- Speak a quiet blessing over that person
Start small, but be consistent.
Over time, prayer will become your natural response.
I hope this message encouraged you. Please share it with someone who might need it today.
If you’d like to share your thoughts or testimony, I would love to hear from you. You’re warmly invited to leave a comment or subscribe below.
May you and your family be richly blessed.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
Christian encouragement, Christian relationships, Christian response to hurt, dealing with rejection Christian, Faith in Action, handling conflict biblically, how to forgive and respond, kingdom living, loving others like Jesus, overcoming offense, prayer in difficult situations, renewing the mind Bible, responding with grace -
A Miracle Before Birth: God’s Healing Hand on Our Grandchild
When doctors saw risk and uncertainty, we chose faith and what followed was nothing short of a miracle.
If you’d prefer to listen to this post, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean.
Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
A Difficult Diagnosis
Like many families, 2022 brought both joy and challenge for us.
But nothing prepared us for the most distressing moment of all, the unexpected diagnosis of a serious heart condition in our unborn grandchild.
The medical team were deeply concerned and recommended termination.
But the baby’s mother and father stood firm.
They said no.
Instead, they chose life.
Walking Through Uncertainty
The pregnancy was closely monitored. Each month, the parents attended a tertiary hospital where detailed scans were performed, with a pediatric cardiologist present.
The doctors recommended further testing through amniocentesis—a procedure that carries a significant risk of miscarriage. The parents declined.
They were told their baby would likely be born with one of several congenital conditions and were encouraged to prepare themselves.
Naturally, there were moments where we struggled to understand.
Why this baby?
Why this situation?Some questions don’t have answers this side of heaven.
But even in those moments, we chose to anchor ourselves in God’s goodness.
Standing Together in Faith
We were not alone.
My husband and I were joined by our church’s pastoral care team, Christian friends and family, and our School of Faith community. Together, we prayed.
As Scripture says:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20 (NIV)We declared God’s healing over this baby.
We spoke His promises.
We reminded ourselves of who He is.“Regardless of what we see or hear, You are a good, gracious, and merciful God. You created the universe and you can heal this baby.”
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
In the waiting, we strengthened our faith by remembering what God had already done.
We spoke about His goodness:
- The blessings in our family and relationships
- The ways He had provided and guided us
- Testimonies of healing we had witnessed
We even recalled a woman who had been healed—where metal in her body had dissolved, confirmed by X-ray. I also reflected on how God had healed my own gut through prayer, wise choices, and support.
God is still in the business of healing.
As the Bible says:
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can see.
Acts 3:16 (NIV)
The Miracle
After months of prayer and believing, everything changed.
In December, a month before the baby was born, the parents went for another scan.
That afternoon, I received a FaceTime call at work from my daughter.
I whispered, “Hang up and call me back. I’m at work!”
But she said, “Mum… you’re going to want to hear this!”
With joy overflowing, they told me:
The baby’s heart had almost completely healed.
There was only a 0.3mm difference from being within the normal range.
The baby could now be born naturally at the local hospital.
The specialists were no longer expecting complications.And the pediatric cardiologist said something remarkable:
He had never seen a reversal like this in his career.
A Faithful God
Praise God!
What a good, gracious, and powerful God we serve.
This miracle has been one of the greatest blessings our family has ever received—and the most beautiful Christmas gift we could imagine.
A Word of Encouragement
If you are believing for a miracle today, don’t lose heart.
God sees you.
He hears your prayers.
And He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine.Hold onto Him. Keep praying. Keep believing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You are a miracle-working God.
Thank You for Your love, Your power, and Your faithfulness.For those who are waiting, believing, and praying today, strengthen their hearts.
Fill them with hope.
Remind them that You are present, even in uncertainty.Help us to trust You, no matter what we see.
And teach us to stand firm in faith, knowing that You are always good.In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activation
Take a moment today to bring your situation before God:
- Speak His promises out loud
- Thank Him for what He has already done in your life
- Declare His goodness over your circumstances
Even if nothing has changed yet—your faith is making a difference.
I hope this testimony strengthens your faith and fills you with joy. Please share it with someone who might need it today.
I would love to hear the blessings God has brought into your life, feel free to share your testimony.
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Right now is always the best time to begin.
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Rest, Priorities and Peace: Aligning Our Lives with What Matters Most
When life feels full and your energy is running low, it’s often not because you’re doing too little, but because you’re carrying too much without the right order
If you’d prefer to listen to this post, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean.
Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc.https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/maintaining-spiritual-mental-health/
When Life Feels Overwhelming
Household chores, supporting the people we love, work responsibilities, and even ministry, these are all good things.
But they can also become exhausting.
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget what matters most.
Our time with God. The quiet place where we are refreshed, restored, and realigned, can slowly slip to the bottom of the list.We may feel pressure to keep pushing, to burn the candle at both ends, or to keep showing up for everyone else… even when we are running on empty.
Rest Is Not Weakness
Contrary to what the world often tells us, rest is not a sign of weakness.
It is not wrong to:
- Sleep
- Take time to eat well
- Do something simply because it brings you joy
- Set healthy boundaries with work, family, friends, or even church commitments
In fact, these things are necessary.
Without them, we risk burnout, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As Jack Frost shares in Experiencing The Father’s Embrace, our priorities should be:
- God
- Family
- Ministry
And Roberts Liardon reminds us in God’s Generals that without caring for our physical health—through rest, nutrition, and balance—we cannot sustain our lives or calling well.
Jesus Invites Us to Rest
The Bible speaks so beautifully about rest:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…”
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)What a gentle invitation.
Not “come when you’ve finished everything.”
Not “come when you’ve earned it.”Just… come.
Jesus doesn’t place more weight on us, He lifts it.
Reordering Our Priorities
Over time, I’ve found it helpful to clearly define my priorities. They guide my decisions and help me discern where my time and energy should go.
Here is the order I try to live by:
1. My Relationship with God
He is my anchor, my strength, and my source. Without Him, I am like a ship without a rudder.
2. Caring for My Health
This includes eating well, exercising, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and allowing space for joy and rest.
3. My Husband and Family
My husband is my helpmate, my encourager, and my partner in faith. Together we are stronger.
My family follows close behind—loving them, supporting them, and modelling Christ in everyday life.4. My Ministry
Serving others is important—but it flows best when everything else is in order.
Living from a Place of Peace
When we honour our priorities and take care of ourselves, something beautiful happens.
We begin to:
- Operate from peace instead of pressure
- Give from fullness instead of emptiness
- Respond with gentleness, patience, and kindness
We have the energy to love well—both in the small moments and the significant ones.
And our lives begin to reflect the heart of Jesus more clearly.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to do everything.
You don’t have to carry everything.
And you don’t have to run yourself into the ground to prove your worth.God is not asking you to burn out for Him.
He is inviting you to walk with Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You are a God of peace, not pressure.
You see the demands on my life and the areas where I feel stretched and tired.Help me to realign my priorities according to Your will.
Teach me to rest without guilt and to set healthy boundaries with wisdom and grace.Draw me back into that quiet place with You, where my soul is refreshed.
Restore my strength, renew my mind, and fill me with Your peace.In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activation
Take 10–15 minutes today to gently reflect:
- Are my current priorities aligned with God’s best for me?
- Where am I feeling stretched too thin?
- What is one small boundary or change I can make this week?
Then take one simple step—whether it’s resting, saying no, or spending intentional time with God.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
If this message encouraged you, please send the link to someone who might need it today. I’d love to hear about your journey with God. Please share your story in the comments below.
Subscribe and join the Jesus 4 Generations community so you don’t miss any future posts.
Resources:
- Jack Frost, Experiencing the Father’s Embrace
- Roberts Liardon, God’s Generals
avoiding burnout Christian, biblical rest, caring for yourself biblically, Christian encouragement, Christian priorities, Christian rest, faith and wellbeing, healthy boundaries faith, life balance with God, overcoming exhaustion, peace in busy life, quiet time with God, Rest in God, setting boundaries Christian, spiritual renewal -
Transforming Self-righteousness: A Path to Unity and Love
https://unsplash.com/@sharonmccutcheon Life can be very full. We meet and communicate with many people every day. These people are likely to be preoccupied with things in their own life. At times we may encounter different perspectives and friction. How do we respond?
I know I have truly struggled with this in the past. Mistakenly believing my opinion was the only point of view worth considering, I would rigidly hold onto my need to be right, and try to change the other persons mind. If I later discovered I was incorrect, I felt as though someone had taken something from me. Have you ever wrestled with anything like this?
Reacting strongly to someone else’s viewpoint can lead to relationship breakdowns. Regardless of our intentions, it is unlikely to end well.
First we must become aware that our need to be right is the real problem, and not the other person’s opinion. For what is an opinion:
A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge
https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-enSometimes I have viewed my opinions as facts. And boy oh boy have I been wrong at times. If my thinking and requirement to always be correct is an obstacle to loving my neighbour, I have a problem.
The New Testament and the commandments are where I find my rules to live by. Loving my God and loving my neighbour as myself are the top two commandments according to Jesus.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 NIVBeing in unity does not mean we all have to have the same opinion. We are all unique individuals, each with his or her own perspective. We are called to live in fellowship with all. This is possible if we submit our will to His and walk in love and humility on this earth.
So, we take this self-righteousness to God. We apologise and tell Him we want to change. We ask Him to transform our minds to make us more Christ-like every day and we accept our forgiveness.
Our Father God loves us so much. He sent His only son to die on the cross for our sins, so we might be saved. He won’t withhold His goodness to His children.
I hope you enjoyed this. If you would like to post a comment or subscribe, please fill out the form below. God bless you.
Jesus 4 Generations
Revealing our loving God to generations
Jesus 4 Generations 