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You’re not too broken: God can still use you
If you’d prefer to listen to this post, simply click the link below to listen for free on Podbean.
Alternatively, you can find The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/youre-not-too-broken-god-can-still-use-you/
Why is it so easy to believe lies about ourselves?
Recently, the Lord gently revealed some lies I’d been believing – lies I didn’t even realise I’d agreed with. The enemy is so sneaky, isn’t he? I thought those thoughts were my own.
Here’s what I’d been believing:
- You’re not good enough.
- You don’t belong.
- If people only knew what you were really like, they’d reject you.
- You’re too broken.
- God can’t use you.
Last weekend, some friends and I attended a women’s event at our church. The preaching was powerful, and the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room. We were invited to come forward for prayer – to be released from trauma, to receive blessings into our calling, and to let go of the labels others had spoken over us (or that we had spoken over ourselves).
Well, whenever there’s an opportunity to receive a blessing, I’m not too proud or shy – I’m out there in a flash!
Someone quietly placed their hand on me and began to pray. I started to sway and realised I might fall, so I knelt down at the edge of the stage. Once again, I surrendered my life to God. I remember thinking, How many times have I done this?
It feels like peeling an onion – layer after layer. Each time, I hand over a little more of myself to Him. As I knelt there, I began thinking about how broken and useless I was, how I couldn’t possibly be of any use to Him. Then, suddenly, a gentle but powerful truth dropped into my spirit:
“You’re not too broken, and I can use you.”
In that moment, I felt a warm rush of love envelop me. I realised I’d been agreeing with lies—about myself, my identity, my purpose, and even about God’s goodness.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 (NIV)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
It hit me: God made me. He’s already won the victory over sin and death. He can turn everything the enemy meant for evil into something good.
I was completely undone. I began weeping, then sobbing. Someone handed me tissues, and I lost all track of time. When I finally looked up, most of the women had gone out to the foyer for dinner. A lovely lady from the prayer team was still sitting quietly beside me. She smiled and said I could stay there as long as I needed – or join them for dinner.
I don’t fully understand what happened that night, but I know this: a heaviness lifted from me. I know now that I am loved. I am precious to God. And He will use me.
Since then, I’ve found myself drawn to read the Bible more, seeking deeper intimacy with Him, and looking for opportunities to bless others. I’m no longer staring inward at my flaws – I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus.
I hope this post has blessed you. I’d love to hear about your walk with God in the comments below.
Please share this post with anyone who might need encouragement today, and subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.God bless you and your family!
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You’re not too broken: God can still use you
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zrfer-19aed72
Have you ever felt too broken or unworthy for God to use you? In this episode, I share a powerful moment when God replaced the lies I was believing with His truth and love. Be encouraged – you’re never too far gone for His purpose.
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Everyday Missionaries: How to Share Jesus Right Where You Are
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-22gey-1992398
Practical ways to share Jesus in your everyday life
We often think mission work is for special people in faraway places, but Jesus calls every believer to share His love – right where they are. Join me as I explore how to reach out with courage, compassion, and creativity, whether through acts of kindness, serving others, or simply living a life that points to Him.
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Finding Home: Trusting the Holy Spirit’s Leading to a New Church Family
If you’d prefer to listen to this blog, please 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.
A year ago, we changed churches. Leaving our previous church was a very difficult decision. If the Holy Spirit hadn’t nudged me, I honestly think I’d still be there. I’ve always believed in being planted in a church – growing roots, building relationships, and serving faithfully. It was (and still is) a beautiful church, full of genuine people and powerful worship. Many dear friends remain there today. Yet, when the Holy Spirit speaks, obedience must follow.
We were led to a Pentecostal church much closer to home. That first Sunday, we walked in with trepidation – hearts fluttering with questions. What will it be like? What about the preaching? Will the worship draw us in? Will we feel like fish out of water?
In true “Sandy” fashion, I’d misread the service time. I thought church started at 8:00 a.m., when it actually began at 8:30. So, we arrived 45 minutes early and walked straight into the volunteer prayer meeting. The Senior Pastor was inviting the Holy Spirit to fill the service – and in that very moment, I knew deep in my spirit: I’m home.
One Body, Many Parts
There are so many wonderful churches out there – each with its own flavour, style, and strengths. But we’re not competitors; we’re co-labourers for Christ. Every denomination, every gathering that preaches the Good News, is part of one magnificent body.
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV)That first Sunday, a lovely lady came over to welcome us and introduced us to another woman who invited us to sit with her. By the end of the service, we’d met the Senior Pastor and a kind couple who’d later become our Connect Group Leaders. We were embraced with such genuine warmth – it felt like receiving a big, comforting hug from God Himself.
From Fear to Freedom
Despite that welcome, an old familiar feeling crept in – fear. I was drawn to the Spirit-filled atmosphere, the worship, the people, the teaching… but surrendering to new leadership was hard. I realised I was struggling to trust. I didn’t know them yet, and trust takes time to grow.
Through prayer and open conversations with a few trusted friends in the church, the Holy Spirit gently uncovered the root: fear of rejection. Deep down, I worried I wouldn’t be accepted because of my past. But that was a lie. Once I brought it into the light, it lost its power. Darkness always flees from truth.
Finding My Place
For the past year, I’d been in a season of rest – not serving, just sitting at Jesus’ feet. But recently, I felt ready to step forward again. I’ve always loved to pray; my heart’s desire is to co-labour with God in prayer and healing.
When I looked through the list of volunteer opportunities, prayer wasn’t mentioned. I understood – not every church highlights it upfront. So, I decided I’d join the Welcome Team or New Christians Team. Both are beautiful ministries of service.
Then, this past Sunday, I went to the Connect Desk to ask about volunteering. The woman at the counter just happened to be the same one who’d welcomed us and sat with us that very first Sunday. As she explained how the volunteer system worked, she asked me the area I was interested in? Then, she paused, looked at me, and said,
“Prayer. I think you’d like to pray for people.”Tears filled my eyes.
I hadn’t even said a word – yet God knew. The very thing I thought wasn’t available was waiting there for me all along. All the lies of unworthiness and not belonging melted away in that moment. God’s kindness is overwhelming. He gives us what our hearts quietly long for.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
Step In, Step Up
If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, wondering where you belong – this is your nudge. Step up. Jump in. Be part of the body of Christ. There’s a place for you – not just to serve, but to flourish.
Serving isn’t about filling a roster; it’s about fulfilling purpose. Together, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, blessing our churches, our families, our communities, and beyond.
I’d love to hear your story – where you serve and how God has blessed you through it? Please share in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.
God bless you and your family. May His Spirit guide you home – just as He guided us.
Christian Living, Church Life & Community, Encouragement & Inspiration, faith journey, Hearing God’s Voicebible, Body of Christ, Christian encouragement, christianity, Discovering purpose through service, faith, Faithand belonging, Finding your church home, god, God’s faithfulness, Growing spiritually, Hearing God’s Voice, Holy Spirit Guidance, Jesus, obedience to God, Overcoming fear and rejection, Pentecostal church experience, serving in church, trusting God’s plan, volunteering in ministry -
Finding Home: Trusting the Holy Spirit’s Leading to a New Church Family
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-z969g-1985773
Sometimes God calls us out of what’s familiar to lead us somewhere deeper. A year ago, I followed His prompting to a new church, unsure and afraid — but what I found was love, healing, and purpose. When we trust the Holy Spirit, He leads us home.
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Embracing Submission: Finding Strength in Relationships
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-m6nfe-1981b2c
Submission isn’t weakness – it’s God’s design for strength, unity, and love in marriage. Discover how biblical submission brings freedom, peace, and deeper connection with your husband as you trust God’s plan. 💕 #ChristianMarriage #FaithJourney #BiblicalSubmission
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Praying for Our Adult Children: Hope, Love, and Perseverance
If you’d prefer to listen to this blog, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/praying-for-our-adult-children-hope-love-and-perseverance/
When I was young, my mother would gather me and my three siblings and take us to church. I loved the singing – always have. During the service, I joined in with the rote responses we were taught, though if I’m honest, my attention often wandered.
Sometimes I’d notice my mother’s worn hand clasping mine. I remember hoping I wouldn’t end up with hands like hers – veiny, with gnarled fingers. Yet fifty-something years later, here I am with those very hands. I’d glance around and notice the elderly lady with her walking cane, her head bobbing gently like a bobblehead toy, or catch the eye of a baby facing my way and smile, careful not to draw attention to my distraction (or risk my mother’s disapproval later!).
Looking back now, I deeply applaud my mother’s dedication. Raising four children and faithfully ensuring we grew up knowing God was no small task.
Years later, I met my loving husband at a Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group in the late 1980s. At the time, I was a single mum. Together, we raised our children in the faith, bringing them to church every week for over a decade, and praying with them nightly. But eventually, hurt and offense led us to walk away from our local church.
Now, as we reflect, there are things we wish we’d done differently. Stepping away from church life meant our children missed the blessing of being raised within a strong Christian community. When I see the young people in our church today – those with a family history of faith – I notice the difference. They have a deep sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. They are woven into the fabric of the church and burning bright for God.
Our own children, now in their 30s, are wonderful people with kind hearts. They have spouses, families of their own, and lives filled with good things. Yet, they don’t know Jesus. They’re making their own choices, as adults do. So what can we do?
Jesus gives us the answer:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)So, we love them. We bless them. We show up with acts of kindness. We listen. We babysit the grandchildren. We plan family holidays. We drop off meals. And above all – we pray. We pray for them to encounter God’s love in a real and personal way. We pray for their salvation, for blessings, protection, strong marriages, good health, and thriving careers.
Scripture reminds us:
“This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour,
who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.”
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (AMP)Friend, I hope this encourages you in your own journey with your adult children. You are not alone. I’d love to hear how you are walking this out in your family. Please feel free to share this post with your friends and family. I invite you to comment below or subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.
God bless you and your family!
Sources: All bible quotes are from https://www.biblegateway.com
Christian Living, Encouragement for Parents, Faith and Family, Parenting Adult Children, Testimonies & Reflectionsbible, Christian encouragment, christianity, church community, encouragement for mums and dads, faith, faith reflections, family faith journey, generational blessings, god, God’s love in families, hope for parents, Jesus, love one another, Parenting Adult Children, prayer for salvation, walking with God -
Praying for Our Adult Children: Hope, Love, and Perseverance
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-x2xiz-1973f75
Encouragement for parents who long to see their children know Jesus.
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Drifting in Prosperity, Returning in Grace
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hjip9-19690b4
I had everything the world said would make me happy—status, possessions, success. But I was empty and lost. This is the story of how God’s grace brought me home again. 💜 🙌 #ProdigalStory #GodRestores”
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Finding Peace in Difficult Times: A Personal Journey
If you would prefer to listen to this Blog, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/finding-peace-in-difficult-times-a-personal-journey/
What’s our first response when bad news arrives? It might be about our health, a loved one, our job, our home, or even our finances. Sometimes it’s not just personal – it’s news that seems to rock our whole nation.
Do we let fear and distress take root? Do we lose our hope and faith? Do we become so anxious and distracted that we forget the God who loves us and holds us close?
Recently, I received unsettling news about my health. It shook me deeply—so much so that I felt as though the slightest misstep could send me tumbling over the edge. Tears came easily, and denial followed close behind. The diagnosis, the “what ifs,” and the looming possibilities constantly intruded on my thoughts. Concentration slipped away.
I wrestled with hopelessness while desperately trying to anchor myself in God’s Word and His unchanging love. Yet even in prayer, frightening images would rise up to torment me, breaking my focus. One moment I’d cling to hope, and the next I would plunge into despair. It was a very real, extremely raw battle.
But God never leaves us to walk these valleys alone. In my weakness, I reached out to family and friends, asking them to stand with me in prayer. Their encouragement and intercession were lifelines.
For what felt like an endless 24 hours, I lived moment by moment, leaning heavily on my husband and on my mighty God. By His grace, I happened to be attending a Christian conference at the time. Normally I join in fully – standing, singing, praising. But that day, I couldn’t even remember the words to the songs. My mind was clouded, my heart heavy, my spirit weighed down.
Scripture warns us:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
In the midst of this heaviness, one of the pastors invited us to come forward and dance before the Lord – just like David did. Without hesitation, I was on my feet.
“Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.”
2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NKJV)
That moment changed everything. I didn’t care how I looked or who was watching. I wasn’t seeking approval from people. I simply poured out my worship before the Lord with all I had.
David said to Michal:
“It was before the Lord […] Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.m […]”
2 Samuel 6:21-22 (NKJV)
As I danced, God’s peace broke through. Joy filled my spirit, a smile spread across my face, and I knew without a doubt: The Lord is with me.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31 (ESV).
Since that day, the storm in my mind has quieted. My peace is being restored, and I walk more confidently in His presence.
I’m reminded of what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said as they stood before King Nebuchadnezzar:
“[…] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
That kind of faith – that even if deliverance doesn’t come the way we hope, we will still trust in Him – is the faith that carries us through.
Sometimes, changing the atmosphere requires a leap of faith. It might mean choosing to sing when all we can manage is a whisper. Opening our Bible when tears blur the words. Reaching for community when everything in us wants to hide away.
But as we lean into God’s promises, He meets us. He lifts the heavy clouds. He restores joy.
I’d love to hear from you – how has God helped you through difficult times? What verses carried you through, and what aspect of His nature gave you strength? Please share in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.
May God bless you richly!
Jesus 4 Generations
Revealing our loving God to generations
Jesus 4 Generations 