That sounds strange, I know. Especially when you’re living with pain that doesn’t go away, pain that lingers day after day, like an unwanted shadow. Chronic pain wears on you, physically, mentally, emotionally. It drains you in ways most people will never understand.
But even in that, I’ve learned something deeply valuable: pain has a purpose.
If I never had pain, if I never faced suffering, I might start to believe I didn’t need help. That I had it all figured out. That I was strong enough on my own. But the truth is, I’m not. I’m not perfect, I’m not self-sufficient, and I wasn’t made to be.
Pain is what reminds me I need God.
It’s what drives me into His arms. When my body aches and no relief comes, when I’m exhausted just from existing, when I wonder how I’m going to get through another day, He meets me there. In the stillness, in the struggle, in the silence. I need Him every moment, and pain keeps me close. Not because God wants to see me suffer, but because He wants to see me lean on Him, trust Him, know Him in the deepest way.
And maybe… maybe that’s a blessing.
Because someone else out there is suffering too. Someone feels like they can’t go on. Someone is battling chronic pain, invisible illness, or emotional weight no one sees. If that’s you, I want you to know: I see you. I am you.
And if my dependence on God, if my ability to keep moving, even when it hurts, can shine a light for someone else in the dark, then maybe that’s part of why I’m still standing. Not because I’m strong, but because He is. Not because the pain is easy, but because God is faithful in it.
My suffering is how I stay connected to Him. My weakness is how His strength is made perfect. My brokenness is where His grace meets me.
So no, I don’t thank God for the pain. But I thank Him that even in the pain, He’s present. And I thank Him for using it, for using me to remind someone else they’re not alone, and they’re not without hope.
Chronic pain may be part of my life, but it will never define me. God does that. And He’s not finished with me yet.
Satan’s Strategy: Making Sin Look Normal and Righteousness Look Strange. One of the greatest deceptions the enemy has ever pulled off is making sin look normal, even desirable, while painting righteousness as outdated, boring, judgmental, or downright strange. This isn’t just a tactic; it’s a strategy deeply embedded in our culture, our entertainment, our education systems, and even our conversations.
Think about it. What used to be considered shameful is now celebrated. What was once honorable is now mocked. Morality has been flipped on its head, and people hardly blink an eye. It’s not by accident. It’s a calculated war on truth, and it’s spiritual at its core.
Satan doesn’t show up in a red suit with horns. He shows up in Netflix shows, music lyrics, social media trends, and persuasive ideologies. He whispers, “Do what makes you happy,” and convinces the world that self is god. He repackages rebellion as freedom and convinces us that boundaries are chains rather than protection.
Meanwhile, righteousness, the pursuit of holiness, integrity, and obedience to God gets labeled as “judgmental,” “narrow-minded,” or “fanatical.” Christians who stand for truth with love are ridiculed, silenced, or canceled. Why? Because light exposes darkness, and darkness hates being exposed.
The Bible warned us: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Isaiah 5:20). We’re living in that reality. What Satan couldn’t accomplish through force, he’s achieving through subtle normalization.
But here’s the truth: God is still on the throne. Holiness is still beautiful. Purity still matters. Obedience is still worth it. And the gospel is still the power of God unto salvation.
Don’t be surprised when the world calls you strange for following Jesus. Be encouraged. You’re not crazy, you’re set apart. Don’t compromise to fit in with a world that’s falling apart. Stand firm, be bold, and let your life reflect a righteousness that points others to the only One who can truly save.
In a world where sin is dressed up as freedom, choose the narrow road. It may be unpopular, but it leads to life.
Let me tell you what I want. I don’t want fame. I don’t want recognition. I don’t want power. I don’t want to be above anyone. I just want to see everyone win.
I want to see people do well. I want to see people happy. I want to see people live a life that is full, free, and abundant, not just in material things, but in the things that actually matter. I want to see people find true joy, the kind that doesn’t fade when circumstances change. The kind that stays even in the midst of struggle.
I want to see people find peace. Not just the temporary kind that comes from a quiet moment, but the deep, unshakable peace that holds you together when life is trying to tear you apart. The peace that only God can give.
I want to see people find true love, not just romance, but real, unconditional love. The kind of love that isn’t based on what you can give someone, but simply because you are worthy of being loved.
And more than anything, I want everyone to find Jesus the way I did.
There’s nothing special about me. I’m not some perfect example. I’m not better than anyone else. I don’t have it all figured out. I fail daily. I struggle, I fall, I make mistakes. But God redeems me. Every single day, He picks me back up, He covers me in grace, and He reminds me that His love is greater than my failures.
And if He did it for me, He’ll do it for you.
You are not too far gone. You are not too broken. You are not beyond redemption. God’s grace is bigger than your past, bigger than your mistakes, bigger than the lies you tell yourself about who you are. He sees you. He loves you. And He’s waiting for you with open arms.
I just want to see everyone win. And the greatest victory of all? It’s not in money, success, or status. It’s in knowing Jesus, in finding the love and peace that only He can give.
So if you’re struggling, if you’re lost, if you feel like you’re nothing, just know, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And God met me where I was. And He’ll meet you too. You just have to let Him.
People are out here acting like they’re on a whole different level, like they breathe a rarer air than the rest of us. You see it everywhere, folks flexing their accomplishments, their wealth, their status, their influence, their intelligence, their righteousness, their struggle, their pain, like it somehow makes them more worthy than the next person. Like they’ve unlocked some divine cheat code that sets them apart from the rest of us mere mortals.
But let’s be real, none of that matters when you’re standing at the foot of the cross.
At the foot of the cross, titles disappear. Degrees don’t mean anything. Bank accounts are irrelevant. Social status is wiped clean. The pain you’ve endured, the success you’ve built, the mistakes you’ve made, none of it makes you more or less than the person standing next to you. Because in that moment, we are all reduced to the same truth: We are sinners in need of grace.
The problem is, people forget that. They start believing their own hype. They think their talents, their looks, their hustle, or even their suffering puts them in a different category. Some people act like their pain makes them deeper, their wisdom makes them superior, or their righteousness makes them untouchable. Others flex their rebellion, as if their defiance makes them the realest person in the room.
But the cross is the great equalizer. It doesn’t care how rich you are, how famous you are, how broken you are, or how wise you think you’ve become. It levels the playing field and exposes the truth, we are all the same.
We are all guilty. We are all in need of grace. We are all offered the same mercy.
So why walk around like you’re better than anyone else? Why carry yourself like your story makes you the main character and everyone else is just background noise? Why act like your success or your struggle elevates you above your neighbor?
If Jesus, the only one who had every right to claim superiority, chose humility, if He, who was blameless, carried a cross meant for criminals, who are we to act like we are anything other than deeply loved sinners?
So let’s stop the ego trips. Let’s stop the comparison games. Let’s stop measuring worth by things that don’t last. Because when we stand before God, none of that will matter.
At the foot of the cross, we are all the same. And the only thing that will separate us is whether we chose to humble ourselves and accept His grace or not.
Before I ever keep God to myself again, I will be buried in my grave and go home to see my Lord. Because God was never meant to be hidden away, locked behind the walls of my own comfort, tucked into the quiet corners of my private life. He is not a secret to be safeguarded, He is the Light of the world, the Hope of the broken, the Answer to the hurting. And if I have found that Hope, how could I ever withhold it from a world drowning in despair?
I look around and see pain in every direction, people crushed under the weight of their burdens, searching for meaning in empty places, grasping for peace in things that can never satisfy. And I have the answer. Not because I am better, not because I am stronger, but because I have been rescued. I was lost, I was broken, I was bound in chains until Jesus stepped in. He pulled me out of the pit, He placed my feet on solid ground, and He filled me with a love that cannot be contained.
So how could I ever remain silent? How could I live a life that hoards the goodness of God as if it were mine alone? No, friend, before I ever do that again, I will breathe my last breath and step into eternity. Until then, I will proclaim His name. I will testify of His grace. I will speak of His mercy and His power to redeem.
This world is dark, but I carry a light. This world is hurting, but I know the Healer. This world is lost, but I walk with the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And as long as there is breath in my lungs, I will not keep that to myself.
Let them call me foolish. Let them say I’m too bold. Let them reject, let them doubt, let them turn away. But I will not stop. Because Jesus did not stop for me. He bore my shame, He carried my cross, He endured the weight of my sin so that I could know Him. And if He gave everything for me, how could I ever withhold Him from others?
No, before I ever keep God to myself again, I will be laid to rest, my work on earth complete. Until that day, I will be His hands and feet. I will share His love. Because He is not a God to be hidden, He is a God to be shared, proclaimed, and lifted high for all to see.
The world needs Him. And as long as I am here, I will make Him known.
Without God, I am nothing. Without His presence in my life, I would crumble under the weight of my own weakness. I would be lost, wandering aimlessly through life, searching for meaning in things that could never satisfy me. Without Him, I would be like a ship without an anchor, tossed by the winds of uncertainty, drifting farther from the shore with no direction and no purpose.
Don’t get me wrong, even with God, I am nothing. I am still broken. I am still flawed. I still fail daily. But the difference is, with Him, I have a foundation that holds me together. A rock that keeps me grounded when everything around me shakes. A love that surrounds me when I feel unworthy, a grace that covers me when I fall short.
Without Him, my insecurities would drown me. My fears would consume me. My failures would define me. But because of Him, I have hope. I have a purpose. Even when I don’t see my worth, He does. Even when I feel empty, He fills me. Even when I think I’ve reached my breaking point, He reminds me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
I don’t deserve His love, yet He gives it freely. I don’t always seek Him like I should, yet He never leaves me. I fail Him daily, yet His mercy is new every morning.
So yes, without God, I am nothing. But with Him, I am held. I am seen. I am loved. Not because of who I am, but because of who He is. And that is enough.
I Just Want to Love People and Do Well – It’s That Simple
I’m not a complicated man. I don’t have some grand master plan. I don’t wake up every morning trying to manipulate the world, chase power, or impress people with things that don’t really matter. I just want to love people and do well. That’s it. That’s all.
In a world that often feels chaotic, where people are constantly chasing more, more money, more status, more control, I find peace in keeping things simple. I want to be kind. I want to be honest. I want to treat people with respect, not because I have to, but because that’s what makes life worth living.
I want to love the people around me in the purest way possible. Not just my family, not just my closest friends, but people in general. I want to be the guy who holds the door open for a stranger, who genuinely listens when someone needs to talk, who gives without expecting something in return. I want to be the guy who makes people feel seen, who makes them feel like they matter, because they do.
I don’t need fancy titles. I don’t need to be the richest person in the room. I don’t need to prove myself to people who don’t care about me. What I need is to lay my head down at night knowing that I lived my day with integrity. That I did my best. That I gave love freely, even when the world made it hard. That I didn’t let bitterness win.
I want to do well, not just in a financial sense, though stability is nice, but in a way that means I left something good behind. I want to work hard and do right by people. I want to be the kind of person who makes others feel safe, valued, and respected. I want to be remembered for my heart, not just my accomplishments.
Some people overcomplicate life. They chase validation in all the wrong places, they play mind games, they lose themselves trying to be someone they’re not. That’s not me. I don’t need to impress anyone. I don’t need to be flashy. I don’t need to overthink it.
I just want to love people. I just want to do well. And that’s enough for me.
Imagine this: You’re in prison, not for doing something wrong, but for boldly standing up for your faith. You’re shackled, chained between two guards, and you know that in just a few hours, your fate is sealed, execution awaits. Most people would be terrified, pacing the floor, crying out in desperation, begging God for deliverance. But not Peter. Peter was sound asleep.
Not just lightly dozing off, but sleeping so well that when an angel came to rescue him, the angel had to strike him, give him a good old-fashioned shake, to wake him up! (Acts 12:7) Now, what kind of peace must Peter have had to sleep so deeply in such a dire situation? The kind of peace that only Jesus gives. The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding.
The Source of Peter’s Peace
Peter wasn’t sleeping because he was in denial. He wasn’t ignorant of the fact that James, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, had just been executed (Acts 12:2). He knew that Herod was on a mission to wipe out the leaders of the early church. Yet, even with the weight of this reality pressing on him, Peter had a peace that let him rest.
That peace didn’t come from the absence of trouble; it came from the presence of Jesus. Peter had walked with Jesus. He had seen Him calm storms, heal the sick, raise the dead, and most importantly, rise from the dead Himself. Peter knew that no matter what happened, he belonged to Christ, and nothing, not even death, could separate him from the love of God.
Jesus, the Giver of Unshakable Peace
Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The world’s peace is fragile. It depends on circumstances. When things are going well, you feel peaceful. But the moment trouble comes, that peace shatters. Jesus offers something entirely different, an unshakable, immovable peace that remains firm even in the face of trials.
Peter had that peace because he had Jesus. And that same peace is available to you today.
Resting in Christ in the Midst of Your Chains
We may not be chained between two guards like Peter, but life often puts us in situations where we feel trapped. Anxiety, fear, financial burdens, illness, betrayal, uncertainty, these are the chains that try to keep us up at night. But if Peter could sleep in the face of death, then surely, in Christ, we can rest in the midst of our struggles too.
That doesn’t mean the problems will always go away instantly. But it does mean that we don’t have to carry the weight of them. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
If Peter, the same man who once panicked and denied Jesus three times, could find this level of peace in Christ, then so can you. His peace is not reserved for the “super spiritual.” It’s for anyone who trusts in Him.
How to Walk in the Peace of Jesus
Remember Who God Is – Just like Peter, we need to remind ourselves of who God is and what He has already done. If He has been faithful before, He will be faithful again.
Trust in His Sovereignty – Peter understood that whether he lived or died, he belonged to Christ. He rested in the truth that nothing could happen to him outside of God’s control.
Stay in Prayer and Surrender – Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to bring everything to God in prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. That’s the key—taking everything to Him and leaving it there.
Receive His Presence – Peace isn’t just a feeling; it’s a person. Jesus is our peace. The more we dwell in His presence through worship, prayer, and His Word, the more we’ll experience His unshakable peace.
Wake Up to Your Deliverance
The same angel that had to shake Peter awake was also the one who led him to freedom. Sometimes, we’re so deep in worry, fear, or just plain exhaustion from life’s battles that we don’t even realize our deliverance is already at the door. Just like Peter, we need to wake up to the fact that God is moving, even when we can’t see it yet.
Whatever you’re facing today, let the peace of Jesus carry you. Rest in Him. Trust in Him. And when the time comes, wake up and walk in the freedom He has already secured for you.
Because the same Jesus who gave Peter peace in chains is the same Jesus who gives you peace today.
Many believe they are on the road to heaven, but Jesus warned us that it is narrow, and few will find it (Matthew 7:13-14). There will be thousands who feel they are secure in their salvation, only to discover they are not.
One of the most overlooked truths in Scripture is that the way we treat others is a major indicator of whether we are truly walking with Christ. Many people call themselves Christians while harboring hate, stirring up division, and living in constant strife, all things that Jesus condemned.
But here’s the reality: if we live in these sins, we may not be on the road to heaven at all.
Many Ignore What Jesus Said About Hate and Strife
Jesus did not only warn against obvious sins like adultery or drunkenness, He also spoke strongly against hatred, division, and discord.
Hatred is equivalent to murder
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” (1 John 3:15)
Many claim to be Christians but harbor unforgiveness, resentment, and hatred. But Scripture makes it clear: if you have hatred in your heart, you are not walking in eternal life.
Sowing discord is an abomination
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: … a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Many who claim to love Jesus are constantly stirring up division, gossiping, or creating conflict. But God hates this behavior. If we live like this, are we really following Him?
Strife and envy reveal a worldly heart
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16)
Many so-called Christians are filled with jealousy, competitiveness, and division, acting no differently than the world. But James warns that these things lead to evil.
Unforgiveness will keep us from heaven
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15)
Many live in bitterness and unforgiveness, thinking they can still enter heaven. But Jesus Himself said that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven.
Many Will Be Shocked on Judgment Day
Many believe they are saved simply because they attend church, read the Bible, or say they believe in Jesus. But Jesus warned that on Judgment Day, many will be shocked to hear:
“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23)
Who are these people? They are those who claimed to follow Christ but did not obey Him. They may have looked religious, but their hearts were far from Him.
They caused division instead of making peace.
They harbored bitterness instead of showing mercy.
They gossiped and slandered instead of speaking life.
They refused to forgive while expecting God to forgive them.
They thought they were saved, but their lives proved otherwise.
True Salvation Brings Transformation
The Bible is clear: if we are truly in Christ, we will be changed. We will no longer walk in hatred, strife, gossip, and division. Instead, we will be marked by love, peace, and humility.
✔️ “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9) ✔️ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) ✔️ “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
True faith in Christ produces love, not bitterness, strife, or division.
Are We Truly on the Narrow Road?
The Bible warns that many think they are on the road to heaven but are actually walking toward destruction.
We must examine ourselves:
Do we harbor hatred or unforgiveness?
Do we stir up division through gossip or conflict?
Do we live in jealousy, envy, or strife?
Do we truly love others, or just tolerate them?
If we find ourselves failing any of these tests, we must repent. It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus, we must obey Him and walk in love.
Let us not be among those who assumed they were saved, only to hear “Depart from me” on Judgment Day. The road is narrow, but if we truly surrender to Christ, He will lead us safely home.
The Power of Living in the Present: Freeing Yourself from Depression and Anxiety
Life is a delicate balance between the past, present, and future. The past holds our memories, lessons, and regrets. The future is filled with hopes, dreams, and uncertainties. But the present? The present is the only moment we truly have control over, the only place where real life happens.
Yet, so many of us get trapped in the past or the future, and in doing so, we invite suffering into our lives.
Living in the Past: The Road to Depression
When you dwell on the past, you anchor yourself to moments that no longer exist. You replay mistakes, relive traumas, or long for “the good old days” that are gone. You might find yourself saying:
“I should have done this differently.”
“If only things had turned out another way.”
“I miss how things used to be.”
This constant reflection can lead to deep sadness and regret. It becomes a weight on your shoulders, dragging you down into depression. The truth is, you cannot change what has already happened. No amount of overthinking will rewrite history. And yet, the more you live in the past, the more you disconnect from the possibilities of the present moment.
Living in the Future: The Source of Anxiety
On the other hand, living in the future means constantly worrying about what might happen. You overanalyze every decision, fear the unknown, and anticipate worst-case scenarios. Thoughts like:
“What if I fail?”
“What if things don’t work out?”
“What if something bad happens?”
This mindset breeds anxiety. The future is uncertain, no matter how much we plan for it. The more we try to predict or control it, the more we stress ourselves out. We rob ourselves of peace by fixating on things that haven’t even happened yet.
Living in the Present: The Path to True Happiness
The only place where life actually happens is now. When you live in the present, you free yourself from the regrets of the past and the worries of the future. You become fully engaged in what’s happening in front of you, whether it’s enjoying a good meal, having a conversation, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring the past or neglecting the future. It means accepting what has happened, learning from it, and planning wisely without letting fear dictate your life. It means embracing this moment, because it’s the only moment that truly belongs to you.
How to Stay Present
Practice mindfulness – Focus on your breathing, your senses, and the world around you.
Let go of what you can’t control – Accept that the past is unchangeable and the future is unpredictable.
Express gratitude – Find joy in the small things, and appreciate what you have right now.
Engage fully in what you’re doing – Whether you’re eating, working, or spending time with loved ones, be fully there.
Happiness isn’t something you chase in the future or retrieve from the past, it’s something you create in the present. The past may shape you, and the future may guide you, but the present is where you truly live.
Choose to be here, now. That’s where happiness is waiting for you.
