"use strict"; (self["webpackChunkelementorFrontend"] = self["webpackChunkelementorFrontend"] || []).push([["floating-bars"],{ /***/ "../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/floating-bars/frontend/classes/floatin-bar-dom.js": /*!***********************************************************************************************!*\ !*** ../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/floating-bars/frontend/classes/floatin-bar-dom.js ***! \***********************************************************************************************/ /***/ ((__unused_webpack_module, exports) => { Object.defineProperty(exports, "__esModule", ({ value: true })); exports["default"] = void 0; class FloatingBarDomHelper { constructor($element) { this.$element = $element; } maybeMoveToTop() { const el = this.$element[0]; const widget = el.querySelector('.e-floating-bars'); if (elementorFrontend.isEditMode()) { widget.classList.add('is-sticky'); return; } if (el.dataset.widget_type.startsWith('floating-bars') && widget.classList.contains('has-vertical-position-top') && !widget.classList.contains('is-sticky')) { const wpAdminBar = document.getElementById('wpadminbar'); const elementToInsert = el.closest('.elementor'); if (wpAdminBar) { wpAdminBar.after(elementToInsert); } else { document.body.prepend(elementToInsert); } } } } exports["default"] = FloatingBarDomHelper; /***/ }), /***/ "../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/floating-bars/frontend/handlers/floating-bars.js": /*!**********************************************************************************************!*\ !*** ../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/floating-bars/frontend/handlers/floating-bars.js ***! \**********************************************************************************************/ /***/ ((__unused_webpack_module, exports, __webpack_require__) => { var _interopRequireDefault = __webpack_require__(/*! @babel/runtime/helpers/interopRequireDefault */ "../node_modules/@babel/runtime/helpers/interopRequireDefault.js"); Object.defineProperty(exports, "__esModule", ({ value: true })); exports["default"] = void 0; __webpack_require__(/*! core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.constructor.js */ "../node_modules/core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.constructor.js"); __webpack_require__(/*! core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.for-each.js */ "../node_modules/core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.for-each.js"); var _base = _interopRequireDefault(__webpack_require__(/*! elementor-frontend/handlers/base */ "../assets/dev/js/frontend/handlers/base.js")); var _floatinBarDom = _interopRequireDefault(__webpack_require__(/*! ../classes/floatin-bar-dom */ "../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/floating-bars/frontend/classes/floatin-bar-dom.js")); var _clickTracking = _interopRequireDefault(__webpack_require__(/*! ../../../shared/frontend/handlers/click-tracking */ "../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/shared/frontend/handlers/click-tracking.js")); class FloatingBarsHandler extends _base.default { getDefaultSettings() { return { selectors: { main: '.e-floating-bars', closeButton: '.e-floating-bars__close-button', ctaButton: '.e-floating-bars__cta-button' }, constants: { ctaEntranceAnimation: 'style_cta_button_animation', ctaEntranceAnimationDelay: 'style_cta_button_animation_delay', hasEntranceAnimation: 'has-entrance-animation', visible: 'visible', isSticky: 'is-sticky', hasVerticalPositionTop: 'has-vertical-position-top', hasVerticalPositionBottom: 'has-vertical-position-bottom', isHidden: 'is-hidden', animated: 'animated' } }; } getDefaultElements() { const selectors = this.getSettings('selectors'); return { main: this.$element[0].querySelector(selectors.main), mainAll: this.$element[0].querySelectorAll(selectors.main), closeButton: this.$element[0].querySelector(selectors.closeButton), ctaButton: this.$element[0].querySelector(selectors.ctaButton) }; } onElementChange(property) { const changedProperties = ['advanced_vertical_position']; if (changedProperties.includes(property)) { this.initDefaultState(); } } getResponsiveSetting(controlName) { const currentDevice = elementorFrontend.getCurrentDeviceMode(); return elementorFrontend.utils.controls.getResponsiveControlValue(this.getElementSettings(), controlName, '', currentDevice); } bindEvents() { if (this.elements.closeButton) { this.elements.closeButton.addEventListener('click', this.closeFloatingBar.bind(this)); } if (this.elements.ctaButton) { this.elements.ctaButton.addEventListener('animationend', this.handleAnimationEnd.bind(this)); } if (this.elements.main) { window.addEventListener('keyup', this.onDocumentKeyup.bind(this)); } if (this.hasStickyElements()) { window.addEventListener('resize', this.handleStickyElements.bind(this)); } } isStickyTop() { const { isSticky, hasVerticalPositionTop } = this.getSettings('constants'); return this.elements.main.classList.contains(isSticky) && this.elements.main.classList.contains(hasVerticalPositionTop); } isStickyBottom() { const { isSticky, hasVerticalPositionBottom } = this.getSettings('constants'); return this.elements.main.classList.contains(isSticky) && this.elements.main.classList.contains(hasVerticalPositionBottom); } hasStickyElements() { const stickyElements = document.querySelectorAll('.elementor-sticky'); return stickyElements.length > 0; } focusOnLoad() { this.elements.main.setAttribute('tabindex', '0'); this.elements.main.focus({ focusVisible: true }); } applyBodyPadding() { const mainHeight = this.elements.main.offsetHeight; document.body.style.paddingTop = `${mainHeight}px`; } removeBodyPadding() { document.body.style.paddingTop = '0'; } handleWPAdminBar() { const wpAdminBar = elementorFrontend.elements.$wpAdminBar; if (wpAdminBar.length) { this.elements.main.style.top = `${wpAdminBar.height()}px`; } } handleStickyElements() { const mainHeight = this.elements.main.offsetHeight; const wpAdminBar = elementorFrontend.elements.$wpAdminBar; const stickyElements = document.querySelectorAll('.elementor-sticky:not(.elementor-sticky__spacer)'); if (0 === stickyElements.length) { return; } stickyElements.forEach(stickyElement => { const dataSettings = stickyElement.getAttribute('data-settings'); const stickyPosition = JSON.parse(dataSettings)?.sticky; const isTop = '0px' === stickyElement.style.top || 'top' === stickyPosition; const isBottom = '0px' === stickyElement.style.bottom || 'bottom' === stickyPosition; if (this.isStickyTop() && isTop) { if (wpAdminBar.length) { stickyElement.style.top = `${mainHeight + wpAdminBar.height()}px`; } else { stickyElement.style.top = `${mainHeight}px`; } } else if (this.isStickyBottom() && isBottom) { stickyElement.style.bottom = `${mainHeight}px`; } if (elementorFrontend.isEditMode()) { if (isTop) { stickyElement.style.top = this.isStickyTop() ? `${mainHeight}px` : '0px'; } else if (isBottom) { stickyElement.style.bottom = this.isStickyBottom() ? `${mainHeight}px` : '0px'; } } }); document.querySelectorAll('.elementor-sticky__spacer').forEach(stickySpacer => { const dataSettings = stickySpacer.getAttribute('data-settings'); const stickyPosition = JSON.parse(dataSettings)?.sticky; const isTop = '0px' === stickySpacer.style.top || 'top' === stickyPosition; if (this.isStickyTop() && isTop) { stickySpacer.style.marginBottom = `${mainHeight}px`; } }); } closeFloatingBar() { const { isHidden } = this.getSettings('constants'); if (!elementorFrontend.isEditMode()) { this.elements.main.classList.add(isHidden); if (this.hasStickyElements()) { this.handleStickyElements(); } else if (this.isStickyTop()) { this.removeBodyPadding(); } } } initEntranceAnimation() { const { animated, ctaEntranceAnimation, ctaEntranceAnimationDelay, hasEntranceAnimation } = this.getSettings('constants'); const entranceAnimationClass = this.getResponsiveSetting(ctaEntranceAnimation); const entranceAnimationDelay = this.getResponsiveSetting(ctaEntranceAnimationDelay) || 0; const setTimeoutDelay = entranceAnimationDelay + 500; this.elements.ctaButton.classList.add(animated); this.elements.ctaButton.classList.add(entranceAnimationClass); setTimeout(() => { this.elements.ctaButton.classList.remove(hasEntranceAnimation); }, setTimeoutDelay); } handleAnimationEnd() { this.removeEntranceAnimationClasses(); this.focusOnLoad(); } removeEntranceAnimationClasses() { if (!this.elements.ctaButton) { return; } const { animated, ctaEntranceAnimation, visible } = this.getSettings('constants'); const entranceAnimationClass = this.getResponsiveSetting(ctaEntranceAnimation); this.elements.ctaButton.classList.remove(animated); this.elements.ctaButton.classList.remove(entranceAnimationClass); this.elements.ctaButton.classList.add(visible); } onDocumentKeyup(event) { // Bail if not ESC key if (event.keyCode !== 27 || !this.elements.main) { return; } /* eslint-disable @wordpress/no-global-active-element */ if (this.elements.main.contains(document.activeElement)) { this.closeFloatingBar(); } /* eslint-enable @wordpress/no-global-active-element */ } initDefaultState() { const { hasEntranceAnimation } = this.getSettings('constants'); if (this.isStickyTop()) { this.handleWPAdminBar(); } if (this.hasStickyElements()) { this.handleStickyElements(); } else if (this.isStickyTop()) { this.applyBodyPadding(); } if (this.elements.main && !this.elements.ctaButton.classList.contains(hasEntranceAnimation) && !elementorFrontend.isEditMode()) { this.focusOnLoad(); } } setupInnerContainer() { this.elements.main.closest('.e-con-inner').classList.add('e-con-inner--floating-bars'); this.elements.main.closest('.e-con').classList.add('e-con--floating-bars'); } onInit(...args) { const { hasEntranceAnimation } = this.getSettings('constants'); super.onInit(...args); this.clickTrackingHandler = new _clickTracking.default({ $element: this.$element }); const domHelper = new _floatinBarDom.default(this.$element); domHelper.maybeMoveToTop(); if (this.elements.ctaButton && this.elements.ctaButton.classList.contains(hasEntranceAnimation)) { this.initEntranceAnimation(); } this.initDefaultState(); this.setupInnerContainer(); } } exports["default"] = FloatingBarsHandler; /***/ }), /***/ "../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/shared/frontend/handlers/click-tracking.js": /*!****************************************************************************************!*\ !*** ../modules/floating-buttons/assets/js/shared/frontend/handlers/click-tracking.js ***! \****************************************************************************************/ /***/ ((__unused_webpack_module, exports, __webpack_require__) => { var _interopRequireDefault = __webpack_require__(/*! @babel/runtime/helpers/interopRequireDefault */ "../node_modules/@babel/runtime/helpers/interopRequireDefault.js"); Object.defineProperty(exports, "__esModule", ({ value: true })); exports["default"] = void 0; __webpack_require__(/*! core-js/modules/es.array.push.js */ "../node_modules/core-js/modules/es.array.push.js"); __webpack_require__(/*! core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.constructor.js */ "../node_modules/core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.constructor.js"); __webpack_require__(/*! core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.for-each.js */ "../node_modules/core-js/modules/esnext.iterator.for-each.js"); var _base = _interopRequireDefault(__webpack_require__(/*! elementor-frontend/handlers/base */ "../assets/dev/js/frontend/handlers/base.js")); class ClickTrackingHandler extends _base.default { clicks = []; getDefaultSettings() { return { selectors: { contentWrapper: '.e-contact-buttons__content-wrapper', contactButtonCore: '.e-contact-buttons__send-button', contentWrapperFloatingBars: '.e-floating-bars', floatingBarCTAButton: '.e-floating-bars__cta-button', elementorWrapper: '[data-elementor-type="floating-buttons"]' } }; } getDefaultElements() { const selectors = this.getSettings('selectors'); return { contentWrapper: this.$element[0].querySelector(selectors.contentWrapper), contentWrapperFloatingBars: this.$element[0].querySelector(selectors.contentWrapperFloatingBars) }; } bindEvents() { if (this.elements.contentWrapper) { this.elements.contentWrapper.addEventListener('click', this.onChatButtonTrackClick.bind(this)); } if (this.elements.contentWrapperFloatingBars) { this.elements.contentWrapperFloatingBars.addEventListener('click', this.onChatButtonTrackClick.bind(this)); } window.addEventListener('beforeunload', () => { if (this.clicks.length > 0) { this.sendClicks(); } }); } onChatButtonTrackClick(event) { const targetElement = event.target || event.srcElement; const selectors = this.getSettings('selectors'); if (targetElement.matches(selectors.contactButtonCore) || targetElement.closest(selectors.contactButtonCore) || targetElement.matches(selectors.floatingBarCTAButton) || targetElement.closest(selectors.floatingBarCTAButton)) { this.getDocumentIdAndTrack(targetElement, selectors); } } getDocumentIdAndTrack(targetElement, selectors) { const documentId = targetElement.closest(selectors.elementorWrapper).dataset.elementorId; this.trackClick(documentId); } trackClick(documentId) { if (!documentId) { return; } this.clicks.push(documentId); if (this.clicks.length >= 10) { this.sendClicks(); } } sendClicks() { const formData = new FormData(); formData.append('action', 'elementor_send_clicks'); formData.append('_nonce', elementorFrontendConfig?.nonces?.floatingButtonsClickTracking); this.clicks.forEach(documentId => formData.append('clicks[]', documentId)); fetch(elementorFrontendConfig?.urls?.ajaxurl, { method: 'POST', body: formData }).then(() => { this.clicks = []; }); } } exports["default"] = ClickTrackingHandler; /***/ }) }]); //# sourceMappingURL=floating-bars.a6e6a043444b62f64f82.bundle.js.map Uncategorized – Journeying In Faith https://journeyinginfaith.com Christian blog Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:49:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://journeyinginfaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cropped-transparent-logo-scaled-1-32x32.png Uncategorized – Journeying In Faith https://journeyinginfaith.com 32 32 Deuteronomy 31:6 Devotional: God Will Never Forsake You https://journeyinginfaith.com/how-would-you-live-if-you-truly-believed-god-would-never-leave-you/ Wed, 13 May 2026 17:51:36 +0000 https://journeyinginfaith.com/?p=2439 My nephew had a school presentation. He was set to stand on stage and present in front of parents, teachers, and his classmates. He practiced diligently, likely spending extra time rehearsing to ensure he would not embarrass himself in front of so many watching eyes. When he stepped onto the stage, he was understandably nervous. He had prepared well, but in that moment, he needed reassurance from one person in the crowd, his mom.

He knew his mom wouldn’t be on stage with him, but simply knowing she was there meant everything. Her expression would tell him how he was doing. Instead of focusing on the many unfamiliar faces, he could fix his eyes on the one person whose approval mattered most. As he scanned the audience, he searched for her. Was she here? Where was she sitting? His mom noticed he was looking for her, so she gently stood up and waved. The moment he saw her, his confidence grew.

As I reflected on this, I found myself asking: How would I live differently if I truly believed the Lord is with me? How would I pray? How would I respond to challenges? How would I handle fear, setbacks, and uncertainty?

Today’s devotional is taken from Deuteronomy 31:6, the words of Moses, the leader God used to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and guide them through the wilderness for forty years.

Moses’ Final Words to Israel

Moses had faithfully led Israel for many years, constantly praying for them and pleading with God to show them mercy whenever they sinned. But during one difficult moment, the people’s stubbornness and complaints caused Moses to become angry and disobey God. As a result, God told Moses that although he would see the Promised Land, he would not enter it himself. Even so, Moses did not allow disappointment or bitterness to define his final days. As he prepared Israel to move forward without him, he gave the people one last powerful encouragement:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

The Israelites stood at the edge of a new season with a new leader, Joshua. Ahead of them were the lands God had promised, powerful enemies, uncertainty, and many reasons to be afraid. Moses knew it would be easy for the people to focus on the size of the obstacles before them, so he reminded them of the truth that mattered most: God Himself would go with them. Their future would not depend on their military strength, experience, or numbers, but on the presence of God.

This serves as a reminder to us as well. We live in a fallen world where challenges are unavoidable, whether in relationships, parenting, career, or health. There will always be reasons to worry about the future. But just as Moses encouraged Israel, we too can take heart. We can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, confident that God will not fail us. And as we later see God faithfully lead Israel under Joshua’s leadership, we are reminded that He is able to come through for us as well.

Joshua’s Confidence

Joshua took up the mantle of leadership after Moses died, tasked with leading Israel into the Promised Land. Moses had performed miraculous signs and wonders, so Israel held him in deep reverence. Now Joshua was stepping into those same “big shoes,” and there was understandably a lot of uncertainty around him.

But God reassured Joshua that just as He had been with Moses, He would also be with him. The instruction was to be strong and courageous. It would take Joshua holding on to these words in faith to experience the remarkable victories God would bring through his leadership. Yet Israel was also learning something important through this transition, that their success never came from their own strength, or even the strength of their leaders. Their progress had always come from trusting God. As they later expressed in the Psalms;

“It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.” Psalm 44:3

Although Israel still did what was required of them, training, marching, and fighting in battle, their confidence was anchored in God’s power to deliver them. At times, our challenges may look like giants while we feel like grasshoppers. Stepping into the fight may even look like certain defeat, but we do not wrestle in our own strength, and that is why our victory is secure.

Did Israel face setbacks? Yes. At times, even after God had clearly spoken to them, they stumbled or experienced losses. But they did not give up. They pressed on because they trusted how the story would ultimately end.

What Changes When You Believe God Is With You?

I had been praying about a breakthrough in my life, and I believed I received a word from God to proceed. I tried again and again, but each attempt ended in rejection. People around me encouraged me to move on, to count my losses and let go of the goal. But I couldn’t. I held onto what I believed I had heard, trusting that God would not lead me astray, so I kept pressing forward.

Eventually, just when I felt I had wasted years of effort and money and was ready to give up, God showed up in a way I did not expect. It reminded me that God does not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear, and that even in long seasons of delay, He is still at work. 

“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Proverbs 24:16

When life knocks you down, when sickness lingers, when grief overwhelms, or when setbacks come, you know your story is not over. You rise and stand your ground like the warrior you are, because God stands with you. You know who is in control. You know that when you pass through the fire, He is with you.

That confidence produces hope, hope for this life and hope for eternity. So you do not stay down.

Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes

The story of Gideon provides another powerful example, according to Judges 6.

Israel had once again sinned against God, and as a result, the Midianites oppressed them. The Midianites would come like a mighty army, destroying Israel’s crops and livestock and leaving the nation impoverished. Out of fear, the Israelites lived in hideouts in the mountains.

Gideon was threshing wheat in secret so he could hide it from the Midianites and provide food for his family when the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said:

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12

Gideon was confused. Although he had heard stories of God’s power and deliverance, his present circumstances looked nothing like victory. He was even hiding from the enemy, and within his own household, his father had an altar to an idol, a stark reminder of how far Israel had drifted away from God. Nothing about Gideon indicated he was a mighty warrior. Yet God saw Gideon differently.

This is a hard truth to grasp at times, especially when our circumstances or past make us feel insignificant. But God does not measure us the way we often measure ourselves. Scripture shows us that we are deeply valued by Him, so much so that He gave everything for us in Christ (Romans 5:8). So even when we feel small or overlooked, God’s view is different. He calls us forward, not because of what we lack or possess, but because of who He is and what He can do through us.

But notice that before God used Gideon to deliver Israel, He first instructed him to tear down his father’s altar to false gods. It was a difficult first step, but it marked the beginning of Gideon learning to trust God above his fears and his surroundings.

It is often the same for us. God works in our lives in ways that stretch and refine us, gently removing the things that hold us back, our fears, doubts, and insecurities, so that we can grow into the purpose He has for us and live lives that make an impact.

God wasn’t focused on Gideon’s past or his present weakness, because He knew what He could do with a life fully surrendered to Him, regardless of the circumstances. Just as my nephew found boldness the moment he saw his mother in the crowd, Gideon found renewed confidence when he overheard the enemy recount a dream that revealed God was fighting for Israel. In that moment, Gideon knew with certainty that God was with him, and it changed everything.

And as God promised, He gave Israel victory through the hands of Gideon.

So how about you? What decisions would you make if you fully trusted that God is with you, guiding you, and not leaving you alone in what you face?

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14

God Keeps His Word

God does not make promises lightly.

“I will not violate My covenant or alter what My lips have uttered.” Psalm 89:34

If He says He will never leave you, He means it. His faithfulness does not depend on your emotions or circumstances. He remains present when life is steady and when it feels overwhelming.

I know the enemy is persistent, but we grow stronger as we continue to stand. As we pray, trust God, and refuse to give up, our faith matures. What once felt overwhelming begins to lose its power. so I encourage you, if your voice feels weak right now, keep praying. If your faith feels small, keep trusting.
If you are facing challenge after challenge, do not quit. In time, you will discover that God has been strengthening you all along.

Living Differently Because God Is With You

Knowing that God is with us changes not only how we handle major callings, but also how we live day to day. We can let go of malice, anger, jealousy, and striving because we know who is with us. We no longer have to live as though everything depends on our own strength and we can live at peace with all men because we are certain that He will never leave or forsake us.

Final Thoughts

Like my nephew standing on that stage, we all face moments when we feel nervous, exposed, and uncertain. The turning point comes when we lift our eyes and remember who is with us. The challenge may still be there and the circumstances may not change immediately. But the assurance of God’s presence changes how we face them.

God is with you. He will not leave you. He will not forsake you. And when you truly believe that, you can face anything life throws at you and overcome.

]]> When Freedom Becomes Bondage: What Psalm 2 and Hosea 2 Teach Us About True Freedom https://journeyinginfaith.com/when-freedom-becomes-bondage-what-psalm-2-and-hosea-2-teach-us-about-true-freedom/ Fri, 08 May 2026 17:46:15 +0000 https://journeyinginfaith.com/?p=2431 Our modern culture celebrates freedom above almost everything else. In many ways, some “new religions” are built around this idea: freedom to define truth for ourselves, freedom to follow our feelings, freedom to live without restraint, and ultimately, freedom to become our own god.. 

But what if the freedom humanity is chasing is the very thing enslaving us?

This question sits at the heart of both Psalm 2 and Hosea 2. Together, these chapters reveal a sobering pattern: humanity resists God, pursues independence, experiences the emptiness of rebellion, and then discovers that true freedom is found only in Him.

Humanity’s Desire for Freedom Without God

In Psalm 2, the nations rage against God and reject His authority:

“Let’s come together and break away from the Creator. Once and for all let’s cast off these controlling chains of God and his Christ.” Psalm 2: 3 – 4

Sound familiar?

It echoes the garden of Eden, where man first questioned whether God’s boundaries were truly good. It echoes the tower of Babel, where people united to build a world centered on themselves rather than God.

And it echoes loudly in our culture today.

Many people now see devotion to God as restrictive. Biblical truth is treated as outdated. Society encourages people to define morality for themselves and follow whatever feels right in the moment.

But when God is removed from the center, confusion follows.

What Happens When Society Rejects God?

Scripture warns us about this clearly in Romans:

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” Romans 1: 28

When truth is abandoned, deception fill the vacuum.

In Daniel 8, Daniel saw a vision of a powerful horn rising up. Because of sin, heaven allowed it to grow strong for a time. This horn opposed God, stopped the temple sacrifices, and cast truth to the ground. In place of truth, deception began to spread.

We see the same thing happening today.

When truth is pushed aside, morality becomes unstable. People begin deciding right and wrong based on feelings instead of God’s truth. Confusion grows, deception spreads, and many lose their sense of direction.

But human emotions are unstable.

Our feelings shift with pain, experiences, age, culture, disappointment, and desire. What feels true today may feel completely different tomorrow.

But God does not change. His truth remains constant even when society changes around us.

Why God’s Truth Is More Reliable Than Feelings

There was a season when my husband and I decided church was no longer necessary. We believed we could worship privately at home and follow God on our own terms.

At the time, it felt reasonable. We would be free of church drama and hurt.

But as I continued studying Scripture, my perspective began to change. I became hungry for deeper fellowship, accountability, and a steady church community. Meanwhile, my husband still held onto our earlier agreement.

Eventually, we sat down and talked through what God had been teaching me.

That moment reminded me of something important: our thoughts evolve. Our feelings shift. Our convictions strengthen or weaken over time.

But God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

What God calls good does not change with culture. What He says about our identity does not shift with trends or emotions.

And sometimes, when humanity insists on rejecting Him, God allows people to experience the emptiness of life without Him.

Hosea 2: The Wilderness That Leads to Repentance

While Psalm 2 shows collective rebellion against God, Hosea 2 reveals something more personal and intimate: God pursuing a people who have forgotten Him.

Israel chased after other loves and enjoyed God’s blessings without acknowledging Him as the source.

So God declared that He would withdraw those blessings.

Not because He stopped loving them, but because He wanted to restore them.

Then comes one of the most beautiful moments in the chapter:

“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.” Hosea 2:14

The wilderness is uncomfortable. It is barren, quiet, and uncultivated. It is the place where we see our limitations and weaknesses.

But it is also often where God becomes most real.

Many people encounter God most deeply in seasons of heartbreak, exhaustion, disappointment, or failure. The wilderness strips away illusions and reveals how dependent we truly are on Him.

Sometimes God allows discomfort not to destroy us, but to draw us back.

Every story God writes carries this pattern: He exposes the emptiness of life apart from Him, then lovingly calls people to repentance before they are completely overtaken by it.

Psalm 2 and the Authority of Jesus Christ

Despite our rebellion, God’s response in Psalm 2 is unwavering:

“I myself have poured out my King on Zion, my holy mountain.” Psalm 2: 6

God has already established His King, Jesus Christ.

No rebellion can remove Him from His throne.

“God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.” Ephesians 1: 22

Psalm 2 then gives both a warning and an invitation:

“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry.”

This is ultimately a call to surrender, humility, and worship.

Is Christianity Restrictive or Is It True Freedom?

Many people believe following Jesus limits our freedom. But Scripture teaches the opposite.

True freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want. True freedom is being free from the things that destroy us.

The world promises freedom but often produces bondage: bondage to lust, greed, pride, addiction, comparison and validation.

Sin always overpromises and underdelivers, ask Eve.

Jesus offers a different kind of freedom, the kind that protects, heals, restores, and gives life.

God’s Boundaries Are Protection, Not Punishment

I remember volunteering at an event and asking my older daughter to watch her younger siblings because I noticed some sketchy people nearby.

My second daughter resisted immediately. She did not want anyone watching her. She wanted the freedom to wander on her own.

Later, I explained that my instruction was not about controlling her., but to protect her.

We often respond to God the same way.

We see His commands as restrictive when they are actually loving boundaries designed for our good.

Satan offers counterfeit freedom that quietly leads people into bondage. God offers freedom rooted in truth, safety, and eternal life.

The Ultimate Purpose of Humanity

At the end of life, after every achievement, pleasure, and ambition, Scripture brings humanity back to one simple conclusion:

“Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

The purpose of life is not self-exaltation. It is to know God, love Him, obey Him, and glorify Him. And when we know God, we discover who we were made to be. But freedom separated from truth will eventually become bondage.

The greatest deception of rebellion is convincing people they are free while quietly leading them back into chains.

But in Jesus Christ, true freedom is finally found.

“And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:5

]]> The Journey – Part 3 https://journeyinginfaith.com/the-journey-part-3/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:57:18 +0000 https://journeyinginfaith.com/?p=2369 I decided to trust that what God had spoken over my life was still true—even here, even now.

Then, without thinking, without planning, I shouted.

“The strangers shall hear my voice and obey!”
“I command you to come out!”

The words left my mouth before fear could stop me. Even now, I don’t know where that confidence came from. It felt like I wasn’t fully in control, like something stronger than me had taken over.

I laughed—a sharp, fearless laugh—and said,
“Don’t make me repeat myself. Come out. Now.”

And then they appeared.

One by one, standing before me in a straight line. My heart pounded as I stepped closer, dragging my sword along the ground. Sparks flew with each scrape, echoing through the silence. I could feel their fear, almost tasting it. They didn’t look powerful anymore. They looked… small.

“For three sins against me, even for four, I will not relent,” I said, my voice steady.

Then I attacked.

I kicked fear hard, sending it sprawling across the floor. It looked shocked. I didn’t stop. I grabbed it, spun it, and threw it into the wall. It screamed, but the other demons turned away, hissing at it in disgust. Its red eye, once fierce and threatening, now trembled with fear.

So even fear can be afraid, I thought.

I attacked again, letting every ounce of anger I’d stored pour through my sword.

“For God has not given me the spirit of fear!” I shouted.
“In the name of Jesus—be gone!”

The blade pierced through fear, and it vanished, leaving behind only green smoke and a bitter, acrid stench.

The others hesitated, trying to escape. At first, they couldn’t move. I walked among them slowly, my sword tracing lazy circles in the air, deciding who would be next.

Then I stopped in front of despair.

“You’re next,” I said.

I saw its fear. I had the advantage. But suddenly, a thought flickered across my mind:

What if this victory was just luck?
What if fear isn’t really gone?
What if it comes back?

My confidence wavered. My grip on the sword weakened.

And in that instant, the other demons scattered, melting into shadows. They were gone.

I stood there, chest heaving and my heart pounding. Then, I smiled. Victory. Not complete, but it was enough for now. They wouldn’t bother me again… at least, not today.

Who knew I had that in me?

I threw my head back and walked with my shoulders high, proud of myself. For a fleeting moment, I thought, I really did that.

Then I heard a whisper, soft enough that I almost missed it:

“Careful. Not by power, nor by might.”

Immediately, my shoulders slumped.

Deep down, I knew the truth. It wasn’t me.

I could still feel the Holy Spirit guiding me.

“Thank You,” I whispered.

And then I saw Him.

Jesus.

He was smiling at me like a proud father, eyes shining with something I could only describe as pure love.

“Come,” He said. “There’s more I need to show you.”

We began walking.

The path narrowed, lined with thorns that clawed at my ankles. I tried to avoid them, but I stepped on one. Pain shot through my foot, sharp and unforgiving.

I stopped, frustrated.

Jesus was the Way. He knew the way. Of all the paths He could have chosen, why this one? I had just finished fighting fear. I had just won. I should’ve been resting, catching my breath, savoring the victory. Not walking through pain. Not struggling again.

I pulled my hand from His when He reached for me. I didn’t understand why He would take me through this. He didn’t say a word. He let me walk alone.

Every step was worse than the last. My feet throbbed and bruised. I couldn’t go any farther. I stopped and turned.

He was still there, watching me, His face full of compassion.

“Do you need Me now?” He asked gently.

“Please… help me,” I said.

He stepped beside me and took my hand.

“Why?” I asked. “Why this path?”

He smiled and led me to a rock. “Here, rest. Let me treat your wounds.”

He bent to bandage my bruised feet. “Did you know you are impatient? That you lose your temper easily? You threw a fist a while ago.”

“I surprised myself,” I admitted, smiling despite the pain.

“I’m glad you’ve learned you can lean on Me,” He said.

Then He reminded me:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

I asked, “Is this like an obstacle course?”

He laughed softly. “The end goal of an obstacle course is a prize. If your soul is worth more than any prize, would you expect the challenges to be easy?”

I stayed quiet, knowing the answer.

“Hard situations show you who you really are,” He continued. “And today, you learned how much you need Me. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. I would never lead you through difficulty without a reason. You just have to trust My love.”

And in that moment, I understood.

]]> When God Interrupted My Busyness https://journeyinginfaith.com/when-god-interrupted-my-busyness/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:17:07 +0000 https://journeyinginfaith.com/?p=2356 I truly believed I was doing everything right.

As a mom, wife, employee, and Christian, my life was full. I was productive, responsible, and faithful, or at least I thought I was. My days were packed, my calendar overflowing, and I was serving God in the ways I understood best.

But then God interrupted my life. Not in a dramatic way, but quietly.

He began to speak to my heart, revealing something I did not want to accept:

“You are busy, but you are not in My best plan for you.”

That moment marked the beginning of a major spiritual shift in my life.

Leaving a Home Church and Entering a Season of Transition

Not long after, God began to move my family out of our home church, the place where we were known, active, and deeply involved in ministry.

Looking back, I can see that God had been warning me through dreams and quiet convictions. But I was slow to understand and even slower to respond in prayer.

So when the change finally came, it felt sudden, painful, and unplanned.

We left everything behind, our church responsibilities, and ministry roles, and entered a new church environment where we simply sat and listened.

We were not serving, not volunteering, and no assignments.

Just stillness. And in that stillness, I encountered something I had never properly faced before; Emptiness.

The Hidden Cost of Constant Busyness in Christian Life

At my former church, I was always busy, prayer team, children’s ministry, choir, rehearsals, and all these came with weekly meetings. I was constantly needed and constantly active.

But when all of that stopped, I realized I had built my identity around spiritual activity, not spiritual intimacy with God.

And I also realized something else, I didn’t have deep Christian friendships.

Not because I wasn’t friendly, but because I had never slowed down enough to build meaningful, accountable relationships.

I had been surrounded by people… yet felt alone.

Coping With Silence: Entertainment and Spiritual Discernment

With all the noise gone, I struggled with silence.

I filled it with prayer, and if I’m honest, with seasonal shows on Netflix.

At first, it felt harmless. A way to rest.

But over time, I noticed something shifting in my spirit. The more I watched, the more restless I became. I found myself more emotionally influenced, more distracted, and less spiritually sensitive.

Then God spoke again:

“Stop watching the shows.”

I resisted.

“God, this is how I unwind. You’ve already taken so much from me.”

But the conviction didn’t go away.

It became clear that what I thought was entertainment was also shaping my thoughts, emotions, and spiritual sensitivity.

The Power of Christian Friendship in Spiritual Seasons

Around that time, I began connecting with another woman at the new church. One day, I opened up about my struggle.

Her response changed everything.

She said, “I’m in the same season. Look at it this way;, God is saying Instead of finding pleasure in these shows, why not find your pleasure in God?”

In that moment, I realized Christians are not meant to walk alone in every seasons of our spiritual growth.

That friendship became a source of strength, accountability, and encouragement during a difficult transition.

Lessons From Moses: Why Christian Community Matters

This season reminded me of Moses in the Bible.

Moses struggled deeply with God’s call. He felt inadequate and unqualified. Yet God responded, “I AM that I AM,” confirming that the mission was not dependent on Moses’ strength but on God’s power.

Still, Moses needed help.

God gave him Aaron, someone who could speak when he could not.

And in battle, when Moses’ hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur stood beside him, holding them up until victory came.

This is the power of Christian community and friendship.

We are not meant to carry everything alone.

Why Christian Friendship Is Essential for Spiritual Growth

One of the greatest lessons I learned in this season is this:

Christian friendships are not optional, they are essential.

They strengthen faith, provide accountability, help us stay focused on God, and carry us when we are weak.

God often uses people to sustain us in seasons.

Finding Purpose in Stillness and Obedience to God

A year later, God led us back to our church. But I was no longer the same person.

The need to stay constantly busy was gone. The desire to please people had loosened its grip. And something deeper had been formed in me; stillness, clarity, and dependence on God.

What once felt like emptiness became transformation.

Final Reflection: A Prayer for Every Believer

If there is one thing I have learned, it is this:

Sometimes God disrupts our busy lives not to harm us, but to realign us.

So my prayer is simple:

May you never walk alone in your journey with God.
May you have true Christian friendships, people who strengthen your faith,
who hold your arms when you are weak, and who walk with you until obedience becomes joy.

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.

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