The Candid Christian

Today was such a beautiful day, but the highlight for me wasn’t anything external—it was a phone call I had just before sitting down to write this.

That call stirred something deep in my heart. It made me pause and reflect on the journey God has taken me on over the last few years. A journey marked by pain, stretching, waiting, healing—and refinement.

I can truly see it now: how God has been shaping me, softening my heart, strengthening my convictions, and giving me a deeper resolve to live a life that pleases Him. Not just in what I do, but in who I am becoming.

God Refines Us Before He Elevates Us

Refinement is not comfortable. It often comes through moments we wish we could skip—loss, disappointment, confusion, brokenness, silence.

But it is in those moments that God does His deepest work.

“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” – Hebrews 12:6

When I look back, I see that what felt like pain was actually preparation. What felt like delay was divine alignment. What felt like loss was God clearing the way for something better.

God doesn’t waste seasons. Every tear, every prayer, every moment of surrender counts.

Choosing a Life That Pleases God

Lately, my prayer has been simple:

“Lord, help me live a life that pleases You, starting with my heart.”

Not for applause. Not for performance. Not for validation.

But from a place of genuine devotion.

It’s easy to focus on outward obedience—what we say, what we post, how we appear. But God looks deeper. He looks at the heart. He looks at our motives. He looks at who we are when no one is watching.

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

And I’m grateful—so deeply grateful—that God has been doing heart work in me.

Gratitude for Growth

Today reminded me that growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s simply realizing how far God has brought you.

I give God praise for getting me here.

For healing me. For restoring me. For teaching me. For not giving up on me.

And for the grace to keep walking with Him, one day at a time.

A Prayer for You Reading This

If you’re reading this, I want you to know: you are not alone in your journey.

Whatever season you’re in, confusion, healing, waiting, breakthrough, God is with you.

I pray for you today, may God give you fresh grace for your faith walk. May He strengthen your heart when it feels tired. May He remind you that your story is not over. May He refine you gently and lead you boldly, and may you experience His peace in ways you can’t explain.

In Jesus mighty name, amen.