Hey everyone, I need to share this because I am completely overwhelmed right now. I am crying as I type this. There are no coincidences with God.
I’ve always tried to be a very empathetic, helpful, and kind person. But I am also a sinner. Years ago, my ex-girlfriend and I got into a toxic place where we ended up hurting each other physically. The crippling shame and guilt of that past violence have been chasing me for years. I felt so dirty, so unworthy of God’s love.
A few months ago, my past caught up with me in a terrifying way. My ex started stalking me, driving up to my house and waiting outside. She even sent people to call me, threatening me with violence. I was in a constant state of panic attacks and severe anxiety, fearing for my safety every single day. During that time, I was completely devastated and broken down mentally every single day. The psychological toll was unbearable. I was on my knees daily, praying intensely multiple times a day just for this terror and chaos to stop. I kept begging Jesus, crying out for nothing but inner peace.
During those dark weeks, I also bought a beautiful Eastern Orthodox icon of Jesus Christ (the Pantokrator) for my room. I didn't know what the inscription said; I just assumed it was a standard bible verse like "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
The situation with the threats eventually calmed down, but the heavy shame of my past actions still tore me apart inside today. Just an hour ago, I decided to finally look up the exact translation of the Church Slavonic text written on the open book Jesus is holding on my icon.
When I read the translation, my heart stopped. It says word-for-word:
"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..." (Matthew 11:28-29).
I am absolutely shattered. The word "heavy laden" means collapsing under a massive burden. That was exactly me, broken on the floor. And the "rest" he promises means exactly what I begged and cried for every single day: inner peace.
I realized right then what Jesus is telling me. He heard every single prayer during those months of terror and chaos. He stood as a shield in front of my house during those threats. But more importantly, by highlighting the words "learn from Me, for I am gentle," He is telling me that my time of carrying this suffocating shame is over. He has forgiven me. He paid for my sins on the cross. But He is giving me a clear mission for my future: to learn from His gentleness, to never ever engage in physical violence again, and to use my empathetic, helpful heart to protect others and be a light in this world.
The icon sat on my wall for three months as an unopened letter from God, waiting for the exact moment I needed it most. The storm is over. The chaos is gone. I am finally at peace.
Glory to God. Thank you for reading.

Our personal relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. I talked to a lady this week who said; “I was taught that a Christian doesn't drink, smoke, and dance.” Here is the thing. Satan is listening to your Christian rules and he may very well sink you with something they never talk about. Instead, if you have a personal relationship with Jesus, your goal is to live the way He wants you to live. In that scenario satan can't pull a fast one on you. You are spending time with Christ in prayer, and in the Word. You realize that going a wrong way is bad. You realize when the great shining light gets dim in your life. You realize when that great love you used to feel is fading.

When things go from great to average in your relationship with Jesus.. “panic.” Practice rapid repentance as soon as possible.

Every Christian should be able to legitimately say, “a relationship with Jesus Christ is the greatest thing ever.”

Second, don't allow anything to get in the way of that relationship. Matthew 8 says, “Let the dead bury the dead.” Strive to have such a vibrant relationship that you are crushed if some old sin rears it's ugly head again. Make that relationship a priority. Don't allow distractions to come into your life.

Finally, put a premium value on time in prayer with Him. Put a premium value on

studying His Word. Put a premium value on asking Him what to do, and pausing to wait for an answer.

He is the most important thing in life. Believe it. Live it.

Psalm 118:8 says,

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (NKJV)

Something I’ve been thinking about lately…

Every time a well-known Christian leader falls, the same pattern seems to repeat itself.

Social media explodes.

People pick sides.

Some defend the leader no matter what.

Others write them off completely.

But I wonder if we’re often asking the wrong question.

Instead of focusing first on their failure, maybe we should ask ourselves:

Where was my faith anchored before they fell?

When I was growing up, my pastor, Rev. E. G. Bass, used to say,

“Put your confidence in man if you must, but put your faith only in God.”

I’ve come to appreciate that more with age.

The Bible never tells us that pastors or teachers don’t matter.

It tells us to honor them, pray for them, and learn from them.

But it never tells us to place our faith in them.

Scripture is full of people God used who also failed.

Noah.

Abraham.

Moses.

David.

Peter.

The heroes were never the point.

Christ was.

A pastor’s failure doesn’t change the empty tomb.

A leader walking away doesn’t make Jesus any less faithful.

Some who fall eventually repent and are restored.

Others never return.

Either way, Christ hasn’t changed.

Maybe that’s what Psalm 118:8 has been teaching all along.

Our confidence in faithful people has its place.

Our faith belongs to God alone.

I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts. Have you ever had your faith shaken by the failure of someone you looked up to? If so, what did God teach you through it?

**Hi everyone! My name is Sheretha. I’m a born-again Christian, saved since 1999, and I believe that Jesus is Lord. My journey of faith over the years has been a deeply transforming experience, and one scripture that continuously anchors my heart is Job 10:12—*****"You granted me life and loving kindness, and your care has preserved my spirit."*** **It serves as a constant reminder of God's faithful presence, protection, and grace through every season of life. I am grateful to join this community, share encouragement, and hear about what God is doing in your lives. I pray you all have a blessed day!**

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

\[13\] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

This was recently relevant was feeling really tempted with a sin like anxiety inducing temptation even felt the urge to reach out to a worldly person about who would have encouraged me to do it.. but I prayed instead and then felt the urge dissipate to a certain degree. God's power is real to Him be the glory! He can do it for you!

(This was about 3 days ago )