A Door Closed in Your Face is a portion of a quote I read in Brianna Barrett’s book, “Hope in the Healing,” and I’m pondering it with you today.

For Lent 2025, I’ll be writing new blog posts every day. I’m writing for just five unedited minutes on a quote of the day to deepen our faith in this Lenten season.

Day 11 of Lent 2025 – March 15

I have had the privilege of serving as Brianna’s editor and book launch manager for Hope in the Healing, a devotional for those with chronic illness. It opened my eyes to her struggles that I never realized even though we’ve followed each other on social media for years. Her book has also opened my eyes to the struggles people with chronic illnesses face and has helped me grow in compassion.

In this quote, she’s talking about a time when God protected her from something that could have been much worse. We’ve all had that happen to us. My daughter said it’s called “burnt toast syndrome.” It’s when your burnt toast makes your breakfast take longer, but those few extra minutes keep you from getting in a wreck on the way to work, for example. This is a good way to look at inconveniences that happen all the time because they might be diverting us from disaster.

Right now, I’m dealing with some unanswered prayers and doors closed in my face. However, God is showing me that these negative things could be protecting me from worse occurrences. I may never know this side of heaven about that protection, but God certainly does.

Brianna says after this quote, “He doesn’t withhold things from His children to be mean, but to protect us.”

I am learning to trust this truth as I come out of a long, dark season. I must trust that if God is withholding something from me, it’s for a good reason. It can be a saving grace, or it can also be a test of my patience and trust. Either way, it’s an opportunity for my faith to grow, and that’s always a good thing.

When did God prevent something bad from happening to you, though you didn’t realize it at the time? Let me know in the comments.

Join me again tomorrow for another reflection on a different quote. I encourage you to reflect on a special gift God has given you and let me know about it in the comments.

Find all my additional resources for Lent on this page.

Are You Looking for a Book Launch Manager or Virtual Assistant?

If you’re launching a book in 2025 or beyond, be sure to book a call with me HERE to discuss your book launch. I’ve had over 50 clients since 2022, and I’d love to speak with you soon. I’m also taking on new VA clients. You can learn more and book a call with me on THIS PAGE.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

Also, if you make a purchase from any of the links on this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!

As the Wounds Healed is a portion of a quote I read in Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s book, “Sacred Scars,” and I’m pondering it with you today.

For Lent 2025, I’ll be writing new blog posts every day. I’m writing for just five unedited minutes on a quote of the day to deepen our faith in this Lenten season.

Day 10 of Lent 2025 – March 14

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a dear friend of mine. Her books cost her much to write in terms of spiritual warfare, and they are precious gifts to those of us who are suffering. She wrote this book in the trenches, and I’m so thankful for the wisdom she shares in it.

This book affirmed so many of my hurts. It comforted me and validated me. Yet it also pointed a way forward for me, which is essential so I don’t wallow in my legitimate status as a victim.

Here’s more context for the quote above, taken from Chapter 13: Be the Gift You Wish You’d Had.

“In some of the hardest battles, people have said to me, ‘You’ll be able to use this to minister to other people.’ I suspected that was true because I know God doesn’t waste our pain. But in full confession, it made me wonder, didn’t God care that I needed someone to encourage my heart? When our pain or our grief is fresh and raw, knowing that our pain will help others with theirs does little to mitigate the hurt, the longing, the disdain, the despair we endure. So, if you are there now, I can relate. For me, it was only as the wounds healed to sacred scars that I could appreciate how God used my painful experiences to minister to others, and then I was grateful for them.”

See how insightful and wise Michelle is? Please order her book HERE and encourage her by leaving an honest review.

As the Wounds Healed to Sacred Scars

I’m seeing sure signs that my wounds are healing to sacred scars.

First sign. I saw one of the people that hurt me out in the wild this week. Instead of being gripped with fear or choked by trauma, I quietly returned to my car until the threat of encountering that person passed. I realized I did this to protect myself as a smart move rather than a knee-jerk reaction. The person even seemed like a stranger to me rather than a monster or villain. This is a huge step forward, and I’m grateful it’s proof my wounds are healing.

Second sign. Just last night in my small group, I said that in recent months as I’ve shared my story with unbelievers, they show greater respect and even awe for me. Even though they aren’t yet in agreement with my beliefs, I sense they can clearly see the only explanation for how I’ve survived such massive trauma is my faith, because my experiences would have broken them to pieces.

I said, “I’m just beginning to realize that if my horror story, which I wouldn’t want to relive or wish on anyone, could bring someone to Christ, can I really call it all bad?” If you know me, you know how giant a step forward this is. It’s a sure sign of healing and redemption that’s just beginning.

I am thankful that God is finally showing me how my sacred scars are healing and that they can be used to help others. Just a few months ago, this quote didn’t feel very helpful or comforting to read. However, now that I’m tiptoeing into a new season, I can reach out my pinky finger and grab onto the tiny blade of green hope that exists in this 2025 Lenten season, and I’m grateful.

Join me again tomorrow for another reflection on a different quote. I encourage you to reflect on a special gift God has given you and let me know about it in the comments.

Find all my additional resources for Lent on this page.

Are You Looking for a Book Launch Manager or Virtual Assistant?

If you’re launching a book in 2025 or beyond, be sure to book a call with me HERE to discuss your book launch. I’ve had over 50 clients since 2022, and I’d love to speak with you soon. I’m also taking on new VA clients. You can learn more and book a call with me on THIS PAGE.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

Also, if you make a purchase from any of the links on this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!

Live in Truth is a portion of a quote I read in Geri Scazzero’s book, “The Emotionally Healthy Woman,” and I’m pondering it with you today.

For Lent 2025, I’ll be writing new blog posts every day. I’m writing for just five unedited minutes on a quote of the day to deepen our faith in this Lenten season.

Day 9 of Lent 2025 – March 13

This quote reminds me of a conversation I had with a good friend. I was asking her why our small group of parents at church shut down when I gave answers to the prompts from the Alpha series.

She looked at me with kindness and respect. Then she said, “Sarah, you are very self-aware. Most people find that intimidating. I don’t think you need to change anything. But there is definitely a cost to being self-aware, even in church.”

It took decades of work on myself to get to the point of living in truth so I could live in freedom.

Setting boundaries and living by them has cost me greatly, but gained me even more. My choices, led by God’s guidance, have given me a life lived true to my convictions.

It is a rare and expensive life in contrast to the cheap, common offerings of the world, but I will have it no other way.

Now that I have had to fight for it so fiercely, I won’t let anyone take it from me through boundary violations or a lack of responsibility and/or repentance.

I reread portions of this book yesterday and drank in the wisdom. It strengthened my resolve, and I know it can help you too.

I highly recommend this book that debunks lies we live by as women. We can use it as a guideline to live in truth and grow in self-awareness.

How have you grown in self-awareness through faith? Let me know in the comments.

Join me again tomorrow for another reflection on a different quote. I encourage you to reflect on a special gift God has given you and let me know about it in the comments.

Find all my additional resources for Lent on this page.

Are You Looking for a Book Launch Manager or Virtual Assistant?

If you’re launching a book in 2025 or beyond, be sure to book a call with me HERE to discuss your book launch. I’ve had over 50 clients since 2022, and I’d love to speak with you soon. I’m also taking on new VA clients. You can learn more and book a call with me on THIS PAGE.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

Also, if you make a purchase from any of the links on this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!

Put Up a Shield is a quote I read in Karla Downing’s book, “Change My Relationship,” and I’m pondering it with you today.

For Lent 2025, I’ll be writing new blog posts every day. I’m writing for just five unedited minutes on a quote of the day to deepen our faith in this Lenten season.

Day 8 of Lent 2025- March 12

I’m pondering this quote today from the highly practical and helpful book, Change My Relationship, by Karla Downing.

I read this book in 2022 when my divorce played out and I had viciously mean words slung at me. The book was super helpful for strengthening my boundaries.

Friends sent me encouragement in the form of Psalm 91:4 NIV:

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

I trusted God to be my shield against the people’s fiery arrows aimed at me.

Early this year, I faced more unfairness in a different situation. The good news is that I recognized the mistreatment right away, stood up to it, and refused to receive it. This choice cost me, but it also provided me proof of healing. I’m not going to be a victim of abuse any longer, and now I can recognize mistreatment much faster than I did before.

I thank God for this sign of healing in my life. I’m pondering this quote with you today because some of you haven’t arrived there yet, and you need help establishing boundaries against the meanness and unfairness you are receiving.

I highly recommend Karla’s book as a strengthener. Also please run, don’t walk, to a counselor to get help like I did. Don’t try to face it alone – get the help you deserve. Get a free, one-time counseling appointment and referral HERE.

Join me again tomorrow for another reflection on a different quote. I encourage you to reflect on a special gift God has given you and let me know about it in the comments.

Find all my additional resources for Lent on this page.

Are You Looking for a Book Launch Manager or Virtual Assistant?

If you’re launching a book in 2025 or beyond, be sure to book a call with me HERE to discuss your book launch. I’ve had over 50 clients since 2022, and I’d love to speak with you soon. I’m also taking on new VA clients. You can learn more and book a call with me on THIS PAGE.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

Also, if you make a purchase from any of the links on this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!

He Even Surprises Us With Special Gifts is a quote I read in Rosann S. Coulon’s book, “40 Days to God, My Father,” and I’m pondering it with you today.

For Lent 2025, I’ll be writing new blog posts every day. I’m writing for just five unedited minutes on a quote of the day to deepen our faith in this Lenten season.

Day 7 of Lent 2025- March 11

I read this quote in Rosann S. Coulon’s new book, “40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God.” I recently received it as a surprise gift in my mailbox, and you can buy a copy of the book HERE.

Rosann has faced many trials, which she outlines in the book. She’s struggled with disappointment and hurts as a child of an addict, someone struggling with financial issues and a sufferer of chronic illness. Yet in this book of brief, encouraging devotions, she tells how she held onto faith in those hard times, and shares Bible stories of encouragement.

Though Rosann and I have followed each other for years on social media, I didn’t know the extent of her suffering until I started reading her book. Her struggles help me feel less lonely in my struggles, and I’m thankful for this affirmation through her book. I’m also encouraged by the story she shares on Day 21, Unexpected Gifts of Goodness. I’m not going to spoil it for you, but I will say it’s a great story that’s helping me reflect on how God has surprised me with special gifts right when I needed them, though I didn’t expect them.

One particular time stands out to me. Today, I realized it’s a testimony that he even surprises us with special gifts. I’m recounting it here:

Post from Nov. 27, 2021

This weaving is a new treasure for me, and I have an encouraging testimony to share with you.⠀

Recently I had a conversation with my intern about some money problems. She encouraged me to start tithing on everything I make. Though I have always given to the church, I have not been specific about giving a full 10 percent.⠀

I was in the throne room praying on Sun., Nov. 21, like I do every week. I prayed about all of my money issues and set them on the altar. Then, God brought to mind a beautiful weaving I saw at the craft fair the day before. It had a price tag of $120.⠀

In the prayer room, God told me to go back to the craft fair and purchase it as a symbol of the redeeming work he will do in me regarding the trauma I’ve experienced over finances. He said that if I purchase it in faith (I rarely spend that much on myself on one single item), he will provide the recompense for it.⠀

God wants me to display it in my office and every time I see it, pray that I will be like a well-watered garden as promised in Isaiah 58:11. He also told me to make that verse my meditation verse for 2022, since I have picked a verse every year:⠀

The Lord will guide you continually,⠀

giving you water when you are dry⠀

and restoring your strength.⠀

You will be like a well-watered garden,⠀

like an ever-flowing spring.⠀

Isaiah 58:11 NLT⠀

Joel Muddamalle has said that gardens are a sign of God’s kingdom in the Bible. Only kings could afford to have gardens because they required a large supply of potable water and a paid staff to maintain them. When we see gardens in the Bible, they are a sign of God’s kingly presence, abundant provision, and beauty.⠀

I was overcome with tears of joy when God revealed this in the throne room. I was also overjoyed to find the weaving waiting for me on Sunday. It’s now hanging in my office.

Then, on Wed., Nov. 24, I received a blessing check of $100 out of the blue from one of my launch team members for my teen girl book. I tithed on that check, and I’ll continue tithing on everything I receive this month.⠀

So grateful to join this adventure with God!

He Even Surprises Us With Special Gifts

Today I’m following up with you on that testimony.

God knew that in just six weeks from that posting, my marriage would come to a horrific end, and three years of intense trauma and spiritual warfare would result.
But I didn’t know that, of course.

After my husband left me, I brought the weaving up from my office and hung it on my bedroom door, where I could stare at it from my place in bed.

Every time I looked at it, I was forced to remember the testimony and the accompanying verse, even when I doubted its validity.

There were many times I didn’t feel like a well-watered garden. Instead, I felt like a dried-up wasteland. However, God’s presence has never left me, even on the hardest nights. His presence has made me a well-watered garden despite the intense suffering I faced.

Now I can look back on this testimony with a greater appreciation for the timely gift. I see how God used this beautiful weaving to tether me to him, even when I was unsure if I wanted to hang on any longer. I have found shelter in the heart of God, as Rosann’s book subtitle states. I’m using her book to draw closer to him and thank him for the surprise gifts he gives along with the daily manna I need.

It’s even more timely as I am currently attacking the significant debts I’ve incurred post-divorce due to my inability to work to capacity from complex PTSD. Thankfully, I’m in a different place emotionally now, and I can look at this weaving as encouragement for my financial issues again. This is a great full-circle moment for me, and it’s good to celebrate that special gift from God again.

Join me again tomorrow for another reflection on a different quote. I encourage you to reflect on a special gift God has given you and let me know about it in the comments.

Find all my additional resources for Lent on this page.

Are You Looking for a Book Launch Manager or Virtual Assistant?

If you’re launching a book in 2025 or beyond, be sure to book a call with me HERE to discuss your book launch. I’ve had over 50 clients since 2022, and I’d love to speak with you soon. I’m also taking on new VA clients. You can learn more and book a call with me on THIS PAGE.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

Also, if you make a purchase from any of the links on this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!