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A Conversation with God

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This morning, I spoke with God.
Not with fancy words, not with carefully chosen phrases, but with the kind of honesty that trembles. The kind that comes when you’ve reached the end of yourself and there’s nowhere left to turn but upward.

I said, “Lord, I’m tired.”
And He didn’t rush to answer. He let the silence breathe between us, a holy pause, the kind that doesn’t feel empty.
Then He said softly, “I know.”

Those two words wrapped around me like warmth. He didn’t need an explanation. He didn’t ask for proof. He just knew.

“God,” I whispered, “I don’t understand what You’re doing. It feels like I’m walking in circles, praying, waiting, and believing, but nothing changes.”

I felt Him there, not distant, not disappointed, but near.
And He said, “I know it’s hard when you can’t see the whole picture. But trust that I’m painting something beautiful, even when the canvas looks messy from where you stand.”

I sighed. “But Lord… sometimes I feel forgotten. Everyone sees my strength, but no one sees how much it costs to keep standing. I smile, but sometimes that smile is heavy.”

And He said, “I see it. I see every tear that never falls, every prayer you whisper when no one’s watching. You don’t have to prove your faith to Me. I was with you when your knees hit the floor, when you said, ‘God, I can’t take this anymore.’ And I stayed.”

I felt my chest tighten. “Then why do You let the pain stay so long? Why does it have to hurt this much?”

He was quiet again, not the kind of quiet that ignores but the kind that holds.
Then He said, “Because pain has been your teacher. It led you here… to Me. Every time you broke, you reached for My hand. Every time you fell, you called My name. Pain didn’t come to destroy you; it came to direct you. It’s the classroom where your faith grew roots.”

I wept then, because it was true.
I could trace His fingerprints through every heartbreak, every valley, every long night when I thought He was silent, but He was whispering lessons I couldn’t yet understand.

“God,” I said quietly, “sometimes I just want to know You’re really here.”

And I felt it. Not thunder, not fire, not a miracle that split the sky, but peace.
The kind of peace that seeps into your bones and says, “You are safe.”
He said, “I’m not just here, My child. I’m in you. I’m in every breath you take, every sunrise that meets your eyes. When you thought I was far, I was closer than your own heartbeat.”

I wiped my tears and asked, “What do I do now, Lord? When the road still feels long and the answers haven’t come?”

He smiled through the stillness of my soul and said, “Do what you’ve always done …. walk with Me. Don’t wait for the whole path to make sense; just take the next step. I am your map, your strength, your promise. Remember My Word: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.’”

I nodded, breathing in the weight of His presence.
Then He whispered one last thing…gentle, but firm, like truth that anchors you.
“Stop carrying what I already said I’d carry. You don’t have to have it all together. You just have to trust that I do.”

I sat there in the stillness, tears drying on my face, heart lighter than it had been in weeks.
And I realized that prayer isn’t always about getting answers.
Sometimes it’s about remembering who you’re talking to.

He isn’t a distant God watching from above.
He’s the Father who sits beside you in the dark, the Shepherd who doesn’t leave the storm, the Friend who listens when all you can say is, “Help me.”
He’s the One who knows what no one else sees, who understands the battles behind your smile, and who still calls you His.

So today, I don’t have all the answers, but I have peace.
And maybe that’s what faith really is.
Not knowing when or how, but knowing Who.


Dear Reader,

If this post touched you, take a quiet moment tonight to have your own conversation with God. Be honest. Be real. Don’t try to sound strong. He already knows. Just speak, and let Him remind you that He’s been listening all along.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

A CONVERSATION WITH MY PAIN

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Today, my pain came to visit.
It didn’t knock or announce itself. It simply settled at the edge of my being, folding itself into the crevices of my heart like it had been waiting for me all along.
I felt it before I saw it, a weight pressing on my chest, a shadow leaning against my thoughts.

“Why are you here again?” I asked, my voice small, trembling between fear and defiance.

It laughed, a slow, quiet sound, like wind scratching against dry leaves, haunting and intimate.
“I never left,” it whispered. “I have always been here. I am stitched into your being, woven into the seams of your existence. You can try to ignore me and push me away, but I am as much a part of you as your heartbeat.”

I flinched at its words. My chest tightened, and my hands itched to strike the emptiness that seemed to have form, eyes, and teeth.
“Why me?” I demanded. “Why do you haunt my days and linger in my nights? Why do you pierce my mind when all I want is peace?”

Pain tilted its head, studying me like a teacher observing a student who resists learning.
“Because,” it said softly, almost tenderly, “you refused to see me. You refused to understand me. I am not a curse. I am a tutor. I am the lesson you did not choose, but one your soul needed. I am the fire that burns, not to destroy, but to refine. I am here to lead you somewhere higher, somewhere holier. You call out to God more when I visit, don’t you?”

The words cut deep. Because it was true.
In my darkest hours, when pain pressed hardest, my prayers were raw, unpolished, real.
“Yes,” I whispered. “I do.”

Pain smiled then, slow and knowing.
“That’s why I stay. I remind you where your strength truly comes from. When comfort makes you forget, I draw you back to His Word, to His promises. When you cry, I echo back the verses you once read in peace but only now begin to understand. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’”

Tears burned my eyes. “I hate you,” I admitted. “I hate the way you make everything heavier. I hate the nights when you twist my mind and make me doubt my worth.”

Pain’s laugh was soft this time, almost sorrowful.
“Hate me? No. I am not your enemy. I am the vessel through which you will learn endurance. Through me, you will find faith that doesn’t break. I am the silent reminder that His strength begins where yours ends. I am the path that teaches you dependence, not defeat.”

I swallowed hard. “Then teach me. Show me why you’re here. Help me see the purpose in your presence, even when it hurts.”

It circled me like a whisper of wind and flame.


“I am here to remind you that life is not always soft, that growth is born in the furnace. I am here so that when the storm comes again, you will not crumble. I am here to remind you that the God who allows me to stay is also the One who limits my power. I can bend you, but I cannot break you. You are His.”

I closed my eyes. The heaviness pressed in, but it was no longer just pain. It was purpose.
“You are relentless,” I whispered. “But maybe I’m beginning to see it. Maybe I can walk with you, not as a victim, but as someone learning trust.”

Pain leaned closer, its voice like a prayer now.
“Yes. Walk with me. Don’t run. Let me do my work, and when I’m done, you’ll rise stronger, softer, surer of His love. One day, you’ll look back and realize I was never your punishment. I was your preparation.”

I opened my eyes. The room was still heavy, yet strangely peaceful. The ache hadn’t vanished, but it had changed. It had become a companion, a teacher that pointed me upward instead of inward.

And I whispered, to the presence that had once terrified me:
“I may not like you. I may never love you. But I will learn from you. I will remember the God who walks with me through the fire, who promises that this pain will one day have purpose. And until the day comes when He wipes every tear from my eyes, I will endure with faith, with hope, and with Him.”

Pain didn’t reply.

It simply leaned back into the shadows, patient, quiet, waiting, knowing that I was finally learning the lesson it came to teach.

Reflection

Take a moment today to listen to the “pain” in your own life. Ask what it is teaching you, and let it draw you closer to God’s promises.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

The Power of Silence

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There’s something deep and powerful about silence. In a world that constantly demands a response, silence feels strange, almost uncomfortable. We live in an age where everyone has something to say, a comeback ready, or a defense prepared. But child of God, I want you to know this: There is power in Silence!

When you walk with Christ, you will face seasons where people misunderstand you or criticize you. And the natural instinct is to defend yourself, explain yourself, or fight back. But the Word of God shows us another way – a higher way.

Jesus: Our Perfect Example

Think of Jesus standing before Pilate. The Bible tells us in Matthew 27:12-14:

“When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge to the great amazement of the governor.”

Jesus had every right to speak. He could have called angels from heaven to defend Him. He could have silenced every false witness with one word. Yet He chose silence. Why? Because He knew who He was, and He knew the truth didn’t need defending.

Sometimes, the most powerful response is no response at all.

Silence Is Not Weakness

Let me be clear: silence is not weakness. It is not fear. It is wisdom.

When you refuse to answer your accusers, you are not admitting defeat. You are showing that you trust God to fight your battles. You are declaring that your identity and your future are in His hands, not in the opinions of men.

Isaiah 30:15 reminds us:

“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”

There is a strength that comes from silence – a strength rooted in confidence that God sees, God knows, and God will vindicate.

Why Silence Speaks Loudly

1. Silence leaves room for God’s defense.
When you step aside, God steps in. If you spend all your energy trying to prove people wrong, you risk missing what God wants to do in the situation. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Your stillness gives space for His power to be revealed.

2. Silence disarms your enemies.
Sometimes people accuse you not because they want truth, but because they want a reaction. They want to drag you into conflict. Your silence denies them that satisfaction. Proverbs 26:4 says, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”

3. Silence reveals your trust.
When you choose silence, you’re saying, “I don’t have to defend myself, because my Defender is greater.” That’s faith in action.

Maybe you’ve been there: At home, family members misunderstand your choices. Online, people comment without knowing the full story. Every part of you wants to fire back to clear your name. But sometimes God says, “Hold your peace. I will fight for you.”

Exodus 14:14 declares:

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

I know that silence can feel like doing nothing, but in God’s kingdom, it is often the loudest declaration of trust.

Now, don’t misunderstand me. There are moments when speaking truth is necessary. Silence is not always the answer. But there are also moments when silence carries more weight than words. The key is wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”

Pray for discernment. Sometimes, God wants you to boldly declare the truth. Other times, He wants you to step back and let Him do the talking.

Final Word

Beloved, the next time you face an accuser, whether in the workplace, in your family, or even in the church, remember this: you do not always have to answer. Silence is not weakness. It is strength. It is confidence in the God who defends, the God who vindicates, the God who knows the truth even when others refuse to see it.

Let your peace be louder than their accusations. Let your silence be your testimony. And let your trust in God be your defense.

Because in the end, your accusers will fall silent, but your God will always have the final word.

Is God Hearing Your Prayer?

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Prayer is one of the greatest privileges God has given to His children. Through prayer, we can come before the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our Father hears us. But the Bible teaches a sobering truth.

God does not hear the prayers of everyone.

Hmmm… Did I hear someone say, “Huh?!” Yes, it is possible that you have been speaking into the air, or let’s put it that way…there are many who fall on their knees every day and “pray” but hear this, and I say this with no apologies, “GOD PROBABLY NEVER HEARD THEM!”

Now, before you bite my head off, let’s talk about this!

Proverbs 15:29 tells us plainly: “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

This is not a popular message in our world today. Many assume that anyone can pray at any time, and God will always listen. But prayer is not a casual activity, nor is it a universal right. Prayer is covenant communication between God and His people through Christ. Without that relationship, the line of communication is broken.

Isaiah 59:2 explains why: “Your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear.” Sin creates a wall between man and God. Until that wall is torn down through repentance and faith in Christ, prayer can not pass through.

It’s like trying to make a phone call with no signal. You can dial the numbers and speak the words, but the line is dead. Without Christ, there is no true access to the Father.

Yet in His mercy, God always hears one kind of prayer from the unbeliever – the prayer of repentance. This is what activates the all-important connectivity between you and God.

In Luke 18:13, the tax collector beat his chest and cried out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.” The moment a sinner cries out for salvation, God listens. Romans 10:13 promises, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

God always hears the humble cry for forgiveness and new life.

At this point, you may ask: “If God doesn’t hear the unbeliever, then why do so many people who boldly say that they don’t believe in Christ seem to have their lives working out? Some of them are richer, healthier, and more successful than Christians who pray every day.”

The fact is this is not a new question. The psalmist wrestled with it in Psalm 73. He admitted, “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled… For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” He looked around and saw unbelievers living in ease while the faithful often suffered.

But the psalmist also came to a turning point: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end” (v. 17). In other words, appearances are deceiving. The success of the unbeliever  does not mean their prayers are being heard. It only shows that God, in His common grace, allows both the righteous and unrighteous to enjoy certain blessings in this life (Matthew 5:45 – “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”).

But make no mistake. Prosperity without Christ is an illusion. Psalm 73:19 continues, “How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!” Their temporary success cannot erase their eternal need for salvation.

Meanwhile, the believer who prays may struggle, but their prayers are not in vain. 1 John 5:14 assures us, “This is the confidence we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.” The believer’s prayers are received in heaven, stored in golden bowls before the throne (Revelation 5:8), and answered in God’s perfect timing.

What the unbeliever lacks is what the believer treasures: true access to God. Hebrews 4:16 declares, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Even if life feels unfair, even if unbelievers seem to prosper more visibly, the child of God has something infinitely greater – the assurance that every prayer reaches the heart of the Father.

If you are reading this and you are not a believer in Christ, understand this: God is not ignoring you because He is cold or distant. He is patiently waiting for you to pray the prayer that matters most – the prayer of repentance.
The reality is sobering but true: God does not hear the prayers of those who remain in sin and unbelief. Their temporary prosperity should not be mistaken for answered prayer. It is only by faith in Christ that the wall of sin is torn down and prayer becomes a living, powerful connection with God.

For the believer, this truth should stir both gratitude and urgency. Gratitude, because we are heard not because of our righteousness but because of Christ’s. Urgency, because the world around us is filled with people who think they are praying when, in fact, they have no access.

WAIT A MINUTE! I AM NOT DONE YET!

I am literally clearing my throat now because I have a very important message  for believers also.

Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” This applies to anyone. Yes, even a believer. Holding on to sin while praying nullifies the effectiveness of our petitions. God listens to a repentant heart, not a rebellious one.

Even relational sins, such as bitterness or mistreatment, can hinder the prayers of believers. God values holiness and right relationships.

1 Peter 3:7 admonishes warns:
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife….that your prayers be not hindered.”

So, believers in Christ, you have access to God in prayer. He hears you, but please be mindful that before you go to Him, you need to do a self check. Go into His presence with a pure heart. Dont fall on your knees while harboring unforgiveness or hatred in your heart for your brother or sister. Remember, you are conversing with a Holy God!

May we treasure the privilege we have, and may we point others to the only doorway into a true prayer life – Jesus Christ, the living Savior.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Knowing God for Yourself

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There is a world of difference between hearing about God and truly knowing Him. Many people today live on secondhand faith.

They know of God through their parents, through their pastor, or through the testimonies of friends. While these influences can guide us toward the Lord, they cannot replace a personal relationship with Him. The Christian life is not built on borrowed faith. It is built on knowing God for yourself.

Job expressed this shift so beautifully when he said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). For most of his life, Job had heard about God. He knew what others said, he could repeat the truths that had been handed down. But when trials came and God revealed Himself in a fresh way, Job experienced a personal encounter. Suddenly, it was not about what others said. It was about what Job himself knew and had seen. That made all the difference.

It is easy to rely on someone else’s walk with God. We admire the spiritual depth of others, we lean on the prayers of our family, and we look forward to Sunday services where the Word is opened for us. These are all good things. But none of them are enough on their own.

When difficulties come, secondhand faith is not strong enough to hold us. You can’t go and ask a friend to loan you some faith. When doubt whispers, “Is God really there?” it will not be enough to say, “My pastor said so.” When temptation comes, it will not be enough to say, “My parents taught me better.” What we need is the unshakable assurance that comes from knowing Him ourselves.

Knowing God for yourself does not happen by accident. It takes intentional steps, just like any relationship.

1. Spend time in His Word. The Bible is not just a history book or a religious text. It is God’s living Word. When you read it daily, you hear His voice speaking directly to your heart. It’s not enough to wait until Sunday morning to open the Scriptures. Start with a few verses each day, and let God reveal Himself to you.

2. Pray as if He is listening, because He is. Too often, we think of prayer as a ritual or duty. But prayer is a conversation. It’s speaking to your Father and listening for His guidance. Don’t complicate it. Speak to Him as you would to a trusted friend. Pour out your heart, and take time to be still before Him.

3. Trust Him in trials. It’s in the storms of life that we often experience God most personally. Anyone can believe when the sun is shining, but faith deepens when we choose to trust Him in the dark. Every difficulty is an opportunity to discover more of who He is. Our Provider, our Comforter, our Strength, our Healer.

4. Look for Him in the ordinary. God is not just present in the big miracles. He is also at work in small, everyday moments, providing a kind word through a friend, giving peace in a restless night, or opening a door of opportunity. When we train our eyes to see Him, we will begin to recognize His hand in every part of life.

When you know God for yourself, everything changes. Your faith will no longer be fragile or easily shaken. Opinions of others will not sway you because you have encountered Him personally. Trials will not destroy you because you know the One who holds your life. Even in moments of loneliness, you will find comfort in His presence.

This is why Paul’s deepest desire was not for success, recognition, or even comfort. He wrote in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” For Paul, everything else in life was secondary compared to the priceless treasure of knowing Christ.

A Personal Challenge

So let me ask you this. Do you know about God, or do you know Him for yourself? If someone were to ask why you believe, could you answer from personal experience, or only from what you’ve heard others say?

The invitation is open. God does not want to remain distant or unknown. He longs for a personal relationship with you. Take time this week to open your Bible, not just for information but for revelation. Take a few minutes each day to pray honestly and listen quietly. In your trials, lean on Him. And in the small things, pause to give thanks for His presence.

As you do, you will find yourself moving from hearing to seeing, from knowing about Him to truly knowing Him. And that kind of faith will never fail.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Even When You’re Far From Home, God Is With You

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Imagine this: It’s 6 a.m., and the alarm goes off in a small apartment far from the comfort of home. You’re hundreds of miles away, maybe for a new job, an internship, or a semester of study, and for the first time, the quiet isn’t comforting. It’s heavy. The apartment is still, the city is just waking up, and the thought hits you: I’m on my own.

You brew your coffee, stare out the window at a street you don’t recognize, and suddenly, the distance from family, friends, and familiar faces feels enormous.

But then there’s a still, small whisper in your heart: “I am here. I’ve got you.”

It’s God. He is ever-present! No matter the city, no matter the hotel room, no matter the lonely desk where you study until midnight. He’s there in the first sip of coffee that warms your hands. He’s there in the quiet moments when you pause to take a deep breath before the day begins. He’s even there in the emails you send to loved ones, reminding you that connections endure, even across miles.

Consider the student buried in books, preparing for exams far from home. The weight of expectations presses down, the late nights feel endless, and homesickness tugs at the heart. But God is there in the clarity that comes suddenly while studying, in the courage to keep going when you feel like giving up, in the peace that slips in when you finally close your books and look out at the stars.

Psalm 139 reminds us that no distance, no circumstance, and no season can separate us from God’s presence:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there…even there, your hand will guide me.”

Think about that. Even if your path takes you across oceans, through deadlines, or into unfamiliar streets, God walks with you. He’s not a distant observer. He’s present in every step, every challenge, every lonely moment.


I recently heard about a young professional named Alex who moved to another city for a demanding job. The first week was rough – long hours, unfamiliar streets, and nights spent eating alone. One evening, exhausted and discouraged, Alex sat on the balcony, staring at the city lights, and whispered a prayer: “God, I feel so alone.”

In that quiet moment, clarity came, not as a voice, but as a peace that filled the heart. The next day, despite challenges at work, Alex found strength in that same presence. Emails that felt overwhelming became manageable, colleagues’ questions no longer felt intimidating, and even the loneliness of evenings alone started to feel lighter.

Alex realized something profound: being far from home didn’t mean being far from God. In fact, in those quiet, seemingly lonely moments, God felt closer than ever.

Closing / Encouragement
So if today you’re away from home, away from family, or feeling the weight of life’s demands, remember: you are not alone. God’s presence surrounds you. He guides you, strengthens you, and never lets go. You can face the day with confidence because the Creator of the universe is right there beside you, even in the quiet and the unknown.

And sometimes, in those moments when the world feels distant, His nearness feels even more real. You are held. You are seen. You are never alone.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Worship While You Wait.

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I heard this song recently – “I Know My God Can Do It (I’m Gonna Worship Through It)” by Tasha Layton and Chris Brown, and it’s been stuck in my spirit ever since.
The words echo with such truth for those who are waiting – waiting for healing, for breakthrough, for direction, for that prayer that still hasn’t been answered.

And as I listened, I thought about how many of us are standing in that same in-between place – holding onto faith, but feeling the weight of delay. So I decided to write this post for you –  the one who’s believing, hoping, and trying not to lose heart.

Because sometimes, the only thing you can do in the waiting is worship.

The reality is that there are seasons when everything inside you whispers, “This looks impossible.”
And yet, deep down, you know that you serve the God of the impossible.

You’ve seen His fingerprints before.
You’ve watched Him open doors you didn’t even knock on.
You’ve felt His peace when everything around you was chaos.

And maybe right now, you need that reminder again.

The song says:

“I know my God can do it, so I’m gonna worship through it.
Before I see my breakthrough, I’m gonna choose to praise You.”

That’s not just a lyric. That’s a decision – a declaration that says, “I refuse to let what I see make me forget what I believe.”

Because sometimes, faith is not about doing more.
It’s about standing still and singing anyway.

If we’re honest, waiting tests us more than almost anything else.
Waiting can drain you, discourage you, and make you doubt whether God even hears you.

But worship shifts the weight.
When you worship, you take your eyes off the clock and fix them on Christ.
You stop measuring time and start magnifying truth.

Worship doesn’t make the waiting shorter, but it makes your heart stronger.
It turns your “how long, Lord?” into “however long, I’ll trust You.”

In the middle of your “no way out,” in the middle of your “don’t know how,” God still whispers,

“Peace, be still.”

And that’s why I believe, like the song says, He will deliver you.
He always has, and He always will.

There’s a line in the song that hits me every time:

“I won’t wait ‘til the rocks cry out, I’m gonna praise You.”

That’s the kind of bold, unshakable faith we need in these days.
Because worship isn’t meant to be reactive. It’s meant to be proactive.

Don’t wait until the miracle happens to lift your hands.
Don’t wait for the breakthrough to sing Hallelujah.
Praise God now right in the middle of the mess, right where it hurts, right where you can’t see the outcome yet.

Paul and Silas praised in a prison, not a palace.
Their chains didn’t break before they worshiped. They broke because they did.

And maybe that’s what God is waiting on from you.
Not more worry. Not more effort.
Just worship.

Faith is not pretending you’re okay.
Faith is saying, “I know my God can do it even if I don’t see how.”

You might be standing in a season that feels silent, but silence doesn’t mean absence.
God is nearer in the waiting than you realize.
He’s teaching you to trust His character more than your calendar.
He’s preparing something greater than what you asked for.

So, instead of letting frustration take over, let worship rise up.
Because worship is what keeps your spirit alive when your hope starts to fade.

If you’re reading this with tears in your eyes or heaviness in your heart, I want you to know that you are not forgotten.
Your waiting is not wasted.
Your worship is not unnoticed.

He’s still working, still faithful, still God.
And when the breakthrough comes – and it will – you’ll look back and realize that your worship carried you through.

So lift your hands right here, right now.
Worship while you wait.
Because the God who’s been faithful before will be faithful again.

“I know my God can do it, so I’m gonna worship through it.”

Here is a prayer for you today

Lord, I may not see the answer yet, but I choose to trust You.
Help me worship through the waiting, praise through the pain, and believe that You’re working even in silence.
Strengthen my heart while I wait and remind me that You are still the God who can do what the world says can’t be done.


Amen.

Shut in, Sheltered, Safe

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Last week, I woke to the sound of heavy downpours (the raining cats and dogs version) and rumbling thunder rolling over the hills. Living on a tropical island, thunderstorms are not unusual. We know sudden downpours can sweep in without much warning. But what caught my attention wasn’t just the weather.

Not long after, an announcement came across the airwaves: all schools would be closed for the day.

It wasn’t surprising, but it struck me in a fresh way. The decision was made quickly by officials, not because the sun wouldn’t eventually shine again, but because the safety of children was too important to risk. Even if the storms would eventually pass, wisdom said: “Better safe than sorry.”

As I sat there thinking about it, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this mirrors the way God protects His children.

Closed for Safety

Think about the students. Some of them probably groaned when they heard schools were closed. Plans interrupted. Exams delayed. Friends not seen. Others may have cheered at the unexpected break. But whether met with joy or frustration, the truth behind the decision remained the same: it was for their safety.

God works like that in our lives. Sometimes, He closes doors, shifts plans, or interrupts the “normal flow” of our days, not because He enjoys saying no, but because He sees what we cannot. His decisions are protective and rooted in love, even when we don’t understand.

Just like the school gates remain shut to shield children from potential danger, God sometimes closes the gates on things in our lives to shield us from storms we don’t even know are coming.

The Wisdom of Protection

The Bible reminds us that God is our keeper and protector:

“The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7–8 (KJV)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

These verses paint a picture of a God who doesn’t only react when trouble shows up. He anticipates, He shields, and He surrounds His people with care. His protection is proactive.

We may not always appreciate it at the time. To a child eager to see friends, a closed school gate can feel disappointing. To us, a denied opportunity, a delayed plan, or a door that won’t open may feel frustrating. But just as children learn to trust that adults have their best interests at heart, we are called to trust the wisdom of our Heavenly Father.

The Storms We Don’t See

Thunderstorms are visible. We hear the thunder, see the rain, and understand why schools must close. But many of the “storms” God shields us from are invisible to us.

The job we didn’t get may have hidden challenges that would have harmed us.

The relationship that ended may have pulled us away from God’s plan.

The delay we faced may have been positioning us for something better ahead.

We don’t always see the full picture. But God does. And in His wisdom, He sometimes says, “Stay home. Don’t go through that gate today. I’m protecting you.”

A Call to Trust

When God closes a door, it can be tempting to complain, to ask why, or to force our own way through. But just like officials canceling school for safety, God’s “no” is often a gift we don’t recognize until later.

The challenge for us is to learn trust, to believe that if He shuts a door, it’s not punishment but protection.

Closing Thought

So the next time your plans are interrupted, your “school gates” are closed, or life takes a detour you didn’t expect, pause before frustration rises. Instead, remember this:

If God closes a gate, it may be because there’s a storm you can’t yet see. His protection is not always obvious, but it is always present.

🌿 Steps of Purpose Challenge: When you encounter a closed door, instead of asking “Why, Lord?” try asking “Lord, what are You protecting me from right now?” Let His wisdom bring peace, even in the storm.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Who Do You Love More?

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“Who do you love more? God, or…?”

It’s a question that doesn’t come easily. We often don’t ask it until life strips us of something we admire, treasure, or hold dear. Maybe it’s a dream, a relationship, a comfort, or even a ministry or calling. In those moments, we’re forced to confront the true state of our hearts: who really occupies the center of our devotion?

It’s easy to love God in the abstract, to say the words, sing the songs, and attend the meetings. But when life gives us a choice, when something we hold close is challenged or removed, our true love is revealed.

Many times, the things we admire or pursue are good and noble: our careers, family, talents, possessions, or even ministries. Yet, when they start taking priority over our relationship with God, they become distractions, even idols. We might not notice at first, but God does. And sometimes, He allows life to strip these things away, not to punish us, but to refine us.

The Bible offers clear examples of this truth:

Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22): Abraham loved his son dearly. Yet God tested him, asking him to offer Isaac. This was not a lesson in cruelty but a revelation. Did Abraham love the gift more than the Giver? His obedience showed that God was first in his heart.

Jesus’ Teaching (Matthew 22:37): “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” True love for God is not partial; it must be total, undivided. Anything else we cherish should flow from that primary devotion, not compete with it.

Treasures and the Heart (Matthew 6:21): “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What we cling to most shows where our heart truly lies. If our treasure is in temporary things, our love is at risk of being misplaced.

Sometimes, God allows us to experience loss, limitation, or challenge to reveal where our true loyalty lies. When life strips away what we love or admire, we are confronted with a simple but profound question: If everything else is gone, is God still enough?

This stripping away can feel painful. It can leave us confused, hurt, and questioning. But it is also an invitation to grow closer to God, to examine our hearts, and to reorder our affections. It is an opportunity to discover that God Himself is the ultimate treasure? – unchanging, sufficient, and perfect.

Reflections for the Heart

1. Evaluate Your Priorities: What do you cling to most? What would you mourn deeply if God asked you to let it go? These are windows into your heart.

2. Recognize the Refining Process: Stripping away is not punishment. It is God’s loving hand reshaping your devotion, so your love for Him becomes the foundation for all other loves.

3. Trust God’s Sufficiency: When everything else falls away, His presence remains. He is enough. Lean into Him. Seek His guidance, comfort, and provision.


4. Align Your Love: Loving God first does not mean neglecting family, dreams, or responsibilities. It means allowing God to be the lens through which all other loves are expressed, keeping our hearts rightly ordered.

A Challenge for Today

So, when life strips away what you hold dear and leaves you standing with nothing but God, ask yourself: Who do I love more?

It’s a question that will reveal your heart’s true devotion. And it’s an invitation to realign your life around the One who deserves all your love.

When you place God first, everything else finds its proper place. The blessings, the relationships, and the achievements all flow from the heart that loves God supremely. And even when they are gone, God remains. He is steadfast, unfailing, and sufficient.

So pause today. Reflect. Pray. And let the question linger in your heart: Who do I love more? God, or the things I hold close?

Because when God becomes the center of our love, we discover a freedom, a peace, and a purpose that nothing else in this world can give.

Grace and peace,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Every Blessing Doesn’t Need an Audience

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Last week, I saw a WhatsApp quote which stuck with me. EVERY BLESSING DOESNT NEED AN AUDIENCE.

We live in a culture where visibility feels almost like validation. From the moment something good happens, the natural instinct for many is to grab a phone, take a picture, and share it with the world. Promotions, new homes, answered prayers, and even the little wins of life are quickly broadcasted. Social media is flooded with stories of victories and breakthroughs, and it can sometimes feel as though if we don’t share it, it didn’t really happen.

But here’s the truth we need to hold onto: every blessing doesn’t need an audience.

God often works in ways that are quiet, intimate, and unseen. Not every miracle is meant for the spotlight. Some blessings are designed to be kept close, pondered in our hearts, and savored in silence. They are not less valuable because they’re hidden. In fact, they often carry even more weight because they’re deeply personal moments between you and your Creator.

We’ve grown accustomed to sharing everything. When God answers a prayer, we want to prove His faithfulness. When He blesses us materially, we want to show His provision.

While there is absolutely a place for testimony, scripture even calls us to declare His works, there is also wisdom in knowing when to keep things private.

Sometimes, in our rush to show others, we risk losing the sacredness of what God has done. A blessing displayed too quickly can be misunderstood, criticized, or even envied. Worse still, we might unintentionally shift the focus from God’s glory to people’s approval. What was meant to strengthen our faith can become watered down by the pursuit of likes and applause.

Hidden blessings are not wasted blessings. When God gives you inner peace during a storm, there’s no photo that could capture it. When He whispers comfort in the middle of a sleepless night, there’s no post that can fully describe it. When He quietly provides for your needs in a way only you could recognize, that testimony may be too personal for public consumption, and that’s okay.

Jesus Himself taught the value of what is unseen. In Matthew 6:6, He said: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The emphasis here is not on the audience but on the relationship. God doesn’t need the world to see in order to bless. His rewards often come in the secret place.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, also modeled this. After the shepherds came and shared the angel’s announcement of Christ’s birth, Luke 2:19 tells us: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Not everything she experienced was shouted from the rooftops. She carried those divine moments within her soul as treasures too holy to be explained.

When we keep certain blessings private, several powerful things happen:

1. It strengthens intimacy with God. Some experiences are meant to deepen your personal walk with Him, not to be shared for public validation.

2. It guards against pride. Keeping blessings private reminds us that God’s goodness is about His glory, not our display.

3. It protects the sacred. There are blessings that lose their weight when exposed too soon. Some things need time to be nurtured before being shared.

4. It shields from unnecessary pressure. When blessings are shared too widely, expectations and opinions from others can cloud the joy God intended you to have.

Living the Lesson

This doesn’t mean we should never share what God is doing. Testimonies encourage others and bring glory to Him. But the key is discernment. Ask God, “Lord, is this a blessing to share or a blessing to cherish?”

Sometimes, the testimony is in the telling, and other times, the testimony is in the living. You don’t always have to prove that God has been good to you; your peace, your joy, and your walk will reflect it.

So the next time God blesses you, whether it’s a prayer answered, strength renewed, or a quiet miracle, pause before you post. Consider that it may not be meant for an audience. It may be meant to rest in your heart as a holy reminder that God sees you, loves you, and is at work in your life because every blessing doesn’t need an audience. Some blessings are too precious, too sacred, and too personal to be shared with the world. They are God’s love notes written on the tablet of your heart, treasures meant for you and Him alone.

Grace and blessings,

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew