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5 Scriptures to Hold On To When Life Feels Heavy

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There are days when everything just feels…too much. The kind of days where your body is present, but your heart is somewhere else. You smile when people are looking, but inside you feel like you are just holding it together with spiritual duct tape.

If you’ve been there, or you are there right now, this post is for you. Life gets heavy sometimes. But thankfully, we don’t have to carry that weight alone. God invites us to bring our burdens to Him and lean on His Word when we feel weakest.

Here are 5 scriptures that have helped me breathe when life felt suffocating. Maybe they’ll do the same for you.

1. “Come to Me, all who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28-30)

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Jesus never said, “Figure it out and then come.” He said, “Come as you are. Tired, burnt out, broken – come.”

Some of us carry weight we were never meant to carry. Emotional weight, financial weight, the pressure to be strong for everyone around us. But Jesus says, “Let me trade that yoke for mine. It’s lighter, and I’ll carry it with you.”

This isn’t just about physical rest; it’s soul-deep. That inner exhale we’ve been craving? It’s found in Him.

2. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” (Psalm 34:18)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

When your heart is shattered into pieces, you may wonder where God is. But the truth is He has never been closer.

God doesn’t run from our pain. He leans into it. He sits with us in the silence, in the tears, and in the confusion. You don’t have to hide your sadness from Him. He’s not afraid of your rawest emotions. In fact, He honors them.

He’s near even when it doesn’t feel like it.

3. “Cast your cares on the Lord…” (Psalm 55:22)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22

Some days, “casting your cares” feels more like flinging them in desperation. That’s okay.

God doesn’t need your prayers to be pretty. He just needs them to be real. Whether it’s whispered, wept, or written in your journal, He hears it. And He promises this: if you give Him the weight, He’ll give you the strength to stand.

4. “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

– 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

There’s something strangely beautiful about realizing you can’t do it all. It reminds us that we were never meant to.

Paul, who wrote this verse, had some kind of ongoing struggle. He prayed for it to go away more than once. God’s answer? “My grace is enough.”

Maybe God isn’t removing the struggle right now, but He’s giving you grace in the middle of it. Sufficient grace for today. Sufficient strength for this hour. Sometimes, that’s all we need.

5. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31)

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Life will wear you down but glory be to God, hope lifts you up.

This verse doesn’t promise an escape from life’s demands. It promises strength for the journey.That kind of strength that doesn’t come from more sleep or caffeine. It comes from hope anchored in God.

Even if you’re not soaring today, maybe you’re walking. And that still counts. You’re still moving forward. You’re still standing. And that matters.

Final Thoughts

If life feels heavy right now, don’t pretend it’s not. You don’t need to slap on a fake smile for God. Bring Him the tears, the exhaustion, the questions – all of it. Let His Word steady your soul.

And if you only remember one thing today, let it be this:

You don’t have to carry it alone.

This wraps up our final post for the week. Thank you for joining me on this journey of encouragement and hope. I will be back on Monday with more uplifting content to inspire your walk of faith.

The Lie the Enemy Wants You to Believe

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If the enemy can get you to believe this one lie, he can rob you of your purpose.

By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Let’s talk about a lie that is more dangerous than most people realize. It doesn’t scream. It doesn’t show up with flashing lights. It whispers. And the more you listen, the more it sinks in: “You are not good enough.”

Sound familiar?

It shows up when you’re scrolling through social media when someone else gets the opportunity you prayed for or when you make a mistake and suddenly begin to question everything.

The truth? This lie is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons because if he can make you believe it, he can keep you small… silent… stuck.

Why This Lie Works So Well

The enemy does not have to destroy your life to derail your purpose.He just has to plant one seed of doubt and let it grow.

You will talk yourself out of dreams.

You will settle for less than God’s best.

You will hesitate when you should’ve moved.

And all the while, the enemy’s plan is working.

But what if I told you that God already gave you everything you need to defeat this?

Let’s Go Back to the Beginning

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart…” – Jeremiah 1:5

Let that sink in for a second. Before you ever breathed your first breath, God knew you. Notice that He didn’t just know about you. He formed you. He set you apart. He gave you purpose.

So while the enemy says you’re not good enough, God says, “You were made for this.”

Not Enough? Maybe That’s the Point

Here’s the twist: on your own, you are not enough. None of us are, but the enemy stops there.

God doesn’t.

God takes your “not enough” and fills in every gap with His grace.

Where you’re weak, He’s strong.

Where you fall short, He covers you.

Where you feel disqualified, He calls you anyway.

So when you feel that lie creeping in, “You can’t do this, you’re not enough” you answer should be:

“Maybe I’m not. But He is. And He lives in me.”

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Have Purpose

Let’s be real,if God only used perfect people, there would be no Bible.

Moses doubted.

Gideon hid.

David fell.

Peter denied.

Paul persecuted.

And yet, God used every single one of them, not because they had it all together but because they trusted the One who did. You don’t need perfection. What you really need is obedience.

So, How Do You Fight the Lie?

1. Call It Out.

That voice telling you you’re not enough? That’s not God.

God convicts to build you up. Satan accuses to tear you down. Know the difference.

2. Speak the Truth, Even If You Don’t Feel It.

Start with Jeremiah 1:5. Write it down. Say it aloud. Every time that lie shows up, answer with truth.

3. Take the Step Anyway.

You may still feel be fearful, but that’s okay.

Faith isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about trusting the One who’s already gone before you.

Final Thought

You were created on purpose, for a purpose.

And no lie, no matter how loud, can cancel what God already wrote about you so the next time the enemy says you’re not enough? Smile. And say, “That’s okay. My God is.” Move forward boldly, bravely, and fully aligned with the One who called you because you were never meant to do this without Him anyway.

Let’s keep the conversation going:

Have you heard this lie before? How are you pushing back against it? Drop a comment. Let’s encourage one another one step at a time.

Ready to break free from fear for good? Let me encourage you to grab your copy of Fearless: 15 Biblical Keys to Conquer Fear and step boldly into your God-given purpose.

Whose Voice Are You Listening To?

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Finding God’s Guidance in the Noise of Life

By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

It’s amazing how loud life can get when things start to fall apart.

When we’re in the middle of heartbreak, setbacks, delays, or confusion, it feels like everyone has something to say. Some of those voices come from outside, but many of them rise from within us. The chatter can be overwhelming: “You’re not good enough.” “This will never change.” “Maybe you heard God wrong.”

In those tough places, where direction feels foggy and peace feels far, one question quietly rises above the noise:

Whose voice are you really listening to?

The Noise Gets Louder in the Valley

We often think that when we are walking in purpose, we will feel more confident. But the truth? Purpose doesn’t always come with certainty. Sometimes it comes with resistance, with silence, and with spiritual static.

It is in those in-between spaces when the job offer falls through, when the healing hasn’t come, when the vision feels stuck on pause, that we hear all kinds of voices. The voice of fear. The voice of doubt. The voice of comparison. Even the voice of culture telling us to “hustle harder” or “be your own god.”

But here’s the thing: God is still speaking. The question is whether we have given Him room to be heard.

A Quiet Whisper, Not a Shout

In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah is worn out. He’s on the run, discouraged, isolated, and desperate to hear from God. And God does come, but not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire.

God showed up in a gentle whisper.

That alone says so much. God isn’t competing for attention like the other voices. He doesn’t shout over the noise. Instead, He invites us to step away from the chaos, to the quiet, to the stillness, where His voice becomes clearer.

Jesus did the same. Over and over, Scripture shows Him retreating to solitary places to pray. If He needed that space to hear from the Father, how much more do we?

Identifying the Voices

Let’s break it down. When life gets noisy, we’re usually hearing from one of these:

The Voice of Fear

Tells you that it’s too late. That you’re stuck. That the worst is coming.

Fear magnifies the storm but minimizes God’s presence in it.

The Voice of Doubt

Questions your worth, your ability, your calling.

The Voice of Comparison

Tells you everyone else is doing better, moving faster, and trusting God more faithfully.

It robs you of gratitude and blinds you to the unique path God has for you.

The Voice of Culture

Pushes self-made success, instant gratification, and image over substance.

It will always pull you toward busyness and burnout instead of rest and trust.

The Voice of God

Doesn’t condemn.It corrects lovingly.

It anchors you in peace. It reminds you of who you are and who He is.

His voice often echoes His Word, aligns with His Spirit, and leads you closer to Him—not away.

Learning to Tune In

So how do we hear God clearly when life is loud?

1. Create quiet moments on purpose

Even 10 minutes without your phone, with a journal and your Bible, can shift the atmosphere in your heart.

God isn’t silent—He’s waiting for space.

2. Filter what you feed your soul

What are you watching? Listening to? Reading?

If you’re constantly plugged into the world’s voice, it’ll be hard to recognize heaven’s whisper.

3. Lean into the Word

God’s voice never contradicts His Word. The more Scripture you hide in your heart, the more clearly you’ll recognize His leading.

4. Ask and expect

Ask Him directly: “Lord, what are You saying in this moment?”

Expect that He will answer in peace, in clarity, sometimes through others, but always in His perfect time.

When You’re Not Sure What You’re Hearing…

Here’s something to hold on to: God is not the author of confusion. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure, it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to admit, “I don’t know.” That’s not weakness. That’s an invitation for God to lead.

And maybe right now, you don’t need to figure everything out. Maybe you just need to turn down the volume of the world, of fear, of expectations, and tune into grace.

A Closing Thought

You are not alone in the noise. And no matter how loud the voices around you get, the still, steady voice of your Shepherd is still speaking.

Sometimes all it takes is one word from God to calm the chaos.

So take a breath. Create the space. Ask the question: “Whose voice am I listening to?”

And then…shhhhhh … be still enough to hear Him answer.

Let’s Talk About It

What voices have been the loudest in your life lately? Have you been able to recognize God’s whisper in the middle of the noise?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or send me a message. Steps of Purpose is all about honest, faith-filled conversation, and I would love to hear what’s on your mind.

And if this post encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder to pause, breathe, and listen for God’s voice again.

Don’t miss future posts. Subscribe below and let’s keep walking in purpose together.

How to Talk to God in a Busy Life

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Real Prayer for Real People

By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

If you are too busy to pray, you’re too busy! A bit harsh right? Well I can assure you that these words are impregnated with truth. The undeniable truth is we make time for what matters. The reality is if we are not making time to talk to God, we need to stop and ask ourselves: What have we allowed to come first?

If you are feeling spiritually distant or disconnected, maybe it is not a lack of faith. It may be a lack of intentional prayer.

But there’s hope: you can turn that around starting today.

Why Christians Struggle to Pray Consistently

Let’s talk real-life.

We wake up tired, reach for our phones, rush through the day, and collapse into bed.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges Christians face today is maintaining a consistent prayer life in a world that never slows down.

But spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident.

Prayer is the oxygen of our faith. Without it, we slowly suffocate.

What Happens When We Don’t Pray

  • We grow distant from God without realizing it.
  • Our peace is replaced by anxiety.
  • We become reactive, not Spirit-led.
  • Sin becomes easier, and conviction fades.
  • We live like we don’t need Him even if we say we do.

If any of that hits home, don’t ignore it. This isn’t just about discipline, it’s about relationship. God is waiting on you not because He needs it but because you do.

How to Pray Even When Life Is Busy

You don’t need an hour and a quiet room. You just need to start. Here’s how:

1. Pray in the “In-Betweens”

  • Talk to God in the car.
  • Whisper His name in the shower.
  • Pray before you send that risky message.

God is not limited to your “quiet time.”

2. Keep It Simple and Honest

You don’t need King James language.

Talk to Him with simple words:

“Lord, I’m overwhelmed. I need your help.”

“God, I feel far from You. Bring me back.”

“Jesus, give me strength for this moment.”

Prayer is less about fancy words and more about a surrendered heart.

3. Build Triggers Into Your Day

  • Use sticky notes with Scripture
  • Set a daily reminder that says “Pause and pray”
  • Turn off music and pray during your commute
  • Pair prayer with routines: brushing teeth, washing dishes, folding laundry

Let prayer weave into your normal, not just sit on the sidelines.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about your spiritual survival.

If the enemy can’t cause you to engage in sin, he will keep you busy.

Too busy to hear God, too tired to pray, too distracted to notice how dry your soul has become.

But you can change that.

Right now.

Today.

With a whisper, a breath, a moment of surrender.

Final Word: Don’t Let Busyness Rob You of the Presence of God

Jesus pulled away often to pray—not because He had time, but because He made time.

And if Jesus needed prayer in His busy life—how much more do we?

So yes, this is a wake-up call.

Not to shame you—but to remind you: you’re starving your spirit when you skip prayer.

Talk to Him again.

He’s not far.

He’s right there in the middle of your chaos—waiting for you to say one word:

“Lord.”

God is Not an ATM

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Why Faith Isn’t Just About Getting What You Want

By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

Let’s be honest, we have all done it. Life gets hard, things fall apart, bills pile up, dreams get delayed, and suddenly, we are dialing heaven like it’s customer service. “Hey God, it’s me again… can I get a quick breakthrough? Something instant, please?”

And just like that, we start treating God like an ATM.

You punch in the right spiritual codes : go to church, say a quick prayer, maybe even fast for a day, and expect immediate results. When the “transaction” doesn’t go through, you walk away frustrated. Disappointed. Sometimes, even doubting.

But here’s the truth we don’t always like to admit: God is not an ATM. He’s not a machine designed to spit out blessings on demand. He’s not a genie in a lamp, nor is He obligated to fulfill every request the moment we ask.

Prayer is not a transaction. It’s a relationship.

The Instant Culture Problem

We live in a world where almost everything is instant, instant coffee, instant downloads, instant noodles. If something takes more than a few seconds to load, we’re annoyed. Waiting is not our strong suit.

Unfortunately, this mindset creeps into our spiritual lives too. We expect God to work on our timeline, at our pace, and in our way. When He doesn’t? We think something’s broken. Or worse, that He’s ignoring us.

But maybe, just maybe, God’s delay is not His denial. Maybe the silence isn’t rejection. Maybe it’s preparation.

What Are You Really Asking For?

Let’s pause for a moment and get real. When we go to God in prayer, what are we truly seeking?

Are we looking for His heart… or just His hand?

There’s nothing wrong with asking God for things. In fact, He encourages it. Scripture says, “Ask and it will be given to you.” But that’s only part of the story. The bigger question is: Are we seeking relationship or just results?

If the only time we talk to God is when we need something, then we’ve missed the entire point of faith.

Waiting Doesn’t Mean Wasting

Take a look through Scripture and you’ll notice a trend: God rarely gives big answers right away.

Abraham waited decades for the promised son.

Joseph had dreams in his youth but spent years in prison before promotion.

David was anointed as king long before he ever sat on a throne.

Jesus waited 30 years to begin His ministry.

The delay didn’t mean God forgot. It meant God was preparing.

Sometimes, the waiting room is where the real work happens, where character is built, faith is strengthened, and our dependence on God deepens.

So if you’re praying and not seeing answers right away, don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep trusting. You may not see it, but God is always working behind the scenes.

Faith Is Not a Formula

Here’s something else to remember: there’s no magic formula.

You can’t “trick” God into blessing you faster by praying longer or sounding more spiritual. Faith isn’t a vending machine. You don’t insert coins of good behavior and get divine goodies in return.

God sees beyond the words. He sees your heart. And sometimes the greatest answer to prayer isn’t the thing you asked for, but the transformation that happens in the asking.

A Better Perspective

Instead of approaching God with a checklist, what if we came to Him with open hands?

What if prayer wasn’t just about getting things—but about getting to know the One who gives?

What if our faith wasn’t based on what God does for us—but on who He is?

God is a loving Father, not a machine. And like any good parent, He sometimes says “not yet,” or even “no”, not because He’s cruel, but because He sees the bigger picture. Because He knows what we don’t.

Final Thoughts

So the next time you’re tempted to treat God like an ATM, take a step back. Breathe. Remember that He’s not just your Provider, He’s your Father, your Friend, your Sustainer, your Shepherd.

He loves you too much to rush your growth. He’s not ignoring you—He’s shaping you. And the waiting, though hard, is holy ground.

Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Trust Him.

Not for the transaction, but for the transformation.

So, as you step into this new week, remember, God’s not your ATM. He’s your Father, your Guide, your ever-present help. His timing isn’t just right—it’s perfect. And even when it feels like you’re waiting, He’s working.

Thanks for starting your week here with Steps of Purpose. If today’s post resonated with you, feel free to like, share, or subscribe—it helps more than you know.

And if fear or uncertainty has been knocking lately, consider picking up a copy of my book Fearless: 15 Biblical Keys to Conquer Fear. It’s packed with biblical insight and practical encouragement to help you walk boldly in faith.

Let’s keep walking in purpose—see you in the next post!

Grace in the Growing

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Embracing the Quiet Work of God in all Seasons

By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

It’s Friday so maybe you are catching your breath, looking back at the week, and wondering, “Did I actually grow… or just survive?”

Let’s talk about that.

We live in a world that celebrates obvious wins, big announcements, highlight reels and shiny milestones. But real growth? The kind that lasts? It doesn’t usually look that glamorous. In fact, sometimes growth feels like losing – losing control, losing certainty, even losing the version of yourself you have clung to for too long.

But here’s something I am learning: God does His best work in the places where we feel the weakest.

We don’t always grow in the light. We often grow in the dark.
In the waiting room.
In the quiet nights.
In the wrestle between who we were and who we are becoming.
And it’s messy. Oh, it’s messy.
But God is not allergic to our mess.

In fact, He meets us right in it—with grace.

🌱 Growth Isn’t Always Obvious

There are seasons when everything looks like it’s standing still. No open doors. No signs. Just you, showing up and doing your best. And in those moments, it is easy to feel like you are failing or falling short.

But growth does not always look like movement.
Sometimes it looks like rooting.
Sometimes it looks like being still long enough to let God rewire your heart, your habits, your mindset.

Think about a seed. It disappears into the dirt before it ever breaks ground. And in that hidden place, it’s doing its most important work – building what is needed to support the future bloom.

You’re not behind.
You’re not too late.
You’re being rooted.
And that rooting is sacred.

✂️ Even Healthy Branches Get Pruned

Let’s go deeper into this:

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
— John 15:2 (NIV)

We don’t talk about this enough. Even the fruitful branches get cut back.
Not because they are bad, but because God sees potential for even more.

Let that sit with you.

Sometimes the very areas where you were thriving suddenly feel like they’re being stripped away. The dream you loved fizzles out. The opportunity closes. The role changes. The plan falls apart. And you think, “God… why now?”

But pruning isn’t punishment. It’s preparation.

It’s God saying, “There is more in you, and I am making space for it.”

We often think of grace as the thing that catches us when we fall. But grace is also the force that shapes us when we rise. It’s not just soft. It’s strategic.
Most importantly, it knows what needs to be trimmed so the real you can flourish.

💡 What If the Struggle is the Soil?

Maybe the frustration you are feeling right now isn’t a sign that something’s wrong. Maybe it’s a sign that something’s being formed.

You’re learning to trust without all the answers.
You’re learning to lean on God, not your own timeline.
You’re being trained in patience, resilience and humility.

Yes, it hurts.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable.
But the most meaningful growth usually is.

Remember, transformation isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s quiet. Slow. Sacred.

You don’t have to “feel” strong to be growing.
You don’t have to “look” like progress to be making it.

And just because your growth is invisible doesn’t mean it’s insignificant.

🙌 Grace in Every Season

Grace is not just what saved you—it’s what’s sustaining you.

It meets you in the middle of a hard day.
It whispers when anxiety screams.
It holds you when you don’t have the words.
It covers the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

So take a breath.
Release the pressure to bloom perfectly.
Let go of the guilt that comes with slow seasons.

You’re not less spiritual because you’re struggling.
You’re not less useful because you’re tired.
You’re not less faithful because you’re asking questions.

You’re growing. And grace is growing with you.

🌼 Let’s End Here:

Don’t despise the dirt.
Don’t rush the roots.
Don’t curse the quiet.

Every inch of your journey is being used.
And God wastes nothing—not even the parts that feel confusing right now.

This weekend, let your soul rest in this simple truth:
Grace is not performance-based. It’s presence-based.
God’s matchless grace is with you in the stretch, in the shift and in the stillness.

You’re not just getting through this season.
You’re being formed in it.

And when the time is right, the fruit will speak for itself.

✨ A Reflection for the Soul:

Where do I see pruning in my life? Can I trust that it’s for more fruit, not less worth?

🙏 A Prayer for the Journey:

Father, thank You for seeing what I don’t and for working in places I can’t. Help me to trust the seasons that don’t make sense and lean on Your grace when I feel weak. Remind me that growth is still growth, even when it’s slow. I trust You in the process. Amen.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to: Like it, and Share it with a friend. Subscribe so you don’t miss Monday’s post!

As we wrap up the last blog of the week, here is a gentle nudge before the weekend begins: if you are looking for a powerful, faithful read to inspire and strengthen you, check out Fearless: 15 Biblical Keys to Conquer Fear. Its a great companion for quiet reflection or bold next steps.

Meanwhile, if you have been enjoying our posts, feel free to like and share. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Monday’s post!

Have a blessed weekend!

Still Held

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To the One Reading This From a Hospital Bed (or a Hard Place)

Hey you. Yes, you are lying there in quiet moments. The hum of machines and the shuffle of footsteps in the hallway from the doctors, nurses, visitors, ward aides and other hospital staff have become your daily soundtrack.
Maybe you’re just scrolling through your phone to pass the time. Or maybe, deep down, you hope that something or anything will find you in this space. Your hope is that it will speak directly to the ache you’re carrying.

If so, let this find you.

I may not know your name, your diagnosis, symptoms, scan results, or what the doctors have said. I don’t know how tired your body feels or how loud your fears have been. But I do know this:

You are not alone.

You are seen. You are known. You are still in the fight. You are probably asking yourself right now, “Am I really still in the fight?” Yes You are! What is that fight? It’s taking another breath or probably enduring another test. For many, it is just making it to the end of the day.

There’s something about hard places including hospital beds, recovery rooms, or even the unspoken pain of someone silently struggling. These moments have a way of shrinking your world. Time slows. Thoughts get louder. And suddenly, you are face to face with questions you never thought you’d ask:
“Will I ever feel whole again?”
“Does God even care about what I’m going through?”

Yes. Yes, He does!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Not distant. Not silent. Not maybe.
Very present. Right now. Right here.

In the stillness, listening to the beeps of the monitors, embracing the nurse check-ins, with the quiet tears that fall when no one’s watching, He’s with you. Maybe you are reading this while tears are trickling down your face so I am going to say this again. GOD IS WITH YOU!!

You don’t have to be strong all the time. You don’t need the right words, the bravest face, or the perfect prayer. Real strength is found in your surrender. It shows up in the whispered, “God, I’m tired,” or the soft cry of “Help me through this.” It’s in the way you keep breathing, keep showing up, and keep holding on even when you feel like there seems to be no end to the pain.

Hmm.. was that a smile? A flicker…a hint… but a smile nonetheless! Smiling through the storms of life is not easy but sometimes, somehow, God uses someone to remind you that He is there with you and then, just like that, you get a prolonged dose of adrenaline.

So this is not just another motivational post from steps.of.purpose blog. Let me be very clear: This is Personal. This message was written with intention. You were on God’s mind long before you opened your eyes this morning.

Whether you are here because of illness, injury, surgery, or an invisible weight no one else sees, your story matters. Not just the outcome, but these parts too:
The waiting.
The weeping.
The wondering.
The becoming.

You are not forgotten.

Let me say that again: You are not forgotten.

God has walked into rooms like yours long before you ever knew how to call on Him. He has stood beside beds, held trembling hands, whispered peace into panic, and brought healing to places medicine couldn’t reach. And He is not done yet.

Maybe all you can do today is rest. That’s enough.
Maybe all you can pray is, “Lord, hold me.” That’s enough.
Maybe you’re just surviving. That too is enough.

Your life is not on pause. Your purpose is not canceled. This pain you have endured for the past few days, weeks, months, or even years is not the end of your story.

You may be in the valley, but you won’t stay there.
Healing is still possible. Peace will find you. Joy, even if it initially shows up in flickers, will return – not because you force it, but because the source of peace and joy is with you.

So let this post be more than words.
Let it be a reminder that your pain is not unseen, your heart is not overlooked, and your life is still wrapped in the hands of a God who is both gentle and mighty.

You are seen.
You are loved.
And even now, even here, your story is being held together by the One who never lets go.

So, get yourself as comfortable as you can be on the bed, think of something that you probably overlooked or took for granted, the ‘simple” things in life like some good memories of time spent with family, the fact that you are still breathing and of course how can I forget, unless someone is reading this to you, the gift of sight. I guarantee you that focusing on the many blessings and treasured moments will help you make it through your day.

But wait! I know what you are thinking (even if I am no mind reader) “It’s not easy to reflect on blessings when you are in pain or married to to the daily doses of medications and afflictions.” Of course not! But I challenge you today to think of just one thing that God blessed you with today. Just one!! none are too small or insignificant! Ask a family member or even your nurse to get you a pen and a sheet of paper and write down one a day. Yeah I know, What paper and pen thing is he talking about? We are living in a technologically infused era. Yes,I agree! You could use your device to type in today’s blessing.

When you finally receive your discharge note and you are comfortable at home, get out that list. The many blessings that you have overlooked over the years will amaze you.

He Sees, He Knows, He Cares

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By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

There are moments in life when the pain feels too deep for words. Maybe you are there right now sitting in the quiet, trying to make sense of grief, loss, or uncertainty. Probably your heart is carrying something heavy, and even though you are surrounded by people, you feel alone. If that’s you today, I want you to know: God sees you.

This isn’t just a comforting phrase. It’s a powerful truth. The God who created the universe sees you, knows you, and cares deeply about what you are going through.

You may not have all the answers. You may feel like your prayers are hitting the ceiling. You may be wondering why this happened or when the pain will ease. But even in the middle of all that confusion, you are not alone.

God Sees Every Tear

There’s a beautiful verse in Psalm 56:8 that says, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Think about that for a moment. The tears you have cried in secret,and those you didn’t even have the strength to explain, God has seen and remembered every single one. He hasn’t overlooked your pain. He hasn’t brushed it aside. He holds it gently, with compassion and love.

You might be going through a season of loss.It could be the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or even the loss of hope. I want you to know that God is not distant in your sorrow. He draws near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

You Are Not Invisible

There are times we wonder if anyone truly sees what we’re going through. We smile on the outside, serve others, and keep moving but inside, we are barely holding it together. In those hidden places, God meets us. He doesn’t need you to have it all figured out. He just asks that you open up to Him honestly, raw, and real.

In Genesis 16, Hagar, a woman running away in pain and rejection, encounters God in the wilderness. After her encounter, she gives God the name “El Roi,” which means “The God who sees me.” That one moment changed everything for her. She felt seen, valued, and known.

Maybe that’s what you need today: the reminder that you are not overlooked. You’re not forgotten. You’re not just another face in the crowd. You are known and cared for by the One who matters most.

God Walks With You

Faith doesn’t mean we won’t feel the weight of sorrow. It doesn’t mean we will always understand God’s timing or plan. But it does mean is that we have an anchor. We have a Savior who doesn’t just observe our pain from a distance. He is right there with us even in the midst of our suffering. Jesus knows grief. He knows betrayal. He knows abandonment. And He walks with us through every season.

Even now, He’s walking with you.

The strength you need for today, He provides it. The comfort your heart longs for, He offers it. The hope you’re searching for, It’s found in Him.

Hope Still Lives

Our hope isn’t based on what we can see or feel. It’s based on who God is -unchanging, faithful, full of mercy. He does not promise us a life free of hardship, but He does promise us His presence. He promises peace that passes understanding. He promises that He will never leave or forsake us.

You don’t have to navigate this season on your own. You don’t have to pretend to be strong. Let God meet you in your weakness. Let Him carry you when you can’t take another step.

A Prayer for You Today

Lord, for the one reading this who feels weighed down by life, meet them right where they are. Wrap them in Your comfort. Speak peace to their heart. Let them feel Your presence more tangibly than ever before. Remind them that they are seen, known, and loved. Give them strength for today, and hope for tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faithful Reminder

If you are in a season of sorrow or waiting, don’t lose heart. Your story is not over. God is still writing beautiful chapters, even if right now, it feels like you’re stuck in the middle of a painful one.

He sees. He knows. He cares.

Finding Purpose in Hidden Places: Lessons from David

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By Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew

There’s something deeply painful about being overlooked.

It can happen in the workplace — when your efforts go unnoticed and someone else gets the promotion.

It can happen in relationships — when you pour into others but feel invisible in return.

It can even happen in church. Your gifts are unseen. Your voice is unheard. You start wondering if you even matter.

If you’ve ever felt invisible, unrecognized, or dismissed, you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not without value.

Let’s sit with the story of David for a moment.

When the prophet Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, God sent him to Jesse’s house. Jesse had several sons. Strong. Impressive. The men you would expect to lead a nation.

But God didn’t choose them.

Samuel went down the line, son after son, and kept hearing no. Eventually, he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

That’s when Jesse says, “Well… there is still the youngest, but he is tending the sheep.” (1 Samuel 16:11)

It’s almost laughable. David wasn’t even considered worthy of being in the room.

His own father didn’t invite him to the lineup. He was doing chores in the background while history was being made in the living room.

But God saw him.

And God chose him.

God’s Eyes Work Differently

Here’s the beautiful thing: while people see potential in what’s loud, visible, and shiny — God sees what’s hidden. He sees the heart. The character. The unseen consistency. The late nights and quiet prayers. The serving behind the scenes. The kindness when no one’s watching.

In fact, God often does His best choosing in hidden places.

David was anointed not because of what man saw, but because of what God knew.

If you’ve been waiting for someone to notice your worth, this is your reminder: God already has. You don’t need to be in the spotlight to be significant. Your value is not defined by public recognition — it’s rooted in God’s calling over your life.

What to Do When You Feel Overlooked

1. Stay Faithful Where You Are

David didn’t storm the room. He didn’t push his way ahead. He was faithfully tending the sheep. That’s not glamorous work; it’s dirty, lonely, and thankless. But it mattered. It prepared him for the battles ahead.

Sometimes God allows hidden seasons to shape our hearts. You are doing unseen work, but heaven sees it all.

2. Don’t Compete for Attention

It’s tempting to prove ourselves, to shout “Look at me!” But there’s a quiet confidence in knowing that God promotes in His timing. If the doors haven’t opened yet, maybe the stage isn’t the problem. Maybe God is still preparing you for the stage..

3. Remember You’re Not Defined by Others’ Opinions

Jesse saw David as “just a shepherd boy.” Many may label you as ordinary, limited, or unprepared. But God defines you by His intention, not their perception. David was a king in the making long before he wore a crown.

Hidden But Not Forgotten

Here’s the truth: Being overlooked by people does not mean you are forgotten by God.

In fact, some of the most powerful callings are forged in silence. Think about Moses on the backside of the desert. Think about Joseph in prison.

Being hidden does not cancel purpose. It prepares you for it.

You may not be in the spotlight, but you are in the process.

You may not be seen by many, but you are known by God.

And He never overlooks what He’s invested in.

So if you’re reading this and feeling invisible, let me tell you something: You are not forgotten!.

Your quiet faithfulness matters. Your unseen service matters. Your heart, your tears, your obedience – it all matters.

David was anointed in front of his brothers, but he didn’t rush to the palace. He went back to the field. And in time, God elevated him at just the right moment.

He’ll do the same for you. So keep tending your sheep. Keep walking in purpose. Keep trusting that the One who sees in secret knows exactly when to bring you ahead.

He hasn’t overlooked you. He’s preparing you and when the time comes, He will call your name just like He called David’s.

Welcome to Steps of Purpose

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This is a space created with one goal in mind: to walk with you on your journey of faith. We also aim to support your personal growth and purposeful living.

Life is full of twists, turns, and moments where we wonder if we are truly moving ahead. You are navigating seasons of doubt. You are seeking clarity in your calling or you simply need encouragement to keep going. This blog was born to remind you that you’re not walking alone.

Here, we blend Biblical truths with real-life reflection. Each post is written to uplift your heart, challenge your thinking, and spark a deeper connection with God. You will move from overcoming fear to embracing grace in your daily grind. Every word points back to the One who orders our steps. This is true even when the path doesn’t make sense.

If you are longing for more than surface-level faith, this is your space. If you’re ready to live with purpose in every season, this is your space.

Let’s walk it out together one step at a time.

You were made for more. You were made to walk in purpose.