About the Author

At (in)courage, we empower women to be like Jesus. Our writers share what’s going on in their life and how God’s right in the middle of it. They bring their joys & struggles so that you can feel less alone and be empowered by the hope Jesus gives.

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things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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  1. I, too long for past days of good health and happy conquering times. As I have aged–I am 61 now, I have learned from the past.
    Through illness that is chronic, divorce, the death of my steadfast supportive Christian parents, living with my oldest son and his family with little ones running around and reflecting on my own sons younger days and oh, so many things. I have come to see that like Paul contentment is where you are when you have walked a long time with Christ. He takes you places you never thought of going and did not want to go, yet those places where where you really met Christ – in his fullness and there you abide.

    • Thank you for sharing these thoughts. Your last sentence is so meaningful. Though I am finding it hard to meet Jesus in my struggles, your sentiments give me hope.

  2. “…because our obedience will always be more important than our effectiveness…” My paycheck job is marked by how effective I am & I’ve translated that measure to my housekeeping & homemaking. How much more calm simply pursuing obedience will make things! Jesus will shine brighter & my effectiveness will have spiritual & eternity consequences attached! Thank you for tweaking my perspective of “working until the Lord” this AM! Blessings!

  3. I felt as if those words were coming from me. I think back on those dreams and how determined I was and then what I actually did accomplish. The “if only” needs to disappear from my language. what now, Lord- indeed!

  4. How timely to so many. The YouVersion verse of the day is “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 MSG. “All I have is now. What has God tasked me with for today?” My morning quiet time reminded me that I need to rest. Perhaps because my mind travels too much to the what if’s. Thank you for this today.
    -Kellie

  5. This word was so timely for me today. Thank you so much for sharing!

    As I am reading through this & pondering the “what if”, my baby sister is in the hospital after having a stroke.
    I’ve pondered a lot of “what if’s.” What if we had talked more, been less judgmental, shared more of Jesus with
    her, supported her more as a single mom, etc. on and on it goes. And the Holy Spirit whispers, ” I will tell you
    what to to from here, just listen & obey.”

    I choose to obey!

  6. This definitely was a gentle reminder to check into my thoughts. I feel like this last year I have been stuck in “if only”, barely walking the line of discontentment and hope for the future. This was so good for me to hear and reflect on!

  7. Alia,

    I often get stuck in the “if only” trap. If only we hadn’t moved so much-didn’t really have to. Perhaps if I hadn’t taken certain classes or took others in HS. We can’t change what is. We just need to be like Jesus & release our will to His. God through the Holy Spirit will guide our lives. He just asks us to obey His commands. When I pray for things I always add not my will but yours be done dear Jesus. For He knows what’s best for us. He sees what lies ahead. Praying we can all learn to be content with where we are in life & be obedient to His will.

    Blessings 🙂

  8. Wow, I am so thankful for this story. I am not always brave enough to say this out loud myself but I know I have felt this way so many times. How do I confess this to myself and then to others, especially my three daughters. I don’t have it altogether and I don’t have all the answers or all the funds I need to help my children.

    I can relate to being stronger in my 20’s and 30’s but now I am 63 years wise and my husband acts like he is my father and I don’t like it. I can make some decisions without a lecture and I don’t like the same things that he likes, we are different and that’s alright. Even my children are different from me and my mother also. God wired all of us His own way, embrace it and ask God for wisdom to accept yourself.

    Oh, the days are different now before the Pandemic, during the Pandemic and now waiting to see what will happen next with public healthcare. I know I pray with much more sincerity for myself and others, especially my mother and children. My prayer for my husband is special with compassion and kindness because that’s what I need in our marriage myself. I give what I need and I wait for my Harvest.

    I know God has a plan for my life and His timing is impeccable. I keep standing on His promises, principles and precepts. My patience is not where it should be but I am determined never to give up because God is faithful and true.

    Enjoy your day.

    Brenda

    • Praying for you Brenda. Praying you will experience and enjoy testimonies of God’s power in your life and in your marriage. Nothing is impossible with God, no situation so big that He cannot change.

      Sending you a big hug!