Behind the Writing
I never intended to write a book. I was simply writing in my journal. One prayer at a time. One tear at a time. One lesson at a time. Then something unexpected happened.
As I began reading and studying the book of Isaiah—a book I honestly didn't want to read because of its length—God began doing something I never imagined. He wasn't just asking me to read His Word; He was inviting me to sit with it, wrestle with it, and allow it to change me.
Isaiah didn't simply become another book of the Bible. It became a mirror. It exposed my heart, challenged my thinking, called me to repentance, and reminded me that God's mercy is greater than my past. Slowly, my journal entries became reflections. My reflections became prayers. My prayers became testimonies. And before I realized it, God was writing a book through the pages of my ordinary life.
So, what is this book?
It is a collection of testimonies. It is the journey of a woman learning to trust God. It is prayers prayed and prayers answered. It is moments of grief, healing, repentance, restoration, and hope.
It is a devotional for anyone who needs encouragement.
Most of all, it is evidence that God is still in the business of restoring lives. These pages are for the person struggling to find themselves. For the mother carrying more than she lets anyone see.
For the father trying to lead while feeling empty inside. For husbands and wives fighting to keep hope alive. For sons and daughters searching for purpose. For brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends. For anyone who has ever wondered if God could still use someone like them.
Because here is what I have learned:
You cannot truly find yourself apart from the One who created you.
The world tells us to look within. God tells us to look to Him. Repentance is not punishment.
It is an invitation to come home. Our lives are not our own. We were created by God, for God, to know Him, love Him, and help others know Him too. Every step of obedience, every act of love, every testimony shared is another invitation for someone to discover the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
If God can take my brokenness and turn it into purpose...
If He can take my mess and turn it into a message...
If He can restore what I thought was lost forever...
Then He can do the same for you. This is not the story of a woman who has it all together.
This is the story of a faithful God who never stopped pursuing His daughter.
Let's Meet with God
"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10
Don't rush to the next chapter. Pause here. Take a deep breath. Open your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak.
The greatest lesson from this chapter won't come from my words—it will come from your conversation with God. This is your moment. Let's meet God.
What Is God Saying to Me?
I Don't Have to Walk Their Path
For many years, I asked God why I seemed to be walking alone. I grew up around faith. My mother's side of the family were Jehovah's Witnesses, and both of my sisters eventually joined that faith. Yet God had a different journey for me. When I came to know Jesus personally and became a Christian, I often felt like the only one in my family walking the path God had called me to walk. I cried many tears and prayed many prayers. "Lord, why do I have to serve You alone?" I longed for my family to worship together. I wanted us all to be united in faith. I wanted everyone I loved to know Jesus the way I had come to know Him. For a long time, I carried a burden that was never mine to carry. As I studied Isaiah, God opened my eyes to something I had never fully understood. God spoke not only to Judah and Jerusalem but also to many surrounding nations. Each nation was responsible for its own response to God. One city did not have to wait for another city to obey. One nation did not have to wait for another nation to repent. Each had a choice. Suddenly, I saw my own life differently. Every person has a path before God. Every person must answer His call for themselves. I can pray, love, and encourage, But I cannot walk someone else's path for them. That realization brought peace to my heart. Before my sister passed away, she came to worship Jesus. What a precious gift from God. It reminded me that God hears prayers, even when answers take years to unfold. Today, my prayer has changed.
Instead of asking God why I seem to walk alone, I thank Him for calling me. Instead of carrying the weight of everyone's choices, I trust Him with the people I love. I have learned that God's love for my family is greater than my own. I have learned that God's timing is perfect.
And I have learned that obedience is not about who walks beside me. It is about faithfully following Jesus wherever He leads. So today, I rest in this truth: I do not have to walk their path.
I only have to walk mine.
And I trust the God who called me to also call those I love.
And if you're reading these pages, I pray you'll discover that He has never lost control of yours either.
Ms. Adrienne Vallet
Prayer
Father, thank You for teaching me to trust You with the people I love. Forgive me for the times I carried burdens You never asked me to carry. Help me to pray faithfully, love deeply, and trust completely. Thank You for my family and my children. Place Your hand upon each of their lives and continue drawing them closer to You. Give me peace as I follow the path You have prepared for me. I trust You with every heart and every future. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." — Proverbs 3:5
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
— Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed... Great is Thy faithfulness."
Hold fast to your visions, for this journey is only starting