Vanessa’s Testimony

Over the past few weeks, God has been showing me how much I need Him. He has shown me His care and companionship even when I have felt unprotected, uncertain, and afraid.

You may remember the Mazzini family from last month’s email. We have walked alongside them for many years, and I have often prayed for God’s protection over Jeremi and Tabatha. When the family faced another crisis, we were able to give Tabatha a safe place to stay while we worked out kinship care for her. I was grateful to see an answer to those prayers.

But as I spent time with Tabatha and listened to what she had been experiencing, fear began to take hold of my heart. Then the violence experienced by the Yance family added to that fear. The weight of both situations stayed with me. Even walking down the street became frightening.

I began to question my own heart: If God is working for good, why am I so worried about my safety? Had I prayed for this family out of compassion, or had I wanted the miracle without the difficult process? Was I being selfish to think about my fear while Tabatha had a safe place to stay? I did not want my fear to stand in the way of what God was doing.

Little by little, God began to calm my heart. The story of Peter sinking in the water and calling out to Jesus reminded me that I did not need to feel guilty for being afraid. I could cry out for His help in the middle of the storm and trust that He was with me.

I have a little more peace now, and less fear. There are still things I do not understand, but I am learning to call out to Jesus when I am afraid. God is reminding me that He is protective, near, and compassionate.

Would you pray that He continues His work in my heart and helps me trust Him through this process?

Vanessa