Some battles are far too important, far too consequential, for us to ever attempt to fight them alone.

This has become clearer to me now more than ever. God recently called me to engage in a battle so far beyond me, where the opposition felt so fierce and unconquerable, I knew Christ was my only hope. Therefore, I’m seeking Him and His will like I never have before, and I’m refusing to fight alone. I’ve gathered a group of women, nearly 30 in fact, to engage in the most powerful way possible—on our knees. And we’re experiencing Christ in a way, frankly, I never have before.

Something miraculous, completely mind-blowing, occurs when we come together, seek God’s heart, and diligently pray as He leads. He moves in powerful ways. In ways that remind us that He truly is our all-powerful, loving, sovereign faithful God.

And I’m wondering why I don’t pray more. The only conclusion I’ve come up with is that I tend to make far too much of myself—my wisdom and efforts—and far too little of God. Because if I truly believed everything I claimed, that He indeed is the God over all of history, who knows the best course of action for every situation and has the power to bring His hope-filled, life-giving will to pass, then prayer would be my first response. Always.

Prayer isn’t about us convincing God to act in a particular way. Effective prayer is about us surrendering our hearts to Christ and inviting Him to mold us so that like our Savior we’re able to say, “God, not my will but Yours be done.” When we do that, our prayers become strategic, and you and I become empowered warriors in the battle against darkness.

Consider this quote, from the anonymous author of the Kneeling Christian: “When Christ is all in all—when He is Savior and Lord and King of our whole being, then it is really He who prays our prayers.”

Lord, guide us. Move us. Empower us. Use us. We know this battle before us ultimately belongs to You, and we know You have already won. Help us to always walk as victors, with the confidence and assurance of knowing that we belong to the Lord of lords and King of kings. And help us to trust, to hold tight to faith, even if that means disregarding “sight” while we wait for Your victory to unfold. (Hebrews 11:1)

For those following my Thriving With Chronic Illness podcast, make sure to check out my latest episode with Wholly Loved team member Victoria Mejias on knowing when to rest and when to push through. You can listen here:

You can check out my latest Faith Over Fear podcast episode on Finding the Courage to Obey here:

Break Free from Shame: Carol McCracken’s Story of Freedom and Restoration – Faith Over Fear

What happens when a respected Bible teacher’s hidden struggle finally comes to light? In this special feed drop episode from Love Life Sober, Carol McCracken shares the deeply personal story behind a season she hid for years: increasing dependence on alcohol while navigating parenting stress, marital strain, shame, and emotional exhaustion. From the outside, Carol appeared to have everything together. Inside, she was unraveling. After an arrest forced her secret into the open, Carol found herself confronting painful truths about control, identity, fear, and the parts of her heart she had never fully surrendered to God. What followed became a story of grace, healing, freedom from alcohol, and an unexpected journey of restoration. Whether or not alcohol has been part of your story, this conversation speaks to anyone who has: hidden struggles behind a polished image felt trapped by shame feared being “found out” tried to manage pain through unhealthy coping mechanisms wondered if God could still redeem what feels broken In this episode, Carol and Christy discuss: the emotional roots beneath destructive coping patterns the shame many Christians carry in silence surrendering control to God how healing often begins with honesty why freedom rarely happens overnight the difference between knowing truth in your head and believing it in your heart God’s ability to restore what once seemed beyond repair Connect with Christy Osborne: On the Love Life Sober Podcast On her website On Instagram Connect with Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Scripture Referenced Romans 8:38–39 Luke 10:38–42 Lamentations 3:22–23 If This Episode Encouraged You Share this episode with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to Faith Over Fear for more conversations that help you move from fear and striving toward freedom and deeper trust in Christ. For additional support, download this free resource: Freedom from numbing: Breaking Alcohol’s grip Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1. Break Free from Shame: Carol McCracken’s Story of Freedom and Restoration 33:15
2. Feeling Left Out? Christ Seats You at the Table of Honor 27:57
3. When Your Loved One is an Alcoholic or Addict 26:22
4. Faith in the Fire: When You Feel Betrayed by God 42:48
5. Fighting for Your Heart When Suffering Pulls You Toward Despair 27:10

And make sure to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram! Find Wholly Loved Ministries HERE.