Kelsie left to work feeling bad, Andrew her husband had commented that her new hair style didn’t look good. As a new mum Kelsie felt bad that she had lost her youthful looks, and Andrew’s comments made it worse. She examined her new curls in the mirror as she stopped at the lights on the way to work, tears filled her eyes and disturbed her makeup. On reaching her desk, Sam, her director, waved at her from his cubicle and soon called her to come in. “Those curls look awesome,” he said. This was the first of his many comments which made Kelsie slip into a mire. In the evening she found herself snapping back at Andrew and feeling rejected and hopeless.

“Sin is crouching at your door, it desires to have you, you must master it.”-Genesis 4:7b NIV

(God speaking to Cain)

Sandra gave her all to being a caring wife and mother. She planned meals which were healthy and fun. She was Samson’s Delilah, keeping her home clean, beautiful and fun. On a school field trip she met Jordan, one of the teachers and struck a friendship. They decided to take their children to the park once a week. She knew she was in the wrong place doing the wrong thing- spending time with  someone who was not her husband. Before long she felt closer to Jordan than to Samson. She knew she had crossed the line.

“The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy.”-John 10:10a NIV

Ronit left a donut on Jasmine’s table every week from the day he knew she had a disagreement  with her husband Jack. Jasmine felt loved and pampered when he called her out for coffee and listened to her woes. Her teenagers did not have time for her any more and Jack was far too busy with his work. Jasmine knew in her heart she was not doing the right thing. She could not attend church any more and always came up with excuses. 

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”- 1 Peter 5:8b NIV.

Timothy was fast asleep beside her, it was past midnight and Theya was aimlessly scrolling through Facebook as she laid her new born baby to bed.  That's when she saw pictures of Carl, her friend from school. She was reminded of their time together, playing sports and attending dance lessons. A smile lit her tired face and she quickly flicked him an email. She knew her heart and mind was shifting gears. She was down the slippery slope!

Today, if you feel you are going down that downward slope, dear friend, know that you are NOT ALONE. 

“God heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”-Psalm 147:3 NIV

Take out your Bible and your journal. Set aside time today to look at your life through the eyes of God. Read and meditate on these verses. May they minister to you as they did to me. This may be your day to take time off to be alone with God.

“​There is no wrong way to do it

There is no right time to start

It does not have to look pretty

Just tell your Father what's on your heart!”

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer.”

-Psalm 34:15, 1 Peter 3:12 NIV

“He stills the storm to a whisper.”-Psalm 107:29a NIV

“Turn my eyes from worthless things and preserve my life according to your Word.”-Psalm 119:37 NIV

What is the first step God is calling you to take?

“God will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”-1 Peter 5:10b NIV

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shoba Ranjitsingh is an architect, writer, a proud mother and an absolutely thrilled grandma to little Nivin. Shoba enjoys studying the Bible and her role as STL at Bible Study Fellowship in Auckland in NZ for 6 years has enabled her to now write and lead Women's Bible Studies. Helping women study and enjoy God's Word as they embrace everyday ordinary life is her prayer as a writer. Long walks, cakes, hymns, books, quiet family evenings, chatting with family across oceans describe Shoba. In this phase of life, Ranjit and Shoba enjoy feeding the birds, smelling the roses, pursuing their hobbies and being grateful for all that God has called them to do. Shoba works as a Learning Support in a Primary School in Auckland and everything simple, honest and true bring her joy!