At Dare to Believe, we have the honor of ministering to so many valuable and amazing citizens of God’s Kingdom. Coming in for ministry like Sozo or Pastoral Counseling can be both humbling and challenging. I often see a mix of emotions—anxiety, fear, embarrassment—and at the same time hope, breakthrough, and healing. But there’s another side to this reality.

Too often, people in the body of Christ are afraid to be honest because they fear judgment or criticism. Leaders and believers alike can end up on pedestals.

Outwardly, life and ministry may look successful, but inside, many are silently struggling. Pain, pride, and deception creep in. Fear whispers that if they let someone in, if they admit their struggles, they will lose favor with others.

The heartbreaking truth is that many in the body of Christ hide their battles and try to manage everything alone. The results can be devastating: marriages broken, addictions deepened, physical issues overwhelming, and families torn apart, all because we hesitate to trust God’s healing process and are afraid to let others see our “stuff.”

Yet God is always ready to heal our hearts, restore our families, strengthen our bodies, and redeem our lives.

Every single one of us carries some kind of “stuff,” whether it’s fear, addiction, pride, anger, sexual sin, bitterness, or unhealthy spiritual ties. Whatever your “stuff” may be, God is more than able to heal and restore. He promises hope and a good future.

But here’s the thing. God will not force us to deal with our struggles. He is always ready, willing, able, and loving, but we must say yes. When we invite Him in, He gently reaches into those hidden and vulnerable places we’d rather avoid. And when we let Him, He heals, strengthens, restores, and shines His light through us.

Walking with Jesus is a lifelong journey. We are all in recovery from being human. One day we will be eternally perfect like Him, but until that day we are works in progress, being transformed “from glory to glory.” (see 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Here are three steps you can take today to see more freedom in your life:

1. Bring Your Struggles Into the Light

God already knows everything about you, and He loves you dearly.

Nothing about your life shocks Him. Healing begins with honesty. Confess your struggles to God and, when safe, share them with a trusted believer. What stays hidden gains power; what is brought into the light loses its grip. 

2. Invite Jesus Into the Broken Places

Stop trying to fix yourself.

Pause and invite Jesus into the very places of pain, fear, or failure. His presence brings truth and love that replace the lies and shame that have kept you trapped. He is kind, he is wise and He is for you.

3. Choose Daily Surrender

Freedom is not just a one-time breakthrough – it’s a daily choice.

Each day, give your heart to the Lord and trust His Spirit to guide, heal, and strengthen you. This daily surrender leads to lasting transformation. Like David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

We all have “stuff.”

My encouragement and prayer for you today is that you will take another step up in glory. Walk with Jesus right in the middle of your struggles. He will give you the strength so that your “stuff” no longer defines or defeats you.

As you say yes to Him, you will discover greater freedom, deeper restoration, and the joy of shining His light into the world.

With expectation,
Pastor Kristi