by Christian International | Feb 12, 2026 | Articles
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” — 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)
Over the years, I have learned that God rarely works the way I expect Him to.
If I am honest, much of my life has felt a little odd and unusual and not always in a comfortable way.
I did not always fit in. I was not quite the same as the rest of my family. I did not always think the same way, respond the same way, or even catch the joke when everyone else laughed. For a long time, I wondered if something was wrong with me.
Now I know better.
God uses that.
When You Feel Like You Don’t Belong
Jesus tells a parable in Luke 14:16–24 that has always spoken deeply to me. A man prepares a great feast and invites those who were first called. The honored. The religious. The respected.
But they make excuses. They decline the invitation.
So the master does something unexpected.
He sends his servants into the streets and lanes to bring in the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. When there is still room, he sends them even farther, to the highways and hedges, compelling others to come.
The people who assumed they belonged missed the feast.
The ones who never thought they would be invited filled the table.
That parable tells me something powerful. God often welcomes those who feel out of place.
God’s Instructions Are Not Always Comfortable
We do not set out to be odd or unusual. But when God speaks, His instructions do not always make sense to the natural mind.
If a donkey speaks to you like it did to Balaam, you should probably pay attention. There may be an angel standing in front of you that you cannot see.
If God tells you to build an ark because a flood is coming, even though no one has ever seen rain, you obey. You might be saving your family and the future of the earth.
If you are blind and Jesus uses spit and mud to heal you, you do not complain about the method. You receive the miracle.
If you are running from God’s purpose and find yourself living inside a great fish for three days, you do not argue. You repent.
If God tells you not to cut your hair and you decide you know better, do not be surprised when consequences follow.
If God tells you to be silent, walk around a city for seven days, and then shout, listen carefully. Walls are about to fall.
Even Moses, a man who spoke with God face to face, suffered consequences when he allowed anger to override obedience and struck the rock instead of speaking to it.
These stories remind me that obedience matters, even when the instructions feel strange or uncomfortable.
God’s Strength Shines Through Weakness
One of the clearest examples of this is Gideon’s army.
God intentionally reduced an army of 32,000 down to just 300. In the natural, it makes no sense. In the Spirit, it makes perfect sense.
God wanted everyone to know the victory did not come from numbers, strategy, or human ability. It came from Him.
I have seen this truth play out again and again in my own life. When I felt weak, unsure, or unqualified, God showed Himself strong. It was never about what I could do. It was always about what God could do through me.
The Call to Humility
That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to humility.
“If My people will humble themselves…”
“Humble yourselves before the Lord…”
“Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand…”
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled…”
Humility keeps us teachable. It keeps us listening. It keeps us obedient, even when God asks us to do something outside the box.
Be Who God Called You to Be
God may be asking you to do something that feels odd or unusual. Something that does not fit neatly into other people’s expectations.
When that happens, pray. Seek godly counsel. Weigh it carefully. And if it truly comes from God, be obedient.
I have learned that trying to be “normal” is overrated anyway.
God did not call me to be like everyone else.
He did not call you to be like everyone else.
He called us to be who He created us to be. Unique. Purpose-filled. Dependent on Him.
Sometimes God’s ways look odd.
Sometimes obedience feels uncomfortable.
But God is always faithful.
And He always knows exactly what He is doing.
A Prayer for the One Reading This
Jesus, I ask that whoever is reading this would know, right now, that no matter what state they are in, they are accepted by You. You love them just as they are, and You will use them for Your glory.
If they feel small like Zacchaeus and only want a glimpse of You, remind them that You see them and will meet with them personally.
If they feel like a woman hidden in the crowd, carrying weakness, frailty, or an issue that has gone on too long, let them know that if they reach out right where they are and touch You, they will be healed.
God, You do not see us as odd or unusual. You see us as the vessels You intentionally formed.
We do not have to become good enough, smart enough, good-looking enough, or spiritual enough to receive Your love and acceptance.
We receive it now.
Amen.
by Christian International | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
I’ve heard it said many times that this is a year of new beginnings.
But the truth goes deeper than that.
Every day you wake up is a new beginning.
While you sleep, God designed your body to reset. Your brain rests. Your body repairs. Hormones rebalance. Your immune system strengthens. Your heart slows. Your emotions settle.
Renewal is built into your design.
When you open your eyes in the morning, you are not stepping back into yesterday. You are stepping into a fresh start God has already prepared.
Scripture reminds us:
“He grants sleep to those He loves.”
Psalm 127:2
Sleep is not only rest.
It is mercy preparing you for what comes next.
The Reality of New Beginnings
New beginnings often arrive quietly. Sometimes they come with anticipation. Other times they arrive in the middle of uncertainty. Either way, every new beginning requires something to end.
Change does not mean what ended was wrong. It simply means God is doing something different.
I have experienced several moments in my life where everything seemed settled. My direction felt clear. My plans appeared secure. Then in a moment, everything shifted.
What I thought would happen did not.
How I believed it would unfold never did.
God’s direction looked completely different than I expected.
That is why I have always held to this perspective:
Plan like you are going to live a long life.
But live each day aware that life is a gift.
We plan wisely. We prepare responsibly. But circumstances change. People make choices. And God sometimes redirects our steps.
One conversation can change everything.
One decision can shift a season.
One moment can alter a future.
Learning Where Control Ends
One of the most important lessons we learn in life is this:
You cannot make people fit into your plan.
God gave every person free will. You can pray. You can intercede. You can ask God to move in hearts and situations. But you cannot control outcomes.
That realization can be difficult. But it also teaches us trust.
Trust in God’s sovereignty.
Trust in His timing.
Trust in His ability to work beyond what we can see.
Seasons Change Without Warning
There have been seasons when my life appeared stable while others were facing hardship.
There have also been seasons when I was the one walking through difficulty while others seemed to be thriving.
At times, families appear strong. At other times, they are under pressure.
At times, health is steady. At other times, challenges arise.
At times, finances are secure. Then circumstances shift.
Life can change quickly.
New beginnings and reversals happen day by day.
Scripture shows us this pattern over and over again.
Joseph and the Unpredictability of Purpose
Joseph’s life is a powerful example.
One season, he was favored by his father. He wore a beautiful robe and lived with promise and expectation.
Then everything changed.
His robe was torn. He was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. While they returned home, Joseph was carried into captivity.
Later, he was promoted. Then falsely accused. Then imprisoned.
And then, once again, God lifted him up. Joseph interpreted dreams and was placed in authority over Egypt.
His story moved through favor, loss, confinement, and leadership.
God was present in every season.
The Danger of Comparison
Because life shifts so quickly, comparison is dangerous.
Someone may appear to be doing well while you are struggling. But circumstances can change in a moment.
Judgment is just as dangerous.
I have seen people speak critically about another person’s family, ministry, finances, or health, only to later walk through similar situations themselves.
Scripture warns us:
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 27:1
None of us knows what tomorrow holds.
But we do know the One who holds tomorrow.
Mercy Is Waiting Each Morning
Every breath you take is a gift.
Every heartbeat is evidence of God’s faithfulness.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
New beginnings are not limited to seasons on a calendar.
They are not dependent on circumstances lining up.
They are available every morning.
Living Well in Every Season
We are called to live with joy in the middle of difficulty.
To hold hope when answers are not yet clear.
To walk in peace that goes beyond understanding.
And when God’s favor is evident in our lives, we must guard our hearts. We remain grateful, humble, and compassionate toward others.
Because seasons shift.
Situations change.
And God remains faithful.
Every morning is mercy.
Every breath is grace.
Every day is a new beginning.
by Christian International | Sep 30, 2025 | Articles
Letting Go of the Past: Forgiveness and Moving Forward
You can’t always change what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond.
From the outside, my life looked polished and put together. I was married to a pastor who also traveled as a minister, smiling on the front row while my four children sat beside me, perfectly dressed for church. To those watching, I looked steady, faithful, strong—even a role model they might have admired, imagining my life as perfect. Yet the truth is, appearances can be deceiving. Even today, when you scroll through social media, you may see people—even ministers—who look like they have everything together. But behind the curated photos, there can be hidden pain and scars you’ll never see in a snapshot.
But behind that smile was a woman breaking inside. I was wounded. I was angry. I was carrying pain I didn’t feel safe to share. I don’t call that hypocrisy, because I truly longed to worship God and raise my children in His presence. I believed the Word even when the one preaching it didn’t live it. Yet there were very few—if any—people I felt I could confide in.
And that’s when I learned something sobering: people can’t help you with a burden you never tell them about. But even when no one else knows, God knows. And when you reach the end of yourself, His faithfulness becomes your lifeline.Forgiveness and Freedom
Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting. It’s about letting go so the offense no longer controls you. When you allow pain and betrayal to define you, it becomes your prison. Bitterness poisons your thoughts and even affects your body.
But Scripture makes it clear:
“See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:15)
Bitterness binds you, not the one who wronged you. Forgiveness, on the other hand, frees you. It doesn’t excuse what was done, but it releases you from being chained to it.Choosing to React Differently
We can’t control how people treat us, but we can decide how we will respond. Jesus showed us another way:
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
That is not easy. It takes courage to forgive, strength to respond in love, and faith to believe that God will deal justly with every situation. But when you choose forgiveness, you take back control from the offense and place your future in God’s hands.Don’t Let the Past Define You
One of the enemy’s greatest lies is that your past is who you are. He whispers, “You are your betrayal. You are your mistake. You are your failure.” But that is not what God says.
Paul reminds us:
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14)
Your identity is not your pain. It is not your history. It is who God says you are—redeemed, restored, chosen, and loved.Living in Peace, Not the Past
You cannot go back and change what happened. But you can choose not to live there anymore. Holding on to the past breeds depression, anxiety, and fear. Letting go opens the door to peace.
God Himself extends this promise:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18–19)
When you forgive, when you release what was, you step into what God is doing now.Conclusion: Defined by Christ, Not by Pain
You are not what happened to you. You are who Christ says you are. And He calls you victorious:
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Today, you have a choice. You can hold on to the hurt and let it define you—or you can forgive, let go, and step into the newness and peace that God has waiting.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean the past disappears. It means the past no longer dictates your future.
by admin | Feb 1, 2025 | Articles
A message from the CEO of Christian International Sherilyn Hamon Miller:
In every season of life, God has placed a unique calling on each of us. To fulfill it, we must remain focused and obedient, refusing to be distracted by comparison or discouraged by the opinions of others. Stay on task. Do what God has called you to do, trusting that His plan is purposeful, even when it doesn’t make sense or seems insignificant.
The Loneliness of Obedience
There are times when obedience to God feels isolating. Like Adam in the garden, walking and talking with God daily, you may still feel alone in your assignment. Adam’s task of naming animals and tending the garden might have seemed mundane, but it was part of God’s divine plan.
Scripture reminds us of God’s concern for our need for companionship:
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
We were created to need one another. Godly relationships provide accountability, encouragement, and correction—helping us see blind spots we cannot recognize on our own. This mirrors how a car’s side mirror reveals what’s hidden in our blind spots, preventing collisions and accidents in life. Similarly, God often uses others to keep us aligned with His will.
Preparation in Obscurity
Throughout the Bible, God used seasons of obscurity and loneliness to prepare His people for greater assignments:
- Noah: Faithful in Obedience
Noah’s story is a powerful example of staying on task even when the world doesn’t understand. God called Noah to do something extraordinary—build an ark to save humanity and the animal kingdom from a flood, even though no one had ever seen rain. Imagine the loneliness Noah must have felt as he followed God’s instructions.
Noah’s obedience was met with ridicule. People mocked him as he built the massive ark. Imagine how he felt as his wife and children were made fun of and bullied because of his obedience. Yet, Noah remained faithful. Day by day, he followed God’s blueprint, trusting in His plan. His faith and perseverance led to the preservation of the human race and a new covenant with God.
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” (Hebrews 11:7)
- Daniel and the Lions’ Den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the Fiery Furnace: Courage in Faith
Daniel’s unwavering obedience led him to a den of lions, where his life hung in the balance. Likewise, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace for refusing to bow to an idol. Alone and surrounded by threats, they trusted God completely. What seemed like their destruction became a divine testimony of God’s power. Their faith not only saved them but also turned the hearts of kings and nations toward the one true God.
- Paul: Perseverance in Suffering
Paul endured imprisonment, beatings, and betrayal while carrying out God’s mission. Despite the isolation of a prison cell, Paul worshiped God, stayed on task, and shared the gospel. His faithfulness planted seeds for the church that continue to grow today.
- Mary, Mother of Jesus: Obedience Amid Doubt
Mary carried the Son of God, but she likely faced judgment and doubt from those around her. Even Joseph, her fiancé, initially struggled to believe her miraculous story. Imagine how he must have felt hearing his betrothed was pregnant. Yet Mary and Joseph trusted God’s calling, knowing their obedience was part of His eternal plan.
- Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Faithfulness
Jesus Himself exemplified staying on task, even in the face of betrayal, rejection, and unimaginable suffering. Though abandoned by His disciples and mocked by His own people, He carried out the will of the Father. Through the cross, He brought salvation to all humanity. His example reminds us to remain faithful, no matter the cost.
Avoid Comparison and Stay Faithful
It’s easy to look at others and feel inadequate or insignificant, especially in a culture obsessed with followers, likes, subscribers and accolades. But as followers of Christ, our goal is not fame or recognition. Not to have the biggest church, largest podcast or worldwide ministry. It is to serve faithfully and be conformed to the image of Christ.
“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
God does not measure success as the world does. He values faithfulness in the small things. Whether your calling is in the spotlight or in quiet obedience, trust that it is significant in His Kingdom.
Encouragement for the Journey
When you feel alone or insignificant, remember:
- God is with you. He has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
- Your obedience matters. God sees your faithfulness and will reward it in His time.
- You need others. Allow godly relationships to encourage and sharpen you.
- Trust God’s plan. He is preparing you for something greater, even in seasons of obscurity.
In closing, do not let discouragement or comparison derail you from fulfilling your divine calling. Stay on task. Keep your motives pure. Serve with humility, knowing that God’s approval is far greater than the applause of men. When we walk faithfully in our calling, we glorify God and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
One day, we will stand before Him and hear the words we all long for:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.
