My Victory Voyage – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

In MY VICTORY VOYAGE I’m sharing various trials I’ve faced and how God’s faithfulness has carried me through. Join me on the 2nd Friday of each month in 2025 as we reflect on His restoration and grace. This is the final column in this series.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” — Philippians 4:11 (NLT)

I’ve always considered myself a fairly happy person. Yet lately, I’ve noticed discontentment sneaking in more—not in the big things, but in the small, everyday routines of life. I’ll be scrolling social media and suddenly feel a twinge of longing. Friends traveling, celebrating, or enjoying life in ways that seem more exciting than my own simple rhythms. Before I know it, joy has slipped into comparison, and comparison has turned into resentment.

But God has been whispering a phrase to my heart: “Be Content—Don’t Resent.”

The Apostle Paul understood this secret well. He wrote that he had “learned how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need.” The secret wasn’t in his circumstances—it was in his Savior. Paul drew his strength from Christ, not from possessions, achievements, or experiences.

My Life Application Study Bible explains it like this:

“Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret was drawing on Christ’s power for strength. If you are always wanting more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance.”

Contentment is something we learn—it doesn’t come naturally. It’s cultivated by shifting our gaze from what we lack to the abundance we already have in Christ. When I thank Him for the small blessings—a quiet morning, a warm cup of coffee, the love of my husband, the joy of my dogs—resentment begins to melt away. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when I see it through the lens of gratitude.

If you find yourself restless or longing for more, here are a few simple practices to try:

- Pray daily for contentment. Ask God to help you see your life the way He sees it.
- Practice gratitude. Write down three small blessings each day and thank Him for them.
- Guard your heart. Limit the voices or images (like social media) that stir up discontent.
- Rest in His promises. Trust that God will supply all your needs in the way He knows is best.

Friend, contentment isn’t about settling for less—it’s about discovering the secret strength of Christ in every circumstance. Paul learned it, which means you and I can learn it too. Let’s choose to be content, not resentful, and find joy in the One who makes even the simplest parts of life enough.

A Closing Reflection

As I wrap up this year-long journey of My Victory Voyage, I am humbled by how faithful God has been. Month by month, we’ve walked through storms, questions, struggles, and triumphs together. Each step has reminded me that victory isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in the steady presence of Jesus.

From anxiety and fear, to learning how to trust, surrender, and now contentment, this voyage has been as much yours as it has been mine. My prayer is that the stories and scriptures we’ve shared have met you in your own moments of weakness and reminded you of God’s unchanging strength.

This final column closes with Paul’s words: “I have learned to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11). Contentment isn’t instant, and it isn’t easy, but it is possible through Christ. If we take nothing else from this journey, may we carry this truth forward: His grace is enough, His power is our strength, and His presence is our victory.

Thank you for sailing with me on this year’s voyage. Until we meet again, may you walk daily in His peace, His victorious love and His joy!

In MY VICTORY VOYAGE I’m sharing various trials I’ve faced and how God’s faithfulness has carried me through. Join me on the 2nd Friday of each month in 2025 as we reflect on His restoration and grace.

I used to know who I was between the hours of 8 and 5.

For decades, my job in banking provided structure and stability. Bill and I each had our space—he thrived in his creative world; I thrived in my routine. But when I retired in 2022, everything changed. We were suddenly together every day. No rhythm. No separation of roles. It was a huge adjustment for me—one I hadn’t expected to be so hard.

We moved to Florida, a place full of beauty and blessing, but so different from Texas that I never quite felt grounded. Add to that the trauma of a near-fatal car accident, and my sense of peace completely unraveled. I developed a fear of driving. I struggled with my new identity as an entrepreneur. I missed having a clearly defined purpose. And without structure, I felt lost.

“Some days, I just crumbled. Not because I didn’t love my life—but because I no longer recognized it.”

Bill, sweet as he is, floats in his own creative atmosphere. I adore him—but we’re wired so differently. I long for order, and our life became unpredictable. It felt like I had to reinvent myself in every way—mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

Romans 12:2 (HCSB): “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

I’ve clung to that promise more than once. Because truthfully, the mind is often the battlefield in seasons of transition. And mine was weary.

But then—God gave us a miracle.

After months of wandering spiritually, we found a church home. From our first visit, the people welcomed us with warmth and sincerity. It felt like we had been placed there; being seen, known, loved was so beautiful. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed belonging until I felt it again.

“We didn’t just find a church—we found a home. And something inside me finally exhaled.”

Psalm 68:6: “God sets the lonely in families.”

That simple connection began to shift things. I felt my heart soften, my anxiety ease. Slowly, I began to sense God renewing my mind—not through a dramatic breakthrough, but in small, sacred moments. A walk with my pups. A meaningful sermon. A quiet moment with Bill where we just laughed.

Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

At first, I didn’t. But now I do.

I still crave structure. My health isn’t perfect. But I’m learning to trust God in the middle of the mess. My sweet pups continue to be therapy on four legs. And Bill and I—though so different—are still building a life of love and purpose together.

2 Corinthians 4:16: “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

That’s my testimony right now: daily renewal. Not perfection. Just grace upon grace.

Philippians 4:7 (HCSB): “And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So, if you’re in a season where everything feels unfamiliar—if you feel lost between the life you knew and the one you’re still figuring out—you’re not alone. God is with you. He’s doing something new in you too.

Your victory is already unfolding, one surrendered day at a time.

Worship Pause 🎵
Let the gentle reminder of “Peace Be Still” by Hope Darst wash over you. These lyrics are a powerful call to stand in the calm heart of God’s presence, no matter what storms you’re facing. This song has touched my soul deeply. I pray it will bring a southing touch to you as well.