Series: Still Unfinished — Champions Rising in the Midst of Pain

My voice is not buried—it is rising.
What tried to silence me will become the testimony that glorifies God

There are battles we fight with outward strength, and then there are battles inside the heart—silent wars where discouragement whispers louder than truth, attempting to suffocate destiny. I faced such a season years ago, long before grief visited my home, when discouragement attacked the core of who I was.

It was a time when ministry responsibilities increased, expectations were heavy, and yet I felt unseen, unheard, and unappreciated. I poured my heart into serving others, teaching, praying, leading with passion and sincerity, but instead of encouragement, I encountered criticism, comparison, and misunderstanding. Words spoken carelessly pierced like arrows. The enemy whispered, “You are not enough. Your voice doesn’t matter. Quit before you embarrass yourself.”

I remember sitting alone in our small living room after a difficult meeting, feeling completely defeated. I wept uncontrollably, telling the Lord, “I don’t think I can continue. Maybe you made a mistake choosing me.” That night, discouragement felt heavier than any physical burden I had ever carried.

As tears fell, my Bible opened to Jeremiah 1:6–7—a divine interruption to my despair:

“Do not say, ‘I am only’ … For you must go where I send you and say whatever I command you.”

It was as if God Himself stood before me and said,
“Your calling is not based on applause but obedience. Your voice carries heaven’s assignment. Do not quit.”

In that moment, strength slowly returned—not loud, but steady. I realized:

• Discouragement is a weapon from the enemy designed to silence purpose.
  
• The enemy attacks hardest when God is about to elevate.
  
• Our confidence must come from God, not from people.
  

Later, God used the same area of discouragement to launch me into deeper ministry, traveling, writing, and mentoring many women who felt voiceless and broken in the villages. What the enemy meant to silence became the very place God amplified His glory.

Scriptural Strength

• Isaiah 41:10 — Fear not, for I am with you; I will strengthen you and uphold you.
  
• Psalm 138:8 — The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.
  
• 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 — Struck down but not destroyed.
  

Life Lessons

1. Discouragement is a spiritual attack—not a personal weakness.
   
2. The enemy fears your voice because heaven has anointed it.
   
3. God uses pressure to produce power and confidence in Him.
   
4. Silence in pain is not surrender; it is preparation for a louder victory.
   

Reflection Questions

• Where is the enemy trying to silence your voice or confidence?
  
• Whose approval are you waiting for that God never asked you to seek?
  
• What step of faith can you take today despite discouragement?
  

Prayer

Lord, break every spirit of discouragement that tries to silence my calling. Strengthen my heart. Lift my eyes from people to Your promise. Awaken boldness, clarity, and confidence through Your Spirit. Make my life a testimony that no attack of the enemy can stop Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Declaration

My voice is not buried—it is rising.
What tried to silence me will become the testimony that glorifies God