How can you know you truly belong to Christ and have eternal life?

Chris Jolly spoke with Simon Manchester, assistant minister at All Saints Woollahra, teacher at Cornhill Bible College and host of Hope 103.2’s Christian Growth podcast, about what it means to become a Christian and how believers can know they have eternal life.

Many Christians, especially those new to faith, wonder whether they have truly been saved. Simon said the Bible offers confidence, not uncertainty, to those who trust in Jesus.

“We’re not talking about hope. We’re talking about knowing,” Simon said.

Simon’s journey to faith

Simon became a Christian during his final year of school after attending a Christian camp.

There, he said, two truths came together for the first time: his own need for forgiveness and Jesus’ offer of salvation.

“I learned that I had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God… and I learned that Christ had come into the world to save sinners,” Simon said.

That decision ultimately led him into a lifetime of ministry, teaching and helping others understand the Christian faith. It also inspired his contribution to a new guidebook designed to help new Christians navigate topics such as prayer, the Bible, family life, work and doubt.

A new heart, not a perfect life

During the conversation, Chris raised a common concern among new Christians: what happens when you still struggle with sin, doubt or failure?

Simon said becoming a Christian does not mean instantly becoming perfect.

“You’re new but you’re not perfect,” Simon said.

Instead, Christians receive what the Bible describes as a new heart and a new desire to follow Christ. While believers continue to wrestle with their old nature, they also discover a growing desire to pray, learn from Scripture and stay close to God.

Simon explained that Jesus’ teaching about abiding in the vine is ultimately about remaining close to Him and depending on Him rather than drifting away.

Assurance comes from Christ, not performance

One of Simon’s strongest messages was that assurance should not be based on how well a person thinks they are performing spiritually.

Good days and bad days come and go. Emotions change. Confidence rises and falls.

Instead, Christians are called to look to Christ.

“Forget about your performance. Ask yourself about the performance of Christ,” Simon said.

Rather than looking inward, Simon encouraged listeners to look at God’s promises in Scripture, particularly the promises given through Jesus.

When feelings fluctuate, God’s Word remains unchanged.

Adoption and baptism

To help explain assurance, Simon used the picture of adoption.

Just as an adopted child becomes part of a family through the commitment of loving parents, Christians become part of God’s family through faith in Christ.

Once adopted into God’s family, believers can live with confidence in His love and commitment to them.

The conversation also touched on baptism. Simon explained that baptism is an important public declaration of faith, but it is not what saves someone.

Rather, baptism demonstrates outwardly what God has already done inwardly through faith.

For new Christians, it becomes a visible way of declaring that they now belong to Christ and want to follow Him.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2.

Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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For many Australians right now, financial pressure is hard to ignore.

Rising interest rates, increasing living costs, and economic uncertainty are weighing heavily on households across the country. If you’ve been feeling the squeeze, you’re certainly not alone.

Finance expert Alex Cook explores these growing challenges. As a former stockbroker, financial planner, and founder of Wealth With Purpose, Alex brings both practical experience and a strong Christian perspective to conversations around money.

His message is clear: God cares about how we handle our finances, and His Word offers wisdom that is both relevant and reliable, even in difficult seasons.

Here are seven biblical money principles to help you manage money wisely and navigate financial pressure with faith and clarity.

1. Start With God’s Wisdom

When financial pressure builds, it’s easy to make decisions quickly or react out of fear. Instead, Alex encourages us to look to the Bible as our guide.

‘There is enormous depth of wisdom in Scripture about how we handle our money.’

With over 2,000 verses addressing wealth, possessions, and stewardship, the Bible reveals that God hasn’t left us without direction.

Instead of rushing ahead or acting impulsively, take a moment to pause and ask God for wisdom. He sees beyond the present moment and can guide you with clarity and peace.

2. Debt Is a Warning Sign, Not Just a Tool

Debt is part of modern life, especially during the cost-of-living crisis many Australians are facing, but Scripture handles it with care.

Alex points to the biblical principle that ‘the borrower is slave to the lender.’ That doesn’t mean debt is always wrong, but it does highlight the risk it carries.

With interest rate having been raised by the RBA on Tuesday to 4.35%, now may be a good time to reflect honestly on your financial situation and begin taking steps, however small, toward greater financial freedom.

3. Freedom Often Begins with Small Steps

Alex shared the story of a woman who had lived with credit card debt for nearly 25 years.

Over time, she made small but consistent changes. She stopped adding to her debt and worked at paying it down. Eventually, she walked into the bank and closed her accounts, free from a burden she had carried for decades.

As she left, she sensed God reminding her that she was no longer bound by it.

Stories like this remind us that transformation doesn’t usually happen all at once, but it does happen.

4. Build Margin Before You Need It

You may not know what’s around the corner, and financial pressure can often come without warning.

That’s why Alex encouraged listeners to build some financial margin wherever possible. Even a small amount set aside can make a significant difference when unexpected expenses arise.

Starting somewhere can reduce stress and help you avoid relying on credit during difficult moments.

5. Credit Cards Can Quietly Trap You

Credit cards offer convenience, but they can also create distance between spending and reality.

It’s easy to spend more when the impact isn’t felt immediately. Over time, those small decisions can build into something much harder to manage.

If you can, simplify your approach. Using your own money rather than relying on credit can help you stay grounded and make more intentional choices.

6. Shift Your Mindset to Stewardship

Developing a stewardship mindset helps us manage our finances with wisdom and purpose. When we begin to understand that everything we have belongs to God, our perspective changes.

‘We’ve got to remind ourselves: this is not ours,’ Alex says. ‘It’s actually God’s money.’

We are not owners but stewards, entrusted with what He has given us.

‘When we adopt that mindset, it becomes quite different in how we handle our money.’

Instead of asking what we want, we begin to ask how God would have us use what we’ve been given.

That simple change often brings both direction and peace.

7. God Can Make a Way, Even Now

No matter what financial situation you may be facing, no situation is beyond God’s reach.

During the conversation, one woman’s story stood out. Raising children on her own while carrying significant debt, she faced overwhelming pressure. Yet over time, she saw God provide in unexpected ways. Debts were reduced, needs were met, and she eventually experienced financial freedom.

While we take practical steps, God is still at work behind the scenes. He can open doors, change circumstances, and provide in ways we might not expect.

Finding Peace in the Pressure

Financial stress can touch every area of life. It can affect your thoughts, your relationships, and your sense of security.

But we are not left to face it alone.

God offers wisdom when we feel unsure.
He offers peace when we feel overwhelmed.
And He offers hope when the future feels uncertain.

When we root ourselves in biblical money principles, we begin to learn how to manage our money wisely, handle financial pressure, and trust God in every season.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, start with one step. Seek His wisdom. Make one faithful decision. And trust that even in this season, God is still your provider.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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A new study finds young adults are increasingly interested in faith, but with little change in core beliefs.

A new report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that young people in Amercia aged 18 to 23 are moving in two spiritual directions at once, showing increased interest in faith while also drifting away from key beliefs.

On one hand, there are clear signs of growth.

More young adults are calling themselves Christian, Bible reading has increased, and a growing number say they are committed to practising their faith.

On the other hand, deeper beliefs remain largely unchanged. The study found that just 1% of this generation holds a fully developed biblical worldview.

Activity is rising, but foundations are not

The data highlights a gap between behaviour and belief. Increases in church involvement and Bible reading suggest openness and curiosity. Yet when it comes to core questions about truth, God and morality, most views have stayed the same.

Researcher George Barna described the findings as only “a lukewarm affirmation of revival”, noting that spiritual activity alone does not necessarily lead to lasting change. That distinction matters.

As the report explains, behaviour can spark interest, but without understanding, it often doesn’t take root over time.

The same pattern is emerging in Australia

While the study focuses on the United States, recent Australian research suggests a very similar trend among young people here.

The 2025 McCrindle report An Undercurrent of Faith, based on national census data and a survey of more than 3,000 Australians, found that the country’s relationship with Christianity is increasingly complex.

On one hand, many young Australians are moving away from organised religion. Between 2016 and 2021, more than one in three young people aged 15 to 24 shifted from Christianity to “no religion”.

At the same time, the report highlights a strong sense of openness and searching.

Young Australians are described as being on a “quest for meaning”, with more than half open to spiritual conversations and exploring belief for themselves.

Fewer, but more committed

Perhaps the most striking similarity is what happens among those who do engage with faith.

Even as overall identification declines, young Australians who are Christian tend to be more active than older believers.

Around 68% of Gen Z Christians attend church at least monthly, significantly higher than older generations.

This reflects a broader shift away from cultural or inherited religion, toward something more personal and intentional.

Open, but still searching

Taken together, the findings from both the US and Australia point to a generation that is not disengaged, but still exploring.

Young people today are less likely to inherit faith by default, but more likely to question, examine and search for meaning on their own terms.

That creates both a challenge and an opportunity.

Interest is there. Curiosity is real. But without deeper understanding, that interest may not translate into long-term change.

This article was researched and prepared by Hope 103.2 staff writers, with assistance from AI in its presentation. Final review and fact-checking was undertaken by our Digital Team prior to publication.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Danniebelle shares a heartfelt glimpse into holding onto a lifelong dream

It’s a dream she’s carried since she was a little girl.

Not a vague idea, but a clear picture – a family, built on love, partnership, and the kind of care she watched her own parents model so beautifully. It’s still there, still strong, unchanged in its essence.

Only now, it sits alongside another reality… It hasn’t happened yet.

“My biggest dream from when I was a little kid was that I would be a mum… and it still is.”

There’s something disorienting about dreams without timelines. We get used to milestones in life – school, work, relationships – often mapped out in neat succession. But some of the deepest desires don’t come with a calendar date. They unfold in their own time, or sometimes, feel like they’re taking longer than expected.

Uncertainty can feel like a mystery

For Danniebelle, that uncertainty can feel like a mystery she’s learning to live with.

Not solve. Not rush. Just live with.

“I don’t know the date, I don’t know the time… it all feels like a bit of a mystery.”

There are moments, she admits, where the questions get loud. Nights where she turns it over in her mind, “Why hasn’t this happened for me?” Moments sparked by something as simple as a film or a fleeting love story on screen, highlighting the absence of something she longs for deeply.

And yet, alongside the questioning sits a quiet resolve.

A choice not to get lost in the “what ifs”.

Keep trusting… even while we wait

Instead, she’s learning to place that dream gently into God’s hands; to trust that a desire so deeply rooted isn’t there by accident, or as some kind of cruel tease.

It’s a trust that isn’t always easy.

There are times when God feels silent on the subject. Times when the gap between hope and reality feels wide. Times when comparison sneaks in – when it’s tempting to look at others and think the grass might be greener somewhere else.

But almost as quickly as those thoughts come, they’re challenged.

Because with age has come perspective. A growing awareness that comparison rarely brings peace, and that even the paths that look ideal from the outside can hold their own complexity and pain.

Life, after all, rarely turns out exactly as imagined.

“I’ll immediately go, ‘oh yeah, the grass is greener over there’ but then straight away go, ‘no, I can’t think like that.’”

Danniebelle and Brendan both acknowledged that reality: the relationships they’ve seen break down, the families reshaped by loss or hardship, the unpredictability of life. It’s enough to make anyone pause and wonder what the future might hold.

Even, at times, to question the dream itself.

There are moments when Danniebelle has looked at the state of the world – the chaos, the uncertainty – and quietly wondered what it would mean to bring children into it. It’s not a loss of hope, but a reflection of how deeply she cares about the kind of world future generations will inherit.

And yet, through all of it, one anchor remains. A verse she returns to again and again: “For I know the plans I have for you…” (Jeremiah 29:11).

It’s not a quick fix or a neat answer. But it is a reminder that even when she can’t see the full picture, she’s not forgotten. That her life isn’t defined by what hasn’t happened yet, but by what’s already been given.

And that list, she realises, is full.

Family. Friends. Meaningful work. A community of listeners. A life rich with connection and purpose.

It doesn’t replace the dream but reframes it.

Rather than becoming consumed by what she doesn’t have, she’s choosing to invest in what she does. To pour her love, energy and attention into the people and opportunities already in front of her.

And to trust that the rest will come in the right time. Or in the right way. Or in a way that may look different from what she imagined.

“I don’t want to be distracted by what I don’t have when I have everything right now.”

This was a reminder that so many people can relate to as they are walking similar paths, carrying similar hopes, often quietly.

Dreams that feel delayed.

Questions without answers.

A tension between trust and longing.

And in sharing her story, Danniebelle gave language to that space, not as something to fix, but something to gently hold.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is keep trusting… even while we wait.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Many of the toughest battles are fought quietly in the mind.

Life often has a way of presenting us with many challenges we didn’t see coming. Some of these can be external, where we have little control. But many of the toughest battles are fought quietly in the mind. We can find ourselves becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and worn down by consuming thoughts that feed our doubts. Living the Christian life means learning the practice of overcoming doubt with God’s Word, anchoring ourselves in truth when uncertainty tries to take hold.

Joyce Meyer reminds us of the holy and living power that we have in Christ Jesus. When we truly take hold of the truth and base our identity on God’s Word, the enemy loses his influence. Joyce encourages believers to take hold of the spiritual weapons God has given them so they can live with freedom and confidence in Christ.

Using God’s Word to Overcome Doubt and Fear

How much time do you spend speaking the Word of God out loud? For many of us, it isn’t nearly enough. When the truth is not spoken consistently over our lives, it becomes easier for doubt and overwhelming thoughts to creep back in, slowly distorting our vision.

The truth is, the battle against these consuming lies has already been won. Through Christ, we have the victory. What remains now is our responsibility to boldly declare that truth and actively practise overcoming doubt with God’s Word. Joyce stresses the importance of speaking this truth, focusing on the good things that God has done for us.

“When you do this, you’re feeding your faith instead of feeding your doubts.”

Rather than falling into the enemy’s traps, we turn our hearts towards Jesus and allow the truth of who He says He is to pull us out of discouragement. Choosing God’s Word over fear strengthens our faith and renews our minds.

Praise as a Weapon in Overcoming Doubt with God’s Word

Praise also serves as a powerful spiritual weapon. When we sing, we should sing with intention and purpose, declaring God’s victories over our lives. Praise shifts our focus away from fear and helps us see ourselves through the lens of who God has called us to be.

As we praise God, we reinforce the truth of His Word in our hearts. This practice strengthens our ability to stand firm and continues the process of overcoming doubt with God’s Word, even in challenging seasons.

Developing Spiritual Strength to Stand Against Doubt

Standing against the enemy requires a holy and determined spirit. We cannot simply remain passive when lies try to take root in our minds. Joyce reminds believers that Jesus died on the cross to give us complete victory, and that victory is available to us today.

Referencing Romans 10, she explains that “whosoever will” receive God’s promises must hear the Word of God. Faith grows when we consistently expose ourselves to the message of Christ and learn to stand firm in truth when doubt arises.

Why God’s Word is Medicine for Your Soul

The Word of the Lord is not simply information to be learned, but nourishment for the soul. Just as the body cannot thrive without healthy food, the spirit cannot thrive without consistent time in Scripture.

Rather than approaching Scripture as a task or obligation, Joyce encourages believers to develop a genuine hunger for the Word. God’s truth brings life because it meets us where we are, addressing the places that need healing most.

“It has inherent power in it that will heal your life.”

Over time, reading Scripture doesn’t just inform us. It strengthens us, helping us to stand firm when challenges come and reminding us of who we are in Christ.

The Victory is Won

The challenges we face may not disappear overnight, but the way we face them can change. Joyce encourages believers to be intentional about what they feed their minds and spirits, knowing that God’s Word has the power to restore, renew, and transform.

As we choose to speak truth, praise with purpose, and hunger for Scripture, we position ourselves to walk in the freedom Christ has already secured for us. In doing so, we discover that the Word truly is medicine — bringing clarity, strength, and life in every season, and leading us continually towards overcoming doubt with God’s Word.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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Born without arms and legs, Nick Vujicic shares the faith that’s carried him through life without limits in a new documentary.

Australian-born evangelist, author and motivational speaker Nick Vujicic is preparing to release a deeply personal documentary about his Christian journey.

In the film entitled ‘No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story’ audiences are invited into some of the darkest moments of Nick’s life: the childhood bullying, the crushing isolation and the moments he nearly lost his will to live after being born without arms and legs. 

But the 43-year-old shared that the documentary is not ultimately about despair.

He explained it’s about what can happen “when you don’t get a miracle, but still become one.”

Most Intimate Portrait Yet of Nick Vujicic

Through archival footage, candid family interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his ministry, ‘No Limbs, No Limits’ chronicles the life of a young  man who transformed profound suffering and dark moments of the soul, into a message of hope rooted in his Christian faith.

This is the most intimate portrait yet of the globally recognised Christian influencer and founder of NickV Ministries, who has spent decades preaching to millions around the world. 

For Nick, revisiting painful memories on camera was less difficult than witnessing the emotional toll those years took on the people closest to him, including his parents, his brother, Aaron, who was given that name to be a “helper” to his disabled brother, and his sister, Michelle. 

Nick Reflects on the Amazing Support of His Family

“As I speak about my story, I revisit it every time I’m on stage,” the bestselling author said.

“But as I watched my family members reflect on those years and the impact it had on them … that hit me differently.”

“We were just a normal family. We loved each other. We still fought as siblings.”

“But I think a lot of families will be touched by just acknowledging the importance of being there for one another as best as we can.”

What Nick Has Achieved in His 43 Years

Despite his international fame, the film reveals the staggering scope of his ministry work, much of which remains unknown even to long-time followers.

Over the past two decades, Nick has traveled to 87 countries, met with 37 presidents, addressed national governments and shared the Gospel with hundreds of millions of people.

According to his ministry, nearly 1.5 million people have professed faith in Jesus Christ through outreach events connected to his organisation.

“People will walk away praising God. Not because Nick is special, but because of what God can do with your broken pieces if you place them in His hands,” he mused. 

Nick Still Prays for Arms and Legs

Even after years of public ministry, Nick, who married his wife Kanae in 2012, shared that there are still prayers he continues to carry and miracles he hopes happen.

“I still have a pair of shoes in my closet. And I still pray for arms and legs.”

The film also serves as a personal legacy project for his four children, whom he hopes will come away not with pressure to replicate his ministry, but with gratitude and humility.

“My oldest is already baptised,” he revealed, sharing that his family is gearing up for mission work in Africa.

“I don’t want them to feel like they have to fill somebody’s shoes.”

“I just want them to know Jesus died for them, and that’s enough.”

The Film Stresses Themes of Humility and Surrender

Based on his experience, Nick emphasised the importance of rejecting a “transactional” faith culture, one that equates obedience with guaranteed blessing and promises of a prosperous life. 

“We address pretty strongly that we’re against the prosperity gospel. God is not a genie.”

His documentary stresses surrender, humility and perseverance — themes Nick believes are urgently needed in modern Christianity.

“There’s nothing wrong with praying for healing,” he said.

“But we also have to understand that it’s not our will, it’s God’s will. His grace is sufficient.”

“We’d like to be part of a real repentance and revival.”

That message, he added, is especially critical in a cultural moment marked by anxiety, division and spiritual confusion.

“We’d like to be part of a real repentance and a real check on our definition of revival.”

“We cannot have shallow discipleship and a lack of accountability”

Nick expressed concern about what he described as shallow discipleship and a lack of accountability among faith leaders.

Churches, he stressed, risk losing younger generations if they fail to return to “the basics” of authentic Christianity.

“If teenagers are not really being discipled, where is our nation really going?” he asked.

“God can use anyone at any age.”

‘No Limbs, No Limits: The NickV Story’ is slated for release in late September.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

Feature image: ‘No Limbs, No Limits’ Film Cover

Miranda Riddington would describe herself as ‘just an ordinary mum‘.

But those who know this year’s Mother of the Year, would consider her an extraordinary Christian woman.

Alongside her husband of 47 years, Joe, Miranda Riddington has raised ten children in southern New South Wales while serving faithfully in pastoral ministry and supporting those in need around her.

She still loves mentoring other mums on raising their children.

“Raising 10 children was hectic and amazing”.

Miranda devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising and homeschooling her children despite multiple moves around Australia, and even overseas.

Throughout that time, her home has been a place of faith, encouragement, and resilience.

Even through challenging seasons, she modelled trust in God and a commitment to building a strong and loving family.

“It was hectic. It was a very busy time,” she said.

“Honestly, it was an amazing season of having the 10 children.”

Walking With the Lord

“Without the Lord we would not have been able to do what we did”

“We were like a community and it was something that everyone loved being a part of when they came to the house.”

“There was always something happening. It was an exciting time, even though it was challenging.”

“But without the Lord, there’s no way that we would have been able to do what we did.”

Miranda’s foundation for raising a family is from Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“It says write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts, get them inside of you and then get them in inside your children.”

“Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street.”

“Talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.”

“I realised that being a Christian and raising children in a Christian home is about me knowing God first, and unless I have a vibrant strong relationship with the Lord I can’t pass that on to the children.”

Helping Others in her Pastoral Ministry

Miranda is also a grandmother to 16 grandchildren.

Her legacy is seen not only in her own family, but in the many lives she has touched through her service and example. 

For more than three decades, she has served alongside Joe in ministry, sometimes as a pastor herself, walking with people through grief, hardship, and crisis.

She has offered practical help, wise counsel, and a compassionate presence to those who needed it most.

Miranda’s ministry has extended into prisons, support for orphans, and care for women and families facing difficult circumstances.

She played a significant role in supporting the spiritual life of ‘Bali NIne’ drug smuggler Andrew Chan who gave his life to the Lord and ran a prison ministry before his execution in 2015.

Her children say their mother embodies love, humility, patience, and strength.

An unsung hero whose impact has shaped not only her own family, but countless others.

She has consistently pointed others toward the importance of strong marriages, stable homes, and faith-filled living.

Biblical Models

“I love Psalm 128:3.” she revealed.

“It says that your wife will be a fruitful vineyard, so the model I have is of a vineyard that speaks of longevity, that speaks of generation to generation and leaving a legacy and a heritage.”

“I love the fact that God sees us as a vineyard because we are the ones who manage the vineyard and create the opportunities for our children.”

“I think that the family is still the number one, it is God’s heart.”

“He created us to have relationship with Him because He wanted a family.”

“And so through us, it’s amazing to think that He uses us, just the husband and wife, to partner with him to create eternal beings so that He can have relationships.”

“I think if we can keep that thought in our mind, it takes us out of the day-to-day humdrum to see the bigger picture that we’re actually partnering and working with God in raising our children for Him to have a relationship with them.”

Miranda’s Advice to Mums

“My passion is to work with mums that are really struggling.”

“I think if there’s anything I could say to mums today it is that you are the very best person to raise your children. God chose you for that job.”

“You have everything you need within you to be the best mum for that child. And don’t lose hold of that.”

“Don’t lose sight of that and when you need help and when you need wisdom just ask God for it because He says that if you lack wisdom just ask Me and I’ll give it to you.”

“I’ve had to do that so many times and I still do.”

“I just go to God and I say: God I don’t know what to do here but You have promised me that You’ll give me the answer.”

“I want struggling mums to know today that they can do it because if He gave you the child, He has given you everything you need to be able to raise that child in the way that’s honouring to Him.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media.

Feature image: Supplied (FamilyVoice Australia)

I can still remember the moment. I was in the schoolyard when I heard the words: ‘Don’t play with her. She’s too fat’.

Content note: This blog shares personal reflections on body image, identity, and self-worth.

Year 4. Nine years old. And in one sentence, my world shifted.

I went home, walked straight to my room, and stared into the mirror – not with my own eyes, but with the eyes of someone who had just labelled me. That was the day I learned how quickly a few careless words can reshape your value, your confidence, your sense of worth.

And the truth is… many women know that moment. Maybe you’ve been called too fat, too thin, too plain, too pale, too much, not enough. Maybe someone has commented on your thighs, your skin, your nose, your hairline, your body shape – as if your body is public property.

Those words stick. They echo. They shape the way we walk into rooms.

When I started high school, I was quiet. Invisible. Not the cool kid. I didn’t wear my hair the right way or know the cool labels. Just a girl trying to find one kind face in a world obsessed with “hot” or “not.”

But here’s something I want you to know – especially if you’ve struggled with your body like I have:

Faith in Jesus can reshape the way you see yourself. A relationship with Him can free you from the opinions of others. He can teach you to love yourself without their permission.

I know this because I’ve lived on both sides of the pendulum.

1 Samuel 16:7 “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The Words That Broke Me – and the Determination That Followed

When I was a young teen, the boy I had a crush on told my friend he wouldn’t date me unless my “butt cheeks were ten times smaller.”

Ten. Times. Smaller.

Something snapped inside me – not in a healthy way, but in a determined way. Like so many teenage girls, I started watching what I ate. Then I started exercising. Then I started exercising twice a day. Running. Sit‑ups. Push‑ups. Walking. Strict Eating.

By 15, I was a size 10 – the fittest I had ever been. And I felt great.

But what started as revenge turned into something entirely different. It became about me – about discovering my own strength and reclaiming what had been taken from me. Along the way, I found a courage I didn’t know I had, and every step of it was Christ‑led.

I’d become a Christian a year or two earlier, at thirteen, and everything began to shift – my friends, my interests, even the way I saw myself. God was growing a strength in me I had never known before.

I eventually confronted that boy – but the truth is, I had already chosen to forgive him long before that moment. It was only through God’s peace that I was able to offer friendship instead of hurt or blame. And somehow, we did become friends. We even dated for a while. But forgiveness doesn’t erase memory, and the impact of those words didn’t magically disappear.

Then came a new wave of accusations, this time because of my changing body. When you’re overweight, people assume you’re careless. When you’re thin, suddenly they think you’re harming yourself.

“She must be throwing up.” “Are you throwing up?” “Has she stopped eating?” “Let me see you finish that fruit salad.”

I was honestly stunned. It felt like I couldn’t win. Fat meant rejection, thin meant suspicion. How is any woman meant to navigate that?

But in that moment, I chose what God was whispering to me: Choose My way. Ignore them. Keep going. I knew the truth – I was healthy, fit, and loving my life, even if others questioned it.

And here’s another twist no one warns you about:

Being rejected for your body hurts. But being accepted only because of your body? That can be just as damaging.

When ‘Beautiful’ Became a Burden

Suddenly, I was the opposite of invisible. Boys noticed me. People wanted to date me. And let me tell you – that kind of attention is intoxicating.

But it came with a cost.

People judged my Christian character because of how I looked. Girls kept their distance. Men objectified me. And by the time I got to university I felt pressure – suffocating pressure – to maintain an impossible standard so people would keep liking me.

I remember preparing a uni presentation I wasn’t confident about and thinking:

“It’s fine. I’ll just look amazing, so no one notices what I say.”

That’s not confidence. That’s captivity.

Being rejected for being overweight was hurtful and lonely. But being accepted only for beauty was just as empty. Neither version was or is freedom.

The Body Battle Doesn’t End- Even as an Adult

I’ve always struggled with my weight. Even now, as a plus-size mum, it fluctuates. Up. Down. Up again. And here’s something I’ve never said publicly:

When I focus on healthy eating, it’s shocking how quickly people comment. If I have one treat, one “off‑plan” moment, suddenly it’s:

“Ohhh, I thought you weren’t eating that?” “Is that allowed?” “Should you be having that?”

Even at my strictest, I still have cheat days. I’m human. I’m allowed to enjoy food. I need those moments. But those comments? They don’t help. They don’t motivate. They don’t support.

They shame.

So let me say this clearly:

If someone you love is trying to get healthy, don’t police them. Walk with them. Check in. Ask how they’re going. Pray for and with them. Encourage them. Love them. Don’t tease them. Don’t monitor them. Don’t make their plate your business.

We don’t need food critics. We need companions. And if they do need professional help, journey with them gently to the GP.

What God Taught Me About Beauty

After years of swinging between extremes – overweight, underweight, under pressure, over‑noticed, under‑valued – God finally whispered something that changed everything:

“Your beauty is not your body. Your beauty is My Spirit in you.”

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

And that was my journey, God completely renewed the way I see body and my beauty no matter what size I am.

We are spiritual, supernatural beings made in the image of God – wrapped in human, fragile, imperfect bodies.

The most beautiful women I know? Their beauty has nothing to do with their appearance. It’s their kindness. Their courage. Their gentleness. Their wisdom. Their joy. Their faith.

That’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t wrinkle, stretch, sag, or fade. That’s the kind of beauty I want to be around.

1 Peter 3:3–4 “Your beauty… should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

So Here’s My Advice — From One Woman to Another

If you’ve been wounded by words…

If you’ve been judged by your body…

If you’ve been pressured to shrink or pressured to sparkle…

Hear me:

You are not a body with a soul. You are a soul with a body.

Your worth is not measured in kilos, calories, dress sizes, or compliments.

Your worth was set at the Cross. Unchanging. Unshakeable. Unconditional.

And if you’re on a health journey – physical, emotional, or spiritual – let people walk with you, not watch you.

Let them support you, not scrutinise you.

And above all, let Jesus define you – not the mirror, not the comments, not the culture.

Because big girls do cry. But big girls also rise. And with God, big girls overcome.

Article supplied with thanks to Rhema 99.7

About the Author: Richelle Wenhem is an announcer and content coordinator at Rhema 99.7, and mum of two children.

Feature image: Supplied

When approval becomes a trap.

I was talking with a friend the other day. She has just taken on a new role in her workplace. She knows she needs to speak up more in meetings. She knows she doesn’t because she worries what people think of her.

I thought that the opinions of other people didn’t bother me so much. How wrong I was!

I started thinking about a work context where I am more than happy to contribute my ideas. I began to realise that a lot of that desire is driven by a need to prove why I’m in the room. I worked this out from the way I respond when my shared ideas encounter feedback. I take it way too much to heart. This is because in rejecting my idea, they are also rejecting me.

Both my friend and I have fear of other people’s opinions – it just manifests itself in different ways. In some situations it keeps me talking – while for my friend, it keeps her silent.

What is FOPO?

Fear of other people’s opinions – or FOPO- is a term coined by high performance psychologist and author Michael Gervais. FOPO is having an unhealthy fixation on what other people think of us. It can be distracting, limiting or even debilitating. It can stop us putting forward new ideas (or in my case, being overly sensitive to the reception of ideas), speaking up in meetings, having difficult conversations, or trying something new.

FOPO traps us into devoting our energy, attention and focus on attempting to manage what other people think of us. Which, when you think about it, is a losing battle because we really can’t control other people’s opinions. And it’s exhausting. As another friend of mine says: “You’ll be that puppy dog constantly after the next pat on the head. And that’s quite an exhausting way to live, and it’s really unpredictable and inconsistent.” Devoting our energy, attention and focus in this way means we are less able to bring our best selves into the room.

So what’s the solution?

Do we just need to be braver? How do we become braver?

It strikes me that what we need is something to anchor ourselves for those times we can get buffeted by the opinions of others. And it’s best to work out what those anchors are when the waters are calm.

The anchor could be, for example, the opinion of a trusted friend or mentor. That can give us perspective and help us to filter or assess the opinions in the room. Or it could be something we say to ourselves in opinion-threatening situations. For me, I can remind myself that my ideas should be more about the good of others and less about others feeling good about me.

While that thought might anchor me in the moment, it comes because of an even deeper anchor it is attached to. As a follower of Jesus, there should be something even more important to me than the opinions of other people.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:4-7

Jesus says the only one who should be feared – and rightly feared – is God himself. And yet that fear is from a place of safety and security because of how valuable Jesus’ followers are to God.

I find those words both challenging and comforting. Challenging because I need to fear God more than I fear people. Comforting because I am valuable to God – I matter to him. The way for me to become braver is to fear God more, because then the opinions of others will matter less.

Knowing that my worth comes from God means I am freer to act for the good of others, and so I can bring more of my best self into the room. Sharing my ideas becomes less about wanting others to feel good about me, and more about what is good for others. It then becomes a less opinion-threatening situation. And I can then more thoughtfully and calmly assess the feedback on my ideas.

Questions

1. Have you observed any FOPO behaviours in yourself?
2. What could your anchors be in opinion-threatening situations?
3. How could you see this making a practical difference?

Article provided with thanks to City Bible Forum.

Feature image: Canva

Ever feel like you can’t pray because you don’t feel ‘good enough’? Spoiler alert: God knows we don’t have it all together and welcomes our messy imperfection. 

I was doing my bible reading recently. The summary of the day’s reading said: “God invites us into conversation even when our prayers are unpolished, and our thoughts are in disarray.” This thought resonated with me deeply. It was in relation to Psalm 120, which is a Psalm of lament.

‘I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue. He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.’ Psalm 120

David, who wrote the Psalm, is on the run in the wilderness, the King is trying to kill him, and he is scared for his life. The Psalm is really short, and it reads as though David just blurted out his anguish at his situation. Many of the Psalms are laments, but they end with praise. However, this one doesn’t; it’s just David’s thoughts, fears and frustrations.

I was reflecting on times in my life when I have felt the need to censor myself before God. For me, this comes from two things: a need for control and wanting to have it all together. Sometimes, it feels like if I admit in prayer how much I am struggling, then I am also confirming that nagging feeling deep inside that I am not as in control as I would like to think I am. God actually knows I don’t have it all together – He made me. He invites us, in Matthew 11:28-30, to walk with him and learn from him, and to share our burdens with him, because he gives us rest.

Sometimes I almost feel like I don’t want to bother God with my problems. I say a polite prayer and go on my way, closing the door on deep pain that He invites me to share with Him in a real relationship. The Psalms are an example of what it looks like to share your heart with God: the fear, the pain, and the joy. In fact, when you don’t have the words to know what to pray for, praying through the Psalms is a great place to start.

We don’t need to wait for the perfect time or for our lives to be perfect. We don’t need to wait until we are good enough, either. The death and resurrection of Jesus on the cross gave us a direct path to a relationship with God. We can come to Him and share it all, unfiltered, messy, and just as we are. 

Article supplied with thanks to Lorrene McClymont.

About the Author: Lorrene McClymont is a writer and photographer from Hope Images. On her blog ‘Moments to Rest’, she shares about rest, faith, and family.

Feature image: Canva