Held Together by Grace

Held Together by Grace

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

I know I can make it. Even when life hits like a storm that won’t let up, even when the weight of everything tries to drag me under, I know I can stand. No matter what comes my way, I’m held together by something bigger than me something unshakable. My life ain’t just mine; it’s in the hands of the One who never lets go.

With the Creator, I can take it. I can push through. I can rise again. Even when it feels like everything is against me, I remind myself I ain’t standing on my own. My foundation ain’t built on shaky ground. It’s firm. It’s eternal. And no matter how bad the storm gets, I know this my storm will be one of the world’s greatest testimonies.

I hear my grandmother Celestine’s voice clear as day, just like I did when I was a kid. "Baby, you better hold on to the Creator. Even when you don’t understand. Even when you feel like letting go. You hear me? Hold on. He got you."

She’d say, "Tears? They ain’t nothing but a release. A way for the soul to breathe when life gets heavy. But don’t you sit in ‘em too long. The Creator’s gonna dry those eyes. He ain’t in the business of leaving His people broken."

And right now? Right now, I need that reminder. Because truth be told, I feel like I’m barely holding on.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I say that, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like I was under attack. Negativity has been circling me like vultures, waiting for me to give up. I’m bruised. Dragged. Worn thin. My spirit feels like it’s been in a fight I can’t see, and my body’s showing the damage. My vision’s hazy fogged up with doubt, exhaustion, and questions I don’t have answers to.

I’m starving for peace. Thirsty for clarity. Stripped down to my last bit of strength. And yeah, I’m hurting so bad I can barely get the words out. But even in this mess, even when everything around me says I should throw in the towel, I refuse to stop believing. I won’t trash my faith just because I don’t understand what’s happening.

Creator, I give myself away. No more fighting You. No more trying to figure it all out on my own. Here I am flawed, stumbling, but still standing. If You can use me, then use me. Guide me. Pull me out of these deep waters ‘cause, truthfully, I feel like I’m sinking.

I put You first, and it seems like the storms just got louder. The rain’s pouring through my roof, the wind’s shaking everything I built, and I feel like my whole world’s coming down. But I still know this You ain’t gonna let me drown. Somehow, someway, You’re lifting me even when I can’t see it.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Not this battle. Not this pain. Not this moment of struggle that’s trying to convince me I won’t make it. The enemy might think I’m done for, but I know better.

My tears? Temporary. This pain? Won’t last forever. My suffering? Not the end of my story.

I lift my hands just like I saw my grandmother do. Not because I have it all together, but because I don’t. Because I know where my help comes from. Because even when I feel like I’m falling apart, I’m still held together by grace.

And if there’s one thing I know for sure it won’t always be like this. My storm? Oh, it’s gonna be one of the greatest testimonies the world has ever seen.

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A Prayer of Testimony and Deliverance

Creator of all things, the One who sees me even in the storm, I come before You with a heart laid bare. I have walked through the fire, been beaten by the winds, and drowned in the floods of sorrow, yet I stand. I have been attacked by the forces of negativity, stripped down to my very soul, feeling weak, lost, and forsaken—but never abandoned by You.

Even when my vision was blurred by tears, when my body ached from the weight of my trials, when my spirit trembled in confusion, I held on. Not because I am strong, but because You are. You have been my anchor in the storm, my shelter in the downpour, my light in the darkness.

No weapon formed against me has prospered, and though I have been bruised, I have not been broken. My suffering will not be in vain, for I know my storm will be one of the world’s greatest testimonies. My wounds will become wisdom. My trials will birth triumph. My tears will water the seeds of faith for those who come after me.

So I surrender to You, not as one defeated, but as one who trusts. Use me as You will. Take my brokenness and make it whole. Take my pain and turn it into purpose. I give myself away so You can use me.

Creator, whatever You are doing in this season, do not do it without me. If You are healing, heal me. If You are blessing, bless me. If You are lifting, lift me. And as You restore me, let my life be a living testimony of Your grace, mercy, and unfailing love.

Amen.

Much love ❤️ from Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar