Doing What’s Right Even When Your Family Disagrees
When was the last time you did something that took real courage? Maybe you traveled alone for the first time or took a new and challenging job. Perhaps you took the first step to repair a relationship or spoke up when someone was being treated unfairly. Being courageous isn’t easy, especially when you’re doing it alone. Or—worse—when the ones who should be cheering you on are acting like your enemies instead.
Senada knows how that feels.
Senada’s parents were old-fashioned and highly superstitious. They refused to allow Senada to attend school and arranged her marriage to Kahill when she was just 15 years old. Senada and Kahill got along well for a while, until Kahill couldn’t find regular work and they began struggling financially. Kahill took his anger out on Senada, picking fights and blaming her for their poverty.
Eventually, Kahill quit working entirely, leaving Senada as the sole provider for their family. Senada did her best, but she knew she was constantly running into problems because of her illiteracy. It seemed every day she was either boarding the wrong bus, being cheated out of correct change, or being paid less than her rightful wage. Senada truly wasn’t sure how they would survive long term. If she was honest, she wanted to give up.
But thanks to generous friends like you, Senada’s story doesn’t end there. When an Adult Literacy Class launched in Senada’s village, she signed up immediately. Her parents didn’t approve. Kahill thought it was a waste of time. Yet Senada knew that joining the Literacy Class was the right choice, and she worked diligently despite their opposition.
As Senada gradually learned how to read, write, and do basic calculations, her despair disappeared and her confidence blossomed! Now, Senada can keep a household budget and takes pride in signing her name. Senada also began praying to Jesus to change Kahill’s attitude and restore their marriage. Amazingly, Kahill began treating her with kindness and respect!
Showing up courageously, day after day, truly changed Senada’s life. How is God asking you to be courageous in your life?
Pray
- Although Senada believes in Jesus, she does not worship Him openly, afraid of being ostracized her husband, parents, or community. Pray that Senada finds the courage to follow Jesus wholly and completely.
- Thank God for some specific times that He helped you have courage. Ask God how He is calling you to be courageous in this season.
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