Redeemed Identity After Divorce | Christian, Divorce, Encouragement

We spend a lot of time looking for red flags in other people—but what about the filters through which we're seeing them?   In Part 2, we're taking a closer look at four things that can cloud our discernment after divorce: pride, unforgiveness, fear, and judging by outward appearances. How do we know when we're hearing the Holy Spirit, reacting to an old wound, or simply making assumptions? We'll explore how God's Word, prayer, and a willingness to examine our own hearts can help us see more clearly. Scripture: Zechariah 4:6, Hebrews 12:15, 1 Samuel 16:7, James 1:5 Identity Check: Am I asking God to show me what's wrong with this person—or am I willing to ask what I might be missing? Sometimes the next step in healing isn't discovering something new about somebody else. Sometimes it's allowing God to reveal something new in us. Join me as we learn to recognize the difference between suspicion and discernment—and make room for God to sharpen our spiritual vision. We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations     LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!     Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp     WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce     Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

Are you recognizing genuine red flags—or reacting to old wounds? Divorce can leave us struggling with fear of abandonment, people-pleasing, and relationship patterns that follow us into new relationships. In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we'll explore how past pain can cloud our judgment, why chemistry isn't the same as character, and how Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel can help us make healthier relationship choices. Scripture: Romans 12:2, Hebrews 5:14, Proverbs 15:22. Identity Check: Am I seeing this person clearly, or am I responding to an old wound? Let's learn to recognize unhealthy patterns and rediscover what it means to choose wisely after divorce. Book mentioned: How We Love   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations     LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!     Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

keywords   faith, divorce, healing, joy, spiritual growth, God's love, women, grief, Christian life, personal transformation  summary     In this episode, special guest, Yvette Walker shares her journey of faith, healing, and finding joy after divorce. She discusses how abiding in God's love brings peace and joy, and offers practical insights for women navigating seasons of loss and change.    key  topics   Faith and healing after divorce The importance of abiding in God's love Finding joy in God's presence during difficult times Personal stories of overcoming grief and loss Practical steps for spiritual growth and renewal      takeaways   Joy is found in abiding in God's love, not in external circumstances Surrendering control and trusting God brings peace God's love is a constant source of comfort and strength Women can find healing and joy after loss by focusing on their relationship with God Spiritual growth involves seeking more knowledge and understanding of God's word.   action  items   Reflect on your relationship with God and seek His love daily Practice surrendering control and trusting God's plan Read and meditate on John 15:9-11 for spiritual encouragement Create a devotional routine to nurture healing and joy       Chapters   00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 02:03 Yvette shares her journey of faith and divorce 03:52 The moment of divine love and life change 07:00 The significance of abiding in God's love 12:00 Marriage, faith, and God's plan for healing 19:51 Women navigating grief and finding joy 30:01 The importance of spiritual growth and seeking God 40:01 Surrendering control and trusting God's timing 42:01 Closing prayer and encouragement for listeners    guest links   Yvette Walker KC Star Opinion Page Editor Host of The Positively Joy Podcast on divorce and loss Christian YouTuber. Speaker   Faithful & Divorced substack Yvette Walker's Gritty Faith substack Latest book: "Beautifully Loved: A Devotional for Women Single Again" Other Books on Amazon Twitter: @ywalker Instagram: @yvettebwalker LinkedIn: yvettebwalker  

Have you ever prayed, believed, and trusted God—only to watch the life you wanted fall apart anyway? Divorce can leave us grieving more than the loss of a marriage. We may lose our dreams, friendships, community, ministry, and the future we thought we were building. And somewhere in the middle of that pain, difficult questions begin to surface. God, where were You? Why didn't You intervene? And why do I feel so disappointed with You? In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, Dana gets personal about her own 18-year journey through a spiritual desert and the painful realization that she had become offended with God. Through honest reflection and the truth of Scripture, we'll explore what happens when disappointment takes root in our hearts—and how we can begin finding our way back to trust. You don't have to pretend you're okay with God when you're not. But you also don't have to let your disappointment become the final word about His character. IN THIS EPISODE, WE'LL EXPLORE: Why divorce can leave us questioning God's goodness and faithfulness. The difference between honestly grieving before God and believing He has abandoned us. How disappointment can quietly grow into resentment and spiritual distance. Why we must separate the pain others have caused us from our identity in Christ. How to surrender our unmet expectations without pretending the hurt never happened. What it looks like to begin trusting God again when we don't have all the answers. YOUR TRUTH BOMBS FROM GOD'S WORD 📖 Psalm 13:1 — God can handle your honest questions. 📖 Job 30:20 — Even Job cried out when God seemed silent. 📖 Hebrews 13:5 — Your painful circumstances are not proof that God has abandoned you. 📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Your identity in Christ is not erased by divorce. 📖 Isaiah 43:19 — The end of the life you planned doesn't mean God cannot work in the life ahead. YOUR IDENTITY CHECKS Take a few moments to reflect: What am I believing about God because of what happened to me? Have I confused the loss of the life I planned with the loss of who I am in Christ? Am I willing to take one honest step toward God, even if I don't have all the answers? You can acknowledge your disappointment without condemning yourself. You can release resentment without excusing abuse or wrongdoing. And you can begin rebuilding your relationship with God without having every question answered. A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT If you're angry with God after divorce, you are not beyond His reach. Bring Him your real questions, your grief, and your disappointment. You don't have to manufacture faith or hide behind religious answers. CONNECT WITH REDEEMED IDENTITY AFTER DIVORCE If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this reminder. We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations     LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!     Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp     WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce     Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/ Divorce may feel like a sandstorm, but your new beginning is still under construction. You are loved. You are seen. And you are still redeemed.

What if the valley of divorce was never meant to be your destination? After 13 episodes of walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce (VOSOD), we’ve reached the end of this series—but not the end of the journey. In this final episode, we step back and look at the bigger picture of Psalm 23 and what it means to walk through the valley rather than build a life inside it. David didn’t say, “I live in the valley.” He said, “I walk through the valley.” That little word—through—changes everything. Divorce can feel like the entire story. The grief, unanswered questions, betrayal, loneliness, anger, shame, and uncertainty can make it difficult to imagine anything beyond the season you're living in. But your divorce is a chapter—not your identity. Your pain is part of your story—but it doesn't get to write the ending. And the Shepherd who walks with you in the valley is the same Shepherd who leads you toward restoration, purpose, divine appointments, hope, and new life. In this episode, we revisit: Why the valley was never meant to become your home How Psalm 23 is ultimately about the Shepherd, not the valley Why healing after divorce isn't always a straight line The danger of building your identity around what happened to you Why small steps are still steps forward What it means to stop decorating the cave—and start following the Shepherd The significance of the table waiting beyond the valley How to recognize when you're still living in an old chapter Why your divorce does not get to determine your identity or your future And we'll bring back some of the Truth Bombs and Identity Checks we've encountered throughout this series as we put a bow on our journey through the VOSOD. Here's the Truth Bomb: The Shepherd never leads His sheep into a valley just to abandon them there. You may not know the entire route. You may not see what's around the next bend. You may even feel like you're walking in circles sometimes. But you don't have to know the whole path. You just need to know who's leading you. The valley isn't the story. The journey is. And the Shepherd is with you all the way through.   Scripture Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”   Identity Check Where are you looking? Backward at what happened? Sideways at what everyone else is doing? Inward at everything you think is wrong with you? Or forward at the Shepherd? Take the next step. Keep walking. Your story isn't over. BLESSINGS,   Dana If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope after divorce and subscribe to Redeemed Identity After Divorce so you don't miss what's coming next. Because the VOSOD series may be ending... but the journey isn't. Remember who you are. #ChristianDivorce #HealingAfterDivorce #DivorceRecovery #IdentityAfterDivorce #Psalm23 #HopeAfterDivorce #ChristianWomen #DivorceHealing #RedeemedIdentity     Original notes: The Valley Isn't the Story… The Journey Is When you're walking through divorce, it's easy to believe the valley is your whole story. The grief feels endless. The questions keep coming. The future looks unfamiliar. Day after day, it can feel as though you've arrived at a place you'll never leave. But what if the valley was never meant to be your destination? What if it's simply part of the journey? As I've been teaching through our Valley of the Shadow of Death (VOSOD) series, one truth has become clearer with every episode: Psalm 23 isn't really about a valley. It's about a Shepherd leading His sheep through one. That little word—through—changes everything. David didn't write, "I live in the valley." He didn't say, "I built a house in the valley." He said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." The valley was never meant to become home. The Valley Isn't the Whole Psalm One of the enemy's favorite lies is convincing us that our hardest season is our entire story. But read Psalm 23 again. It begins with a Shepherd who provides. It speaks of a Shepherd who restores. It reminds us of a Shepherd who guides. The valley is only one part of the journey. The Shepherd is present in every part. That's true after divorce, too. Divorce may be one chapter of your life, but it isn't the title of your story. Keep Following the Shepherd Think about a hiking trail. You don't see the entire path from the trailhead. Sometimes all you can see is the next bend. You keep walking because you trust the trail. You trust the destination. Our walk with God often feels the same way. He rarely hands us the whole map. Instead, He gives us enough light for the next step. Sometimes progress is dramatic. More often, it's quiet. It's choosing forgiveness one more time. Opening your Bible when you don't feel like it. Believing that healing is possible even when your emotions haven't caught up yet. Those may seem like small steps, but they are still steps. And every step is moving you forward. This Journey Isn't Over One thing I've realized while recording this series is that we're not simply talking about divorce. We're talking about redemption. We're learning that God never intended for us to pitch a tent in the valley. We are never meant to decorate our cave…or name the bats. He invites us to keep walking with Him, trusting that every step has purpose—even when we can't yet see where the trail leads. In the coming weeks, we'll continue exploring what it looks like to surrender what we've been carrying, recognize the Shepherd's voice more clearly, and discover the hope that waits beyond the shadows. Because here's the truth I hope you'll remember: The Shepherd never leads His sheep into a valley just to abandon them there. He always leads them through to the other side where their new life, Divine appointments, and Hope awaits them.