Life

The Promise

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I once thought that the world would be a better place if we didn’t have to go through so many hard times. So often it feels like as soon as you conquer one battle the next one is already waging to tear you down.  With such encounters come much emotion and even more heartache. We maneuver through the web of disaster, but so many times get caught in the tragedy.

Fighting through things this way gets difficult as we get tied down by the weight of our own inability to let go. I have learned that amidst the hardest of times the easiest way to get through them is to stop looking behind because we lose sight of the opportunities ahead.  Even though the world of no hardships sounds euphoric, I don’t think we could ever really appreciate the rainbow if there was no storm.

Through every difficulty we face, we have to remember that God makes beauty from ashes.

67 thoughts on “The Promise”

  2. Love this- “I don’t think we could ever really appreciate the rainbow if there was no storm.”
    You are a strong, brilliant young woman.

  4. “Through every difficulty we face, we have to remember that God makes beauty from ashes.”
    Double like! God can make what is broken into something beautiful.

    1. Luke T.-
      I love that you are such a faithful reader of my blog and even more that you always leave such encouraging words! Thanks friend : )

  6. A very close loved one once penned a song that this post reminds me of: “It only rains on a cloudy day”… If we never see any rain in our lives we will never experience growth.
    You write like my baby sister… from your heart.

    Thanks for being so transparent to let your struggles help heal others.

    Love ya girl:0)

    1. Justin Machacek-
      Thank you so much for coming to read, it means a lot to me since I know how busy you guys get. Love you guys!

  12. This ministry is covered. It is not people who determine it’s existence. It is God. The victory is already won. I was not sure were my marriage was headed, but after the attacked on Pastor Marcus and Joni I am sure I am going to forgive my husband. Yes, the fact that they cme out and tell their story gives me the strength to forgive, besides my husband is a pastor. I shall not interfer with God’s plan. It is going to be alright your parents did the right thing and God is on the throne. It is well. Lets keep praying one for the other, even those who cause us hurt. God bless you and your family. Thanks

    1. Tara Jireh-
      Thank you so much for checking out my new blog, it means a lot to me! It is so encouraging to hear that through my parents challenge in their marriage you were able to receive hope. I know my parents will be so grateful to hear your story. I guess the thing that keeps crossing my mind through this whole situation is if the grace my dad preaches isn’t available for him, then his message would mean nothing. We are all human, but I think the truest test of character is how we respond in the hard times. Again, thank you for your support and love for my family and Daystar! Make sure to keep us updated on what happens with your marriage, we will stand in prayer with you guys!

  13. This is really true. These words was what I needed. Sometimes we fall apart when a storm comes but We forget what God turn for bad he turns to good!

    1. Brittany-
      I’m so grateful I was able to encourage you through my writing. This blog has personal sentiment to me and I wrote it from my heart when I was going through some really difficult times. I remember when I was really upset and scared I talked to one of my friends and he said, “Rachel do you trust in God or not”? It quickly reminded me that no matter the depth, height, or width of the obstacle we are facing God is ALWAYS in control. Be blessed girly and keep reading!

  14. Hey Rachel,
    We so enjoyed meeting your parents at our church this past week. We are standing with your family in prayer. Coming from a ministry family, I understand the extra attacks the enemy tries to bring, and now that I’m in ministry myself, I keep other ministry families in my prayers constantly.
    God bless you and your family. The best is yet to come!

    1. Amy Freudiger-
      Us “PK’s” got to stick together! The response of support and love through this whole ordeal has been overwhelming. It’s so neat to see how the body of Christ has just come together through this situation. We often lose sight of who we are fighting against. For it’s not people we need to fight with but the enemy to tries to tear us apart. I appreciate your support; it means the world to my family. Keep reading!

  16. Rachel, My prayers go out to you as you continue on in light of your father’s admission. God bless you.

  17. WE HAVE BEEN PARTNERS OF DAYSTAR FOR SEVERAL YEARS
    WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PARTNERS

    *******ONE WORD COMES TO MY MIND AND HEART*****

    REV. 12:11 AND THEY OVERCAME HIM BY THE OF THE LAMB, AND BY THE WORD OF
    THEIR TESTIMONY; AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO .

    WOULD YOU PRAY AND BELIEVE FOR D AND D MARRIAGE TO BE BLESSED BEYOND OUR DREAMS
    FOR HIS GLORY!!!

    YOU ARE LOVED RACHEL AND PRAYED FOR TODAY…THE LORD HAS BIG PLANS FOR YOU ALL FOR HIS GLORY.
    HUGS..SMILES AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN JESUS NAME

  18. REV. 12:11 AND THEY OVERCAME HIM BY THE OF THE LAMB, AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY; AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO .

  19. Beautifully written, Rachel. I was truly blessed and encouraged by your parents transparency today as I watched the program. I pray that the Lord continues to give them beauty for their ashes, strength for their fears, gladness for their mourning and peace for their despair. Be blessed!

  20. God Bless you Rachel and God Bless your mother Joni and Father Marcus.
    Keep strong in faith and all my love in the Lord Jesus
    John

  21. May you know the peace and grace of our sweet Jesus and may He hold you close to His heart during these difficult days. Your words are precious . . . (your former English teacher gives you an A+!) Know you are loved.

    1. Laurel Overby-
      I have thought of you often, actually almost every time I write. Ohhh the torture of that 8th grade writing class! How truly thankful I am now to have learned so much from you about writing. It has helped me tremendously in college. Thanks for always putting up with me and never giving up on me! Hope your well!

  22. Rachel…Was able watch some of “Celebration” this am…work @ home and usually doing radiology transcription during the show, but no work this morning for a while…that was a neat gift from God!! The program was just awesome and I know it has, is, and will touch a gazillion lives!! At the end, your Mother read “The Promise” and I just wanted to say to you how lovingly precious is your expression..filled with the Holy Spirit’s leading for every word. So many, many prayers have been, are and will be continuing to be lifted up for your precious parents. Thank you for sharing this with us.
    To Him Who Sits Upon the Throne..All Praise, All Honor and All Glory!!! Kgarner

  23. God bless you Rachel. God will certainly give you beauty for your ashes. And He will cause all things to work together for your good. I pray that God will protect, guide, and restore you and your family. You are truly an inspiration!! May God cover you all in His grace and love. Amen.

  24. Please, tell your parents that i’m praying for them. That i admire and love them. I’ve been truly blessed by Day Star.There is only one that is perfect and without sin : JESUS! We are forgiven! We love the Lamb family.

  25. Rachel,
    That is so well written! I was blessed to hear your mom read it and was blessed to read it again on your blog. (My first visit) I am standing in the gap for your dad, mom and all you kids. God will bless you all the more during this time. I believe that what Satan meant for bad, God will use for good (Genesis 50:20a As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good) and in fact, I believe the ministry will expand exponentially and shame the devil.

    I am so appreciative of your parents’ transparency and I think this will help a countless number of couples and families out there. Daystar has been there for me when I needed a prayer warrior in the middle of the night. When I am discouraged in my walk with God, I just need to turn on Daystar. May you feel God’s presence and protective love as He so tightly embraces all of you at this time.

    Here’s a scripture I would like to share with you from my heart. Read it, then close your eyes and behold the beauty of the Word of God! Meditate on it and may the Lord give you lots of revelation. It is God’s promise to you and your family.

    Isaiah 43:28 “When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
    and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
    When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze”

    Here’s my prayer for your family:
    Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
    The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
    The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).

    These are God’s promises to you and your family. I am asking God to give you such a tight hug at this time. Soar on ….. all you ‘Lambs’ of God!

  26. First I want to say that I loved your song “The Journey” that the Daystar singers sang on todays show. It is beautiful and glorifies our Lord. Bless you.

    My heart was touched by your parents testimony on their marriage challenges. It took great courage and humbled hearts to come forth publically and share their personal story before a watching and often critical world. The sharing of their pain; their suffering; their challenges and how the Lord brought them through is exactly the right thing to do. Not only are we told to share our burdens one with another; it is by the word of our testimony that helps bring others to the Lord; helps us reach others who share our pain knowing they are not alone; but it glorifies God to let his grace, mercy and forgiveness shine forth through our own personal testimonies.

    We will be happy to stand with all those who are praying for Joni and Marcus, their family, their ministry and for those who are coming against them. God is everything we need him to be. He is Emmanuel, God with us. The Lord says, “Vengence is mine.” Our job is to forgive and to pray for those who spitefully use us or persecute us.

    Thank you for being open, honest, humble, and for stepping forward with integrity. God bless each of you and keep you in his infinite care.

    Love and prayers,
    Deb

  27. Rachel,

    I first heard this blog read by your mom on Celebration today. It just brought me to tears, because earlier this week I literally had the thought, “I wish everything in my life was perfect.” Then I thought about it and wondered if that was really what I wanted. So hearing your blog today gave me the right perspective. Also, I heard the song “The Journey” I think it is called and I also think you co-wrote it. That also brought me to tears today. Lol! Especially the line, “Carry me Jesus.” So thank you for your thoughts and the song.

    Love, Sarah

  28. | hard about this blog read by your mom this morning.i have been there three years ago, and am better than before .Jesus fell beneath the weight of the cross to show us that he understands when we fa||.The cross is heavy just as it was to Him .pick it up and keep following Him.there is good in that failure which our mind will never comprehend.A|ways remember that Jesus understands,

  29. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
    Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

    As I watched Sir Marcus and Ma’am Joni in Celebration I can’t help tears fell from my eyes, I can see God’s love upholding them. I was so blessed with the words I’ve heard from them. And Im also blessed to have read your blog, just quoted “Through every difficulty we face, we have to remember that God makes beauty from ashes” in my FB account.

    God bless you Rach, your family and your Ministry

  30. yes beyond the storm there is always a “rainbow” which assures us again dat God’s plans are for us nt against us.. well said rachel…God bless u so much!

  31. Rachel,

    Very well spoken. As a PK myself, I have totally felt the same; however, the beauty is in the fact that the Father is always there and always waiting with open arms. I’m praying for your family and the ministry and so appreciate your parents and their obedience to the Lord.

    Be Blessed,

    Chad

  32. Anyone who thinks this is worthwhile prose is a barely literate fool! Rachel can’t write! She’s just spouting cliches and mixed metaphors! Read some Tennyson or Bronte!

    1. Don’t compare English poetry to contemporary blogs! This girl can write and I completely disagree with your point so obviously there are bloggers like me who do not share your view! Oh and by the way speaking of Tennyson, you should read more of him because he is the one who wrote:

      “No man ever got very high by pulling other people down. The intelligent merchant does not knock his competitors. The sensible worker does not work those who work with him. Don’t knock your friends. Don’t knock your enemies. Don’t knock yourself.”

    2. Eric-

      First off I would like to thank you for coming to read my blog. My heart is not to have the most perfect writing, rather to reach out to other people that have been through similar situations I have personally gone through. My greatest hope through writing is to let other people know they aren’t alone in what they go through, because other people have and will go through similar experiences. I’m just a young college student that is trying to make a difference even if it’s only a small one. Gandhi said it best, “What you do may seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it”. Wait, did I just become cliché again? Maybe so, but you know I’m okay with that if it means that one person could rediscover hope, if one person decided to give life another chance, if you one person felt they weren’t alone in their struggles, that one person, yeah that’s why I’m writing.

    3. 1 Corinthians 2:14
      The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

  34. Sweet Rachel God has blessed you with a talent for writing. Keep those songs coming. I love your mom and dad and DayStar and I am so very proud of them for airing their weakness. God will open many doors for helping others through this. “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28 AND Rom. 8:31 the last part of that verse says Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world” Satan loses. I will stand in prayer for your family and for DayStar. God Bless…Kathy

  35. OOOPS Wrong quote on my scripture. See I’m not perfect either. Ha “If God be for us who can be against us”??? Satan still loses. Halleluja Kathy Mills

  36. Hi Rachel, I heard a little bit about what happened w/your mom and dad.. It was probably a surprise to u when u heard about it too. And though infidelity is always wrong, your parents made an excellent decision. I agree, that had they let this out sooner, maybe they would not have made it. The stress would have increased. But I’m glad they came out. PPl can relate more to our failures than to our success. In fact, by them doing that, it gives me as a person hope.. That inspite of my failures God can use me anyway and still do great things. Be encouraged and if you hear or see any negative comments, it is to be expected. But know, that there are those that are standing with your parents bcuz of their sincerity, humilty and just being transparent and open. Be and stay encouraged Rachel…this too shall pass and u will be able to comfort others with the comfort u hv been comforted with.. P.s. this also shows the world that a marriage can be worked out. Takes forgiveness and deciding to love over and over again

  37. “Oh give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth forever. Psalms 136:26
    I am so thankful for your mom and dad. I am so thankful that your mom listened to the Holy Spirit and fought for her marriage. I know that God will use them to help many couples with their marriages. When you have experienced pain in your marriage you can be more passionate in helping others going through the same thing. We will be praying for you and your family and the Daystar Ministry. What Satan is trying to use for harm, God will turn it around and use for good and for His Kingdom. We love all of you. God Bless You!
    Love,
    Janice

  38. It has been 20+ years since my marriage went through this trial. I didn’t do as well as Marcus and Joni have because I didn’t turn to God, I bowed my back and continued to think I was on the right path – total deception! As Marcus said I did lose everything. Now 20 years later, my children still can not forgive me because I broke the family. The 2 of you worked it out, you have kept your family together and generations will tell the value of this in all your lives. BLESS JESUS!

    May God’s Will and Blessings continue in your lives and family. Now you have Total Freedom to follow The Path He has for you together. Praying to God Be The Glory! Great things He has done…

  39. Thank you and your family Miss Lamb. We love y’all very much and commit to pray for y’all.
    God bless

  40. I would like to say you are a young lady of wisdom. My prayers are with you and your family. Thank God for his mercy and grace and unconditional love in the world we live in. I believe in the God of Restoration, forgiveness and healing. He is a God that does not break covenant and His compassions fail not. I am blessed by seeing the way your mother and father handle themselves in such a godly manner. There love for each other and the kingdom of God is so evident.
    Love and blessings to you and your family,
    Linda

  41. I applaud the wisdom used by Joni and Marcus in NOT airing this publicly. It is not the world’s place to pass judgement on children of God. It is the churche’s place to forgive and let every one live unto the Lord their personal Christian life without condemnation. Marcus and Jonie are first and foremost christian’s/sheep of HIS flock and then minister’s. We all have our weaknesses and sins that we deal with.

  42. You are truly a blessing to your mom and dad. I have a daughter who is a few years older than you, and what I wouldn’t give if she and I were 1/4 as close as you and your dad are. Sometimes in life he may be wrong, but no matter what he’s still your daddy and you are blessed to have him. From one father to the daughter of very blessed parents…you set the example of the type of child every parents hopes and prays they have. You, your brother, your sister, and your parents will come through this situation stronger than you could ever imagine in your wildest dreams.

  43. Rachel, Well said! I think most people can relate to what you have written and what you are going through in one way or another. We constantly face new challenges and trying times. Keep the faith! God is amazing and will see us through the difficult things. You and your family are surrounded by love and prayers! I know your parents are doing what is right in being transparent and going public with the challenges they are working through and that you are all going through together. May God bless you all continuously! Let your parents know that I’m keeping your family and Daystar in my prayers! Continue being a blessing to many! 🙂

  44. Rachel, I was blessed by your blog. It reminded my of a song that Derek Floyd used to sing. The song said, “I’ve never seen a rainbow, ’til after the rain. And I’ve never known His healing power, ’til I felt the pain. I’ve never seen the sun rise, ’til after the night. And you’ll never know the victory ’til after the fight.” God will see you and your family through this, and you will emerge as a STRONGER force for God when this storm passes! (And it will pass…)

  45. hay I agree its hard to not look back I am 13 and going through a lot and cant stop looking back!

  46. Remember the devil always has the same tactics he never has any new ones.this was Joel Osteens say.If you’re going through a might struggle then it’s ok because the wouldn’t go through that much trouble to stop you if you weren’t close to your victory. Now lets toast to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. My pastor always told literally this way to ignore stupid people! whatever people say about you just ignore it. So what if they think that being a Christians easy they should try it themselves and then let them see how easy it is.

  47. When I go through battles and hard times in my life, I ask God to help me hear His voice louder than all the other voices of :doubt, fear, confusion, frustration, etc. I ask Him to drown out all of those voices and for Him to be the only voice I hear. I also ask Him to help me to walk by faith and to believe in His power and presence in my situation beyond what I can see, feel, hear or know with my human mind and body, because He is stronger and more real than anything I can see, hear or feel… He is my Everything.

  48. My dear sweet Rachel, it is indeed very difficult to find your way sometimes when the battles are overwhelming. It is sometimes like waves of the ocean crashing down upon you. When your great Uncle Jimmie (my father Jimmie Davis) was killed tragically in a car accident with my mother by his side just over three years ago, I felt as if the world had been turned upside down. We miss him so much. The hurt we still feel cannot be described in words. Only months later our home burned down. We felt like we were in a nightmare from which we could not awaken. It didn’t seem possible. The day I stood in the ashes of what was once my home was three years ago today.

    To follow that, your cousin Jerry (my brother) was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease which broke our hearts yet again. We lost Uncle Wayne and we lost your precious Papa (my uncle.) And of course our sweet Uncle Don has lung cancer and still needs our prayers. Finally, in the weight of the economic downturn our family’s business has collapsed and we are looking to God for answers and direction just as you and yours are looking to God to lead you through the journey. Yes, we need great prayers. On so many levels, our family needs prayers.

    It seems surreal at times the magnitude of what has come to pass. Our extended family has endured great trials. We still are and are in great need of prayer. But we are blessed beyond measure with a heavenly Father who strengthens us, encourages us, and wages through the battles as Jehovah Nissi (our spiritual banner/warrior) and Jehovah Shalom, our peace. He is the One who speaks peace be still to the winds and the waves of our situations. Through it all…through each storm, He is our anchor. Yes, the journey of life can be very difficult, but we never walk it alone. Your song is beautiful as are you. We love you, Rachel. God bless you.
    Love always,
    Vicky and family

  50. Hey Rachel,
    I’m loving your blogs, and I know there are more where this came from!
    I know I went through something similar to what your going through and its not fun. But you just keep your head up! just keep on turning Negative into Positive! Just like “Eric” wanted to leave his .02, but you turned negative into positive! Your a awesome woman of God and never let anyone tell you any different!
    God Bless,
    Andrew

    p.s. I pray you write a book that changes peoples lives forever!

  51. Great, the best way to move forward in life is by looking forward, that’s why our eyes are not behind so we see forward only. The past has past and it’s gone. I don’t think life would have been interesting without challenges, it makes you discover the inner-ability you possess. Life would have been BORING. God has given us the power to carry on. Sometimes it makes us realize how much we need God. Life is easy if we can just see God instead of our problems. Have a nice day, I love your blog. KEEP IT UP.

  52. Hi Rachel!
    I have had some really great stories about how God has used me to reach the hurt and the lost
    June 12, 2002 my life changed forever never to go back to my old self. I was in jail waiting to go prison. I was brought up catholic and always prayed, this one particular day I prayed a prayer that changed my life completely, as I prayed oil was poured over my head I felt it start at the top of my head and could feel it going through my arms and fingers in to my chest as it filled my chest I could feel it going through my mid section in my legs into my feet into my toes. It shot out my toes like stepping on a balloon without the pop, the whole time this oil I thought, was being poured, the sound of celophane was crackling in my ears. I finished my prayer, and knew something had taken place but didn’t understand it until the next morning. I found a Bible torn in half, and when I picked it up and started reading Deuteronomy 10-12 It all opened up for me at that moment my life changed. I couldn’t stop reading, I started writing out these scriptures on pieces of paper and handing them out to the guards and inmates, I just startd telling people about Jesus and the Bible, God has opened my eyes to some really amazing testamonies that has been revealed to me. Since that day in June 12, 2002 I have not stopped telling people about Jesus, the Lord has put over 500 people in my path and need to talk to some one about these testamonies thay are life changing. Rachel can you help me, Only by Gods Grace and Mercy. Edgar Allen Johnson

  53. Rachel
    The newsletter I received today made me tear up as I read about your family. It also made me call my own husband as quickly as I could to remind him that I love him. Your mom is an awesome lady. Now forgetting what is behind, PRESS ON TOWARD THE MARK! Continue to shine for Jesus, Lambs! God has prevailed!

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