“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

— Isaiah 43:1

This is the true story of an eight-year-old girl who grew up in a village where strict religious rules were enforced. She was forced into marriage with a middle aged man—a religious leader who had already been married several times. To the villagers, marriage was portrayed as a gift from God, but for this young girl, it became a prison.

While she longed to run and play freely outside, she was weighed down with heavy garments and jewelry. Her days were filled with fear and anxiety. The wedding night was a traumatic experience, leaving her with pain, shame, and silence. She learned to obey without question and spoke only when spoken to, becoming a servant in her husband’s household.

By the age of eleven, her husband had brought another wife—just sixteen years old. That girl advised her to stay quiet, for that was all she herself had learned. At twelve, the young girl’s body began to change, and soon she was pregnant. She suffered greatly during her pregnancy and nearly died while giving birth at thirteen. The experience left her broken, filled with anger, emptiness, and questions about God and the injustice she endured.

One day, while secretly using her husband’s old phone, she stumbled upon videos of people sharing their testimonies about Jesus. Though she had been taught that even speaking His name was forbidden, she was drawn to the truth and freedom in their stories. That night, she whispered, “Jesus, come to me.”

In a dream, Jesus appeared, pulling her from a dark pit and saying, “You are not forgotten. You are loved. You are mine.”

In the midst of hostility and fear, she found peace. She discovered freedom and began to read the Bible secretly on a downloaded app. With each page, she gained strength and courage. When her cousin later discovered her reading Scripture, she confronted her. But the young girl refused to deny Jesus, because she had found unshakable boldness in His Word.

Her refusal led to violent persecution. She was locked up, beaten, threatened with fire, and accused of being possessed. Bruised and bloodied, she eventually escaped with the help of a local person. She found refuge with a Christian woman who cared for her and introduced her to a community of believers who had endured similar suffering.

Today, she testifies that Jesus has given her peace, love, and a sense of belonging. Though healing is a process—with scars and flashbacks—she draws strength from God’s presence. Now she helps others who have been abused, silenced, or forgotten, offering them hope and freedom in Christ.

You may not be that young girl in her situation, but you may know the feeling of being fearful, of being left alone, unheard, or of having dreams shattered. The Bible reminds us that the Lord sees your fear and says to you: “Fear not.”

The same Lord who found His way into her locked doors is here today, assuring you: “I have redeemed you.” You may not see a drastic change in your situation right away, but slowly and surely He will set you free and give you peace.

Scripture says, “I have called you by name,” which means the Lord knows the details of your situation—the family you come from and what you are facing right now. He assures you that you are not abandoned or forgotten. He says: “You are mine.”

He owns you, He owns your problems, and He takes ownership of your future to give you hope and everlasting joy. Give it all to Jesus and watch Him handle you with care.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am never forgotten. You know me by name and call me Your own. I give You my fears, my hurts, and my broken dreams. Fill me again with Your love, and give me peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.