Thriving in the Barren Place: How Trust in God Fueled My Journey Through Heartache and Loss

What if the hardest seasons of life could lead to the deepest encounters with God?

Paula Romang and her husband, Mark, were overjoyed to welcome their twin boys, Matthew and Luke-though their early arrival led to an unexpected journey through the NICU. From the start, their smaller twin, Matthew, faced overwhelming medical challenges, including profound special needs and a debilitating seizure disorder.

Paula's faith had been strong but untested until the weight of Matthew's suffering forced her to lean fully on God. The journey was marked by heartbreak and transformation as she became a faith warrior with an unshakable reliance on Jesus. In her desperation, she encountered the Lord in ways she never imagined:

"For where else, but in desperation, would the Lord of All Creation stoop to walk with me? Where else, but in pain, would the Suffering Servant carry my impossibly heavy load? Where else, but in loneliness, could I find such a Friend? Without the pain, I could never have known Jesus as I do, for by it, the Almighty One has become my strength, my peace, my comfort, and healer of my broken heart."

Thriving in the Barren Place is a testimony to the God who remains present in suffering-the One who strengthens, comforts, and heals even the most broken hearts.

About the Author

Paula holds a BA in English from Bryan College, Dayton, TN, and an MA in English from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. She also serves as a Bible study and devotional writer for the online ministry site, Gracefully Truthful. Paula also blogs on her personal website www.paularomang.com.  She lives in the Midwest with her husband, Mark. Their surviving son, Luke, is thriving in his graduate studies and career pursuits.

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