There were prayers whispered in the dark that you’ve long forgotten — desperate, quiet ones asking just to be okay someday.

God heard every single one. And He’s been answering them all along.

God: I want to remind you of a prayer your younger self prayed.

You: What prayer?

Every time you choose yourself, you’re saving her all over again.

– Jacqueline Whitney

God: The one where she asked me to bring her somewhere safe. The one where she begged me to help her get out of that situation. The one where she whispered that she just wanted to be okay one day. The prayers she sent when she was at her lowest.

You: 1 forgot about those.

God: I didn’t. I’ve been answering them this whole time. Every season of growth has been an answer. Every relationship that taught you what you deserve has been an answer. Every door I closed has been an answer.

You: I wish I could tell her it gets better.

God: Tell her now. The version of her who prayed those prayers still lives inside of you. Tell her she’s safe now. Tell her you got her out. Tell her she’s not in that place anymore. Tell her she did it.

You: I made it for her.

God: You made it for her. And you’re still becoming who she needed. Every day you choose growth, you’re keeping the promise you made to her. Every boundary you set is honoring her. Every time you choose yourself, you’re saving her all over again.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.