In This Issue:

• Welcome to April!

• Monthly Devotional: The Power of Prayer

• Ask Ashes Redeemed: “Do I Stay and Fight For My Marriage, or Walk Away and Start Over?”

• Upcoming Events in March & Beyond

• April: Faith & Fellowship Calls

• April: (LIVE NOW!) 30-Day Prayer Challenge

• May/June: (New!) 8-Week Bible Study

Welcome to April!

by Jennifer Kwiatkowski

We’ve been experiencing a lot of storms here in the US–this time of year is always an interesting blend of tornadoes, fires, blizzards, and yes, even hurricanes. In fact, life itself can feel a bit like being caught in the eye of a hurricane.

The season of life I am in is a good one, but that doesn’t mean I don’t experience the chaotic pace of unpredictability and responsibility.

The swirling…responsibilities, work, kids, groceries, appointments, marriage, friendships, family, finances, busy calendars, things on the list, happy afternoons, contemplative nights, lack of sleep, challenging relationships, broken appliances, credit card bills…It just keeps twirling.

It isn’t that all the things that make up our lives are bad, far from it. It is just that the pace of life these days seems to go at the speed of light, and sometimes I feel like I am left running behind “the things” in worn-out runners with untied shoelaces.

Then Jesus says, “Come spend time with me”.

“Come rest”.

“How am I supposed to do that, Lord? The noise of the rushing is so loud, the spinning is so fast. I can barely hear you as I call out from the spinning. Lord, I can’t rest in this, it is impossible.”

“Come”.

I reach out and take His hand, and suddenly, I am in the eye of the hurricane. But, in the eye, the winds stop, the rushing subsides, and the noise disappears. And here we are, Jesus and I.

I can hear the sound of His voice, the warmth of His love.

But then…I look over at the swirling and my head begins to spin.

“I’m right here, I’m always right here.”

His voice draws me back. I realize I can choose to step out of the swirling and sit down in the eye, face to face with my Father. The twirling doesn’t stop around me, because that’s life. But Christ has created a sanctuary in the middle of the chaos just for me. I can go to the center of it all, anytime, and stay for as long as I need.

The eye of the hurricane is where Jesus meets me to fill me with strength and resolve to keep riding the waves for His glory, until the wind finally stops and I am home with Him.

Dear sister, I pray that in this month you find a sanctuary amongst the windy storms of life…a peaceful rest made just for you, where Christ waits to strengthen you with His love.

The Power of Prayer

Monthly Devotional & Journal Prompt | By Jennifer Kwiatkowski, CPC, ELI-MP, CWDS

Prayer isn't just something we do when we're out of options. It's actually one of the most powerful tools we've got, especially when we're navigating the ups and downs of marriage. Often, we forget this and put it aside “as a last resort”, thinking there are more pressing matters to handle. But have you ever stopped to realize how life-changing prayer can be? Just like John Bunyan said, "You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed."

(Watch the full April Devotional in the ARC!)

Even Jesus, who had the weight of the world on His shoulders, made sure to take time to pray. He prayed alone, with others, when He was happy, sad, and even when He felt alone. Those moments fueled His strength to carry out His mission. Jesus prayed because it nourished His soul and connected Him with God. If Jesus, who was perfect, found strength in prayer, how much more do we need it?

So, why do we sometimes see prayer as a chore? Well, it's often about our priorities. In the middle of juggling work, family, and everything else, where does prayer fit in your day? Instead of being something we do when everything else is done, prayer should be the starting point.

Finding time to pray isn't always easy, I get it. There's always something else demanding our attention. But maybe it's time to ask ourselves, what can wait? Do the dishes really need to be done right now? Can that email be written later?

It might take a little rearranging, but when we make space for prayer, we're opening the door to peace and joy, things we all need, especially in marriage. Remember the peace that comes when you put everything before God and trust His timing? There's a real sense of calm that follows, and that is a guarantee when we are truly trusting. Why chase this feeling with empty substitutes that lack consistency and actually can harm rather than help?

You don't have to figure things all out yourself. God knows what you need, and He's more than ready to listen. Even if life feels messy or overwhelming, surrendering those worries to Him can generate trust in His goodness because asking and then receiving either what you ask for or what is best for you builds your reliance on Him.

And here's something amazing: prayer isn't just about calming our hearts, it's a place where miracles happen too…the kind that reminds us we're not alone, that our God is interested in details, even the little things that trouble us.

The biggest miracle of all is the forgiveness and freedom He's offered us. And you know what? It all started with Jesus' prayers..

So, today, just take a little time. Slow down and pray. Not just because it feels like the right thing to do, but because it connects you with the One who loves you most.

Your Prayer Today

Father, it's tough sometimes. There are days when I feel like I'm carrying a lot and trying to figure it out on my own. Help me remember that I'm never alone. Show me how to lean on You more, to talk to You, not just when I need something, but just because I want to be near You. Thank you for listening and for Your peace that meets me right where I am.

In Your name,
Amen.

Journal Prompt

• Next time you sense a struggle, what will your reminder be to pray first? Write down a word or phrase that will spark that intention. Keep it close, maybe on your phone or a sticky note, wherever you'll see it when you need it most.

With Love,
Jennifer

Ask Ashes Redeemed

Ask Ashes Redeemed is our reader's opportunity. to have their anonymously submitted questions answered by our panel of experts.

Have a question for our team? Submit your question here.

"We’ve been married for 12 years, and six months ago, I learned about my husband’s affair. He says he’s sorry and wants to rebuild our marriage. I’m not sure I want to do that, but I also don’t want to leave and regret it. I feel like staying means I’m excusing his sin, yet leaving feels like giving up on the covenant I made before God. How do I know what God wants me to do—stay and fight for my marriage, or walk away and start over?"

Your question echoes the heartache and confusion so many women face when betrayal shatters the trust in their marriage. First, let us affirm you: your feelings of anger, hurt, and uncertainty are valid. God sees your pain, and He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). You’re not alone in this struggle, and we’re honored to walk alongside you as you seek His wisdom.

We know these last six months have probably felt like the longest days and weeks of your life–and yet, all things considered, you’re still relatively close to the disclosure right now, timewise.

For now, we’d encourage you to take the pressure off of yourself to make this decision right away. Women who are within about a year’s time of discovering their husband’s infidelity are typically in what we call the Emergency Room phase of healing.

The following is an excerpt from our Betrayal Assessment report about this phase of healing:

The Emergency Room phase is exactly what it sounds like. Following the discovery of her husband’s betrayal, a woman is likely to spend anywhere from weeks to months in a state of emotional aftershock.

This is marked by:

• A sense of disbelief or even denial of the situation

• Confusion, difficulty concentrating

• Anger, irritability, mood swings

• Anxiety and fear

• Guilt, shame, self-blame

• Withdrawing from others

• Feeling sad or hopeless

• Feeling disconnected or numb

Depending on the circumstances, attempts to manage this sudden emergency may look like a husband making promises to change his behavior, attending counseling sessions individually or as a couple, or living apart from one another until things have calmed down. A woman in the Emergency Room Phase is in “survival mode”. She’s consumed by the trauma the betrayal has caused and unable to plan thoughtfully for the future or confidently make long-term decisions.

This is why for the woman in this time and space in her marriage, we do two things:

1. Acknowledge that you’re in terrible pain

2. Encourage you not to make big life decisions until you’ve had some healing

Bigger picture though, the decision to stay or leave after infidelity is deeply personal and requires prayerful discernment, rooted in Scripture and God’s character. Marriage is a sacred covenant, reflecting Christ’s unbreakable love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Yet, the Bible also acknowledges the devastating impact of unfaithfulness, offering provision for divorce in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). This doesn’t mean you must leave, but it does mean God understands the gravity of what’s been broken and gives you freedom to choose a path forward.

If your husband’s repentance is genuine—marked by humility, accountability, and consistent change—there’s hope for restoration. Galatians 6:1 urges us to “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,” suggesting that healing is possible when both parties are willing. Ask yourself: Is he seeking forgiveness only to ease his guilt, or is he committed to rebuilding trust through actions, not just words? Restoration isn’t excusing sin; it’s a process of confronting it with grace and truth, much like Jesus does with us. Consider setting boundaries, seeking counsel from a pastor or Christian therapist, and watching for fruit that aligns with true repentance (Matthew 3:8). This path is hard, but God can redeem even the deepest wounds—think of Hosea, who loved Gomer despite her unfaithfulness, mirroring God’s relentless love.

On the other hand, if his remorse feels hollow, or if staying keeps you trapped in a cycle of pain, leaving may be the godly choice. God doesn’t call you to endure abuse or betrayal indefinitely—He desires your peace (John 16:33). Divorce, though never God’s ideal, is a provision for when sin fractures the covenant beyond repair. Should you choose this, it’s not a failure of faith but a step toward healing, trusting God to make beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). You’re not abandoning your vows; you’re releasing what’s been broken by another’s choice.

So, how do you know what God wants? Start with prayer—pour out your heart and listen for His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). Dive into His Word, where you’ll find both His heart for marriage and His compassion for your suffering. Surround yourself with wise, godly women who can speak truth into your life (Proverbs 15:22). And give yourself grace—God isn’t rushing you to decide. He’s patient, guiding you step by step (Psalm 37:23).

Ultimately, whether you stay or go, your identity isn’t in your marriage but in Christ. You are His beloved daughter, worthy of honor and love. At Ashes Redeemed, we’re here to help you discern, heal, and rise with sacred strength. Reach out—we’d love to support you on this journey.

Take The Betrayal Assessment Now to See Which Phase of Healing You're In Now

Upcoming Events

April

🗓️ Faith & Fellowship Calls

What are Faith & Fellowship Calls? | Hosted in The ARC

• Tuesday, April 1 @ 6PM CT

• Thursday, April 17 @ 10AM CT

April

🗓️ 30-Day Prayer Challenge (LIVE NOW!)

Her Prayer, His Power: The 30-Day Prayer Journey for Women in the Waiting

Click Here To Sign Up!

Feeling lost and alone in the wake of betrayal? Stressing because you’re not sure how to make your marriage work, even though you desperately want it to?

You don't have to go through these trials alone. Her Prayer, His Power is a powerful 30-day challenge to get you out of the dumps with faith-inspired support and community.

• 100% online: Connect with women across the country who understand your journey.

• Private women's care group: Participate within a safe space without social media noise.

• Bible-based, Jesus-focused: Strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with Jesus.

• Daily encouragement: Refresh your spirit with God's Word in your unique situation.

• Accountability check-ins: Keep consistency with shared praises and prayers.

May/June

🗓️ (New!) 8-Week Bible Study

Treasures Through Trials: Discovering Unexpected Blessings Amidst Betrayal Recovery

Click Here To Learn More!

Understanding your pain is crucial to your faith, healing, and future. Our upcoming Bible study, "Treasures Through Trials: Uncovering Unexpected Blessings Amidst Betrayal Recovery," is designed specifically to help the woman who finds herself preoccupied with the pain of her circumstances.

Instead of settling for distractions, ruminating on the betrayal, and worrying about the "what if's", women who participate in this study will learn how to find the buried treasure on her journey toward healing and restoration

• 8-Week Bible Study: Intimate and interactive, this study will be a wellspring of encouragement.

• Join from Anywhere: Log in from any place via Zoom.

• Private Supportive Community: Engage with others in a safe space, away from social media.

• Weekly Prayer Time: Share and receive prayers, fostering a comforting environment.

• Connect With Others: Fellowship with women at various healing stages.