More From Navamani Peter

April 26, 2023 by Navamani Peter (Karnataka, India)
Navamani’s son Praneeth

Navamani’s four children

“The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

May 27, 1979, is a date our family can never forget. The body of my son was lying in a room, and in the next room, I was surrounded by friends who were consoling me and praying for me and my family. My youngest son, who was six at the time, was kneeling beside me and handed my Bible to me. He said, “Mummy, don’t cry. Read this!” My small child was asking me to read God’s word for my healing! That was the beginning of my dependence on God’s precious word.

I remember Psalm 18:30, which tells us, “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” It’s amazing how my life was transformed with God’s word. I was able to spend time studying, understanding, and focusing on how to practice God’s word. I went to seminary to study God’s word, and I became a pastor. It’s not common for a Bishop’s wife to become ordained while her husband is her Bishop, but it worked out well. After a few years, I moved on to other ministries to work with women who needed my encouragement.

God’s word is alive and active in my life. And I am able to pass this legacy to my children. The Lord God says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is. 55:11). My life has been transformed with the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ through my difficult times, and I can confidently say, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10).

God is good all the time. My family moved on from a period of fear, anxiety, and grief to a time of building up strength through God’s unfailing grace and abiding presence. My husband carried on his responsibilities taking care of congregations and pastors in the conference. I have taken the reins as a mother to care for my children’s health and welfare.

Our children have done well in life and in their professions. One son is a cardiac surgeon in a hospital in India. Another son is an American architect who has done several buildings on Ohio State University’s campus in the USA. My daughter is an associate professor in mathematics at a university in the USA. And I praise God that my grandchildren—the apples of my eye—are doing well and know and love the Lord.

I am grateful to God that I can share my faith in the Lord through The Upper Room. Thanks for this opportunity and privilege. What I enjoy most now is worshiping in my local church and helping spiritually counsel and encourage women in my church.


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The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

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