Holding on to faith when life doesn’t make sense | with Naomi Zacharias

Naomi Zacharias joins Stephanie again on Gospel Spice to provide insights on the global fight against human trafficking and towards the restoration of dignity-one life at a time.
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Naomi starts by sharing the stories of her ministry, Third Ladder, to serve the abandoned, the unloved, the forgotten of this world. In her incomparably gentle way, Naomi also draws our attention to the importance of little acts of kindness as we share the light of Christ with a world in need, one person at a time, one next-door neighbor at a time. Gospel Spice is proud to partner with Third Ladder financially.
In the second half of the conversation, Naomi transparently shares how her family is doing after a couple of years of unparalleled struggles. She shares her perspective on living in the deserted valley, remembering what really matters. She shares how hard this has been, and how the Lord has been holding on to her. Naomi says, “I believe He is real, and He is who He says He is. I do believe He is faithful and good and true. When you are in the middle of the valley, you have to come back to what you know to be true.”
Naomi says, “it is not faith if it all makes sense. Real is not always smooth and easy, but it’s deep and it’s got roots.” This deeply inspiring, raw conversation will draw you in, to give you hope in darkness, hopelessness, and loneliness. Naomi reminds us that the things that flatten us, break us, shred us are the perfect setting for God to use us. “This life will break us, and we will not have all the answers we long for. But He actually told us that, He gave us that foresight. He is faithful, and He doesn’t leave. He will sit with us through it, and this is not the end of the story.” Naomi reminds us that our stories matter especially when they are not (yet) tied up with a pretty bow and ending. We live most of our lives in the middle of the unresolved stories. And the places that don’t make sense force us to believe that faith matters in the middle of the darkness, the desert, the valley.
Naomi reminds us of the importance of the body of Christ, and also that church hurt is real. We need community, and we have a deep desire to right the wrongs of this world. We also have so much at our fingertips to bring healing to the ones right around us.
MORE ABOUT THIRD LADDER
thirdladder.org/
Third Ladder provides a modern approach to charitable giving. Grounded in the belief that every life holds intrinsic value and that responsible investment can change the world around us, we facilitate a process that enables donors to be involved and intentional in their giving to create maximum impact for a wide reach of human need. At full operational capacity, we intend to provide optional online portfolio access to help donors reach their personalized goals.
With inspired donors, we equip our network of vetted grassroots humanitarian efforts with financial grants. Support services enable programs to reach the standard of excellence they have for their mission by implementing processes and reporting that serve to provide measurable impact for donors and assist each program in achieving their goals.
“It is an equalizer among us that each one of us can be a ladder as much as each one of us needs one at times to lift us out of the broken into the beautiful.”
Traditionally, a repetition of three invites one into something significant.
It is used for emphasis to describe the intensity of something. It symbolizes harmony, new life, and completeness.
Third Ladder invites you into practical and purposeful opportunity to participate in a community that actively restores - infrastructure, opportunity, justice, and living. What it means to be human is to know pain. But it also offers the opportunity to be a part of a redemptive call to action. It is an equalizer among us that each one of us can be a ladder as much as each one of us needs one at times to lift us out of the broken into the beautiful.
#NaomiZacharias #faith #GospelSpice

[@sherry2066]

So true darlin familiarity can call people back … but you are fighting with each soul you help God bless

[@Nucc3]

Praying for your whole family Naomi.

[@keithbarton9859]

The Ministry, Dr. Zachariah has carried on somehow hopefully start back with much prayers. Much respect to the interviewer, what tremendous respect you displayed for Naomi, thank you, young lady.

[@GospelSpice]

thank you so much for your encouraging words! You are welcome here.

[@juniorcantu22]

Naomi may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you and your precious family forever. I just want to say that your dad changed my life with his wonderful sermons. Be faithful to God for he always is faithful to us. I honestly believe that the devil attempted to destroy what God used your dad for and I find it hard to believe that all this sin was hidden until around the time of his passing. Anyway look at all the great men of the Bible. Not one stone can ever be picked up by any of us. I pray that you get a boost in your faith and many hugs from Jesus.

[@evabeaver3452]

Naomi, Gods presence is still all over you!

[@GospelSpice]

indeed! She is definitely anointed. thank you!

[@dkfleshman8271]

Many years ago, I saw Dr. Ravi Zacharias on the Joyce Meyers show. As I walked past the TV, I heard this prolific speaker, who literally stopped me in my tracks. Joyce Myers did not utter his name once, so I did not know who he was. For years I searched for an Indian man on Joyce Myers, only to find him about five years later. Dr. Ravi was and still is my favorite apologist, teacher, speaker, preacher and public figure. I received the email regarding his passing, and the subsequent investigation into his activities. I did not believe it then and I don’t believe it today, but that doesn’t matter. Stephen, the evangelist was lied on in the Bible as so are many people. Nevertheless, nearly everyone in the Bible used by God flawed, Moses, David, Saul, Peter, and so on and so are all of us. Naomi, I’m so sorry for your loss. It grieves my heart to see you so despondent. Your dad was a great man of God. He will go down in the annals as such. I’m proud to call myself a student of his, through his books that I’ve purchased and his teachings that I’ve watched and still watch even as recent as last night. In fact, I watch his teachings every day and will continue to do so. I know all his stories and in bible study, I taught a message using his story as the central theme. God used Dr. Ravi for His purpose and he fulfilled that purpose, like none other. I forgot to mention that when I watched him on Joyce Myers, I prayed to God, “please help me to be an eloquent speaker like Dr. Ravi Zacharias.” I asked, how does anyone get so learned. I’m still waiting for the answer to that prayer. 😂 Naomi, I encourage you to not lose faith. Hold on the greatness that you we’re blessed to have. I never had a real dad. I praise God for Ravi’s ministry. And so does the world. Encourage yourself Naomi and trust God. You will see your dad again! And prayerfully, I will humbly see him too. ♥️♥️♥️🙏🏾

[@ugo4141]

Stay strong Naomi, Jesus is still on the throne

[@abelgovender4115]

We love you Naomi! Best Wishes from South Africa!

[@GospelSpice]

thank you! it means a lot!

[@greg1563]

Love you, Naomi. Your dad was not "evil;" he was human. I hope you never question his love for you and the significance of his life. His sins are common to almost all men.

[@DaneDillingham]

I don't know too many men sexually assaulting Hundreds of women.

[@nanyaonwuamaeze4862]

So true. Thank you for putting the thoughts of many into words. I am still grateful to God for all the ways He uses we humans - God used Naomi’s Dad to speak truth. May God’s mercy speak for us all in Jesus Christ name, Amen

[@RobbDepp]

Amen

[@robw2486]

Tell that to his victim. He died unrepentant.

[@RobbDepp]

@@robw2486 unrepentant because he didn’t put out a press conference? SMH

[@markdstunts]

Praying for you and Family . God is the God of Healinv and Restoration. I’ve bee. I adult teen life challenge 15 years and seen lots of miracles. You all are one .

[@girumzemichael704]

Naomi has that face and presence, touched by deep pain, and therefore, is now a well of wisdom and insight. So many true and insightful thoughts shared by you both. God bless your lives and works!

[@GospelSpice]

Amen! Thank you for your kind words. Praise God you were touched by this!

[@RobbDepp]

I love and admire her faith and understand her hurt. Unfortunately she’s going to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually scared for year’s to come but I legitimately hope that my very limited opinion is wrong.

[@otchiesgal]

You are so precious, Naomi. Thank you for sharing about being broken. I think all of us who walk very long with Jesus will experience that. But it brings us to His side like nothing else does. Love and lavished grace to you!

[@GospelSpice]

So true!

[@devermax]

I'm so glad this video showed up on my feed. Only a few days ago I got an email from Third Ladder which said it was supporting some of the former Wellspring programs. I was glad to see you back but not feeling particularly compelled to send support. The email was back-burnered. Now this video. I know it's the dang algorithm but I choose to receive it as a bit of a divine nudge (algorithms are not beyond the reach of The Almighty, right?). I'll find the email. Welcome back. God bless your beautiful heart. God bless you and all of your family as you continue to heal.

[@ratniebenezer2721]

Love you, Naomi. Praying for you & your kids. 🙏🏼♥️ There will be streams in the desert as you look to our keeper , our precious Jesus.

[@GospelSpice]

amen!

[@judyweerstra9164]

I am also a minister and apostle of Jesus, and I wanted to greet you and offer you consolation in this time of rebuilding your family and your own life. I recently lost my husband to cancer, and the shock of my life began at that moment. I had no idea that he was the foundation of our family; we could do brave and outstanding work because we stood on the foundation of his presence. In essence, you lost your father on two counts and have the hard work of rebuilding a new foundation with a house (your life) on top of it. I feel for you and know you are in my prayers. You are a lovely person, and that is a beautiful legacy of your father.

[@jonnu7772000]

Your not an apostle. To be an apostle of Jesus Christ you had to meet 3 criteria, first you had to have walked with Christ second you had to have seen him after his resurrection and thirdly you had to have been endowed with power to heal the sick up to the point of raising the dead. I don't think you meet any of these.

[@Gweidemann]

​@@jonnu7772000Before you speak of the speck in your sister's eye, remove the log from your own eye. Only then will you be able to help remove the speck from your sister's eye, AFTER you have removed the log from your own eye. Not until then.

[@teresabalboni7080]

Absolutely wonderful to see you and hear from you, have been praying for your family. Love and miss dad so much. Thank you

[@GospelSpice]

Thank you so much!

[@beaubasson2926]

Thank you Naomi for what you bring to the world. We know that Gods message is bigger than any individual that he might use to spread His love. God Bless

[@brianlalor]

Hold on Naomi, hold on. I too struggle with my faith. He will keep us.

[@GospelSpice]

amen! he will. He who is faithful has promised!

[@AshokKumar-xy9tr]

Hi sister...I love your dad so much inspite of his shortcomings. He's not God. But God's man. Thank God !

[@sharonevans9373]

Hearing You share your heart brings a deep response .... Somehow ... Of healing ..... Soo grateful for the expression of Courage that exudes from your life .... You are an inspiration !!

[@cindyrehder1164]

I miss Ravi Zacharias and so thankful for his great Ministry. I look forward to meeting the man that introduced me to the King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords. Thank you Ravi

[@GospelSpice]

thanks for watching! it is an honor to serve you!

[@K11rroL]

Thank God I am able to hear this precious lady speak after all the pain. Welcome to our reality. Our God and Father is compassionate and has not faltered in His love to us all. Keep walking

[@victortheconqueror6660]

God bless you Naomi, thank you for telling us these, you are such a bold, and good hearted person. Thank you for spreading awareness, and preventing all of these horrible things from happening.

[@GospelSpice]

thank you for your encouragements!

[@sharonortedschempp8759]

All three women, Naomi, her sister Sarah and their Mom, Mar-gee, revery courageous and doing all that they can "to lean of Jesus and God," in spite of Ravi's fall...... "Life Happens," but these three ladies aren't responsible for their Dad and husband's actions....... Very, very sad, but life in Christ, goes on.. I only heard Ravi speak once, many years ago at Grace Chapel, in Lexington, MA, which was my church at the time..... We all knew how eloquent he was, but I always had the sense that he was too enamored with his own research and delivery, and I believe that that Vanity, is what Satan used to deceive him. As Josh MacDowell, who was one of Ravi's close friends for many years had so correctly stated, "a fall from grace can happen to anyone..... to absolutely ANYONE..... Selah......:). Ted Schempp, Nashville

[@margaretclarke3643]

Dear Naomi, thank you for sharing your amazing journey. You are a real inspiration to others with all you do. After listening to this message, I prayed for some word of encouragement I could pass on. "You are God's gift to the world." God gave us His only begotten Son as a gift to the world. We have Christ in us; So in Him, we are also God's gift to the world; all we have to do is LIVE IT. We are to present our lives as a LIVING SACRIFICE. This is you. (I am passing on a message that I just heard from Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.) Thank you also for sharing your impressions of Job. I so agree. Love Job. Love and God's blessings to you, and your Mum and children.

[@arleneanitabenefull]

Dear Naomi , I am old and followed your father’s terrific defense of Christianity and his unquestionable defense of the Word . I think , personally , because of the strength of the arguments he made to many university students was Holy Spirit inspired, and sadly , when Satan sees such a defense of Jesus, he will send out all his minions to destroy this strong man’s defense of the Bible . And Satan never gave up bringing him down. But I think he was amazing in his debates but very vulnerable , as are all human beings. Do not let the devil’s tactics in bringing down your father morally ever lessen the message he did share. Carry on the beautiful Word of our Saviour. Thank you for your candor and honesty . I fully support your ministry. God bless you and yours, always and in all ways. And give your Mom a hug. ❤🙇‍♀️🙏 We are all human and sinful. In that honest truth, there is the fact that all humanity, and all sin is offensive in the eyes of a Pure Heavenly Father but we are all forgiven by HIS precious Blood. Carry on !

[@grinsley]

Truth beautifully expressed.

[@Loriorealestate]

Please keep going. You Know God Loves you. Find a message that honors God. Your Father saved me and so many other people. I pray your mother is well.

[@lemlemdebele318]

Love you Naomi!

[@GospelSpice]

we all love Naomi! thank you so much for your kind words and support! And we thank you for watching this video. Stay tuned for more!

[@faithabraham1986]

Naomi your dad was remarkable . A threat to unbelievers in the far east and middle east and envy of many contenders. I stand with you Nathan and your mom

[@josuagonewai3000]

Please Ravi's family we (the world) need your dads ministry not to end. Can you carry on from where Ravi left off please by God's grace. Leave everything to Jesus to be the judge for it all. Just continue with ministry. The rest of the world needs to continue to hear Spirit of God through Ravi.

[@Gweidemann]

As I've said before, why is this always so shocking when we discover that others are also guilty of sin. We all are. Claims to the contrary are deceitful. Which is also evidence for sin. Lying. I'm grateful to God for His forgiveness of all my sins. I believe in Christ as Lord of my life. I'll always be thankful for the great Evangelical ministry of the late great Ravi Zachariah. Praise God Our Heavenly Father for His willingness to forgive us all for our sins. Jesus Christ is alone the Lord and Savior above all else!!

[@GospelSpice]

amen! truth.

[@beautygrowsinthedark]

The Lord bless and keep you both thank you for sharing your heart Naomi. I pray for your mom often I’ve been blessed myself by unbelievers in my worst times. Believers say some of the craziest things but it’s just like family, but closest ones are the harshest with us, and sometimes the kindness of strangers is God‘s beauty. It’s his angels. May the Lord strengthen you and all those you’re affiliated with. He is the mighty Redeemer, may you reap all the redemption from our heavenly father may your mom be able to rejoice in it❤️‍🩹in Jesus name we ask amen.

[@GospelSpice]

thank you for your words of encouragement!

[@reneemeade552]

So Real and Raw. I Love her And her Whole family. Naomi, please know we love you and understand where you are. ❤🙏🏼

[@duanebennett1280]

No one but Jesus can know what Naomi is suffering. We can have compassion, and our prayers go out to you and your Mom and brother.

[@princeofpeaceproductions3506]

The children should not suffer for a parents life of a sin

[@SharonSeekingJesus]

I don’t believe the accusations that have been placed on Ravi, based on the evidence that both sides have presented. I am sick at how much harm the accusations have done. God bless you and your family, and your dad.

[@jeethangovender3777]

All have sinned Naomi.Your dad was the most brilliant man ever lived.Most were jealous of is ministry. You live your life.

[@ifeifesi]

Jealous? No, he was a man that was sexually abusing women, taking advantage of them under the cliak of ministry. I hope he repented before his death.

[@SummerSun-sg3wf]

He's dead so what is your problem? Why torture his family over his mistakes...you sound like a witch hunter

[@user-qx1vh8xk6b]

I hope Naomi holds on to her faith the accusations against her dad has nothing to do with his family

[@GospelSpice]

Thank you for your comment! Your words of encouragement are always appreciated. Have a lovely day!

[@nancywenger2025]

Out-of all the public ministries of public apologists...., none has blessed me more than Ravi Zacharias. In spite of the weak accusations and evidence

[@SummerSun-sg3wf]

Every Christian has committed an absolutely evil act. She is beautiful and should not have been through this.

[@GospelSpice]

thank you for your words of encouragement!

[@susieedminster3822]

Talking about prostitution was a bit odd for me. Of course this woman had nothing to do with her father's payments for all his asian women and others... it was odd to hear the condemnation of "some" people seeking out prostitutes yet not speaking to the elephant in the room.

[@mavismalpenny3782]

and how are ravis victimns going?

[@GospelSpice]

Thank you for your comment; it’s always a good thing to see all the various elements of a situation! It’s complex. Have a great day!

[@i-5581]

Thank you for asking. God takes care of the oppressed. Bathsheba got to be a queen mother. Rahab went to be a forerunner of Jesus. So, Naomi doesn’t have to worry about it herself every moment of her life.

[@connihudson1578]

How ismyour mom? She definitely needs help.