What do you do when you’re desperately praying for God to move…but you can’t see Him doing anything?

Friend, this episode is an incredible reminder that just because you can’t see God working doesn’t mean He isn’t already putting the pieces into place. Today I’m joined by Lauren Burns, author of Stolen: A True Story of Kidnapped, Rescued, and Redeemed.

At just seven years old, Lauren thought she was spending an extra night with her father. Instead, he took her from Texas to Jordan without her mother’s knowledge.

For three months, Lauren wondered when—or if—she would ever see her mom again. What she couldn’t see was that back home, her mother was fighting for her. She was calling, searching, fasting, and praying while God was already connecting people and circumstances behind the scenes.

After three days alone fasting and praying, God brought Lauren’s mother to Daniel 10:12 and the reminder that her prayers had been heard. Lauren wasn’t home yet. The miracle hadn’t happened yet. But her mother walked out with peace because she knew God had heard her.

Sometimes God’s peace comes before our circumstances change.

Sometimes surrender happens before we see the miracle.

And sometimes God is working in places we cannot see while we’re still asking, God, where are You?

What followed was an incredible rescue—but Lauren shares that being physically rescued was only the beginning.

She returned home carrying fear, betrayal, father wounds, unforgiveness, and questions about whether God was truly good.

Through years of healing, surrender, godly community, and learning the character of her Heavenly Father, Lauren began to discover that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or saying it was okay. And forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation.

Sometimes healing happens layer by layer as we continually place our hurt into God’s hands.

Whatever you’re walking through today, Lauren’s story reminds us:

He sees you. He hears you. He is with you. And He may already be working in ways you cannot see.

Bio:

Lauren Burns is the author of Stolen: A True Story of Kidnapping, Rescue, and Redemption, a powerful true crime memoir based on her real-life experience of being abducted at age seven and taken to the Middle East. Her story made international headlines—featured on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, People, and Reader’s Digest—and later inspired a television movie. Today, Lauren is a sought-after speaker on trauma, redemption, and faith, and the host of The Redeemed Podcast. Through her speaking, podcast, and growing platform, Lauren shares powerful stories of resilience and restoration, helping others process past wounds, reclaim their identity, and experience freedom through forgiveness. Lauren holds a master's degree in physical therapy and lives in Texas with her husband and children.

Connect With Lauren:

Website: laurenburns.net.

**And as always, if this conversation encouraged you, please take a minute to rate and review Anchored by the Sword, share this episode with someone you love, and send it to the person God brings to your mind. You never know when sharing someone else's story of freedom might become part of another person's healing.

***Anchored in His Promises Women’s Workshop —

Join us for a powerful day of worship, encouragement, connection, and truth as we remind our hearts that God is faithful to every promise He makes. Anchored in His Promises is happening Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM, featuring incredible speakers, practical teaching, and time to dig deeper into what it means to hold onto God’s promises no matter what season you are in.

Learn more and grab your ticket at Anchored in His Promises Women's Workshop