The Prayer That Started It All- 2013

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about The Rose Paved Path. If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out here to catch up on the beginning of the story. When that church friend prayed for me back in 2013, Brian and I were just friends, but we both knew there was more for us. Looking back now, I can see how God knows the future far better than we ever could—He was already writing a story we hadn’t even imagined yet.

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Choosing a Name for Our Baby

Fast forward to 2018: we had been happily married for about three years and decided it was time to try for a baby.

I already knew that if we had a girl, her name would be Victory. It wasn’t a “normal” name, but it meant so much to me because of Jesus’ victory on the cross. Thankfully, Brian loved it too!

The middle name, however, was harder. We considered Ciara, Vera, and other names, but none felt right. (We even had an easier time picking a middle name for Vera—Vera Leigh—but that’s a story for another blog.)

Our boy name came quickly. On a date night at Olive Garden, our server’s name was Vincenzo. As soon as he walked away, we both said, “Vincenzo… what a great name if we have a boy!” We never found a middle name for him either, and sadly, never even had a Vincenzo. However, one day I’ll be sure to share another amazing story about the name Vincenzo.

Back to Victory—one day, a friend suggested Rose. Instantly, it clicked: Victory Rose. YES! Jesus rose from the dead in victory—what better meaning could there be? Brian loved it immediately, and the fact that his grandmother’s name was Rosina felt like another confirmation.

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Discovering God’s Plan in 2020

Fast forward again to March 2020. I was cleaning our bedroom, making room for all the medical supplies we’d soon need to bring Victory home—about a week away. While decluttering, I found my old prayer journals. As I read through years of prayers and hopes, one entry stopped me in my tracks:

“As I was about to leave church, “Glenda” [name changed] came over, hugged me, and began to pray. She started softly: ‘Oh God, bless her and guide her…’ I bowed my head, but then her voice shifted. Her tone deepened, and I knew something was happening. The prayer became something else—something prophetic.

‘I feel the Lord is saying… don’t worry. Don’t worry. You will be married and have a family. You will have a unique family. It will be a long, hard road… but it will be paved with rose petals.’” It was so embarrassing. I started to cry on “Glenda’s” shoulder. Hopefully this means that although it may take longer than I want, Brian and I will be married and our family will be unique because it will be blended and I’ll be a stepmom … and we will use rose petals when we get married.”

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God’s Perfect Timing

Reading it back, at that moment I realized how completely God had it all planned. A unique family? Victory surely is unique! A long, hard road? Yes—but paved with rose petals? Absolutely. We didn’t even remember this prophetic prayer when we chose her name. We chose Victory Rose because Jesus ROSE in victory and because of Brian’s grandmother. But God knew all along. That’s why the long, hard road is truly paved with rose petals.

Whenever I start to get discouraged or feel out of control while walking this long, hard road, I am reminded that God knew – way before Victory was ever born. God picked her name out way before Brian and I were even married. And if He knew the future way back then, He knows it now and He is here with us as we continue to walk the rose paved path.

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Reflection & Call to Action

✨ Reflection Prompt:
God knows the future—even when we can’t see it. He plans the victories, the joys, and yes, even the long, hard roads. Every obstacle, every delay, every moment of waiting is part of His perfect plan.

Take a moment today to reflect: are you trusting God with the unknown paths in your life? Even when the road seems difficult, remember this truth: your path is being paved by God, petal by petal, with victory in mind.

💬 Call to Action:
Share this story with someone who needs a reminder that God knows the future. And whatever road you’re walking, hold onto this promise: your long, hard road may just be paved with rose petals. If this message encouraged you, we’d love to hear your story or pray with you. You can email us at [email protected] — your story matters and it might encourage someone else too.
And be sure to follow us on Facebook at Living with Victory for more encouragement, updates, and real-life faith stories. Together, we can remind each other that even in the hardest moments, God is still working all things for His glory. 🌿