Devotionals for the Heart: When you let God help you move the mountain

When the Mountain Won’t Move
A devotional by Kim McGovern

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”—Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Are you so worn down that facing one more battle feels impossible?

Grief and endless demands can leave us staring at the ceiling at night, whispering into the dark, “I can't do this anymore.”

I carried that ache into a women’s retreat in the Colorado mountains, hoping the change of scenery might thaw my ice-cold, weary soul. But my grief felt as ancient and unyielding as the peaks around me—frozen beyond tears, untouched by the warmth I had come seeking.

On the first evening of the retreat, as voices rose in worship, I lifted my hands, not in adoration, but in surrender. My shoulders sagged under the weight of unanswered prayers as I begged God to break the hardened ground of my soul.

He met me there, not with spectacle but with a whisper strong enough to crack the ice within: “Daughter, I am fighting for you.” Not “I will fight.” Not “I fought.” But “I am fighting” at this very moment.

But how do you keep believing that God is fighting for you when everything in front of you still says otherwise?

The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk wrestled with that same question. Violence and injustice ran through his own nation, and God seemed to do nothing to stop it. So, Habakkuk dared to say the words most of us keep locked inside: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2, NIV).

God’s answer unsettled Habakkuk. Judgment would come to God’s people through a violent foreign army soon to sweep across the land. Still, he did not walk away. Habakkuk chose to watch, wait, and stay in conversation with God until hope stirred again.

God did not remove the threat or shorten the long wait ahead for His people. The danger still loomed on the horizon, and nothing in front of Habakkuk had changed. Yet neither had God's promise that “the righteous person will live by his faithfulness” (Habakkuk 2:4, NIV). He called Habakkuk to trust Him in the middle of it, and as the prophet kept bringing his fears and questions to God, trust slowly took root again.

By the end of his prayer, Habakkuk envisioned trust not as escape from the climb but as strength to keep walking, like a deer steady on rocky heights. The Bible says in Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV), “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” God does not always move the mountain in front of us—but He does give us deer’s feet to climb it.

Maybe your mountain won't move either. Grief lingers. The marriage hangs by a thread. Responsibilities crush you, and loneliness refuses to lift. You have prayed, you have worshiped, you have poured out your heart—and still the path stretches steep and unrelenting before you. Take heart, friend. The same God who steadied Habakkuk and met me in my own dark night, walks with you now. He doesn’t ask you to be strong enough; He gives strength for each step, just enough for today, and then the next.

Our strength begins where Jesus Christ won our victory. At the cross, He climbed the steepest mountain we never could, bearing the full weight of our sin and death. And because He conquered that ultimate summit, rising from the grave on the third day, He now gives us sure feet for every climb we will ever face.

We are not promised that every earthly battle will turn out the way we hope, but in Christ we hold an eternal victory that cannot be taken from us. Nothing can separate us from Him—no failure, no heartbreak, not even the deepest grief. What Jesus completed on the cross holds firm forever.

The mountains still stood outside my window the next morning, as did many of the burdens I had carried into the retreat. But something within me had begun to shift. The ice around my heart was cracking. For the first time in a year, tears flowed freely as God began to thaw the frozen places within me. My circumstances had not changed, but I had. I left knowing I was no longer facing the climb alone.

Your mountain may not move today. But the Sovereign Lord is your strength. He gives you deer’s feet to take the next step when the path feels impossible.

Let's Pray:

Heavenly Father,

When grief lingers, prayers seem unanswered, and the mountain before us remains unmoved, remind us that You have not abandoned us. Thank You that in Jesus, the victory has already been won—one we would never achieve on our own. Help us trust You in the waiting and find our strength in You as we take the next step in faith. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Battles” by The Afters. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Fighting for Me” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Victory Belongs to Jesus” by Todd Dulaney. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Move Another Mountain” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kim McGovern is passionate about helping women reorient their hearts to the uninterruptible love of Jesus Christ. 

A former IT professional turned writer, she meets women in the messy middle of faith—where grief, joy, doubt, and hope often collide. Her work draws from decades of ministry leadership, special needs advocacy, and personal seasons of surrender that deepened her dependence on God's presence.

Kim's writing has been featured by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Encouragement for Today, Joyful Life Magazine, (in)courage ministries, Truly Magazine, and numerous other faith-based publications.

She and her husband savor the quiet rhythms of life on Florida's west coast in Homosassa, where the river serves as their backyard playground. They have four grown children and grandchildren who daily remind them that the best stories are still being written by God's grace.

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Connect with Kim:
Website: https://kimmcgovern.com/
Substack: https://kimmcgovern.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kim.mcgovern/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimEMcGovern/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to sit in someone's sorrow and share hope

A Love that Won’t Try to Fix Anything
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

—Romans 12:15 (NKJV)

There is a love that never tries to fix anything. It pulls up a chair. It sits down in someone else's sorrow and refuses to leave early. Scripture gives that love a name.

Grief rarely knocks. It just arrives; however it wants, and it never leaves the way it came. Denial doesn't announce itself. It shows up in small, harmless-looking ways: two cups of coffee poured out of habit before she remembers or a hand reaching for the phone to call someone who won't answer. This is not foolishness. It is a heart taking in only as much truth as it can hold. If you love someone in this fog, don't correct it. Just sit with her.

Then anger comes, and it comes hot. Her fists clench. Her questions grow edges. Why this? Why now? This fire is usually love with nowhere left to go. I've learned it doesn't need to be tidied up. It just needs room to burn.

Bargaining follows close behind, the quiet negotiations that circle back at two in the morning. What if we had caught it sooner? What if that last conversation had gone differently? These thoughts rarely lead anywhere, and they do not have to. They only need somewhere safe to be spoken aloud, and sometimes that somewhere is simply you, listening without trying to answer.

Depression settles in without asking permission. It moves into her shoulders, into her mornings, into the space behind her eyes. There is no silver lining that fits here. What she needs is someone willing to sit down inside the weight with her, unafraid of the quiet.

And somewhere in there, unevenly and without a schedule, acceptance arrives. Not because the loss shrinks but because she learns to carry it differently. It rarely comes on the timeline anyone expects, and no one should feel late for it. I learned all of this in a season I never would have chosen. I was moving through recurrent pregnancy loss, one IVF cycle after another, grief tucked into ordinary moments: a grocery aisle, a baby shower I couldn't skip, and the silence after another test result.

One cold evening I returned to a support group, to show a young woman how to compound or mix her own in vitro fertilization (IVF) injection medication. Her hands were shaking, just as mine had been through the years. I expected this support group, this task, this assistance would be too emotionally hard for fragile me. Instead, I felt a peace I hadn't felt in years, not because my own grief had lifted, but because it had finally found somewhere to go. Holding her hand steady, I watched two griefs sit in the same small room without either one needing to leave.

That is the day Romans 12:15 stopped being a verse to me. It became something I lived. To mourn with those who mourn is to walk into someone's sorrow and stay a while. No agenda. No timeline. No requirement that she feel better before you're willing to sit down. This is love with its sleeves rolled up.

Let's Pray:

Lord, teach us to sit before we speak. Give us the courage to stay in rooms that feel too heavy, and the humility to receive comfort when we are the ones grieving. Where we are angry, meet us gently. Where we are numb, meet us patiently. And when you place someone in our path who is hurting, let our presence be enough. Let it look like You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Rest On Us” (feat. Brandon Lake & Eniola Abioye) | Maverick City Music | UPPERROOM | TRIBL Listen to it here. 

Song of Reflection #2: “Way Maker” by Leeland (ASL cover by Deaf Millennial Project). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett (ASL cover). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Sound of Surviving” by Nichole Nordeman. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. Patti Schultz’s inspiring journey weaves a tapestry of compassion, resilience, and divine hope. 

Formerly a public school principal, professor, teacher, and interpreter for the deaf, she now dedicates her life to a heartfelt ministry rooted in her personal experiences.

As a mother to three miracle boys here on Earth and a member of a heavenly soccer team, Patti’s story is one of unwavering faith and profound love. Her decade-long battle with infertility and recurrent loss fuels her deep compassion for grieving mothers, guiding them toward healing through the comforting embrace of Jesus Christ’s garment.

Patti’s gentle wisdom offers a safe haven for women navigating pain, reminding them they are never alone. Through her ministry, she seeks to envelop grieving mothers in divine comfort, encouraging hope, renewal, and the reassurance that God's love is always near, wrapping them in His compassionate hem as they walk the path to healing.

Living in northern Michigan, she cherishes precious moments with family and community, drawing strength from faith and connection.

~*~
Connect with Patti:
Website: pattischultz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pattischultz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Patti.Schultz
Email: dr.patti.schultz@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when you feel stretched to the limit

Stretched to the Limit
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

—1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Imagine a rubber band being stretched to the limit.

Think of stretching it until it will not stretch any more. When you do this, the band becomes tight and rigid because it has reached its capacity. It will not go any further, and it might possibly break under the strain of being pulled so tightly.

This was the image I had flash in my mind while talking with my daughter the other day. She was tired, discouraged and basically done with waiting. She is in God’s waiting room for many areas of her life and she is quite frankly, over the waiting. She was stretched out to the max and couldn’t hold it any longer.

The reason the rubber band analogy popped into my head was because I began to think how it is always the hardest right before the end, before the answer, before your name is called in the waiting room. It seems that waiting can be easy at the beginning (although it seems tough at the time) but becomes increasingly difficult the longer we wait.

When I was in my season of affliction for five years (suffering because both of my feet were broken), I thought one month of this hardship was unbearable to experience. But then six months of suffering turned into a year which rolled into five years. I waited and waited and waited to have healing. My injury was such that there really was no type of healing. It was that bad. But God. He chose to heal me. It just happened one evening without any fanfare, extra-long prayer time or anything extraordinary. Just a few quiet, gentle words from the Lord. He said, “You are healed. Walk in it.”

Before my healing, I was stretched to my limit. So many times, I told my family that I just couldn’t do it anymore. I did not know there would be an end, even though I believed God could heal me and would one day.

So, what does one do when one is at this place, at the end of the stretched band?

Let’s go to God’s Word (The Holy Bible) for the answers we need. As our anchor verse (above) states: We need to cast our cares on Jesus Christ, because He cares for us. For a visual example of this, let’s look at the process of fishing. Casting is what a fisherman does with his line. He throws it far from him. He aims the line toward a spot in the water where he thinks there are fish, then lets it go in that direction.

Similar to a fisherman casting his line, we are to cast our cares far from us—in the direction of Jesus. We are to aim towards Him and give Him all our anxieties. All. Not some. Not the ones we want to chew and stew on, but all of them. Why? Because He cares for us. Jesus does not care as the world does (changing how they treat us based on their mindset and mood). Jesus genuinely cares for us. His love for us is pure, unconditional and everlasting (Romans 8:31-39).

While in Tanzania, Africa, recently, my husband got very sick with fever, chills, shakes, lightheadedness, the works. He was ghastly pale and miserable. As a wife, it is so hard to see my man like this. We were at the tail end of our two-week ministry time there, with one more big day ahead of us. It was a Friday night. I was away in the kitchen and he was in another room. He texted me saying, “I need you.” When I rushed into the other room, I found him sweating profusely, in a chair, almost slumped over. This happened in a matter of minutes as I had just gone to the kitchen to prepare supper.

I began praying and ministering to John (my husband). I moved him to the bathroom area, got a bucket and began the vigil. I prayed out loud. I sang. I read Scripture. In about an hour, he felt well enough to crawl into bed, but I suggested a shower because he was drenched in sweat. He managed that, then collapsed into bed.

About midnight, this scene was repeated over again. We knew God was with us, as we could feel His loving care and attention. We never felt abandoned. We rested knowing He was giving us what we needed at the time. After the second round, John was able to sleep until morning. He was weak, but much improved.

That Saturday was the last full of ministry and he was to go on a boat to visit Gombe and possibly find outlying villages that can only be reached by boat. They were on Lake Tanganyika, putting in at Kigoma. Yes, there are still villages which have no outside contact—and these are along the coast of this massive, long lake. The missionary we were with had wanted to see if any village could be touched with the gospel and help. They never made it to Gombe, but they made it to three villages which were open to having teams come, having outsiders minister to them and their children. One village had an immediate need for their water supply. One of the Tanzanians on the boat was able to discover all that was needed was a spigot to have the whole village with a clean water source.

We rejoiced when they returned with this good news. John’s miserable night paled in comparison to the opportunity he had to be a part of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to three villages. God heard our prayers and all along had a plan to use this time to prepare John and me, for getting the gospel out, into new territories.

Does God remove our trials? Not always. But He uses them for His glory and our good. He has all our anxieties in His hand and He, in His goodness, works them for His splendor. And we get the privilege of being included in powerful work.

To Him be the glory.

Let’s Pray: Lord, You are Sovereign and You are in charge of my life. And for that to happen, I give You my life anew. Right now. And fully. Completely. I don’t want control because my ways are so limited and without understanding. But Your ways are full: of mercy, goodness, grace, glory for You. I trust Your sovereignty, even without my having to know the end, the middle and the beginning. Because You truly care for me with unending love. I am deeply thankful and in awe of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Keith & Kristyn Getty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For Your Glory” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Live at Passion City Church). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Will Go” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The Mission Field” by Blessid Union of Souls. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: God invites you to be authentic with Him

An Invitation to Authenticity with the Lord
A devotional by Erica Bryant

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

—Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

When I was a child, someone once told me, “God is watching you.”

Instead of comforting me, those words filled me with fear. I imagined God watching from a distance, waiting for me to make a mistake so He could scold and punish me. Every misstep felt like evidence that could be used against me.

As I grew older, that fear sometimes followed me into ordinary moments. I am extremely socially awkward! I often don't know the right words to say, and when I do say something, it tends to come out all wrong. But it wasn't just awkward conversations; it was the poor decisions I made, the sins I tried to hide, the moments I chose my way instead of God's. Social mistakes can make us feel exposed, but so can moral failures, repeated patterns of disobedience, and the secrets we carry. We wonder what people saw, what they thought, and whether they will remember our embarrassment. And more importantly, God was watching! This leads me to think that I must be in trouble!

For years, I focused more on fearing God’s discipline than understanding His love as our Heavenly Father. I imagined God keeping a record of every misstep, every awkward moment, every failure, waiting to correct me rather than comfort me. Maybe you've felt that way too. Maybe you've carried the weight of thinking that God's attention means constant scrutiny instead of tender care.

Over time, God reshaped my understanding of His watchful eye. He does see everything, but He does not watch with condemnation. He watches with compassion. His gaze is not that of a harsh judge waiting to shame us, but the attentive love of a Father who knows us completely and remains nearby. The watchful, attentive eyes of the Father are something to treasure, not to be feared.

God knows our mistakes, failures, and bad choices and He loves us anyway. Psalm 139 is a beautiful invitation into authenticity with God! Let’s explore this Scripture:

God Sees Everything (Psalm 139:1-6)

Psalm 139 begins with the truth that God knows us completely. He knows when we sit and rise, understands our thoughts before we think them, and knows our words before they reach our lips (Psalm 139:1-4).

This knowledge can sound intimidating if we imagine God eager to expose us. But since He already knows everything, there is no reason to hide. We do not need to clean up our prayers, disguise our struggles, or pretend to be more than we are.

There is no embarrassment too great for God’s presence. He knows the thoughts we would never say aloud, the fears we suppress, and the motives we do not understand. Yet His knowledge does not push Him away. It creates a safe place for authenticity. We can come without masks because we are already fully known and fully loved.

God’s Constant Presence (Psalm 139:7-12)

The psalmist asks where he could go from God’s Spirit or flee from His presence. The answer is nowhere. Whether he rises to the heavens, makes his bed in the depths, travels to the farthest sea, or finds himself surrounded by darkness, God is there.

God’s presence is a treasure we cannot escape (and may we never want to). We may try to outrun our past, distract ourselves from pain, or hide from the consequences of our choices, but God remains nearby. His presence is not limited by geography, circumstances, or emotion.

Even darkness does not intimidate Him. What confuses us is visible to God, and what seems uncertain is not outside His control. Wherever we go, He is already there—not to condemn us, but to hold us, guide us, and lead us home.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139:13-16)

Psalm 139 also restores our self-image. We live in a world full of voices, voices telling us we are inadequate, unattractive, unimportant, or behind. Comparison and disappointment can define us if we let them.

But God speaks a better word: We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). He formed us intentionally and knows us in every detail. Our lives are not accidents or afterthoughts; we were created with care and purpose.

This does not mean we will never struggle with weakness or insecurity. It means those weaknesses do not cancel our worth. Our value comes from the God who made and knows us. Remembering His intention helps us praise Him not only for what we do, but for who He has made us to be.

His Precious Thoughts Toward Us (Psalm 139:17-18)

God knows the good in us, but He also sees our selfishness, failures, resentments, and secret battles. Still, His love for humankind does not diminish.

The psalmist says God’s thoughts toward him are precious and too many to count because they outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18). They are not thoughts of rejection or disgust, but of grace, peace, and hope. God’s knowledge does not lead Him to abandon us; it moves Him toward us.

The One who knows us most thoroughly loves us most faithfully. We do not have to become perfect before God draws near. His love meets us in our unfinished places and gives us hope for the future.

The Invitation to Vulnerability (Psalm 139:23-24)

This brings us back to the central prayer in our anchor text above: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Vulnerability can be frightening. When we invite someone into our protected heart space, we fear scrutiny and judgment. We may worry that what they discover will change how they see us. However, asking God to search our hearts is different. He already knows what is there. We are not informing Him; we are inviting Him to help us see ourselves honestly. We ask Him to reveal the battles and blind spots we may not recognize.

As God searches our hearts, He may uncover anxious thoughts, unhealthy motives, hidden wounds, or patterns leading us away from Him. He does not reveal them to shame us, but to show us what needs healing and direct us in His ways. His conviction is not cruel; it is the loving work of a Father leading His child toward life.

When we know we are fully known and fully loved, anxiety loses its power. We no longer need to protect an image or hide what God already sees. We can pray authentically, bringing Him our confusion, anger, disappointment, temptation, and fear. Nothing we confess will surprise Him, and nothing we reveal will make Him love us less.

In this intimate place, we can ask God to search our hearts and show us what offends Him. We can trust Him to be gentle and truthful, leading us away from what harms us and toward the everlasting way. Authentic prayer is not about perfect words. It is coming honestly before the God who knows every word before we speak it and allowing His loving gaze to reach the places we keep hidden.

Psalm 139 is an invitation to stop hiding. The God who sees everything is also the God who stays with us everywhere. The God who formed us wonderfully is the God whose thoughts toward us are precious. The God who knows our failures is the God who continues to love us with breathtaking grace.

Embrace the invitation of Psalm 139. Be authentic before the One (God) who fully knows and fully loves you. Open your heart without fear, trusting that His searching the depths of your heart is not meant to destroy you. It is so He can truly reveal, cleanse, restore, and lead you in the way everlasting.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father,

Search my heart and reveal what I have tried to hide—my anxious thoughts, fears, and wrong motives. Help me receive Your truth without shame and trust Your mercy as You bring healing. Lead me in authenticity and guide my steps in the everlasting way.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Known” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Grace Will Lead Me Home” by David Dunn. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The Truth About Me” by Mandisa. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Born with a Purpose” by Angela. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “The God Who Stays” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Your Grace Still Amazes Me” (Phillips, Craig and Dean cover) by Fountainview Academy Orchestra & Singers. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 

As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.

Interview with Monika Kirkland about her "Ever With You" book

Interview with Monika Kirkland about her nonfiction book 

“Ever With You”

Alexis: Congratulations on the release of your new Christian Living book, Ever With You! Why did you write this work of nonfiction? Share your heart behind the message.

Monika: This book was born out of a season of my life where I found myself exhausted, distracted, and running on caffeine and cortisol. I was juggling parenting four little ones, homeschooling, work, and ministry—and both my fuse and attention span were far too short. One Spring morning during 2020, I got off a work call and the room began spinning. And spinning. This went on for weeks, until finally my doctor diagnosed me with vertigo and ordered me to get my stress levels down. I knew I had to reorient and reprioritize things in a major way, or I wouldn’t survive the season.

What I discovered is that the rest I was so desperate for was right there all along. It wasn’t found in a vacation (though I gladly would’ve accepted one!) or a Netflix binge or a bowl of ice cream or a glass of wine or an online shopping spree. It was found in the presence of God, when I learned to awaken to the reality of His nearness with me.

That season started me on a long journey of walking in deeper intimacy with Him, and this book is all the hard-won lessons of God’s grace I learned along the way. It’s for those who, like me, looked in the mirror and thought, Something has to change.

Alexis: In this book, you emphasize the fact that God is always near, even when we feel a million miles away. How did you reach this realization in your own life?

Monika: I think there has been a collective increase in exhaustion and distraction since 2020, and an increase in our media consumption. Not only are we facing uncertainty, inflation, division, and wars—but we have 24/7 access to news and media via our phones. We also often have jam packed schedules and very little margin for rest. This combination often leads us to feel further from God. But the good news is, even when we feel a million miles away, God is always near. He is right there, and He longs for us to draw close once again. Throughout the book, I help readers find simple, sustainable spiritual rhythms that fit into their actual lives so they move from exhaustion into intimacy and from distraction to connection.

Alexis: Who is your target audience for this book? Explain how you serve them as the author and in other areas of your work in ministry.

Monika: I love to encourage and equip women—specifically women ages 25-45—who want to go deeper in their faith. Maybe they’ve been Christians for a while but have felt that they’ve just been going through the motions of their faith and are ready for deeper intimacy with God. My hope is that through my podcast, Inner Revival, and my new book, Ever With You, women will encounter God’s love and experience transformation from the inside out.

Alexis: You’ve said that we are craving deeper connection, comfort and hope but are unable to quiet the noise long enough to find it. What do you mean?

Monika: On any given day in the Kirkland house, you will find constant noise. I have four kids and a dog, and our house is often loud and chaotic. And I know I’m not alone. The constant noise and chaos of our lives can make it really hard to tune into the sound of God’s voice. This book is an invitation to slow down, draw close, and experience the connection that we all desire.

Alexis: Did you find it difficult to share your heart in this book? The scenes you shared from your life are very personal and the way you teach through it is inspiring!

Monika: Thank you so much! I poured my heart and soul into every chapter with the hope to encourage and uplift others. It’s hard to be vulnerable at times, but I know that God uses our testimonies in powerful ways, and it’s an honor to get to share my story (even the hard parts).

Alexis: How do you think God prepared you to write this book? Share your writing process and publication journey.

Monika: This book has been a long time in the making! It took decades to live it out. Years to fine-tune the message. A year to find an agent and publisher. Another year to finish writing and editing it—and now finally, it will find its way into people’s hands. I’m so grateful to have made it to this point!

Alexis: What would you say to women who are experiencing burnout, anxiety and spiritual emptiness? Share how God helped you survive this and heal.

Monika: I would say you are not alone; I have been where you are. In the Spring of 2020, I hit a wall: physically, emotionally, spiritually. I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I was. I needed to reorient and reprioritize my life in a major way, or I wasn’t going to survive the season. What I learned was that the rest I was so desperate for was right there all along.

It wasn’t found in doing more or trying harder, in life-hacks or self-help books or a tropical vacation (though I would have gladly accepted that).

It was found in encountering the God who was always with me. In and through it all—the miraculous, mundane, and every moment in between. That realization brought me on a journey of healing and growing in my faith, and this book is all the hard-won lessons of God’s grace I learned along the way.

Alexis: What role did prayer and your faith in God play in helping you become restored?

Monika: I believe that prayer is one of the most transformative spiritual practices available to us. And yet so many of us turn to prayer as a last resort, often because of fear that our prayers go unheard or unanswered, or because we are caught in patterns of self-sufficiency.

But restoration comes when we recognize that we can come to God’s throne of grace and pray about the big things, little things, and everything in between. As a busy wife and mom of four, I’ve had to learn to let go of how I think it’s “supposed” to look or sound—and I’ve had so many deep and powerful prayers even as I sweep the kitchen floors, pick up the kids from school, or fold laundry.

Often, Christians subconsciously believe that their connection to God ends when their church service or quiet time is over—but the truth is He is with us, always. In all of it. And when we learn to pray without ceasing and encounter Him in the midst of our everyday, ordinary lives, extraordinary things can happen!

Alexis: How did caring for your soul look for you before writing this book, during the writing process and now?

Monika: Throughout every season, it’s looked like embracing simple, sustainable spiritual rhythms. Rhythms that I unpack more in the book, like prayer, Scripture study, breath prayer, Sabbath, and more. Reminding myself that God is with me and within me, and He is the one who strengthens and sustains me in all of it!

Alexis: You’ve said in the Introduction of your book that God is the answer to the question mark in our souls and He sits there, inviting us closer. What do you mean?

Monika: I think every person someday asks: Who am I? What am I here for? What is the purpose of life? And so many more questions that we have, whether consciously or subconsciously. I believe that those answers are found in Jesus Christ, and that the abundant life we all desire isn’t found in the fleeting things of this world, but is ultimately found in Him.

Alexis: What would you say to someone who feels cast aside, overlooked or forgotten by God? Share your testimony of how you overcame this in your own life.

Monika: A few years ago, my husband and I took our four children to the Chattanooga aquarium. I was walking hand in hand with my third-born daughter, who was four at the time, and at one point, she wanted to lean against the glass to get a better look at the fish.

There were crowds of children all around, each vying for a prime spot against the glass, so I took a few steps back to allow them to get a better look. After a while, my daughter turned over her shoulder but couldn’t see me. “Mommy! Mommy!” she shouted. “I’m right here!” I responded, but she couldn’t hear me over the noise. She started to panic. “Mommy!” I walked over and scooped her into my arms and held her. She cried into my shoulder, “I thought you left me.” I held her tightly and said, “I would never leave you. I was right here all along...I never took my eyes off you.”

In that moment, as I held my daughter, I felt the nearness of God with me, reminding me of the same truth: He is right there. Even when I can’t see Him, even when the sound of his voice is drowned out by the noise. He never left, and He never will.

That was true for me, and it is true for each of us.

Alexis: You’ve said in your book, “Revival starts with you” and you have a podcast called “Inner Revival” where you say that at the start of every episode. How did you reach this conclusion? Explain why you say this to your audience.

Monika: I believe revival starts with the person in the mirror. As we seek God and surrender our lives to Him, inviting Him to restore and renew us from the inside out. And then we can partner with Him to impact our families, churches, neighborhoods, and beyond with the hope of the Gospel. Personal revival is available to anyone at any time—it starts with us.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Monika! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Monika: I am so grateful and honored to get to share more about my new book Ever With You. It is my prayer that it helps readers know Him more deeply and encounter Him right where they are.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monika Kirkland is a Christian creative—writing both nonfiction and fiction—a podcaster, wife, and mother of four. 

Having walked through the trenches of motherhood, marriage, and over a decade of ministry, Monika brings honesty, hope, and gospel-centered encouragement to everything she creates. Through her nonfiction, novels, and the Inner Revival Podcast, she equips women to cultivate intimacy with Christ and experience the transformative power of the gospel from the inside out.

You can buy your copy of Ever With You, follow along on Instagram (@monikakirkland), tune into her Inner Revival podcast or visit her website at www.monikakirkland.com.

~*~
Blurb for Ever With You (book):

God is near, and he wants you to find rest. 

“God is always near, even when we feel a million miles away.”

So many Christian women find themselves exhausted. Distracted. Running on caffeine and cortisol, scurrying from task to task, juggling the never-ending demands of motherhood, marriage, work, and life—and somewhere in the middle of all of it, they’ve drifted.

If that’s you, you're not alone.

We are living in uncertain and often chaotic times, and more and more of us are finding ourselves emotionally and spiritually depleted. We're craving deeper connection, comfort, and hope, yet we’re unable to quiet the noise long enough to find it. We know God is supposed to be enough. We just can't seem to slow down enough to let him be.

Ever With You is the invitation back.

~*~
Buy Monika’s book via:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Walmart

Devotionals for the Heart: How eagles taught me about God's creation

The Sound of the Eagles
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

As my husband stood by the car and filled the tank, I watched the other customers at the gas station. The vehicles in line were filled with people of all ages. Pumps were flowing as folks purchased gasoline. Amidst the sounds of receipts being printed, people sharing conversations, and engines starting, I heard eagles calling. The sound was loud and clear.

A sign in front of the small pond next to the gas station alerts customers that alligators and snakes may be nearby. The directions given in bold letters said, “STAY AWAY FROM THE POND.” Good advice for anyone living in the Lowcountry and for visitors who may be intrigued by the gators. But there was no sign saying to be alert for eagles.

I heard a sound coming from the tops of the trees surrounding the pond. I listened again. The same loud call could be heard from the wooded area—an eagle. There are numerous eagle nests in the area. The majestic birds are amazing. The graceful way they soar in the sky and land on the earth reminds me of the unique qualities of God’s creations.

Eagles are symbols of strength and honor. Their images are sometimes found in drawings and photographs. God gives the eagles strength. God gives us strength. I imagine the eagles have difficulties and heartaches, but they keep going. The older ones provide for the younger ones.

This reminds me of God’s promise in Isaiah 40:31. The Bible says when we place our trust in the Lord, we are renewed. Trials will come and go. Yet, in every situation, God is with us. I have prayed and handed a worry over to God. But in the next moment, I begin worrying again. Realizing what I have done, I ask God for forgiveness.

God knows what we face each day. He knows what will happen before we experience anything. God’s love is forever. He doesn’t hold back His love because we have failed. Our Heavenly Father gives us grace and forgiveness time after time. The moment we asked God to come into our hearts, we were forgiven. The blood of Jesus Christ was shed for our sins (Romans 6:23).

Every time we share conversation with God and ask for His mercy and peace, we are renewed and have the opportunity to grow stronger in faith and hope. In those times when we feel weary and faint, peace can be found when we rest in the promises of God. Our Heavenly Father has promised that in every trial, when we call out to Him, there will be an answer.

The sound of the eagle calling out reminds me that God listens to all His creations. Every creature is important and uniquely gifted. Have you paused to listen to the sounds of nature? What does it teach you about God?

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, may we rest in the glorious sights and sounds of Your creations. May each experience be a reminder of Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Psalm 91 (On Eagles' Wings)” by Shane & Shane. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Eagles” by Third Day. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Trust In God” (feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. 

With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life.

Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is: It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

~*~
Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaghenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaHendersonAuthor
Twitter: https://x.com/mimionlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahendersonauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ahenderson312/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God doesn't want us to camp in the valley

Do Not Camp in the Valley
A devotional by Terry Overton

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”—Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

Perhaps one of the most well-known Bible verses of all time is Psalm 23.

It seems to touch our hearts no matter when we hear it. But it is often read in times of trouble to comfort those struggling through a dark season of life. We hear it in church services, beside hospital beds, and during funerals. Hearing it brings a touch of peace in difficult times.

To understand why the verse brings comfort to so many, it is helpful to study the individual phrases. Notice that David did not say “if” I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but rather he said, “even though”. Another way to think of this is not “if” but “when” I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. It is acknowledging that we all have valleys of death to walk through. Valleys will happen. The valley might be the death of a relationship or the end of a job, the death of a loved one or dear friend, the death of robust health when a diagnosis is given, or the impending death known at the end of an illness. We will have valleys. It is inevitable. No one escapes.

We can learn a lot by reading stories in the Bible about people who endured walking through valleys: Joseph, after being rejected by his family, was imprisoned. Naomi grieved a great loss. Jonah was in the belly of a whale for three days after trying to run away from God’s assignment. The apostle Paul endured unbelievable hardships. These are just a handful of noteworthy Bible figures who suffered. The Bible is full of individuals who walked through their own valleys.

Yet Psalm 23:4 reminds us that we can walk in the shadows of this valley without fear. The shadow may be very dark, perhaps the darkest we have ever known. But we will not be afraid because He is with us. He is in the shadow. He is in the valley. And He knows the path ahead, leading us to the other side. We are not to camp in the darkness but to go with Him through the darkness.

The mention of the Shepherd’s rod reminds us that He alone guides us through the shadow. We may be drifting toward the wrong fork along the path, and He steers us with a gentle nudge. He alone knows the way and how long it takes to get to the other side. We are also reminded in this verse that we are comforted not by the absence of shadows or valleys in our lives, but by His presence with us in the valley. The verse does not say the shadow leaves; it says we walk through it. We are comforted to know He is at our side along the path.

Perhaps your valley is long, and you are exhausted. Your journey may be prolonged by additional unexpected events, turns along the way, or obstacles. He will give you comfort and strengthen you as you walk. Psalm 23:4 is clear that we are not to camp in the valley. We were not meant to stay in the valley forever. We are to continue moving forward. We walk through it. He helps us. He guides us. He strengthens us. And we make it through to the other side of the valley.

When times seem darkest, Jesus Christ is still by your side. You are not alone. His presence may be felt when you read God’s Word (The Holy Bible), sing praises to Him, or listen to His messages from the words of Christian pastors and friends who are following Christ. It is often from walking through these valleys that our faith is strengthened.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being my Good Shepherd. Thank You for Your presence in the valley. When I don't understand the path, I trust that You do. Help me hear Your voice above the noise of worry and doubt. Thank You for walking beside me in the shadow. Help me to walk with You faithfully and fearlessly. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Way Maker” by Leeland. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He Leadeth Me” by Norton Hall Band. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” by People & Songs featuring Josh Sherman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Even Though I Walk (Live at Church)” by Kari Jobe Carnes, Hannah McClure and Bethel Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Seasons Change” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont