Devotionals for the Heart: God can lead you through unfamiliar seasons

When God Leads You Through Unfamiliar Seasons
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”—Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)

There are seasons in life when the path ahead feels unfamiliar.

We don't know where God is leading us, why He is allowing certain changes, or what waits on the other side. Yet Isaiah 42:16 reminds us that God specializes in leading His children down roads they have never traveled before. He promises to guide us through unfamiliar places, bring light into our darkest moments, and never forsake us. Those promises do not remove the transition, but they assure us that we never walk through it alone.

Transition is rarely easy. We hope life will move smoothly from one season to the next but often transitions feel more like roadblocks than bridges. They interrupt our plans, force us to slow down, and redirect us in ways we never expected. Instead of releasing what God is asking us to leave behind, we cling to what is familiar—not because it is still good for us, but because we fear what we might lose.

Yet God often asks us to empty our hands before He fills them with something greater. We cannot receive the new things He has in store for us while refusing to release the old. God declares in Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV), “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Sometimes, receiving the “new thing” begins with letting go.

Transitions come in many forms. Some are joyful, while others arrive through heartbreak: a personal loss, financial hardship, an unexpected diagnosis, or caring for aging parents. Change is inevitable. The question is not whether transitions will come, but how we will respond when they do.

Scripture is filled with people whose greatest seasons of growth began with unexpected transitions, and the Bible story about a man named Job is one of the clearest examples. In what seemed like a moment, he lost his wealth, his children, and his health. Yet even in his suffering, God had not abandoned him. Job could not see what God was accomplishing, but God never stopped working on his behalf.

Although my circumstances have never matched Job's, I understand what it feels like when hardships arrive all at once. As I have grown older, I have found myself navigating unfamiliar territory—shifting responsibilities, aging parents, and questions I never expected to ask. Those seasons have reminded me that while we experience transition externally, God’s greatest work is taking place internally.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Before God changes what is around us, He often changes what is within us. His primary concern is not simply altering our circumstances but shaping our hearts to reflect the character of His Son (Jesus Christ).

Some transitions leave us feeling as though God has gone silent. We continue to pray, yet heaven seems quiet. We wonder if He has forgotten us because we cannot hear His voice as clearly as we once did. But silence is not abandonment. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Here’s what I have learned: Even when we cannot see the next step, God is faithfully directing our path. I have also learned that faithfulness often looks ordinary like my daily routine. I wake up. I pray. I read my Bible. I go to work. I worship God. I trust Jesus. Then I do it again the next day. Sometimes God does not give new instructions because He wants us to remain faithful to the last ones He gave. Ordinary obedience prepares us for extraordinary purpose.

Every transition is an invitation to deepen our dependence on God. If we trust Him enough to release what was, remain faithful in what is, and follow Him into what will be, we will discover that every unfamiliar season has been preparing us for greater intimacy with Him and greater usefulness in His Kingdom.

One day, you'll look back and realize that the roads you never would have chosen became the very paths God used to make you more like Christ.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for leading me through every season of life. When the path feels uncertain, help me to trust Your guidance, release what You are asking me to leave behind, and remain faithful where You have placed me. Strengthen my heart, renew my mind, and remind me that You will never leave or forsake me. Teach me to abide in You and follow wherever You lead.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Songs of Reflection #1: “Take Courage” by Kristene DiMarco | Starlight. Listen to it here. 

Songs of Reflection #2: “He’s Been Faithful” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

Songs of Reflection #3: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

Songs of Reflection #4: “Thank You Lord (For Being There For Me)” by Fred Hammond. Listen to it here.

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

~*~
Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: We are forever safe in God's Hands

Safe in His Hands
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

—Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Are you an animal lover?

Perhaps you’re a dog lover or a cat lover (most people are one or the other). In my home we have a giant German Shepherd named Captain as well as three cats, Leia, Casper, and our decidedly unique ginger tabby, Finn, who seems to think he’s more a dog than a cat. My love for animals doesn’t just stop with pets. Having grown up in Florida, I’ve always adored common lizards. There’s something about their tiny little mouths and their gentle, watchful eyes that tugs at my heart.

Recently, I was with my daughter and some friends of hers who found a baby lizard. They picked the little fellow up and then passed him from hand to hand, marveling at his size and mannerisms. When he got to me, his poor little body quaked with terror. But after a few moments, as if he decided I was no threat, I saw him visibly begin to relax. His deep breaths began to slow and steady. Finally, we made eye contact, being to being, in a moment of gentle connection.

I felt like, at least for a moment, I was his safe place—his refuge. I certainly wanted to be. Sometimes I feel like that lizard in everyday life. Do you know what I mean? There are days and years, when I think my home or my car is a refuge. Maybe I think the health, auto, and life insurance plans I have are going to keep me or my family safe and protected, or the current peace in my community means I’m somehow immune to tragedy. Maybe I think my body won’t fail me or the money in my savings or retirement accounts will provide for all my needs.

But the truth is those are temporary. Only God is my real refuge.

Think about it—if I’m lucky, my body has maybe 100 years on it, but then what? It breaks down, and then it’s done. It’s not meant to last forever. Neither are any of the things of this world. Animals are born and then they die. Trees—even the oldest of them, giant live oaks or massive sequoias—eventually come to an end, whether from fire or other natural disaster or from human hands. Cliffs erode, earthquakes transform vistas, even islands cave into the seas.

And money? That’s certainly temporary. No matter how much we have while we’re alive, we don’t take it with us. What is eternal is the Lord, period—and if we belong to Him then our souls are eternal as well. But that’s only because of God’s great love for us, not because we have any worth or power on our own. He sent us His Son (Jesus Christ) as our Savior. If we choose to believe and follow Jesus, to repent of our sins and become His disciples then we’re guaranteed eternal life, salvation, and a place in our Heavenly Father’s house—a heavenly home that will last forever.

God provides that shelter, that refuge. Only God, out of the vast and gracious and merciful love He has for all of us. If we choose Him, we will live with Him forever. For a moment when I held that baby lizard on that sunshiny afternoon, I was his temporary refuge. But his real refuge is the Lord, just as mine is.

As Psalm 46:1-7 (NIV) proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I look around me and think the things of this world protect me, but they are only an illusion. They are temporary and impermanent. But you, my loving Father God—Abba, Creator of the Universe—are my true refuge. You are my rock and my salvation. You are my forever home. Thank You for loving me enough, for loving all your imperfect children enough, to be that refuge despite of our shortcomings. Please help me to love You with my whole heart now and forever. Help me to lead others to You as well. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Safe” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Every Moment” by Forever Jones. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers and her third novel, Hidden Seeds, is out now and is a top release. Jessica has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Jessica is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: How taking a small step led to my big adventure

How Adventures with God Begin with Small Steps
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

—Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Everything changed when I stepped on the plane to Korea, but I didn’t know it yet. I thought I was going to teach English for a couple of years. Instead, I met my husband, and started to put down roots in a country I had no original plan to settle in. God led me on a course I had not imagined!

What meaningful experience in your life started as one simple step of faith?

Big changes most often begin as small decisions. A single step forward, following God’s prompting, may lead to an entirely new path. Yet, it can be tempting to downplay the significance of small things.

We might look at some of the more dramatic stories of the Bible—a burning bush, a pillar of fire, a thundering voice from heaven—and wish for similarly clear signs. We want to know for sure that something important is happening, that we are going in the right direction, or that we are embarking on a momentous journey.

However, God doesn’t always give us bold indications of what He is up to, what will happen next, or exactly how He is leading us. Instead, adventures with God often begin with ordinary moments and quiet—but brave—decisions.

Consider the story of David. In his life, a series of seemingly small choices and events led to something significant. In 1 Samuel 16-17, we see that David was the youngest in his family and a humble shepherd. His older brothers were fighting with the King of Israel against the Philistines. One day, David’s father told him to take some food to his brothers on the battlefield. While he was dropping off the supplies, David overhead Goliath taunting the Israelite army, and he couldn’t stand it.

He decided to fight the giant, finding courage in how God helped him rescue his sheep from lions and bears in the past. Then, he chose to fight armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling instead of using the king’s heavy armor.

David triumphed over Goliath and the Philistines fled. This led to David being appointed as a wildly successful army officer under King Saul…which then led to Saul’s jealousy…which led to David’s fugitive years in the wilderness where he wrote many of the Psalms that speak so deeply to our hearts today. Eventually, David became the king of Israel and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. And to think that all this began with David faithfully carrying out a simple, humble task for his family!

David went from a lowly shepherd to a celebrated king, whose story is still told thousands of years later. I’m sure David never imagined that course for his life, but God guided him into miracles and adventures he had not foreseen, one step at a time.

Just as how David’s ordinary lunch delivery ended in the slaying of a giant, we may never know how one moment could completely change our lives. We can’t see the future, but God can. He knows where He is leading us. Each single step we take in following God is important.

Remember, the Bible says in Zechariah 4:10 (NLT), “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

May you be encouraged today that the little things matter—whether you are carrying out your regular responsibilities, or whether you are making a small, faith-filled decision to turn in a new direction. God will establish your steps and lead you on.

Let’s Pray: Father God, it’s amazing to think that my ordinary faithfulness and my small steps in following You can lead to beautiful outcomes that I can’t imagine yet. When I don’t always sense that something important is happening, or see immediate results from my efforts, help me to still be faithful in the small things. I know You are directing the course of my life. Help me to trust You, Lord, with every step I take. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Say Yes” by Josh Wilson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Increase My Faith” by Brian Courtney Wilson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “He Leadeth Me” by Reawaken Hymns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Dámaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with w/ Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

~*~
Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ is always present in our life journey

The Good and Faithful Shepherd
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

—Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)

How often have you found yourself in seasons and circumstances of concern, uncertainty, frustration, or confusion?

If your life’s journey has been anything like mine, I would guess you have also found yourself in such seasons and circumstances far more often than you would like. I can honestly say that as much as I want to know all the details of my life and how things will play out, I equally do not truly want to know because much of the excitement and potential to grow and take risks would be lost.

When looking at Psalm 23, one thing that stands out to me about God’s character is His being present. We see that Jesus Christ is the Shepherd who remains close by and who leads us, His sheep, along the way. Jesus is the Shepherd who always looks after us and provides for our every need. He is the Shepherd who walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus can calm our fears. No other person and no other shepherd could ever begin to compare to Him.

A further question arises as we focus on these truths about God’s omnipotence: “Why is it so challenging to believe in the depth of our soul that He is truly the good and faithful shepherd?”

It is so easy for us to know with our minds that the Lord is good, faithful, and always present with us, seeking to always provide the best care for us. However, when we pause and truly reflect on our actions and our lives, the opposite is what is often being communicated and believed.

We sit in seasons of unknowns and battle anxieties about how everything will turn out. In other seasons, we sit in distress and anger because we see the evil one “winning”. We regularly question the purpose of certain circumstances because we cannot grasp their benefit to our lives or how they will work out for our good and God’s glory. Our functional theology can easily show where our souls are still walking in disbelief or uncertainty about our good and perfect Shepherd.

So then, how do we begin to connect the knowledge in our heads to the depths of our heart and soul? The simple answer is the only answer: by God’s grace and help alone. We need our good and faithful Shepherd to constantly remind us of how near He is in all times, of His desire to provide for our every need, and of His goodness and faithfulness to take care of us through every single season and circumstance we walk through.

As we walk day by day, what would it look like to pause and reflect on each of these verses in Psalm 23? Maybe it is taking a couple weeks to read only this Psalm and meditate on it verse by verse, identifying how you have seen the Lord show up in your life and/or current circumstances? Maybe it is taking the next month to use Psalm 23 as a prayer outline to offer up both thanksgiving and your circumstances to the Lord, trusting He is with you and cares about your heart’s concerns? Lastly, maybe it is sitting with the Lord and asking Him to soften your heart to fully believe that He is truly your good and faithful Shepherd and that you lack nothing.

I’m not sure where you find yourself today regarding this truth that the Lord is our Good and Faithful Shepherd and He is present with us always. I pray that you will consider it, reflect on it, and allow it to lead you to our Father.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for being the One true good and faithful Shepherd, always present with me and always leading me. Thank You for the truth that you are the One I truly need—not answers and not changed circumstances. Please help me rest in your presence and to truly come to believe in the depths of my heart that You are good and your intentions for me are better than I can imagine. Please help me rest my soul in You alone and trust your guidance in all things. May my heart trust Your good and perfect wisdom and care so that I may truly walk in peace and hope every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Shepherd” by City Alight. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Psalm 23” by Kathy Troccoli. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “God is Here” by Karen Clark Sheard. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God Is” (1979) by Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 

Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God so they can experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer and her husband recently welcomed their baby boy into the world and couldn’t be happier from enjoying all the newborn snuggles and learning his little personality! She is grateful for this precious gift from the Lord and is excited to begin learning how to faithfully walk in the ministry of motherhood. Jennifer also looks forward to seeing how this gift and new season will further enhance ministry opportunities with women as she continues to minister to them.

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to love someone who is experiencing grief

How to Love Someone Whose Grief Hides Behind a Smile
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

Note: July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. It is a time to remember and sit gently with those who carry the weight of losing a child, at any age or stage.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

She's the first face you see on Sunday mornings with bright blonde hair, a hand on the door, blue eyes that crinkle at the corners because the smile is the real kind, the kind that reaches all the way up. In her thirties, she remembers names, personal life stories, prayer requests, and little triumphs to cheer you on and praise God for.

What most people at the door don't know is how many babies have been said goodbye to. Enough to be a soccer team. But that number is carried quietly. It is folded small enough to fit behind that smile every week. No one hears about the nurseries never used, the due dates that came and went with empty arms, or the anniversary dates only a numb, grieving couple remembers. The bulletin still gets handed over. “How was your week?” is a question that still gets asked and meant.

It's easy to mistake this kind of joy for a life untouched by sorrow. But grief rarely announces itself. More often, it greets you warmly at the door and goes home to a quiet house. You don't have to have buried a child to know someone carrying an absence like that. And once you know, a natural question follows: What do I do with this?

If you know a woman who is suffering in silence and want to help, just love her well. Here are a few good ways to do that:

Say the name. If you know the name(s) of the child(ren), use them. Avoiding the name does not protect them from the pain.

Remember the date, not just the moment. A due date, a birthday, a loss anniversary. A short text like “thinking of you and (the baby’s name) today” on that date means more than anything said in the immediate aftermath.

Let go of timelines. Grief doesn't resolve on a schedule. Someone can be five, ten, or twenty years out and still be undone by a certain song or an aisle at the store. It is not a setback. It is pure love with nowhere to go.

Sit in the discomfort instead of filling it. You don't need the right words. “I don't know what to say, but I'm here” is often more healing.

Psalm 34:18 does not say God is close to the healed or those who've moved on. It says He is close to the brokenhearted. It is present tense, in the middle of the breaking. But Scripture doesn't stop at describing God's posture; it gives us one too. The Apostle Paul wrote these words in the Bible: “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15) and “Carry each other's burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Notice that neither verse says “fix” or “explain”. They say mourn with and carry. That's the whole assignment—walk close enough that she isn't carrying it alone.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

You see the empty chair and the dates that ache. Be close to every parent carrying a loss the world can't fully see. Give me eyes to see the grief hidden behind a smile and the humility to know I won't ever fully understand it. Take away my need to say something perfect and replace it with the willingness to simply stay. Show me the names, the dates, and the small moments where love is needed most. Mold me into someone who mourns with those who mourn.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship, Cover in ASL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Because He Lives” by Caleb & Kelsey Cover / ASL by Megg Rose. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Yet Not I But Christ in Me” by CityAlight/ ASL Cover. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. 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: Believing in God isn't the same as knowing Him

Believing Isn’t the Same as Knowing Him
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

—Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

A pastor friend of mine asked me to teach a Christian Foundations course for a group of aspiring ministers she's raising up. This week's lesson was “Faith Toward God.” I've taught on faith more times than I can count, but I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. But somewhere in the middle of preparing, I got stuck on one question: How does faith in a God I can't see turn into knowing Him?

Because those are two different things. I think a lot of us live in the first one without realizing it. Let’s break this down.

Believing He's There:

Most of us start here, whether we remember starting or not. Somewhere along the way we came to believe God exists. We believe there is a Creator, a Judge, a Someone behind all of this. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) puts words to that starting point: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

That's a real and necessary step. But as I sat with the next verse this week, I realized I read past something important my whole life that is found in Hebrews 11:6 (NJKV). It says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

It's not just “believe He exists”. It's “believe He rewards those who seek Him”. That second half is the part I think I'd been skipping. Believing God is there is one thing. Believing He responds when you look for Him is another thing entirely, and it's the part that turns faith from an idea into a pursuit.

I Can Believe the Right Things and Still Not Know Him:

This is the verse that stopped me while I was preparing for the lesson. James 2:19 (NKJV) reads, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”

I read that and thought, “Well, that's humbling. Demons have better theology than half of us. They know exactly who God is. And it does absolutely nothing for them, because knowing facts about someone isn't the same as knowing them.”

I think I've done that with God more than I'd like to admit. I believed the right things. Said the right things. And still kept Him at arm's length, more like a concept I agreed with than a Person I walked with.

He's Not an Idea, He's Alive:

What changed something in me this week was sitting with this phrase: the living and true God. Paul uses it describing people who'd turned away from idols. He said in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NKJV), “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Idols don't do anything. They don't answer, they don't respond, they don't know you're there. And if I'm honest, I can treat God like an idol without ever bowing to a statue just by keeping Him as a distant idea instead of a living presence. Jeremiah 10:10 (NKJV) says it plainly: “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.”

Living. Present. Here. That's a very different thing to have faith towards than a concept in a book.

So How Do You Actually Get There?

I don't think this shift happens automatically just because time passes. A few things stood out to me as I thought through it—not as steps to check off, but more like doors that were already open, waiting. One is simply hearing from Him. Paul says faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). I can't know someone whose voice I never listen to, and I think that's true of God too. The more time I spend in His Word and in prayer, the less abstract He becomes.

Another is that seeking Him isn't a shot in the dark. God promises this in Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV), “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” That's not a maybe. That's a promise from a God who wants to be found. It is a reminder that we can't do anything to earn His love. His heart toward us was set long before we ever sought Him.

And then there's what Jesus says eternal life is. Not “believing the correct doctrine.” Knowing Him like He says in John 17:3 (NKJV) that reads, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” The Apostle Paul wanted that so badly he called it the goal of his whole life. He said this in Philippians 3:10 (KJV): “That I may know Him.”

Not know about Him. Know Him. In other words, not a mere intellectual belief, but an experiential, intimate relationship with Him. That’s what I want. I want to know Him and live so close to Him, that when He whispers, I hear it.

Coming Closer, Not Just Believing Harder

Here's what I keep coming back to since teaching this: because of Jesus Christ, we're not left to approach an unseen God from a distance, hoping He notices us. Scripture says we get to come close. According to Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV), “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Boldly. Not timidly, not from far off, not just believing Him from across the room. We're invited in. That's the shift I was trying to put words to in class this week: Faith toward God was never supposed to be the finish line. It's the doorway. On the other side of it is an actual Person, alive and present, who wants to be known.

The Bible says in John 1:12 (NKJV), “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

The Holy Spirit spoke to me years ago. He said, “Faith is progressive and it is historical.” This means we grow in faith as we continue to approach Him through His Word (The Holy Bible), and in prayer. Faith is historical because there is this record of God’s love and faithfulness toward us that says, “If He did there (wherever there is), surely He can do it here.”

Believing got me to the door. Knowing Him intimately is what's on the other side of it and honestly, I'm still walking through.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

Thank You that You are not a distant idea, but the living and true God who is near, present, and real. We confess that it's possible to believe the right things about You and still keep You at arm's length. Forgive us for the times we've settled for facts about You instead of relationship with You.

Stir in us a hunger to seek You with all our heart, trusting Your promise that those who seek You will find You. Let our faith not stop at believing You exist but carry us into knowing the way the Apostle Paul desired in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him.”

Thank You that through Jesus we don't have to approach You from a distance. We can come boldly, not because we've earned it, but because You've already made the way. Draw us closer today. Let what we know about You become what we know of You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “I Believe God” by Kurt Carr (feat. Timiney Figueroa-Caton). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God's Favor” by Donald Lawrence featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burrell, and Kelly Price. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are God Alone” by Marvin Sapp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Just to Know You” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Oh, I Want to Know You More” by Steve Green. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

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Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: If you are lost, Jesus Christ is looking for you

Seeking the Lost
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”—Matthew 18:12-14 (NLT)

A few weeks ago, as I was on a flight returning from my mission trip, I heard in my spirit that the mission was not finished.

I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. I said, “Lord, what now?” I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Tell the person on the right and the one on your left: Jesus loves you, and for you He died.” Fear gripped me. I thought of the length of time for this flight and of me sitting between the two people who God wanted me to witness to. I whispered, “Father, I am scared.”

A few days earlier when I was in conversation with the host Pastor, something he said has been resonating with me ever since. He said we must keep going for the one. The one soul that needs Jesus, His grace and mercy. When we feel like giving up in our ministry or the areas God has called us to serve, we seldom think of the one person who needs to hear the message God has given to us for that person.

As I struggled to get the message out, I quietly started praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help and show me what to do. A thought came to my mind: Write the message in the memo section of your phone and share the message. I wrote the message: “Jesus loves you, and for you He died.” Below those words I also wrote, “The Lord wants me to share this message with you, but I am scared, and this is the least scary option.” I finally shared the message.

And today, I want to share the same message with you! Jesus loves you. If you are a believer who went astray and became lost, He left the 99 saved sheep who were safe in His care, to search for you. Jesus wants us to have the same love and compassion for each other as He has for us. It is the same agape love that we would have to step out of our comfort zone to tell one person, “Jesus loves you and for you, He died.”

Recently, two of my dearest friends lost loved ones. One parent said to me, “My prayer is that in that moment he asked the Lord back into His life. We don’t know His final resting place, but one thing we are assured of: God loved him and gave His life for Him.” Now consider this in your own life: Someone who is important to you—a child, parent, sibling, friend, colleague, spouse, neighbor—whoever that person is, is the Lord is placing them on your heart to reconcile with them or invite them into a relationship with Jesus Christ? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you then help you do what He says.

In the passage above, we know the shepherd originally had 100 sheep, but one wandered away. The shepherd didn’t say the one was important, and he had 99 remaining, so it made no sense to go after the one. Yet, Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18) seeks after the one who is lost—whether the one is a backslider who needs to return to his Heavenly Father or the one who needs to make the Lord His Savior. If we are to be like Jesus, then that is our role: to love as He does, to see others as He does, and to invite them into a relationship with Him.

Let’s return to my first story about how God’s Holy Spirit prompted me to share His message of salvation with the people who I was seated in between on the airplane. As I shared the message with the gentleman on my left, he read it, said thank you and patted my hand. I relaxed in my seat and under my breath, I said “Thank you, Lord.” While it took me longer to share with the young lady on my right, I did. She read the message, looked me in the eye and said thank you. As the pilot prepared us for descent, I wondered if I shared the message in the way the Lord wanted me to, and immediately, I heard one word in my spirit: Obedience. That’s what matters—not the method, but the doing—as we follow prompts from God’s Holy Spirit and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, you may be in a space where you don’t know the Lord as Savior. Jesus loves you, and for you He died. You might have wandered away from Him. But He still loves you, and for you He died. You may have someone on your heart whom the Holy Spirit is nudging you to speak to. If you can’t speak it, write it or do whatever you need to do. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you because He will.

In closing, remember this Bible verse found in John 3:16 (NLT). It says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that You love each of us with an everlasting love. Remind us that You gave your only Son (Jesus Christ) to pay the price for our sins on the Cross, so that we can have everlasting life and be reconciled to You. Give us strength to endure so that we can fulfill your plans and purpose for our lives. May your peace and presence flood our hearts and cause us to know that You love us, and You died for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Lost Sheep | Jesus Finds Me Again” by True Faith Studio. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God So Loved” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Seeking the Lost” by KUSDA Church Choir. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “I Am Not Ashamed” by Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Each One, Reach One” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com