Monday, March 18, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God wants us to practice forgiveness


Forgiveness: A Gift from God
A devotional by Joy Beless

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
—Luke 23:34 (NIV)

On a rainy day in Dublin, I knew where I wanted to be. I said goodbye to my husband and we separately made our way through the winding streets to see the last stop on our “must-see” lists before leaving Ireland. We later met up to share our experiences over dinner.

It’s hard to explain the “pull” of the Holy Spirit but it was unmistakable: I needed to have space to reflect on my time in Ireland and listen to God’s quiet whisper.

I yearned to sit in a quiet chapel and soak in the ancient story of Saint Patrick at his namesake cathedral. As I approached, I joined the other tourists who for whatever reasons, also made their way through the magnificent stone doors into a dimly lit gothic style cathedral. It was beautiful and intriguing but not quiet. I made my way to the end of the building to the Lady Chapel where few people were sitting and they, like me, yearned for a quiet worshipful experience. As I sat there, still and breathing in the damp air, the word “forgiveness” surfaced in my soul.

Forgiveness is a major theme in St. Patrick’s story and, if we are truthful, in all our stories. Saint Patrick lived in Britain and as a teen was taken captive to work as a slave in Ireland, turning to God through prayer for his strength. After six years he escaped and returned to his family. While home, he dreamt the Irish people were begging him to return. After becoming a priest, he returned to the island of his slavery and preached the gospel for another forty years until his death.

If we unwrap our culture’s version of St. Patrick’s Day—celebrating by wearing green color apparel, focusing on four-leaf clovers, shamrocks and fables—we discover a remarkable story of the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We see how it gives us strength to untwist the complicated stories of our lives and empowers us to forgive others.

Throughout the New Testament, forgiveness is an important theme. So much so, Jesus Christ spoke of it in The Lord’s Prayer, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 NIV). The Apostle Paul also emphasized forgiveness in his letters to the early church. He wrote in Ephesians 4:32 NIV: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Paul was keenly aware of the power of forgiveness after he received forgiveness for the relentless persecution he led against the early church before he met Jesus. He was also thankful, by God’s grace, to forgive those who persecuted him as a Christian.

As I sat in the small room hidden at the end of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, I had no agenda other than to be present with God and to listen to Him. An undeniable quiet voice spoke, “Love others. And to love others is to forgive.” I continued to sit quietly and pondered who and what is tucked away like a rock in my soul, waiting for forgiveness. Shortly, thereafter, I stepped back through the thick stone doorway out into the cool rain of the afternoon, knowing to love Jesus Christ is to follow Him in forgiving others.

There is much to be said about the subject of forgiveness. It does not necessarily mean “forgetfulness” or to pretend the words or action never happened. Rather, it is a journey God desires to walk with us, understanding the complexity and difficulty of releasing the person and the hurtful act or words into His hands. Forgiveness is freeing ourselves from the power of the unjust act. This creates space in our heart to receive the intimate redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

Is there a name, a relationship or experience that is rising in your soul as you read this? Perhaps emotions of grief, anger or anxiety? Talk with God about it. Ask Him to show you the first step and identify someone who is safe you can trust to walk this journey of healing with.

St. Patrick knew the power and necessity of practicing forgiveness every day. Jesus Christ demonstrated to us how to forgive people, and I desire to live a lifestyle of forgiveness.

Let’s Pray:
Thank You, Jesus, for teaching and demonstrating for us the importance of living out the forgiveness we receive from You and extend to others—especially when it is undeserved and difficult to give. Thank you for the life of St. Patrick who, through forgiveness, brought Christianity to a nation. Help me to forgive. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Forgiveness” by Matthew West. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 


A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

~*~
Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org

Friday, March 15, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: Consider this while you're waiting on God


In the Waiting
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”
—Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

Are you in a season of waiting?

I can relate.

Right now, I feel like I’m in a season of waiting. I'm waiting on God to show me the next step and to provide the answers I seek. Waiting is hard, and I’ll be honest, I don’t always like it.

Maybe you’re waiting to hear the results of a test. Or maybe you’ve been praying the same prayers and are beginning to wonder if the cry of your heart has even been heard. Dear friend, I don’t know where you are right now, what you are waiting for. But I promise you this: God sees you and hears the cry of your heart.

As painful as it can be sometimes, even waiting serves a purpose. When we wait, we are given opportunities to trust God in ways we might not otherwise. Waiting stretches us. It grows our faith. Certainly, it tests our patience!

Life can be such a mystery. There are hard times but there are also beautiful things to look forward to. It can be so tempting to want to rush through the hard times. But it’s the times of waiting, the hard times, that build character. Waiting is hard, but don’t miss the beauty that can be found there.

When I find myself growing impatient while waiting, I’m challenged to consider if my impatience is a result of a lack of trust in God. Sure, it’s easier to trust God when He gives us the answers we want when we want. But do I trust God if His answer is “No”? Do I trust God if His answer is “Wait”? Do I trust God even if I don’t have all the answers?

Personally, impatience for me usually stems from a fear that I’ll miss out on something, that I need [fill-in-the-blank] to make me happy. However, I’ve learned that only God can truly satisfy me. Don’t let the enemy tell you lies and lead you to believe you’re missing out because you’re not yet where you wish you were. God has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He will make sure you are where you’re supposed to be at the right time and not a moment before.

Trust Him.

God is working even in the waiting.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God, I often find myself growing impatient and wanting to rush through the waiting seasons. Please help me to trust You. Nothing is wasted. Please help me believe in my heart that You are working in the waiting, even when I can’t see it. I believe that every season has its purpose. Thank you, Lord, for being patient with me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others.


From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

~*~
Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons about Jesus learned from a lint brush


How a Lint Brush Reminded Me of Jesus 
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”—2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

One morning as I was getting ready for church, my 11-year-old son walked into my bedroom with lint all over his black pants. He explained that he was sitting on the rug in the living room while he was reading a book. I told him that he had to clean up before leaving and I asked him to look in the other room for the lint brush.

Moments later he returned with the lint brush in his hand and started brush to the front of his pant legs repeatedly. I reminded him to brush in the direction of the arrow which was located on the handle of the brush. With every stroke of the brush, you could notice a remarkable difference as his black pants were becoming lint-free. As he continued to brush, he became more fascinated by the lint that seemed to disappear into the head of the brush. After some time, both pant legs were clean and appeared to be brand new.

My son was so intrigued by the lint brush that he decided to start brushing the velour blanket on my bed. He wasn’t paying close attention to the direction of the arrow on the handle as he started brushing in the opposite direction. After a while, all of the lint came off the brush and was transferred onto the blanket. Although the lint brush was completely clean, now the blanket was all dirty!

This situation caused me to think about the days of the Israelites in the Old Testament of The Holy Bible. In order to atone for their sins, they were required to bring a lamb that was free of blemishes to the altar as a sacrifice. This meant that all of their wrongdoing was transferred to this animal, and the bloodshed was symbolic of reparation for all of their offenses. This process brought hope to the sinner because it was a way to reconcile with their Creator (God).

This method of atonement came to an abrupt end when Jesus Christ died on the cross (John 3:16-17). He became the Holy Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. All of our dirt, our guilt and our shame was placed on Jesus. He was sinless but He became sin, so that He could die in our place. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for our sins. His blood that was shed gives us a new life in Him. And now He reconciles us with God by covering us in His robe of righteousness and presenting us faultless before God’s throne. We can be thankful for our union with God because of what Jesus did for us!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, I am so thankful for the blood that Jesus shed for me. Because of His death, my life can be free from guilt or shame. May I never forget the sacrifice Jesus made for me. I am so grateful that when you look at me, you see Jesus standing in my place. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank you for offering forgiveness for all of humankind’s sins. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey.


She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She is currently working on another devotional book.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

This is Angela’s fourth year as a guest blog writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “Devotionals for the Heart” blog series. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in Living Unbroken, which is also a publication produced by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Angela is also a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She helps them see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: Showing why we need Jesus Christ in our life


A Bruised Reed
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”
—Isaiah 42:3 (NIV)

Some people don’t want God. They think they don’t need God. Even if they might identify themselves as Christians, their behavior shows pride and stubbornness. They are self-made.

Occasionally within the walls of the church, the subject comes up about God needing to break our stubborn will, our pride, our obstinacy. It can be quite frightening to think we are all that way; that we are all raising our fist in God’s face, or that we are all untamed horses, needing to be broken in.

The other day I was tempted to pray this for someone in my life who needs to allow Jesus Christ to have His way: “Lord, please break this person.” Then I felt God speak to my heart: “This person is already broken. They are wounded and that is what is keeping them from trusting Me.”

This is entirely different from being stubborn and self-reliant. The person does not need to be broken again. The person needs to be healed. I suppose it is true that some wounds need to be broken again for healing to take place, but this is not God’s heart when He says of Jesus, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” Something like a reed is delicate and needs to be handled gently. A person in that condition needs to learn to trust.

I have been such a reed. My heart was damaged and trust seemed impossible. I berated myself, believed I was in sin, and sat under a weight of guilt and shame, feeling that I could not possibly measure up to the standard. Yet I also could not detect what was wrong. It was only then that I realized I needed healing, not brokenness.

We all have a measure of stubbornness and pride. But beloved, if you feel distant from God, do not automatically assume that some undefined sin is keeping you away from your Heavenly Father. A father who loves his child is going to help that child see where sin might exist in their life. But if there is no sin, we need to ask deeper questions. A good place to start may be, “Lord, what is it that stands between us?” For me it became an issue of, “Lord, what happened in my past that makes it so difficult for me to trust in You today?”

Perhaps you are already too keenly aware of your brokenness. Don’t shy away from healing; ask God to help you find ways to overcome. Our Father longs to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Seek restoration, not as a stubborn sinner who has gone against a loving God, but as a hurting child who longs to rest, fully confident, in the arms of their Father.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I ask You to search my heart and show me if it is pride and stubbornness that is keeping us apart, or if there is something deeper. Let me know if I have a deep wound that has caused me to be unable to trust You. If that is the case, I pray today that You would begin to heal me. Show me ways in which I can seek healing. Help me open up to You, and begin to trust again. In Your Name Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Stay Broken” by Duawne Starling. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 


It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure!

Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, Gott Mit Uns. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or taking care of her home and family, she enjoys singing and dancing with friends from a German choir and a Bavarian folk dancing group. She is also a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats!

~*~
Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8

Friday, March 8, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: Witnessing the majesty of God's creation


Summit of Faith: Finding God’s Faithfulness in the Waiting
A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

There’s immense power in waiting when our faith rests in God.

Today unfolded like any other day, yet with a spark of hope for a day of rest during our vacation. The Zugspitze, the country of Germany’s highest peak, had eluded us despite multiple visits to the area. Clouds and rain had consistently obscured our view, making the journey seem futile. But today, a glimmer of hope emerged as I approached the counter to inquire about Zugspitze's visibility. To my astonishment, today was perfect for the trip. With directions in hand, anticipation surged within me as I prepared for the visit.

Micah (my husband) and I couldn't contain our excitement. After years of waiting, the moment had finally arrived to ascend to the summit and witness the majesty of God’s creation. I knew that view would remind me of Psalm 27:4 (NIV), which says, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”

Boarding the Sky Lift just in time, we ascended to 2,962 meters—the culmination of our patience and trust. As I gazed out from the Sky Lift, memories flooded my mind of previous failed attempts. But today, a resounding message echoed within me: Don’t give up! Keep trusting God. Life’s hurdles, from job loss to health struggles, had tested us over the past six years. Yet, these challenges had a purpose—they prepared us for the blessings ahead. In the breathtaking vistas atop Zugspitze, I felt God’s presence. Tears welled in my eyes as His faithfulness enveloped me, lifting the weight of past grievances and fears.

On the ninth day of April 2019, as I stood at Germany’s highest peak, I found release and reconciliation. God’s miraculous interventions flooded my thoughts—healing, restoration, and provision beyond measure. Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? God desires to lift the heaviness of your heart. You can lay your burdens at his feet.

What are you waiting for today? Trust in God, for His timing is perfect, and His promises never fail. May this day be a testament to the power of faith and patience, reminding us that even in the waiting, God is working wonders beyond our comprehension.

Let’s Pray: Gracious Lord, thank You for your faithfulness to answer our prayers and the desires of our heart. As we stand before You today, we are filled with gratitude for Your faithfulness and provision in our lives. We thank You for the journey You have led us on, even during trials and waiting. We surrender our hearts to You completely. Lift the heaviness within us and fill us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Just as You granted me the opportunity to ascend to the highest peak, You also promise to lead Your children to the mountaintops of Your presence. Help us to trust in Your plan, knowing that You are always working for our good. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin and Karen Clark Sheard. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. LaVonda McCullough is a Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and pastor who specializes in women empowerment with Christian-based approach.


Since 2012, LaVonda has coached countless women into compete freedom, teaching them to enhance their spiritual practice. Through one-on-one Coaching, Bible Study, Prayer Walks and retreats (Joyful Journey RefresHER retreat) she teaches women how to reach the divine power within and discover their purpose.

With the foundation of her personal practice the discipline of a Daily Quiet Time, she works closely with those she coaches to develop their own intimate relationship with God. Always using a spirit-led approach, she focusing on the whole person: mind, body, and soul. LaVonda values providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment that allows those she works with to tap into the divine and commune with God themselves.

LaVonda has a deep understanding of healing through intimate relationship with God due to her personal experiences with shame, trauma, loss, and depression.

She is passionate about helping people find freedom and joy in their journey through the cultivation of spiritual practice.

Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has traveled throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012, where shares her life with her husband of 33 years.

LaVonda and her husband have three children.

~*~
Connect with LaVonda:
Website: https://www.lavondamccullough.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Thankful Thursdays: When God answers prayers we don't think to pray


It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for how God answered a prayer I didn’t think to pray.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of serving on Jennie Allen’s book launch team for her new book that was released in February 2024. The title is, Untangle Your Emotions: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It. For the purposes of her book launch, Jennie and her people decided to mainly communicate with all of their launch team members via text messages sent to our cell phones. After Jennie’s book launch was over, I stopped reading the texts. She was still sending a few texts every few days with bonus material and notes for the people who served on her launch team. It wasn’t often but whenever I saw one, I’d just ignore it for no good reason.

However, on February 22, I felt nudged by God to read the text that I received from Jennie’s team and I’m so glad I did because I found out that Jennie was giving each of her launch team members a FREE ticket to attend the IF:Gathering 2024 event online! Now here is why this gift was so significant and such a blessing to me: A few weeks prior to receiving this free ticket, I saw on social media that the IF:Gathering was happening again this February 2024. And I thought to myself, “I enjoyed my time attending the IF:Gathering online for the first time a few years ago. I’d love to go again but I cannot afford it. Oh well.” As quickly as the thought came, I dismissed it and carried on about my day. I didn't even think to ask God about it and pray for Him to make a way for me to be able to attend. Then less than two weeks later, what does God do? He blesses me with a FREE ticket so I can attend ALL of the IF:Gathering 2024 events online and also access the vault of previous gatherings broadcasted in the past ten years! This 2024 is the 10th year of the IF:Gathering hosted by Jennie Allen. God gave her this idea and she ran with it!

I attended the IF:Gathering 2024 event from the comfort of my own home and was so encouraged by everything from the musicians to the messages shared by speakers who love Jesus Christ and are dedicating their life to Him. The arena where this event was held in Texas was filled to the brim. It was beautiful to see so many people chasing after Jesus and being about His business of sharing His Word with the world. We all need Jesus. Only He can save us (John 3:16). And this event was a beautiful reminder of just how much God loves humankind. 

Through this, I learned that God not only answers prayers we don’t think to pray; He also hears our heart and wants to give us the desires that are according to His will. God knew that I needed to attend this evangelistic event to feed my soul and strengthen my spirit as a follower of Jesus Christ. So without me praying or asking Him about it, He made a way! God is so good.

He did this for me and He can do this for you too! Don’t be afraid to tell God what’s on your heart. Don’t be afraid to ask Him what you want. God may not always give you everything you want but He will always give you everything you need. I’m so grateful that God is faithful!

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA
Founder of "God is Love" blog

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: When God interrupts your life as you know it


When God Interrupts Our Plans

A devotional by Leslie Bake

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
—Acts 8:30-31 (NIV)

How many of us appreciate interruptions?

It depends on the day, our patience level, what we’re trying to get done or put off. Some of us create a structured schedule with every hour planned while others don’t mind more flexibility and spontaneity. If you’re like me, you prefer a balance of structure and freedom.

Sometimes the interruptions take the form of detours and delays, like road closures, and it’s difficult to stay calm while our GPS re-routes to what feels like the “long way” to arrive at our destination.

God wants us to be ready and available for His “interruptions” from what we might consider our productive and important work. We need to obey as the Holy Spirit redirects our plans. It’s part of the surrendering process. The key is in recognizing the interruptions and responding not in frustration, but in humble submission. But anger or fear can get the best of us if we are consumed with our own agendas. Don’t mistake an interruption from a distraction. Distractions are not from the Lord and tempt us away from where we know our focus needs to be.

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is interrupted from her simple peasant life when the angel of the Lord appeared to announce her forthcoming pregnancy (Luke 1:26-56). Interruptions can be upsetting and bewildering when we think we are already doing what we believe the Lord has called us to do. We’re on schedule. Everything is going as planned until the Lord interrupts us and changes our whole life like He did for Saul on his way to Damascus. Read about it in Acts 9.

Let’s delve a little deeper into Scripture, focusing on Acts 8:26-40. During the first century A.D., persecution against followers of Jesus Christ scattered the apostles and other believers away from Jerusalem. This interruption of their every day life was the beginning of the Christ-followers beginning to witness to people about Jesus “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In one case, Philip developed a successful preaching ministry to great crowds in Samaria, but the Holy Spirit interrupted this gig and told him to go to Ethiopia. It’s not exactly a hop skip and a jump away. Ethiopia is located several miles south of Samaria and probably the last place Philip expected to go, but he obeyed God and traveled to this destination on what may have been a hot, uncomfortable desert road.

During his journey to Ethiopia, Philip encountered an Ethiopian eunuch in a chariot. The Holy Spirit prompted Philip to approach the eunuch, who was reading the Bible book of Isaiah. The eunuch was frustrated because he didn’t understand what he was reading. Let’s read what happens next in Acts 8:30-31…

“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

It was the perfect setup for Philip to share the gospel. When we share the gospel, we should start where the other person’s concerns are focused. Then we can show how God’s Word applies to those concerns. What lesson can we learn from all of this? Follow God’s lead, even if seems inconvenient and feels like a delay or a demotion. At first we may not understand why, and maybe we never will, but we must trust that God’s plan will have the greatest kingdom impact.

As a Bible Study Fellowship small group leader, I must monitor 45 minutes of time together on Tuesday mornings for our discussion. The children’s program is active during this time so that moms can enjoy adult fellowship, but most littles are anxious to re-unite with moms, so moms are encouraged to leave immediately to pick up their kids. This particular year, my kids are in a public school, so I myself don’t need to rush off. This was a blessing one Tuesday morning when a new, elderly group member was assigned to me. Instead of leaving with everyone else right at 11 o’clock as I normally do, the Holy Spirit told me to stay with my new member and help her make the appropriate adjustments on her phone so that I could contact her. Half an hour later, she was set up on my group contact app and appreciative.

Interruptions are not setbacks, failures or delays, but a re-direction of our time and energy. Think of them as a nudge from God to forsake our agendas and joyfully surrender to His. Giving up our own expectations and control does not come easy. Neither does self-denial, yet life presents no higher calling than giving up our agendas for the Lord’s.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize when You are re-directing my plans and expectations for teaching me something new and furthering your Kingdom. Help me surrender my agenda to You and remain sensitive to your promptings of where to go and what to do. Forgive me for those times when I have deliberately ignored you out of fear or frustration. You were sovereign then and You are sovereign now. Thank you that no amount of my sin ever blocks your plans for my life and for those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song for Reflection: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like.


She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then marriage. Then a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

She taught ELL for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published, and it details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce. 

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children, one in fourth grade and one in kindergarten, and they make their home in West Des Moines.

She now maintains a monthly blog and is working toward expanding her writing ministry. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

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Connect with Leslie:
Website: https://lesliejoybake.com/
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
Email: Leslie.bake@ yahoo.com