Devotionals for the Heart: Learning how to embrace life's obstacles

Embracing Life's Unexpected Obstacles
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

–Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) 

Life's obstacles are notorious for bad timing. 

For months God had blessed me with good health until I got out of bed one morning, and my spine was so out of alignment it resembled the straw with all the loops I loved as a kid.

Excruciating pain made it impossible to stand for more than a few minutes, and the timing couldn't have been worse. The next day I planned to take part in an obstacle course to raise money for charity, and the last thing I needed was back pain slowing me down. 

As I sat on the sidelines watching my friends race without me, I realized my injury was the pause I needed from the frantic pace my life had taken. I was moving so fast that even my trainer told me to slow down. As I lay in bed praying one night, God said in a still, small voice, “If you don't slow down, Sarah, I will do it for you.”

When we least expect it, an unwelcome obstacle such as illness or job loss disturbs the places in our lives we would never admit should be off limits. But what if an obstacle is precisely the course correction we desperately need? 

I wish I could tell you that God will hand you a two-week notice before the next setback takes your breath away. But life is more an obstacle course than a fairy tale, and the way we navigate it reveals where our security lies. Before my back went out, I felt entitled to as few limitations as possible. Once my defenses were down, God finally had my attention.

Sometimes, when we have the world at our fingertips, our pride fools us into thinking we're unstoppable and can manage just fine on our own. But God hates pride (James 4:6), and He will do whatever it takes to remind us He's in control and we need Him desperately.

Whatever obstacle you're facing today, I encourage you to embrace it by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What is this situation revealing to me about myself? 

2. What weaknesses or strengths is this uncovering?

3. What can I learn about God, and how can I grow in my faith?

4. Is there a purpose in this that God is revealing to me?

5. What is the silver lining I may have missed?

Friend, God loves you too much to let you settle for a comfortable life. Obstacles build the character necessary to help you reach your full potential (James 1:2-4) and teach you valuable lessons you would never learn otherwise.

So, the next time you find an obstacle in your path, remember it's not there by accident (Lamentations 3:37-38), and God will use it for your benefit and His glory (Romans 8:28).

Let's Pray:
Father God, You love us too much always to let us have our way. Your goodness and faithfulness are reasons to praise You forever. When we feel entitled to a comfortable life, help us remember that Jesus Christ’s obedience led to The Cross. May we also remember that His suffering and death bought our eternal salvation. Thank You, God! In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen. 

Song of Reflection: “Great is Your Mercy” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. 

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when you face mountains in life

When Faced with Mountains
A devotional by Jessica B. Turner

“God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” –Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV)

Do you ever feel as if you finally arrive at the top of the mountain only to realize what lies ahead is an even bigger, taller mountain to climb?

That is how I felt most of last year. When I could barely breathe after experiencing a loss through miscarriage, I was being asked to face yet another trial. And then another. Trials that I would have never imagined walking into, much less surviving.

If I’m being completely honest, there was a time during those hardships when I questioned if God really was there. I felt broken and empty. Betrayed and humiliated.

But then I remembered this scripture (Habakkuk 3:19). It had become my anchor since it was given to me the summer before. It was shared as a response to my story in which I compared obstacles in life to mountains. For months it served as a simple reminder that God is where my strength lies when things seem too big to face. That strength is often all I need to get through another day. I had forgotten that truth despite its impact in my life in the past. But once I remembered, I buried it within my heart to never forget again. When we fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, He enables us to encounter any mountain with the grace of a deer.

Can you picture it? Your struggle, your illness, your broken relationship—whatever your mountain in this season is. Picture it and then remember that the same God who created the sunset that takes your breath away is the same God that has vowed to give you the strength to face any obstacle this life may throw your way.

But even greater than that, He will invite us into a transformation that can only come through climbing that mountain. A foundation in endurance leading to a molding of character and the birth of a hope that this world cannot take away from us.

How encouraging is that? Not only are we climbing our mountains with the God of the universe by our side, we are doing it with the anticipation of a story only He can orchestrate. Good that only He can bring about. That alone is often the source of the strength I need to get through another day, another hour, another minute.

Don’t try to climb alone, my friend. We weren’t created to do so. He is waiting for you to call out. He is waiting to lift you up so you can take one more step.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank you for who You are. That You are a God who is so powerful and mighty yet so in love with me that you will come to my aid at a moment’s call. I am that important to you. I am your beloved. Help me remember that as I face life’s mountains. Remind me that You are my source of strength and that there is great hope on the other side of my trial. I love you and I trust you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine.

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Cozy Christmas Reads: Jenna's story

My Inspirational Romance
A guest post by Jenna Brandt

I love Christmas time. I love it so much that I wanted to incorporate it into my writing by creating a Christian Christmas anthology full of romances to bring joy to readers this holiday season. It’s why I recruited seven other authors to contribute their novellas with happily-ever-after endings to the project.

My novella, The Christmas Bride, focuses on Lucy and Matthew who were introduced in my fourth book, The Oregon Pursuit. My story takes place in the Old West in 1870. Lucy is a saloon worker/turned manager of The Trail’s End and Matthew is the local pastor’s son and works at the sawmill. They come from completely different worlds but their connection makes the most unlikely pairing. Flashbacks take you back to the pivotal moments in their relationship and the rest of the novella shows how their love can not only withstand but flourish, despite the obstacles, his family and her past, throw at them.

There are wonderful moments in the snow, at the local Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a holiday party, and of course, there is mistletoe. Two scenes full to be exact. So, if you are interested in reading a wonderful story about opposites attracting and the power of God-changing love, then this is a story you will want to read.

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Author bio:

My name is Jenna Brandt and I am a historical fiction author and my books span from the Victorian to Western to WWI eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith. I have been an avid reader since I could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. I have been published in several newspapers and magazines as well as edited for multiple papers. 

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of my college newspaper.

I'm a contributor for The Mighty Website, The Girls Who Write VLog as well as a contributor and curator for the Novel PASTime Website. My first Blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News and Good Morning America websites. I am member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Romance Writers Association (RWA) and Melissa Storm's All Access Engine.

Writing is my passion but I also enjoy cooking, watching lots of movies while I write, engaging in social media and spending time with my three young daughters and husband where we live in the Central Valley of California. I am also active in my local church where I serve on the first impressions team and write for the church’s creative team.

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Blurb for "The Christmas Bride": Lucy Rogers traveled west, running from a troubled past. As a new Christian she meets and forms a relationship with Matthew McCoy, the son of the local pastor. Lucy runs The Trail’s End saloon while Matthew works for the local sawmill. As they plan their Christmas wedding, Lucy’s past comes back to haunt her. Will her past allow them to build a future together?

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Buy the boxed set ("Under the Mistletoe: 8 inspirational stories to bring you joy this Christmas season") in which Jenna's book is featured on Amazon.

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Connect with Jenna:
Website - http://www.jennabrandt.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/JennaDBrandt
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor/

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Words of Faith: Sarah's story about a Savior who gives His strength to us

A Life of Strength
A Words of Faith story written by Sarah Hamaker

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”~Philippians 4:13

Life can wear you down. We all struggle at times with feeling tired, worn out, stressed out, and overwhelmed. We face obstacles that we think we cannot overcome. We slog through days that seem long and drawn out. We have to find a way through hurt feelings, injustice and unfairness.

And all too often we forget that we are not in this alone: We have a Savior who wants to shoulder those burdens on his strong back. We also have a Savior who gives his strength to us.

But we don’t ask for that, do we? We go it by ourselves, trying to keep our heads above water without reaching for the lifeline right by our side.

Philippians 4:13 is the perfect antidote to our weariness. I don’t recall when I memorized this verse, but it’s one that has stuck with me for many, many years. It pops into my mind whenever my strength is failing and I sometimes silently, sometimes audibly, repeat it over and over until I feel stronger to face whatever trial is before me.

I’ve said during labor and delivery of my four children. I’ve said it in the dentist chair as the hygienist scraps plaque of my teeth. I’ve prayed it for others when they’re facing a tough day or event.

Each time, I’m reminded of Christ’s strength. This isn’t some ordinary strength. Christ needed extraordinary strength to fulfill His Father’s will to die on the cross for the sins of those to whom He’s called as His own. This strength is more than sufficient for my own small needs by comparison.

We all can live a life of strength when we cling to the promise in this verse: We can do all things because of the strength Christ gives us.

~*~
Author bio:

Sarah Hamaker has written Ending Sibling Rivalry: Moving Your Kids From War to Peace (Beacon Hill Press, 2014). 

Her stories have appeared in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and her romantic suspense novel, The Dark Guest, won the 2015 ACFW Genesis contest. 

Visit her online at www.sarahhamaker.com.

True Love Stories: How I Met Antonio

"Through the Eyes of Love" as performed by Britt Nicole for the movie Ice Castles (2010) could be the theme song to the true love story featured today.

"How I Met Antonio" is the story of how Nikki Arana, a successful real estate broker from a wealthy family, met and married the man of her dreams. But it wasn't as easy as you may think nor was how they met predictable. Obstacles were along the route to Nikki's dreams but she and Antonio managed to survive.

You'll have to read the story for all the lovely details. So here it is...

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How I Met Antonio
Nikki Arana’s true love story

1975

There was nothing unusual about this sunny, spring day on a Northern California Arabian horse ranch. Except that it would change two lives — forever . . .

“Come, Antonio.” The young, successful business woman hurriedly motioned the Mexican laborer to follow her. He spoke no English and her Spanish was minimal. Hand signals almost always bridged the gap.

He quickly fell into step behind her.

Hoping the rocks in the pasture wouldn’t scratch her Italian leather boots, she picked her way across a field to a fenced pasture. She was already late to a listing appointment but this pasture had to be made ready for an expensive mare, recently bred, that had just arrived.

As they approached the gate, Antonio rushed in front of her to open it. She smiled. He had only been hired the day before. The ranch manager had told her he’d come from Sacramento. Like most of the men who cleaned the stalls, he didn’t speak English or read or write. He was just a laborer. Still, even at that first meeting she’d sensed something different about him. Not just that he was tall, and, well, handsome, but there was something else. The way he held himself, the dark, intelligent eyes, a strength that didn’t threaten.

He waited for her to walk through the gate, then closed it.

A few more steps and they arrived at a slimy, filthy water trough.

“This isn’t fit for that mare to drink from,” she said out loud, then flushed, realizing he couldn’t understand a word she said.

She pointed to the trough. “You clean.” She made a scrubbing motion with her hand. Suddenly, she realized she hadn’t brought anything with her so he could clean it—no rags, Ajax, or steel wool.

She was about to signal him to sit down so she could run back up to the house and get something when he began looking around in the field. He picked up a rock with a flat side and studied it. Then he returned to the trough, kneeled down, let the water out, and began to scrub. Amazingly, the filth fell away and the metal shone through. She watched, curious and fascinated. He’d solved the problem with a rock!

Then she noticed his smile. It lit his face as he worked, patiently keeping at the task, whistling softly. He did his work with a kind of quiescent joy. His quiet, simple way touched her.

She stood silent, watching him. The minutes passed. The beautiful spirit revealed before her, there in the field at the dirty water trough, sparked an inner longing. A silent, unexpected indictment of her moneyed family and privileged lifestyle. How could this delight for life have survived the poverty and nothingness, the years of hunger and want that drove so many from his homeland? She lowered her eyes. His humble act, done with such willing care, drew her.

She wanted to know more about him.

. . . And that is how I met the man of my dreams. The beautiful, kind and gentle person that I met first met has never changed. That day that he first touched my heart was May 15, 1975. I got to know him over that summer and in November we decided to get married the following March. Needless to say, my parents were shocked and not happy that their successful, top-producing real estate broker daughter had made this choice! But as time passed and their grandchildren arrived, they came to love him. Next year will be our 40th wedding anniversary.

This is truly a love story. Our years together have had many challenges. A learning disabled son, the housing market meltdowns of 1980 and 2008, illnesses and even deaths have tried to rob us of our joy. But the love that brought us together not only sustained us but grew stronger. This Valentines Day won’t be “special.” It will be like every other day I have been married to him. I will be showered with kindness, understanding and the constant, living example of the scriptural directive, “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church . . .”

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Author bio: 

Nikki Arana is an award-winning author of suspense, women’s fiction, essays, poetry, and magazine articles whose work has been published in the United States, Canada and Indonesia. She has won several national awards, including The Carol Award - twice, and the Beacon Award. Her book, The Winds of Sonoma was named One of the Top 20 Books of the Year by Christianbook.com. 

Nikki is also the recipient of the Excellence in Media Silver Angel Award. All of her books deal with social, political, and spiritual issues that confront society today. She is an experienced speaker and has presented numerous, highly successful workshops on the craft of writing.

Nikki also serves persecuted Christians who are under the threat of death through her ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted. Her newest release, The Next Target, was inspired by her ministry and recently won the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s 2013 Christian Book Award for Fiction. You can visit her website here, www.NikkiArana.com or connect with her at Nikki Arana, Author on Facebook.