Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to be thankful in every season

Gratitude in Every Season
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”—Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)

Life brings shifting seasons—joyful harvests, silent winters, and uncertain waiting.

There are seasons when our prayers are answered, doors open, and blessings seem to overflow. Gratitude comes easily when we can see the goodness of God everywhere. But there are other seasons when nothing seems to be growing, prayers remain unanswered, and we are waiting on God to move, heal, restore, provide, or simply show us what comes next.

Those are the seasons when gratitude can become difficult.

If I’m honest, it is much easier to thank God when life looks the way I hoped it would. It’s easy to praise Him for the open door, the answered prayer, the unexpected blessing, and the harvest we can finally hold in our hands. But what happens when nothing blooms?

Habakkuk gives us a beautiful picture of what gratitude looks like when life doesn't go according to plan. The fig tree isn't budding, there are no grapes on the vines, the olive crop has failed, and the fields aren't producing food. Everything around him says there is nothing to celebrate and then comes one powerful word: yet. We need to focus on Habakkuk’s quote: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” It’s important to note that his circumstances had not suddenly changed. The fields were still empty. What changed was where he placed his focus.

That is the kind of gratitude I want to have. Gratitude isn't pretending everything is okay when it isn't. It doesn't mean we cannot be disappointed, tired, hurt, or confused. Thanksgiving in every season is not denial of pain. It is recognizing that our circumstances can change without changing the character of God. The field may be empty, but God is still faithful. The answer may not have come, but God is still listening. The season may be difficult, but God is still present. Sometimes we spend so much time looking for the harvest that we forget God is still present in the field.

Thanksgiving is more than simply responding to what God has done; it is a doorway into His presence. When we thank Him, we shift our focus from our circumstances to His character. Instead of looking only at what is missing, we remember who God is. He is faithful, loving, and merciful. He is our Provider, Comforter, Strength, and Peace. Worship begins with a grateful heart that recognizes God's goodness in every season.

And when gratitude becomes worship, even ordinary moments can become sacred ones. When we begin paying attention, we realize there is evidence of God's goodness all around us. Every breath is grace. Every morning is mercy. Every blessing becomes another reason to praise Him. Even our battles can become offerings of worship, not because we are thankful for everything that has happened, but because we can still thank God in the middle of it.

Sometimes gratitude sounds like, “Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayer.” Other times it sounds like, “Lord, I don't understand, but I still trust You.” Sometimes it is a joyful shout, and other times it is a tearful whisper: “Yet I will rejoice.” Maybe that is the invitation for us this November. Instead of only asking, “What am I thankful for?” perhaps we should also ask, “Who has God been to me?” Who was He when the prayer wasn't answered, when you cried, while you waited, and when nothing seemed to be blooming?

When I look back over my own life, I can see that God was present in seasons I once thought were empty. He was sustaining me when I didn't realize I was being sustained, protecting me from things I didn't understand, and strengthening me in places where I thought I was simply surviving. Recognizing that He was there all along gives me another reason to be grateful.

This November, I don't want my gratitude limited to what is on my table or thanksgiving to simply be a list of everything that went right. I want to thank God for what He has given me, but even more, I want to thank Him for who He is. I want to remember that the same God who meets me in seasons of abundance is still with me in seasons of waiting.

Seasons will change. There will be harvests and winters, celebrations and disappointments, beginnings and endings. But God remains. And when nothing seems to be blooming, when I cannot see what He is doing, and when the season doesn't look anything like I expected, I pray my heart will still remember the words of Habakkuk: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in every season. Teach me to be grateful not only for what You have done, but simply for who You are. When life is uncertain and I cannot see what You are doing, help me trust Your character and remember that You are still present. Let my gratitude become worship and give me a “yet” kind of faith that rejoices in You even when nothing seems to be blooming.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Praise” by Elevation Worship (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I’ll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God Restores” by Dynamic Praise. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Not for a Moment” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Seasons Change” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “He Was There All the Time” by Gaither [Live] ft. Sue Dodge. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8: “Hold On To Me” by Lauren Daigle. 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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God is with you through every season of life

Seasons Change
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“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.”—Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

As I prayed for what to write to you, this scripture immediately came to my spirit.

As I read through the chapter, I thought, “What comfort this word provides to the weary soul.” If you are in a season of waiting on God and it seems like He is taking a long time to arrive, this chapter will remind you of who God is and what He will do if you trust Him.

There’s nothing about you that’s hidden from the Lord. He sees your struggles. He is acquainted with your grief. He knows the desires of your heart and He knows about your distress. The season that you are in can make you feel forgotten, as if God is unconcerned about you, but He isn’t. The pain you are experiencing and the loss you are bearing are a reminder that these are only temporary seasons in your life. Just as there are times of planting, there are also times of sowing. If you trust God through each season and look back on your life, you will see that although the seasons seemed like they would never end, they did.

When you are in a season where you feel God has hidden His face from you, here is where I want you to anchor your spirit, in the words of Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV), “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

When we are reminded of God’s love and the fact that He knows us and understands what we are going through in this season, I believe it helps to give us a clearer view. A view that reminds us that in this life we will have troubles, but to turn our eyes to Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. This view of God will further bring into focus the fact that God is always right there in the hardship, the heartache, and life’s messiness. He is right there and promises that no harm will come to you. I know it’s easier said than done, but if there’s one lesson I have learned, it is that when I choose to read God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and ask for His help in the difficult moments, He sends a message through His Word that always uplifts my heart. But your heart will only receive that message if you are willing to remember two things: who God is and who you are to Him.

My friend, what season are you in? Where do you desire comfort and strength from the Almighty God? Can you find this comfort in His presence and in His Word? Can your faith be extended to believe that this too shall pass, even though the night seems never-ending, there is an end in sight?

I know those aren’t always easy questions to answer. As I sat down to write this to you and this word came to my spirit, I thought to myself, what would happen if I took hold of this word? Think about that for a minute: to be reminded by the Lord not to dwell on the past, the former things, but instead look ahead and see what He is doing.

New springs in the desert represent new seasons, new life. But if our eyes are still focused on what was and is, then we have no scope to see what is ahead of us. There are ways that are being in the wilderness and streams in the desert, but we have to be willing to let go of the old thought and mindset which says, “You are forgotten; God doesn’t see.”

Ask God to help you open your spiritual eyes to see that the seasons are changing, what was will no longer be, and rejoice in that. The hard seasons have an expiration date. The mountaintop experience also gives way to valley experiences. It is all about what the Lord is teaching His children in the different seasons of their lives. The Bible says in Psalm 30:5 (NKJV), “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Today you may feel like your situation is hopeless. I know, I have been there. May I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit into your situation. Ask Him to give you eyes to perceive that a change is coming. Pray for the grace of God to keep you as you walk through this wilderness experience, and He will. Be reminded that seasons change and morning is coming.

Let’s Pray: Spirit of the Living God, please meet my friends where they are. I pray for strength to walk this journey knowing that they aren’t alone and that You walk alongside them. Help them remember that You are in the most heated fires, and in the tumultuous tides they may experience in this life on Earth. Help them to always remember that You are with them, keeping them so they won’t be burned or drown. Lord, I know how rough the valley is and I also know that sometimes it’s hard to remember that You are there. But I pray that as You sent this word today, may each person who reads receive the portion that you have for them. I pray, Father God, for provision, open doors, uncommon favor, healing, and everything else they need in this season. Lord, may they see You as You provide their every need and answer their prayers. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He’s Always There” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “This Too Shall Pass” by Yolanda Adams. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Seasons Change” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Joy in the Morning” (Worship Version) by Tauren Wells ft. Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
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

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

Do Not Camp in the Valley
A devotional by Terry Overton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Why waiting seasons are part of God's plan

Waiting: Seasons of Preparation
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”—Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

We all know what it’s like to experience waiting seasons.

Whether it’s the season of waiting that comes before you meet your spouse, or the season of waiting as you end one job before starting the next. Maybe it’s the season of waiting for an answer in the midst of hardship, or for the person you have been diligently praying for and ministering to in hopes of them coming to know the Lord.

Seasons of waiting come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. Some feel harder than others, some feel redundant or purposeless, and some feel necessary yet are still challenging to walk through. It is interesting how no matter how old we are, how many answered prayers we are living in or what life stage we are in, we always find ourselves waiting on/for something.

No matter what it is that we are waiting for today, waiting is always intentional and purposeful in regard to what the Lord is doing in our lives and in His overall plan. Although we cannot always see what He is doing or fully understand why we had to endure a particular season, we can trust that His intentions are good and purposeful, both for our good and His glory.

How can we endure our seasons of waiting well? The answer is simple yet so hard: We wait for God. We seek Him daily, moment by moment. We fight to stand firm in the truth of His Word (The Holy Bible). We run to Him in prayer. We offer up worship with our hearts for who He is and for the fact He has chosen us, redeemed us, and made us new creations in Jesus Christ alone. We seek the help of the Holy Spirit, thanking Him for giving us the power and strength to endure and remain steadfast, despite temptations to quit, worry, be angry, doubt, etc. We learn to view the waiting period as a season of preparation rather than one of little to no purpose.

Oftentimes it is so easy for us to give into the weariness that comes during seasons of waiting. We grow tired of doing good. We grow weary in our faithfulness to the Lord. We grow impatient for the fruit of the harvest. We grow doubtful that any of it matters. It can be tempting to disregard waiting seasons because of our sinful flesh and the fact that in our society we want instant gratification. This can lead us to think anything that takes longer than a few days to achieve or acquire is worthless, purposeless, and not worth our devotion or energy.

However, this is where we must press into the Lord and His strength. We read in Romans 5:3-5 (ESV), “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Additionally in James 1:2-4 (ESV) we read, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

These seasons of waiting are seasons of preparation for what is to come, whether here on Earth or ultimately in Glory (Heaven). As we seek to keep our faith in God through it all, the Lord is sanctifying our hearts and minds with His truth, that we may be transformed and grow in Christlikeness.

As I reflect on my own seasons of waiting, specifically last year when I was battling various health issues and concerns, it felt like a season that would never end and one that did not serve much purpose at the time. The doctor appointments and tests were overwhelming as everyone just kept coming to the same conclusion, “I don’t know.” As I wrestled to trust the Lord and desired for things to just get better or for answers to be found, I began to recognize this underlying lesson of not only remaining steadfast in hope and faith, but more so the need to slow down in my daily schedule and commitments and begin to find beauty and purpose in the still moments of the day unmarked by productivity and completed to-do lists.

It was a season of growing in the meaning and understanding of the beauty and sufficiency of His grace and glorifying Him more. While I still do not have all the answers that I want, I see now that this season was for His glory which ultimately equates to my good.

As we diligently seek to remain steadfast in whatever season of waiting we are currently enduring, may we remember that the Lord is with us. He is working in us. He is working through us, even despite our weakness. He is for us, and He is with us. He is preparing us for something farther down the road in our lives along with ultimately preparing us for Glory. May we trust Him. May we continue in our faithfulness to Him and our discipline to grow in the knowledge and understanding of His Word.

Wherever you find yourself today, do not quit and do not give up hope. Instead, re-read and meditate on that Scripture, sing that worship song, pray that prayer, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with that friend or coworker, and ultimately just stand in the faith-filled firm confidence that your season of waiting is ultimately a season of preparation. All of this is for your good and for His glory.

Remember: The Lord’s glory is our good.

Let’s Pray: Father, thank You for this season of waiting. Thank You for the truth that this is actually a good season and ultimately a season of preparation. Thank You that though this may be hard and seem purposeless, You are working all things together for my good and Your glory. I thank You for being by my side, strengthening and sustaining me, never leaving nor forsaking me. I thank You for the fact You are for me and not against me. May my heart trust Your good intentions, perfect wisdom, and sufficient provision so that I may truly walk in peace and hope every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “His Glory and My Good” by City Alight. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “My Story Your Glory” by Matthew West. 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 in order to 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 recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When grief overshadows the beauty of springtime

When Everything Blooms and You Are Still Learning to Breathe
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

“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.”—Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

There is something almost cruel about spring when you are grieving.

The world does not slow down for your heartache. The dogwoods bloom anyway. The birds sing their first morning songs before you are ready. Children laugh outside your window, and the sky turns a particular shade of blue that only April knows and somehow, all of it hurts. I have stood at that window myself, feeling the strange loneliness of a world that keeps being beautiful when you are not ready for it. If you have felt that ache, you are not alone.

The Scriptures are honest about this tension. The Psalms are full of people who wept beneath a beautiful sky. Even the disciples, after the resurrection, went back to fishing—feeling numb and not yet sure what to do with hope that felt too large to hold. Grief does not follow the calendar. It does not know that it is almost May.

When God declares, “I am doing a new thing!”, He does not promise we will see it easily or feel it quickly. He asks something gentler: “Do you not perceive it?” Sometimes the new thing is so quiet, so fragile and so unlike what we imagined like a small green shoot that we see pressing through hard ground, a moment of unexpected peace, a morning when the ache, just briefly, lifts. Sometimes perceiving is simply not looking away.

Spring is not a command to feel better. It is a promise that God is still working. Life still comes from ground that looked dead all winter. He has not forgotten you in the cold season, and He has not forgotten you now. You are allowed to sit with your grief while also looking at the flowers. You are allowed to cry tears of sadness while watching a beautiful sunrise. You are allowed to let beauty reach you even when you cannot explain how. That is not a contradiction; it is what it means to be human and held at the same time.

God is making a way in your wilderness, even now. You may not see it whole yet. But spring is His gentle reminder that new things are possible. Even here. Even for you.

Let’s Pray: Lord, the world is waking up around me, and I am still so tired. I thank You for the beauty You have placed in this season, even when I do not know how to receive it. Help me not feel guilty for the moments when it reaches me and be gentle with myself in the moments when it doesn’t. You are the God who brings life from what is dormant. You are the One who makes streams in the wasteland. I trust that You see my desert place, and that You are already at work there, even when I cannot feel it. Teach me to perceive the new thing You are doing, however quietly, however slowly. And until I can, hold me through the ones who love me, in the mercy of each ordinary morning, and in the steadfast hope that You are not finished yet. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “It Is Well with My Soul” (song cover in ASL & CC by Rock Church Deaf Ministry). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Even If” by MercyMe (song cover in ASL with Brandon of the Deaf Millennial Project). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans (song cover in ASL & CC by Rock Church Deaf Ministry). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Held” by Natalie Grant. 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: When you feel blindsided and off course in life

When Life Isn’t Just Fun and Games
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“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.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Have you ever played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”?

It is a children’s game where everyone stands across the room from a large picture of a donkey without a tail (or a clown without a nose, or a cowboy without a hat, etc.). All you have to do when your turn comes is walk over and stick the donkey’s tail in the proper place. That seems easy enough, but what makes the game challenging—and fun—is that you’re blindfolded and spun around first so that pinning the tail in the right spot becomes nearly impossible. The poor donkey ends up with many tails in all the wrong places, and everyone laughs at the results.

Sometimes life feels like a game of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”. You can see your goal clearly, and the path to reach it seems easy, but then, out of nowhere, you’re blindsided, spun around, and disoriented, and you end up way off course. When it’s real life, though, it’s anything but funny. You thought you had everything under control. You thought you knew where you were going. You thought you knew exactly how to get there. Instead, you find yourself somewhere entirely different with no idea what to do next.

Does this sound familiar? Maybe you started a new business thinking it was a sure thing, only to find yourself one year later with no profits and no idea how to recover your investment. Maybe you moved to a new state to be near a loved one, but that relationship became strained, and now you feel like an outsider in an unfamiliar community. Maybe you were expecting a promotion in the job you put your heart and soul into for years, only to be let go. Maybe you finally found the courage to trust someone, only to have that trust broken. Whatever your story, I’d bet there’s been a time in your life when you felt like you stuck your pin in the worst possible place.

The book of Exodus in the Bible tells the story of how the Israelites, God’s chosen people, miraculously escaped slavery in Egypt. Led by Moses, they set off triumphantly toward a new land God had promised to give them. If they had taken the most direct route, they probably could have made the trip on foot in under two weeks, but the journey took them forty years. Forty years. Talk about a detour!

God allowed the Israelites to wander in the desert for so long because there were things He wanted to teach them before they reached the Promised Land. The people were not expecting such a long and winding journey. They questioned and complained along the way, but God knew what was best for them.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us we should not rely on our own understanding as we walk through life. Our paths will only become straight, it says, when we submit our lives to God and trust Him completely. When we rely on our own understanding, thinking we can find the target and reach our goals on our own, we stick our pins in the wrong places. However, when we learn to trust God, we will we end up exactly where He wants us to be.

If you feel like you’re wandering right now, like you have been blindfolded and spun around and can’t find where to stick your pin, perhaps God has something He wants to teach you. You may not yet understand the reason you got off course but trust Him to lead you every step of the way, and He will fulfill His promise.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, sometimes I venture off course in my life, and I feel disoriented and confused. Help me stop leaning on my own understanding and to trust You with my whole heart. Make my path straight and keep me in the center of Your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust the Lord)” by Warrior. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir w/Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Made A Way” by Travis Greene. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, birder, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms. Amazed by the power of words, she currently uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including Truly Magazine, The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-six years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband serve as deacons and small group leaders. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two college-age sons.

~*~
Connect with Suzanne:
Website: suzannefelton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l.suzanne.felton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton/
Email: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God's timing in every season

More than Frost on the Roof
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

As I write this devotional, the weather forecasters are predicting a bad winter storm to cover the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Weather models from across the world show possible patterns that the storm may follow. As I listen to the urgency in the voices of news reporters, I look outside and see frost on the roof.

Growing up in Virginia, my family was familiar with four distinct seasons. When we moved to South Carolina, we learned that there are basically two temperatures for the Lowcountry. Warm and hot. Yes, sometimes there are unusual temperature drops, as well as the occasional snow and ice storm. Those occurrences happen every few years.

One way I gauge the temperature during winter is by checking the roofs of neighborhood homes. Each morning, I look to see if there is frost or ice covering the tops of the houses. I also look at vehicles. If there is frost or ice covering the vehicle, I know that the morning is freezing cold.

Today, the roofs and cars are covered in ice. There is more than a light covering of frost. Checking the weather app on my phone, I see the temperatures are supposed to be in the 60s later today. This morning, the temperature was 27 degrees. There will be a dramatic change as the day progresses. Yet, I should not be surprised at the weather. Scripture shares that there is a time for everything. There is a season for every activity. This morning, people will wear coats, hats, and clothes. This afternoon, we’ll change to short sleeves. The coats will be hung back in the closet.

Sometimes, we question God’s timing. We pray and beg for answers. We cry, lament, and wonder why our prayers are not immediately answered. But our prayers are answered. Those requests are heard by God and answered in His perfect timing. People in church circles say that God may not come when you want Him to but He is never late. He is always on time. During my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment almost 21 years ago, I was comforted by the people God placed in my life to remind me of His presence and love. New friendships were formed with my doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Those relationships continue years later through conversations, cards, letters, and emails. God provided answers to prayers by sending people who would understand my cancer journey.

As the sun rises in our neighborhood, I see evidence of the air reaching warmer temperatures. Small areas of frost and ice on the roofs and cars begin melting. A fog rolls in, and sunshine peeks through the cloudy sky. Birds are awake and visiting the feeders. Buses are picking up children to transport them to school. Folks are walking their dogs. Neighbors are waving hello to each other. Gloves and scarves are being removed as the temperatures warm.

Yes, there is more than frost on the roof. There is evidence of God’s creations and His glory. I pause and thank God for this warm home and for answered prayers. I thank God for His answers in His timing. Tomorrow may bring another weather change. But I’ll be ready. I’ll start the day by giving thanks to God.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

We give thanks for the changes that the seasons bring to the world. Help us to remember that your timing is always perfect and that You have the best plans for our life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Always On Time (Bella Cordero)” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Seasons” by Benjamin William Hastings. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “God of All My Days” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life.

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to find beauty in the winter seasons of life

Finding Beauty in Our Winters
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

“It’s snowing, Teacher!” My students bounced into the classroom, their young faces bright with smiles. Melting flakes dripped onto the floor from their boots.

“Really?” I looked outside with a shiver. I wasn’t as excited as the children. The snow meant an icy commute home!

In fact, as the winter dragged on, I was finding it harder to appreciate snowfalls. It felt like all I could see was endless grey, black, and brown. Muddy sidewalks, stark trees, towering grey apartment buildings. I missed green! I missed beauty!

A thought suddenly came to me: “Perhaps you’re looking for beauty in the wrong places. There is beauty in winter, even if it’s a different beauty to summer.” The thought felt like a playful challenge from God. How could I widen my perspective?

On my commute the next day, I looked out the train window at the trees and fields. Yes, they were brown and bare. But the branches made striking shapes and patterns against the vibrant blue sky. Tall, golden grasses waved at the edges of the fields. They glowed when the sunlight hit them just right. Even the endless browns had variegated shades. There was beauty here, after all; I just needed the eyes to see it.

Some seasons of our lives feel like winter—long, cold, bleak, seemingly unproductive. We may miss the beauties and abundance we experienced in our “spring” or “fall.” But what if God is inviting us to look again and find hidden gifts and loveliness in this season?

Winter is a time of rest and retreat for the Earth, and there is a beauty in that. We, too, need time to slow down, contemplate, and refresh our energies, especially in harder seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Perhaps in this winter, God is inviting you to pause. Jesus Christ’s invitation to His disciples then could also be an invitation to you now. He said in Mark 6:31 (NIV), “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

As much as there is beauty in slowing down, it may feel frustrating to experience disruption to our plans and productivity. But God can give us new opportunities in winter.

The apostle Paul experienced a literal “wintering” on his way to Rome. His ship faced winds and storms as the crew searched for a suitable harbor to winter in (Acts 27:1-26). Eventually, after lost time and even a dramatic shipwreck, Paul and the other passengers and sailors arrived in Malta (Acts 27:27 – Acts 28:2). The islanders showed them “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2). Paul healed the sick father of the island’s chief and then healed all the other sick islanders too (Acts 28:7-9). And, as Luke reports in Acts 28:10 (NIV), the islanders “honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.”

Even though the winter storm threw the ship off course, this disruption ultimately led to blessings for both Paul and the islanders. What unexpected blessing—or opportunities to bless others—might be waiting in the disruptions of our winter?

Winter may indeed seem bleak at times, but there are gifts here still, because the Creator makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Let’s Pray: Father God, winter feels long and frustrating. Sometimes it’s hard to see goodness in this season. Renew our perspective! Open our eyes to the beauty and blessings that you have prepared for us even here. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Winter Snow” by Chris Tomlin feat. Audrey Assad. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In His Time” by Maranatha Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shelter” by Pat Barrett. 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: How to handle it when Christmastime hurts

When Christmas Hurts: Celebrating Through Loss and Change
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

—John 13:35 NIV

Turn on the radio or flip on the television, and it doesn’t take long to be reminded this is the happiest time of the year. Except …what if it’s not?

What if, in many ways, this is the hardest time of year for you?

I’ve always looked forward to Christmastime. As a kid, I remember being absolutely giddy with excitement, and it often had nothing to do with what was waiting under the Christmas tree. What caught me up was that glorious buzz of joyful energy from the loved ones all around me—all the laughing grown-ups excited to see each other, everyone dressed up in something festive, all the whispered secrets about gifts and hopes, spinning together to create what felt like a magical time.

Later, when I grew up and had my own kids, it was exciting just to watch them experience that Christmas joy for themselves—going to church, singing the hymns and lighting the candles, picking out gifts for each other. As the years have passed, though, my circle is slowly growing smaller. My grandparents have all passed away, as have my dad, my stepmom, and my favorite aunt. Beloved in-laws, too. My sister lives hours away, my uncle is clear across the country, and I can’t remember the last time I saw the cousin who used to be my best childhood friend.

Loved ones I used to see every holiday are now people I haven’t seen in ages. Two of our four kids are now off to college, and though they’ll be home for Christmas break, it’s different now that the kids are older. Everything feels different, smaller, slightly off-kilter. More subdued. I’m still joyful, still blessed. Yet the difference feels palpable somehow.

Maybe that’s you—maybe you normally love Christmastime, yet the pang of loss cuts deep right now. Maybe you’ve lost a spouse, children, siblings, or a close friend this year, and there’s little laughter this season. Every gleam of joy brings along with it a sharp and painful reminder of the one you’ve lost. Or perhaps you’re struggling with difficult health diagnosis, a broken relationship, financial catastrophe, or mental illness. Whatever it is, the holidays are hard for you, and you struggle to gain even a glimmer of cheer.

The truth is that despite the messages around us trying to tell us what Christmas is “supposed” to be and how we’re “supposed” to feel, the reality is that Christmas is none of those things. The expectations we’ve created around this time of year pale in comparison to the perfect truth about why we celebrate it in the first place. We celebrate Christmas because we celebrate the birth of our Savior (Jesus Christ) who is God in human form, word become flesh who lived, suffered, and then died as a sacrifice for our sins…only to rise again and lead us to eternal life (John 3:16).

And so—even as my heart sometimes aches for those I’ve lost this time of year, while all the songs on the radio tell me how things should be—what helps is remembering the real reason for the season. What helps is loving the ones who are around me now, even as I miss the ones who are no longer with me.

Loving the people in my world today is not only a way that I can claim joy in the season, but it’s also a way that I can honor the gift of Jesus Christ and the birth of my Savior. After all, Jesus told His disciples the world will know who they are—His—by their love for one another (John 13:35). Love really is the greatest truth of all and the most important thing to remember.

Wherever you are this holiday season—grieving and heartbroken, happy and content, or a little bit gloomy and cynical—remember this: Love is the one thing that carries on from Christmas to Christmas. The love of Jesus Christ for all of us, and the love we have for each other in His name.

If you’re struggling this year, can I pray for you? Reach out to me privately.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas. It’s not the lights or the gifts or the celebrations but the fact that You came into this world, Emmanuel—God with us. You chose to live as a human, then suffer and die as a sacrifice so that we could join You in eternity. What a true gift that is. No matter what my feelings right now, please help me remember this. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “We Are the Reason” by AVALON. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She 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.

Devotionals for the Heart: What God wants us to do when we are uncertain

Walking by Faith During Seasons of Uncertainty
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.”

—Hebrews 11:8-9 (NIV)

Fall has always been my favorite season.

Colorful leaves, cooler weather, and pumpkin spice lattes are a welcome change from the heat and humidity. I find nothing more satisfying than the sound of acorns under my feet as I walk through the woods.

Change is inevitable for us spiritually as well. God doesn’t want us to remain stagnant, so He takes us through seasons designed to prune us, promote us, and refine us. Not all seasons feel good, especially when God pulls us away from relationships, habits, and emotional attachments that can't go where He's taking us. When the landscape of your life feels unfamiliar and unsettling, God uses this divine disruption to move you forward.

We’ve all faced seasons of uncertainty when God’s plan seemed hidden. We question why prayers are still unanswered or when things will turn around. But God knows our faith won’t grow if He lays out the entire roadmap.

Imagine how Abraham felt when God called him to leave the comforts of home for a land God promised Abraham would inherit. Without knowing what to expect, let alone the roadmap to get there, Abraham stepped out in faith because he trusted God to keep His promise.

God didn’t expect Abraham to figure out how to reach the Promised Land, but to believe that He already did. Abraham’s faith in the midst of uncertainty reminds us that when everything feels chaotic and uncertain, we aren’t falling apart—we’re falling into place—as God positions us for the promise we’ve been praying for.

True faith isn’t about knowing how our story unfolds but trusting the One (God) who does. Every time we choose to walk by faith and release our grip on the outcome, we’re allowing Him to guide our steps, even when it’s uncomfortable.

God doesn’t keep us in the dark to punish us. He is preparing us for the future that He’s already planned for us. God knows that if He told us too much, we would continue to be burdened with anxiety and addicted to control and clarity.

When my lab tests showed some abnormalities last month, my doctor sent me to a hematologist as a precaution. The moment I realized his office was located at the cancer center, I immediately feared the worst. Later that evening, despite what my mind was telling me, the Lord reassured me I would get a clean bill of health. This experience taught me that instead of trusting my emotions, I must trust God’s voice and the promises He’s spoken over my life.

In the midst of uncertainty, we don’t have to be afraid of the dark, because the same God who led Abraham through the desert to the Promised Land in the Bible story is leading us too in our modern era. When we reach the destination He’s planned for us, we will look back and realize that every step He asked us to take was worth it.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When I’m faced with uncertainty and my heart is overwhelmed with fear, help me remember to resist the urge to figure everything out myself. Because You are Sovereign, I don’t have to fear what happens next because You go before me, and Your plans for me are always good. I know You are with me, so I will choose faith over fear and prayer over panic as I trust You to take me safely to my next destination.

In Jesus’s name, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Just Be Held” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Everything Falls” by Fee. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s passion to follow Jesus Christ is woven throughout her writing. She loves using words to encourage women to embrace their identity in Christ so they can experience victory in every area of their life. 

In 2024, Sarah was a featured speaker in the 28-Day Devotional Challenge. She also launched her new Substack newsletter, "A Peaceful Pace", which inspires her readers to let Jesus Christ set their pace in a world that values speed at all costs.

Sarah’s short stories have appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. Her latest short story is featured in a new book published by Guideposts, titled Too Amazing For Coincidence.

Her devotionals have appeared in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts.

Sarah is a dog sitter who lives in Minneapolis with her dachshund Frank. Her hobbies include cooking and vacationing each year on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: When you didn't choose the valley lows in life

I Didn’t Choose this Valley
A devotional by Terry Overton

“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear.’”—Lamentations 3:55-57 (ESV)

Like most of you reading this devotional, there have been many highs and lows, seasons, blessings, and tragedies in my life.

Currently, I find myself walking through a lengthy valley with an uncertain future. It is easy to spiral in the wrong direction, repeating questions of “Why me?” or “Why now?” or “Why this?” and of course, the ever-important questions like, “Did I make the wrong choice?” or “Did I cause this to happen?” One can’t go through a rough patch without trying to assign blame.

These negative thoughts and pesky questions go nowhere. They occupy time and space that could be filled with God’s blessings. But it was one of these mornings walking through this undesired valley when I received the tiniest blessings which spoke to me of our great God. I was sitting outside in the space where I often go to meet God, read the Bible, sing praises, and pray. But this time, I had not retreated to the porch to find God. Instead, I went to my sacred space to escape being in the valley. I wanted something to feel normal as I gathered my thoughts and prepared for the rest of the day. But my mind was not in a good place, and my heart ached even more.

That is when it happened: A gentle breeze and a colorful dragonfly floated by. The first songs of the Carolina Wren called out. Another breeze brought a yellow butterfly zigging in and out. My heart and mind quickly remembered: God made these creatures. He still creates, establishes His will, and performs miracles. Everything is in His hands, including me.

In Scripture, we find stories of many people who walked through valleys they did not request. Job had everything taken from him, but he chose to praise God through the storm and trust Him through the trials. After those dark times were over, God blessed Job with even more wonderful gifts. Read the Bible book of Job for the full story. Elijah, fearing for his life, fled, and God gave him instructions on where to go to meet Him. What happened? A mountain was torn apart, and an earthquake rattled the rocks, and a fire emerged. But God was not there in the disasters; He was in a gentle breeze that came to Elijah. Read 1 Kings 19:1-12 for Elijah’s story. And how about Moses? He didn’t ask to be stranded in the desert with no food. What happened? God heard the cries for food and provided daily manna. Read Exodus 16 for this story about Moses. And what about Paul and Silas? They didn’t ask to be imprisoned for their beliefs. But what did they do? They praised God, and they were freed. Read Acts 16:16-40 for Silas and Paul’s full story.

There are many more examples of people in the Bible overcoming disasters far worse than my own. But they were never abandoned. God provided for each of them. He will provide for me. Walking through the valley, God will comfort me, He will guide me, He will provide. I didn’t choose this valley, but I will choose to see God’s hand in it. I choose to lean in and listen. I choose to open my eyes to God’s blessings. I choose to rely on His strength and not worry about being able to do it all. He is with me.

In closing, I’d like for you to meditate on this Bible verse. Psalm 23:4 (ESV) says, “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.”

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

My heart hurts at times. I did not choose this valley, but You have chosen it for me. I know You will be by my side through it all and provide for me. Remind me each day You are near. Help me to understand and feel Your peace each day.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Peacespeaker” (Live from Prague)” by Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always put our hope in God

Hope in God
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.”—Psalm 130:5 (NLT)

The verse above brings comfort to my heart and hopefully to your heart as well.

This Psalm begins with the author pleading from a hard place for not only God to hear his pleas for help but that the Lord would be attentive to his pleas for help. How often have you been in this place of deep despair, knowing that it is only our Eternal Father (God) who can deliver you?

I have been there in the past and I am in a season right now where I am pouring my heart out and desiring miracles that I truly know only He alone can give. But in this hard season as I plea for help, I am reminded of the goodness of Almighty God.

I can tell you that in these difficult moments, we need to remember where we have been and what God has done for us in the past. Counting our blessings from God and expressing gratitude to Him is not the place where the enemy (Satan) wants us to be. He would rather we place our focus on the urgency of the situation before us rather than on the God we know who makes the impossible possible. Sometimes, we fall into that trap from the enemy instead of seeing his plan as a distraction to where we should truly fix our gaze (up to Heaven where God sits on His Throne).

The author of Psalm 130 started with a plea and a desire in the first few verses. But when he got to verse 5, I can hear him saying to God (I am paraphrasing here): “Lord I am counting on you. Yes, Master, I am counting on You. I know You as the unfailing God. You are the One who calls dry bones back to life and make the impossible possible. You cannot lie and You always honor your Word. Today I choose to trust You despite what’s happening in my family, in my community, and in the world. Your Word gives me hope. I can trust what You say because I know that in your time, you will fulfill that every word You have spoken.”

Sometimes, we have to speak to our souls and say as we’re advised to in Psalm 42:5-6 (NLT), “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God.”

When we are in a hard place, hope doesn’t come easy. However, it’s in these times that we go to God and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. It’s in these times that we need to open The Holy Bible and look to what God’s Word says. The noise in our head if we allow it, can seem to be louder than the Word of God and in those trying times, we tend to forget the evidence of what He has done for us in the past. We are encouraged by Psalm 130:5 to rely on God. Why? Because He is trustworthy and He is faithful.

My encouragement to you today is simply this: Count on and hope in God and His words in The Holy Bible and the words He speaks to you. This hope is what will keep you as you navigate life’s twists and turns. Reflect on seasons you had before when it seemed God was distant. What did He speak into your spirit and what was the outcome of the problem you faced? We can hold God to His Word, remind Him of what He said He would do then recount His goodness and relax in His care.

Let’s Pray: Father in the name of your Son (Jesus Christ), I lift up to You my friends who are reading this message. Spirit of the Living God, fill us with your peace that surpasses all human understanding, give us grace and strengthen us in our moments of weakness. Lord, help us to rest in You and the knowledge of your Sovereignty. Teach us to wait on You. As we wait, fill us with anticipation and expectation because we know You will fulfill your words in your own time. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Spirit of the Living God” by Meredith Andrews. 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:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com