Devotionals for the Heart: God can use suffering for our good and His glory

When God Uses Our Suffering to Advance the Gospel
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”—Philippians 1:12 (NIV)

When we are in a place of suffering, God has not turned His face away from us.

He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). And God can use all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

You may be wondering how this is possible. How can my jobless state be used? Or how can my suffering in pain be used for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Or how can my sheer brokenness be used for His glory and my good?

This my friends, is the question of the century, but we have it on good authority, that God does in fact, use it. We are told so by the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:28) as well as our verse printed above (Philippians 1:12).

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. He was bound to a guard day and night. He was put there for preaching the gospel (the good news). He was not a lawbreaker; he was a soldier for Christ.

All throughout his writings (he is responsible for writing several books in the New Testament of The Holy Bible), Paul is very open about hardships, suffering, sharing the gospel, and having joy in the process. He wrote in Philippians 1:27 (NIV), “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This same Paul endured much, yet he chose joy for the sake of Christ. For the sake of the gospel. But how does that work?

We may not understand all the particulars (and I for one, do not), but we can look around us to see how this plays out. Do you know a long-time saint in the church who has endured much? Whether it be health-related, broken relationships, financial duress—and yet he or she is joyful? Glorifying and praising God rather than looking at circumstances. Not looking at the walls of the nursing home or the walker propped by the side of their bed—but fixing their eyes on Jesus.

Let’s face it: Life is hard in so many ways. Yet, life is good in so many ways. The laughter of a young child, the beauty of a sunset or of a sunrise. The brush of the ocean breeze on your face. The taste of chocolate or the first sip of coffee. Or the warm embrace of a dear friend. The kiss from a puppy, the drive in a new car.

God is with us in all this. He is there when we fail, and when we are betrayed. He is there when we climb the highest heights or sit in a chair unable to move because of pain. Recently while I was in Tanzania (Africa), I was able to testify about the healing power of God. I had suffered for five long years with broken feet (both of my feet were broken). After God healed me, I had asked Him for opportunities to witness about His healing—even on foreign soil.

He gave me the time one Sunday right after my husband preached. He was preaching on Habakkuk and at the very end of this little book in The Holy Bible, we read in Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV), “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

When my husband read this verse, I knew I had to share my story. It was a last-minute decision, but a welcome one. I shared briefly about my five-year affliction. Tears were streaming down my face so that I could not read my Bible, nor could my translator read, as he too had tears down his face. We struggled along reading from Psalm 119, Philippians 3:10, and landed on Habakkuk 3:19 with my declaration that Hope Chapel in Kamala, Kigoma, Tanzania, was the heights God allowed me to stand on. It was for this reason I was healed. To further the gospel. To share of His goodness. To witness of His glory.

That testimony opened so many more conversations in the remaining weeks we were there and God’s Word went out even more. Was it hard to endure those five long years sitting in my room, in a chair, not doing ‘normal’ life type things? Yes, very. But to be able to testify to God’s goodness in Tanzania was awesome.

This begs the question: How was I testifying during the affliction? Was I moaning and groaning during that time or was I like Paul, pointing out the fact that my affliction was furthering the gospel? To be honest, it was a little of both. Some days were better than others, but God was faithful through it all and He gave me many opportunities to share His goodness even while confined to my room.

I was able to say as the psalmist said in Psalm 119:68 (NIV), “You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees.”

I would encourage you, even now, if you are struggling, to recognize God’s goodness in your life and allow Him to use your present circumstances to further the gospel.

Let’s Pray: Father, I acknowledge Your goodness. I acknowledge that truly, I want to have my life and my circumstances further the gospel. I want to be part of Your bigger plan. And I know I cannot do it alone. I am thankful You are with me in every moment, every circumstance, every hurt. You are good. And what You do is good. Yes, Lord, I did say that and I mean it. I embrace You afresh and anew, desiring to share with others. For the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He’s Been Faithful” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir featuring TaRanda Greene. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “Lord, You Are Good” by Todd Galberth. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Testimony” by Terrian. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: We should trust God and let Him fight for us

It’s Not Your Battle
A devotional by Kelly Patterson

And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

—2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV)

There is so much darkness around us in our world today. 

I went to sleep last night worried about so many things, both personal and global.

I woke up the next morning with this tune in my head about how the battle is not ours; it belongs to God. What a wonderful way to wake up! God knows the words we need when we have no words. He gave me that song for this very morning. But do I believe it? Do I really believe God is going to fight my battles?

If you were going through a dark time, maybe I would tell you that He’s going to fight your battles. But when I’m struggling, my first instinct is fear, closely followed by a little fight.

In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat caught wind that the Ammonites, Moabites and others were coming to battle against him. He was outnumbered. He was genuinely afraid, yet He turned to God in prayer and called his people together for a time of fasting. I wish that was my first resort every time. I tend to worry first.

I often wonder why some seasons have to be such a battle. Doesn’t God want all the good things for us? However, I wonder if God gave me everything I thought I needed then would I really seek Him? It really is having a need that drives me into my deepest prayers. I once heard that a plant deprived of water and nutrients is forced to grow deep roots. I am like that plant. I do not draw as close to God when all my needs are met. Maybe that’s a reason why God allows the hard things to happen to us in this life on Earth. I desire depth in my relationship with God but I can’t have that when I am grasping for control. The battle belongs to the Lord. 

When I turn to God with all my thoughts and worries, He reminds me that He is there and that I can trust Him. He has been faithful to me over and over again. Every time I experience a new trial and trust God to carry me through, my faith legs become less wobbly. When I know God is holding me up, I am able to stand stronger. I look back and see all He has done, and I am quicker to anticipate what He is going to do. I simply cannot do this on my own. I cannot fight my own battles. I can’t fight my kid’s battles. That is by design. God reminded me this morning that the battle belongs to Him. He fights for me.

Just like the song “Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham says (and I paraphrase): I can fight this battle on my knees as I pray to God because that is where the real power is found. I can bow before God, lay my battles at His feet, then trust that He will victorious and He will prevail.

Finally, I can rest because God will fight for me.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Help me remember that You love me and You fight my battles for me. Help me to remember to come to You first, humbly seeking to see Your face. I have seen You do so many wonderful things. Please let me see You work again, in these current situations that seem beyond my control. Thank You for reminding me that You really do fight my battles for me.

In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Will Fear No More” by The Afters. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Coming from a Mormon childhood and agnostic belief, Kelly Patterson found Jesus Christ after wrestling with God for many years. 

Kelly has a hunger for the Word and has spent a lifetime following Jesus and going (not always joyfully) where the Spirit leads. It has been a roller coaster, but Jesus has been with her the entire ride. Kelly has a passion for sharing the freedom she found in Jesus with believers and unbelievers alike.

Kelly is a wife, mother of four adult children and has two grandchildren. Kelly still enjoys cultivating intimacy with God, time with family and friends, pickleball and her job at a mental health clinic. Kelly considers life with God an adventure that she loves to share with others.

~*~
Connect with Kelly:
Website: Kellyannpatterson.wordpress.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God can give you refuge in the storms of life

God offers us refuge in the storms of life

A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.”

—Psalm 16:1 (NIV)

Having lived in Central America, I have experienced torrential rainstorms.

These are the kinds where one could set a clock because of their daily occurrence at the same time. Often, I was caught out in the rain without the advantage of a place of shelter, a raincoat, or even an umbrella. You would think I would have learned, but I did not.

Shelter in a rainstorm is not essential for maintaining life, but it sure is nice. What is essential for shelter in a storm is a place to eventually dry off. A place to change into something dry, a warm fire if the downpour was cold, and a place to wait it out. Tropical rainstorms are not cold, but they are very wet.

What about life? What about a place to find shelter in our storms? A place to seek help, coverage, protection and rest. A place for healing, if need be. A place for comfort and solace. God is all of that and more. When we seek Him, He is that protection from the enemy, the storm, the accusations. Instead of the shame being thrown at us, He covers us with His love and acceptance.

In the Law of Moses, God provided places for those needing refuge who had committed manslaughter. There were six of these safe places in and around Israel. They were called “cities of refuge”. No part of Israel was more than 30 miles from one of them, and the roads were always kept clear, the city gates kept open and maintained by the priests. It was made easy for the people who needed asylum as they tried to escape the avenger of blood until trial because it was easy to reach and provided easy access once there.

God is our refuge. As King David wrote in Psalm 16, it was in God whom he sought refuge. Not only was David a king, but he was also a shepherd. He understood the need for a place for protection from the enemy, the place for comfort, a place for healing.

A sheep pen was typically used at night with the shepherd sleeping/standing guard in the doorway or entrance. The shepherd would keep watch for predators and would always know where each of his sheep were located. Jesus Christ calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:14. He also calls Himself the gate for the sheep (John 10:7-9). He is also the cleft in which we hide (Exodus 33:22).

When we place our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are kept safe in Him from the avenger of blood. We all have fallen short of the glory of God because no one is good (Romans 3:23). The wages for our sins is death (Romans 6:23). But Jesus Christ became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so we may be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). This means Christ is a like city of refuge for those who place their trust in Him. He is easily accessible from wherever we are. The road is kept clear and the door is always open. We can escape and find asylum in Him. Christ is our Defense, our Refuge, our Hope. He is our Life. He is our Savior.

When we feel we need to run, hide, and to find shelter form the onslaught of gossiping mouths, the mudslingers, and the enemy bent on revenge, we can run straight to Jesus and He will protect us.

What’s holding you back?

If you are unsure of Christ’s love for you, ask Him to show you. If you are unsure of acceptance in His presence, ask Him to be that covering, that protection from God’s wrath. Find the perfect shelter in Jesus and rest knowing He is for you, not against you. He is waiting for you to come to Him.

Let’s Pray: Father God, even before the Old Testament people understood the full meaning of a city of refuge, You established them. Even before they understood the need for salvation, You provided it, and You provided a Way through Your Son, Jesus. Even before we knew we needed shelter from our enemies and from Your righteous judgment, You provided everything we would need. I am amazed at Your goodness, Your Sovereignty, Your grace. I am thankful and I accept it. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He Hideth My Soul” by Wintley Phipps. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “A Secret Place” by Karen Clark Sheard. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Psalm 23” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin featuring the church and choir scene from “The Gospel” movie. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God when you cannot see Him

Trusting God's Hidden Presence in Your Storm
A backup devo by Terry Overton

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”—Psalm 139:1-5 (ESV)

Looking back over time, I realized during the worst times of my life, I felt abandoned, completely alone.

I thought that no member of my family understood what I was going through. No one had ever walked in my shoes. No one was able to understand and offer help. No one could feel the depth of my pain and understand it. No one knew the extent of my sorrow. Whether the rough times were due to the failing health of a family member, witnessing a loved one fall on hard financial times, seeing a child or relative suffer consequences brought on by their own poor choices, knowing a loved one had been betrayed by another, feeling helpless and unable to help others—these were dark and devastating parts of my life journey that I felt I was experiencing utterly alone.

These events hurt my heart. I looked around and saw no one. I heard no one with words of comfort. I felt alone, lost, and abandoned. I felt unseen, unheard, unappreciated, unwell, unpowerful, and, at times, unloved.

Perhaps you have found yourself in such situations—desperately wanting help, relief, a cure, or a miracle from God. It is during these times we may question, “Why doesn’t God help me? Has He left me? Is He still here? Does He see me? Does He hear my pleas? Does He see my tears?”

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years of my life: Even when God is silent, He is still standing with us. One of the best examples we can read about in The Holy Bible that proves God’s continued presence is the story about Joseph’s life. He was not only abandoned by his brothers who hated him; he was thrown away, treated like rubbish, discarded into a pit, never to be seen or heard from again.

But God didn’t see it that way at all. Only after we examine the events of Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace, can we affirm that not only were the events parts of God’s bigger plan, but God was with Joseph through it all. The Bible says in Genesis 39:2 that Joseph was purchased by Potipher as a slave, but the Lord was with Joseph, so he prospered. When Joseph was in prison (Genesis 39:20-21), the Bible says the Lord was with him there too and provided opportunity. When Joseph worked for the warden of the prison, the Lord helped Joseph have success in everything he did. As a result, the warden developed trust in Joseph.

God planned to place Joseph in a position to save his brothers who had acted harshly and sold him into slavery. Now, when his brothers and father found themselves in a horrible famine, God provided food through the actions of Joseph. God had been with Joseph the whole time, and Joseph’s faith in God grew.

Later in life, Joseph’s brothers felt remorse for their actions. They humbled themselves before Joseph and wanted to make things right (Genesis 50:15-21). But what did Joseph say? Since he now understood God’s plan for him, he responded in Genesis 50:20 (ESV), “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.”

When we wonder if God has abandoned us, we must remember that He is with us, as He was with Joseph. He is with us, just as Jesus Christ was in the boat with His disciples during the storm. God is with us as He was with Moses every step across the desert. In the big picture, God planned for Joseph to save lives and help others to prosper. God’s Son (Jesus Christ) was in the boat not just to save the disciples from being overturned in the stormy sea, but to save the disciples to spread the wonderful news of His love for us all. God was with Moses when he led the people to the Promised Land so that their heritage would continue and bless the world.

If you feel abandoned, remember God sees you and understands the depths of your pain. He is walking with us, He is walking ahead of us, He is walking behind us, and He sits with us in the stormy sea. God is with us in the pit of our sorrow. He parts the waters to take us along the right path. Even in our most troubled times on Earth, God walks with us through the shadow of death and offers comfort (Psalm 23:4). May we always remember to praise God for being with us. Let’s hold on to His hand and ask Him, “What should I do? What is my next step to serve you?”

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

My life may feel challenging or even hopeless at times. But I know You are here with me and You bring me comfort when my world does not make sense. Thank You for loving me and seeing my heart. Help me to sit peacefully and wait on Your timing. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Book Spotlight: "40 Days to God, My Father" (devo) by Rosann S. Coulon

~*~

 

Today (March 11), we celebrate my author friend Rosann S. Coulon because it is her devotional book birthday! Rosann has graciously agreed to share an except from her book and the story behind why she wrote it. Read on for those details.

~*~

Covered by Him
Written by Rosann Coulon

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”—Psalm 27:5 ESV

I struggled to swallow the lump in my throat and I willed my heart to slow its thumping. My terrier’s wide eyes matched the fear pouring into my body. The thunderous rain outside my window covered my home in darkness and the winds let out a deafening tone. I stole a glance at my husband sitting beside me. If he wasn’t panicking, maybe I shouldn’t either.

“Should we take cover in the hallway?” My voice quavered as the question tumbled from my mouth. His eyes darted to survey our outside surroundings. Already rising, he replied, “Yes!”

While I jolted to my feet to follow him, I grabbed our terrier and took a few steps before sliding my body down the wall of our narrow hallway. I had never heard such howling sounds before, so I quietly prayed for God to keep us safe until the tornado passed by.

As I sat knee to knee with my husband, I saw our pup do something that mirrored what I was experiencing inside my own fearful heart. The dog scooted up against my spouse and used her nose to wedge a hole under his armpit until her entire head was covered with his arm. Our terrier had sought shelter and security in her master’s covering during life’s calamities—and my heart longs to do the same.

In Psalm 27, King David was caught in a life- threatening situation. He was being chased by the jealous and murderous King Saul who had placed a bounty on his head. Perhaps the winds of his heart howled like the winds surrounding my home on that day we bunkered down in the hallway.

But despite this dangerous situation, David remained confident of His Father’s care—and reminded himself where to turn when everything around him was crashing down: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Ps. 27:5).

The good news is that we can have the same confidence King David had. In times of trouble—whether literal or figurative storms—we can run into the arms of our Father for shelter and trust He will cover us with Himself. He provides the love, peace, and hope we need to endure the trials of this life—and His grace will lead us safely to our heavenly home.

Thankfully, the tornado left only scattered debris, broken tree limbs, and some missing roof shingles. But I also learned an important lesson from our dog—the safest place to be in rain or shine is the shelter of our Master. He is our hiding place. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me run into Your presence for shelter during the hard times of this life. I trust You to be my hiding place. Thank You for protection now—and forever more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


**This devotion appears in 40 Days to God, My Father. Used by permission from Christian Focus Publications, Ltd.

~*~
Note from the author:

Rosann Coulon has written 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God, releasing today. 

After experiencing a difficult season with her earthly father’s medication dependency, she found herself struggling to trust the Lord as a good Father. Rosann sensed the Holy Spirit inviting her to know Him as her One True Father.

Approaching the Scriptures with a fresh perspective, Rosann beheld the Lord’s faithfulness, presence, and care in the lives of biblical saints. And through prayer and reflection, she was able understand that God had done––and would do––the same for all of His children. Her faith was renewed.

Rosann wants to share these same truths with others. Her desire is for God’s children to comprehend His perfect Fatherhood. And she hopes that those who don’t yet know Him as Father, would join the family. The invitation is open!

~*~
Author Bio:

Rosann Coulon is the author of the book 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God.  

She has contributed articles to The Gospel Coalition, The Daily Grace Co., Core Christianity, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries whose mission is to share biblical hope with hurting hearts by providing Christ-centered resources. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home. Visit her at www.leavingawell.com to receive free inspirational content. You can also connect with her at instagram.com/rosann_coulon.

Devotionals for the Heart: How I learned to trust God through life trials

Unlocking the Mystery of How to Trust God
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

—Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Being a Christian for two decades doesn’t mean I understand and know how things work regarding believing or trusting God.

I’ve been through troubled times that made me wiser, but when I am experiencing a time of comfort and peace, I forget all the lessons learned. We are human and are easily shifted. In times of suffering, we come to God, begging Him to help us. But when we are out of the trials, we quickly forget how God works in our lives.

Ever since I had to be a caretaker for my sick husband, it was an unforgettable lesson. After he passed away, God redeemed me when I was scared for my finances. From time to time, I treated God as a transactional relationship. When another trial in life hit me, I realized I had been wrong in how I treated God. He never was a transactional God. In fact, in any circumstance, He is there to help me. I just didn’t know how to maintain that mindset that I had to trust God.

One day, this thought came to me after I had failed to pay my son’s school tuition. “How could I trust God?” I was worried along the way. I couldn’t even sleep at night. I turned and tossed in my bed, worried about how to find a way to pay for my son’s education. However, I held on to Philippians 4:6 (NIV), which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I didn’t know how to apply that Bible verse. How could I not be anxious when all the financial needs for my family fall on me? And then I read another verse in Matthew 6:25 (NIV), that says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.” I still don’t know how to train my mind not to worry. I keep looking for the answers. What does the Bible teach us about how to fully trust God? According to Matthew 6:33 (NIV), we are to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The answer is to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness. When I fill my mind with God’s words from The Holy Bible as I read it, spend time with people who faithfully follow Jesus Christ, and listen to Bible-based sermons, I feel my spirit is lifted higher and God-given peace floods my soul. I can feel that fears and anxiety melt away and I stop thinking about my worries. I start to think about more significant things in my life and I let God take care of my problems.

As I cast my cares on God (1 Peter 5:7), things began to change, and I can see things clearly. Does it solve my problems completely every time? Not really, but at least it gives me some peace. I have confidence that God will send help in my time of need. He will listen to my requests when I fix my eyes on Him. This is how I finally unlocked the mystery of how to trust God.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father in Heaven, 

Thank You so much for your promise to take good care of me. You will never forsake me. The Bible says You care for the birds in the sky, and you’ll also care for me as I am worth more than birds. I pray that I will never forget how to draw myself closer to You and fix my eyes on you only. Let me trust You every second of my life. Don’t let me doubt. Please meet my every need. I trust You and I love you, Lord. Please continue to work in my life.

In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Trust in You” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Cast Chorus" by Psalty, Ernie Rettino & Debby Kerner Rettino. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are My Hiding Place,” conducted by Selah. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing God can give you calm in chaos

Seeking Calm in the Chaos
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

—Mark 4:38-39 (NIV)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a crowd?

There I stood in a mass of people, waiting to gain entrance to my son’s first college orchestra concert. The swirl of noise and the sea of bodies set my senses on overload as, all around me, the jostling and high-pitched laughter shifted into high gear, buzzing with festivity. While I knew I was in a safe place, still my heart began to thud and my skin to tingle.

Breathe, I told myself.

There before me, my eyes rested on the wall where someone had painted an artful tree trunk. The blues and greens and teals blended together in a whirl of delicate design, and I admired the artwork as I focused on my breathing. Soon the joy I felt in simple admiration crowded out the swirl of sensation all around me. Peace settled in and took over, and slowly yet blissfully I began to relax. All was well once more.

Chaos can do that sometimes, can’t it? Yet no matter what, even in the scariest, most chaotic, most crazy of crazy times, we can achieve a sense of peace and calm by remembering the most basic of truths: No matter what, we are not alone because Jesus Christ is with us every step of the way. The Bible tells us over and over again that our Lord is Lord over all creation, commanding even the toughest and most harrowing situations. We know the disciples felt tremendous fear when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, and their small boat was tossed about the waves, water rushing over them. We can read about this Bible story in Mark 4:38-39. The Bible says that Christ’s response to the peril his disciples were experiencing was to rebuke the wind and waves, commanding it to be quiet and still. As a result, the wind and the waves obeyed. After all, their Creator, the Word come to the world in the flesh, always prevails (John 1:14).

He does this even still … in the storms around us today, in the chaos of the crowd, in the terror of the darkest nights. We might not be able to feel Him around us, commanding the chaos to quiet and be still, but we can trust that He is there, working for and within us. Now and always.

The Bible says this over and over, and it’s a truth we can trust. We can read about this throughout Scripture. Here are a few key verses to remember …

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” (Psalm 107:29-31).

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).

If you are in the middle of the storm—whether the anxiety of a crowd or a harrowing, dreadful ordeal—take a moment to breathe and remember: You belong to the King of the Universe, and He loves you with a wildly extravagant and generous love filled with mercy, compassion, and perfect strength.

All is well.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the extraordinary love You have for me. Please help me remember that no matter what I experience, no matter what I fear, You are mightier than anything else. I can put my trust in You now and always. I don’t need to fear. I simply need to focus on You and have faith that all will be well, now and forevermore. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Your Love Is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Firm Foundation (He Won’t)" [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Sometimes He Calms the Storm" by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden and the 2024 Florida Christian Writers Contest SonShine Award for her novel, Hidden Seeds. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

This year, she’s released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent. Learn more about Jessica’s fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. 

Jessica 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: When Jesus Christ calls you to step out on faith

Walk on the Water
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

—2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

Remember Peter in the Bible?

In Matthew 14:29, Jesus Christ calls him to step out of the boat into the great unknown and walk on water. No one in history, save the Lamb of God Himself, had ever walked on water. Jesus could walk on water because He was God. But could Peter, a mere mortal, accomplish such a feat unheard of to humankind?

After Jesus calls him, Peter steps onto the waves. One step led to another. Perhaps excitement thrummed in his chest. Can you imagine? God had called Him to do the impossible, and he was doing it. How must he have felt?

The elation and bravery quickly faded when Peter “saw the wind” (Matthew 14:30 ESV). It was the middle of a storm. I can almost imagine the waves fiercely slapping his ankles. Fear choked him, and his greatest fears at the time were realized as he began to sink into the depths of the waters beneath him.

What ran through his mind then? I don’t know. Perhaps Peter questioned his ability to walk on water. He was, after all, a mere mortal. Or perhaps Peter realized that it wasn’t his ability at all but faith in the One who could do the impossible that had allowed him in turn to do what he’d never imagined possible.

When the apostle started sinking into the ocean, perhaps he thought it would be the end of his life story. Perhaps he thought he might disappear beneath the depths of the waters forever. But Jesus had other ideas and plans for Peter.

Reaching out His hand, Jesus grabbed hold of Peter and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 ESV). Jesus didn’t leave Peter to die but instead rescued him and challenged his faith.

This made me think: How many times does the Lord call us to “walk on water”? To walk out into the depths of the unknown and to do something that seems impossible? How many times do we hold back in fear, allowing what we can see—or what we can’t—to set the limit when God calls us higher?

Remember what the Bible says in Luke 1:37 (ESV), “For nothing will be impossible with God.” If the Lord calls us to it, He will see us through it.

Even if the path before us is unknown, there is such joy to be found on the other side of obedience when we faithfully walk to where God has called us. Had Peter chosen to fix his eyes on Jesus and to walk on the water, he wouldn’t have sunk. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we acknowledge that it is only by His grace that we’ve made it here thus far and only by His grace we will continue on this journey.

Imagine what awaits us on the other side if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. I know I don’t want to let fear hold me back from what God calls me to do. Do you?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

I’m sorry for allowing my fear to hold me back from “walking on water” with You. I know You can do the impossible. If You’ve called me to step out on faith, then please help me to obey You and to follow where You lead. I don’t want to miss out on the amazing things You have planned because I’m afraid. Please increase my faith! In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Walk on the Water” by Britt Nicole. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to take refuge under God's wings of protection

Under His Wings
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

–Psalm 57:1 (KJV)

Where do you go to find refuge when life gets tough?

Where can we go when everything around us is falling apart? Do we try to find refuge by diverting our thoughts or distracting ourselves with busyness?

I recently started researching the idea of resting under the wings of God and what that means to me. One thing I have found is that under the wings of God is a place of refuge and restoration. If I am hidden under the wings of God, I am concealed from the world around me so that I cannot be harmed or negatively influenced by the world. I am concealed from the opinions and words of others because the outside world no longer matters. When I am safely trusting under the wings of God, only He matters. The voice of the world is muffled by the feathers of God’s wings and my soul can find rest and refuge in silence and peace.

The most amazing part of being hidden under the wings of God is that I am so much closer to Him. There is no closer or more intimate place to spiritually stay than under the wings of God. When we choose to find refuge under the wings of God, He draws us closer—closer to His heart, closer to His love and goodness. When we rest under God’s wings, we can rest in the knowledge that He is by our side. God is always with us, but when we rest under His wings we feel His strong presence beside us.

How are we to find refuge under the wings of God? Is it an elusive spiritual place that only the spiritually mature and capable can find? God calls each of His children to find refuge under His wings—this is not a privilege for the spiritually mature. God wants to draw us near to Him and He wants us to feel at peace knowing He is by our side.

We can learn to rest under the wings of God by building our relationship with Him. As with all relationships, we need to spend time with God to grow closer to Him. Praying and reading your Bible might seem basic, but this is the communication that will bring you closer to God. If you are seeking to deepen your relationship with God, I highly encourage you to keep a prayer journal. Whenever you feel distant from God, you can simply look back on previous prayers and rejoice at how faithful God has been in hearing you and staying with you through each step of the way.

The more you pray, the more visible the feathers of God’s wings surrounding you will be evident to you. This will help you see that God was with you the whole time. He has never left you and He never will. Sometimes, we just need to lean in, seek a deeper relationship with God, and wait for Him to reveal just how good and faithful He has been to us. There is peace, rest, and safety under the wings of God.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for calling each of us to find refuge under Your wings! Please help us to remember Your faithfulness and that You are present with us in all things. Help us to lean into Your goodness, love, and kindness. Open our eyes to the endless possibilities and fulfillment that will come from a life fully lived under Your wings. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Under His Wings” by William Cushing. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five. 

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

~*~
Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when the storms of life assail you

When You Encounter Euroclydon
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“But not long after, a tempestuous headwind arose, called Euroclydon.”

—Acts 27:14 (NKJV)

There is a story in the New Testament book of Acts that tells of a storm called Euroclydon. In the Greek language, Euroclydon is a compound word joining “Euros”, meaning “East wind” and “kluzo” which according to Wikipedia, means “to billow” or I’d say to “surge, rage, or vigorously agitate”. This was what in modern terms is called a “Nor’easter” or a northeastern storm.

In this Bible story found in the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul was being transported by ship to Rome to be tried for treason and sedition. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ and his forceful preaching of the Kingdom of righteousness, he was considered to be a danger to the Roman empire.

There were 276 people aboard the ship. After being caught in the Euroclydon, they were adrift on the stormy sea for 14 days. Paul assured them that the storm would pass and they all would survive. Ultimately, the ship was wrecked and torn apart by the raging sea, but all aboard survived and were washed ashore on the island of Malta. I have been to Malta, and I have endured vicious storms at sea while stationed aboard U.S. Navy ships. Though tossed about and occasionally suffering damage from the waves that assaulted our ship, the storms eventually ended, and we always reached our next destinations.

The Bible story above is an object lesson for when storms rage into our lives. When they do, it disrupts normalcy, threatening our sanity, security and destiny. However, when we rest confidently in God’s plans and provisions for us, these storms will also pass. We will survive and ultimately thrive.

An equivalent concept in the Hebrew language is “Gam Zeh Ya’avor”, which means “this, too, shall pass”. This encouraging saying is meant to inspire optimism in the minds of people who are enduring the most trying situations. It encapsulates the paradoxes that we all endure while growing up and living life as an adult.

When we meet exceptionally bad, difficult and sad times, failure, betrayal or disappointment, it is then we must remember “This, too, shall pass.”

Just as night is followed by day and the crest of a billowing wave is followed by a trough, then another wave, this too shall pass. Remember: God will never put upon the believer more than you can bear, without providing a coping strategy (read about it in 1 Corinthians 10:13). As you go into today, whether you are on top of the world or groveling through one of life’s storms, take heart knowing that your past successes are preparation for future challenges and that your current challenges are rungs on the ladder of God ordained triumphs.

Keep your hope alive! Let optimism and confidence be like air in your lungs. They will create buoyancy and resilience that will allow you, like the people who accompanied Paul during the Euroclydon, to swim or cling to the debris of your former security until you reach the safe shores of a new reality.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, in some way we are all sailing, floating, or struggling in the sea of your love and mercy. Deliver us all through the passing trials and storms of life, into the destiny that You have planned for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.
He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: When the storms of life are actually a gift for us

The Gift of a Storm
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

—Matthew 28:20b (ESV)

All of us go through storms in life.

Some are physical storms—a rogue wildfire burns everything for miles, a tornado boils up from a thunderstorm, or a hurricane makes landfall days after it first came on the scene. Then there are sprained ankles right before a big game, or a sports season-ending tear in one of the tendons that knocks us flat and makes us sit on the sidelines while we watch others stay in the game and succeed.

There are also emotional storms—the coulda, woulda, shoulda storms over experiences that have hurt us and others, too. Guilt carries its own toll of pain and suffering that we tend to lodge deep within our hearts, sometimes forever.

Storms of life mark our time here on Earth with stress and distress. That’s the bad news. But the good news is that Jesus Christ has given all His children a precious gift—the Holy Spirit. And because of this priceless gift, we never have to face even a single one of life’s storms all alone.

One of the promises God gave concerning Jesus, the longed-for Messiah, is a name that characterizes who Jesus is—Immanuel. His name means “God with us”, according to Matthew 1:23 (ESV). The Holy Spirit, given to us by Christ, stands beside us through every turmoil, every disaster, every heartache in life. He is our Comforter who always provides peace on our often painful journeys.

But it’s hard, isn’t it? When a spouse walks away, or a family loses a child, or a parent receives an ominous “stage four” diagnosis, or maybe a season of utter despair and loneliness descends, there is still hope. Jesus, Immanuel, is with us.

During a recent storm of destructive tornadoes in our area, one of my friends in the path of the twister didn’t answer my texts. Rationalizing kicked in—maybe she was on vacation, maybe her family was visiting. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. But several hours later, she texted back. All day long, she’d been out in her neighborhood helping people she knew, along with complete strangers, who had suffered loss. All in the name of Jesus.

And that’s one of the most beautiful things about being God’s children, members of His eternal family. He allows us to be His hands and feet. My friend, led by God’s gentle Spirit, was out ministering to people who needed some help. Many of her friends had no idea where she was, but the Lord certainly did. He had to be smiling as He watched His lovely daughter doing what He does—pick up the broken pieces of life.

We who believe in Jesus have been given hearts of compassion and understanding. He gives helpful hands to meet the needs around us. With His Holy Spirit’s help, we can continue to follow our Savior in His work on Earth. And no matter what the storm is that boils around us, we can remain peaceful. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), we can serve others with love and kindness, and we can point all who are hurting to the One who gives each one of us eternal hope in Jesus. All we have to do is ask Him for it.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your tender care of us. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Please give us eyes to see and ears to hear the anguished cries of our sisters and brothers who are hurting from the pain of life’s storms. And please help us to minister to them and to point them to Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in His precious name that we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers. 

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to experience peace during storms

Experiencing Peace Through the Storm
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

When was the last time you were in a storm or going through something challenging and yet, you felt peace? This question came to my mind while reading the Bible study, “Create in Me a Heart of Peace” by (in)courage ministries.

I’ve written about these studies before, but they are so good that I highly recommend the whole series. Anyway, as I’m reading about peace, week two in this particular study talks about how peace is a posture. This brought the question to my mind: “When was the last time I was in a storm or going through something challenging and felt peace?”

My mind immediately went to the season where I was drowning in grief but felt such peace in my soul. It was August 2020, and my grandfather passed away—not of COVID, gratefully. But I was saddened that it was his time to rest in peace. To this day, I still cannot believe he is gone. As I’m navigating a new life without my grandfather’s presence, God tells me to have another baby. And if you know me, you know this is all God. So, in November of 2020, I got the two lines on a pregnancy test that told me I’m expecting! But this dream was very short-lived as a few days later, I experienced my first miscarriage, and a new level of grief entered my body.

Fast forward to March of 2021. I’m still grieving my grandfather, still grieving my baby who didn’t make it, and then my mother-in-law died. And yet, I felt peace. It wasn’t because I wasn’t missing my loved ones. I was missing them hard. My grandfather passed unexpectedly, and my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. Although that doesn’t make her passing any easier, I was missing them while still grieving the loss of my baby. But there was peace.

Let me tell you why. I was deeply rooted in God’s Word at that time. Remember: Peace is a posture. At that time, I was reading Priscilla Shirer’s Elijah: Faith and Fire Bible study. I don’t know if you can tell, but Bible studies are my thing! Although this study wasn’t about peace, being rooted in God’s Word, studying it, praying, and staying focused on God and not the grief and chaos around me led me to peace. A peace that only Jesus brings.

In the current Bible study I’m reading by (in)courage ministries, Becky Keife writes, “Peace always sounds like such a pleasant quality or experience, doesn’t it? The tranquil sound of a babbling book. The gentle spirit of a sweet friend. A quiet afternoon with the company of a good book. On the surface, peace is the absence of anything unpleasant. But a peaceful environment is not the same as a peaceful soul.” Take a breath and let that sink in!

The only way I was able to feel peace in my soul during that heavy season of grief was because of Jesus. There’s no other way! So today, I’m asking you, when was the last time you went through something challenging but felt peace in your heart? And if you haven’t, what can you do today to help you prepare for your next life’s challenge and be at peace?

Remember: Challenges in life do happen, but with Jesus, we can have peace (Philippians 4:7).

Let's Pray: Dear Jesus, I pray for whoever is reading this that they will encounter your peace. The peace that only You provide. The peace that calms our soul and anchors us. Lord, I thank You for the peace You provide because there’s nothing like it. When the world feels like it’s on fire, You are with us and keep us calm. I pray that we can all experience that internal peace no matter our current circumstances. In your name, Lord, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidy De La Cruz is a published writer/author and podcaster. She writes the weekly newsletter “Into My Thoughts” on Substack where she shares personal development content, life experiences with life lessons, and faith-based encouragement posts. 

Heidy is the host of “The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast” where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States. She is also a podcast coach and helps those who desire to host their own show launch.

Heidy holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Analyst.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and their two kids.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Website: https://heidydelacruz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/

Devotionals for the Heart: Trusting our Faithful God in the storms of life

Trusting Amidst the Storm: Embracing God’s Faithfulness in Chaos
A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough 

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”—Mark 4:39-40 (NLT)

Have you ever found yourself surrounded by turmoil, feeling as if God had forsaken you?

I certainly have. There are moments when all I could do was wear a smile to mask my tears. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, we are not always shielded from life’s trials and tribulations. However, when our connection with God is intimate, we can lean on His unwavering faithfulness.

Jesus had dedicated time to minister to His disciples and the masses. Now, he sought a moment of rest. He had been imparting His teachings, making this a practical examination of their faith.

Did Jesus anticipate the storm? Yes! This was an opportunity to put their faith to the test. Trusting God and having faith are intertwined. After hearing God’s Word and the Good News about Christ, the intention is to increase our faith (Romans 10:17).

Hearing the Word alone is inadequate; it must be accompanied by action. We need to put it into practice on a daily basis. This is one reason why trials are permitted in our lives. Trials don’t emerge due to God’s abandonment or our disobedience and sin. Instead, they forge a testimony that can inspire those in our sphere of influence.

Friends, in the storms of life, you can rely on Jesus.

I confronted a storm in my own life as I witnessed my daughter endure three weeks of paralysis on the left side of her face. Out of nowhere, she woke up one morning, her face paralyzed as if struck by a stroke. My heart ached as I observed droplets of saliva streaming down her face and I saw my daughter’s crushed spirit.

Challenging situations like these cause us to ask, “God, where are You in this storm?”

The Holy Bible shows us that Jonah faced a storm owing to his disobedience, while the disciples encountered theirs through obedience to the Lord. I was confused and began to blame myself for what had happened. My own struggles with obedience and surrender made me feel alone despite being an “all-in” to serving Christ. Though I knew God was with me intellectually, connecting this knowledge with my heart and trusting Him was a challenge. This was a test of trust, an opportunity to bolster my faith journey. It was evident that this was where actions spoke louder than words, and I could choose to praise my way through the chaos.

You may ask, “But, how did you do that, LaVonda, and how can I do that too?”

Perhaps you’ve experienced the chaos of a life crammed with responsibilities: work and church commitments, volunteering, shuttling children to sporting events, and of course being a loving, supportive spouse. Going through the motions of “knowing God’s Word” with a checklist, yet failing to internalize and embrace it was an issue I needed to correct.

The disciples were aware of the promises to reach the other side. It wasn’t a promise of an uneventful trip, but an assurance of arrival. God’s promises are unwavering, but if we lose sight of Jesus in the process of our doing, our faith weakens.

It was imperative that I return to a daily quiet time with God and have fellowship, seeking His guidance and direction, bringing my needs before Him, so that I can bear good spiritual fruit as His disciple. Just like Jesus was always by the side of His disciples, He is always by our side too! Therefore, we need not to fear. Jesus stood by me through every challenge, erasing any need for fear. My perspective had to shift, embracing the promises while understanding God’s character.

As I studied God’s might and His power to perform miracles, this encouraged me to believe in a miracle in my own life and in my daughter’s life. This would require a mindset change. God can handle any situation and can heal any ailment. And He did! Complete restoration unfolded unexpectedly one Sunday afternoon during our church service. Out of the blue, we witnessed a miracle, catapulting our faith to new heights. Our hope, faith, and trust in God reached new dimensions, demonstrating His ability to transform chaos into serenity in our lives.

Are you ready to embrace God’s character and invite peace into your life?

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for your faithfulness and your healing power. You heal all our diseases and meet every need. You are a God of love, restoration, and reconciliation. We are grateful. We praise You for turning chaos into calamity and increasing our faith in You. Each trial has strengthened us where we are weak. We express gratitude for moulding us into your likeness. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song for Reflection: “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lavonda and her husband have three children.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to survive life's storms and hardships

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Through Hardships
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”—Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

I am currently reading the Bible study, “Create in Me a Heart of Wisdom” by (in)courage ministries. Week three talks about how wisdom is learned through experience. For day three, they ask for you to read the verse above and answer, “How do we not lose heart in the midst of hardships?”

My answer is: We must fix our eyes on Jesus Christ.

This is a difficult task when we are in the middle of a storm and cannot see the sunlight creeping through the dark clouds. But once the storm passes and we look back at our hardship we can clearly see that Jesus was with us the whole time. How do we remind ourselves that Jesus is with us during the storms? We can list all the previous storms of life we’ve been through and remember how Jesus helped us through them.

I want to provide encouragement today to whoever may be in the middle of a storm. Please know that you are not alone in this storm. Jesus is sitting right there with you, surrounding you, and providing comfort. You are going to overcome whatever situation you are in and you are going to be stronger. You’ll gain wisdom and will help others who may have gone through similar storms later on in life.

The Bible study reminds us that, “Wisdom is gained in suffering when we turn our eyes to look for God in our circumstances—even when we can’t seem to see Him or hear Him.” So, if you are in the middle of the storm, I challenge you to search for God. Where do you see Him in this situation? Ask Him, “What wisdom are you trying for me to gain in this season?”

I know this isn’t easy but God is always there.

Let’s Pray: Lord, You know everyone’s circumstances. You know what we need before we ask. I pray for the reader of this devotional who may be in the middle of the storm. Please provide comfort for them. Show them that You are there in the storm with them and remind them that they are not alone. Lord, help them see You. Teach them how to seek You when it feels like their circumstances are too much. You are a great God! Help us to remember when we face the storms of life that, as the Bible says, “This too shall pass.” Thank You for Your wisdom, Lord. And thank You for your comfort. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Eye of the Storm” (feat. GabeReal) by Ryan Stevenson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Heidy De La Cruz is daughter of Christ, a wife, and a mother.

She writes poetry and encouraging spiritual blog posts.

Heidy shares her faith and life in hopes of encouraging women. She hosts the podcast, "The American Dream in The Eye of Immigrants" where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States of America.

Heidy holds a master's degree in Healthcare Administration and bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Specialist.

In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and two kids.

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Connect with Heidy:
Blog/Newsletter: https://intomythoughts.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/intheeyesofimmigrantstheamericandream