Devotionals for the Heart: Why God's perfect timing is worth the wait

Trusting God When His Gifts Are Out of Reach
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts now instead of waiting until Christmas Day arrives?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother was in the kitchen making chocolate fudge and anise candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces while I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deeper longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—that He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. It says, “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.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and are tempted to take matters into your own hands, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham and his wife Sarah who we read about in the Bible, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough. Read Genesis 16:1-16 for details.

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah in the Bible story, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you too can trust God to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

My waiting season began several years ago after I suffered three concussions. While I saw nothing good about my suffering, God used it to prepare me for my calling. By the time I recovered, God had already opened several doors for me to minister to women. My experience taught me this: Even when it seems like nothing is happening, God is working behind the scenes to prepare us for our ultimate purpose: to glorify Him.

As hard as it is to wait, I hope you let God use this time to prepare you for your promised land. And don’t forget to enjoy the present because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful you love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "We Are the Reason" by AVALON. 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.

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Connect with Sarah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52
Substack: https://colebopper58.substack.com/publish/home

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should believe in God and not doubt

The Price of Unbelief
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”—James 1:6 NLT

I love spicy foods, and for me, seafood must have some level of heat.

Recently, I had the desire to eat my favorite seafood. But I didn’t have any natural peppers to add. I rummaged through the refrigerator, but there was none. My eyes drifted to my kitchen counter, where I saw some seeds that I had previously saved. I smiled in gratitude but then thought: These have been out too long, and by now no form of heat remains. However, I began to prepare my dish as an act of faith. I added the seeds and then prayed to God, asking Him to cause the flavor to return to the seeds so I could enjoy this food that I was longing for.

Paul reminds us in James 1:6 to have faith when we pray to God we should not go back and forth, believing for one minute that He can do what we ask then in another minute, doubt His ability to do so. We must be confident in our petitions that we present to the Lord, secure in the knowledge that if we ask anything according to God's will, He will grant it to us.

I prayed for the flavor to return as I seasoned my food. I even thanked God for it. But instead of believing that God heard, knew my taste buds, and would make it happen, I started doubting. I tasted it, but there was no heat at all. None. So, what did I do? I added few more seeds. Isn’t that just like us to ask God for something and instead of patiently waiting on Him to perfect the thing we are waiting on, we take matters into our hands?

We see that in the lives of Abraham and Sarah in the Bible story. God made them a promise about the son they would have despite the fact that Abraham was elderly and Sarah’s childbearing years were biologically over. They thought time was running out, so they took matters into their own hands: Sarah told Abraham to sleep with her servant Hagar so they could fulfill God’s promise that way (Genesis 16:2). Hagar became pregnant and gave birth to a son named Ishmael. However, he was not the fulfillment of the promise from God. As we pray and petition God for healings, breakthroughs, restoration—whatever we need—we have to not only apply faith, but patience is also another key ingredient.

Back to the story from my kitchen: When I tasted the food that I had seasoned and prayed over, my eyes immediately watered. I could not enjoy what I longed for, I wanted mild spicy, but this was unbelievably hot. Immediately, what came flooding into my mind was that this is what happens when I ask God for something and then allow doubt and unstable thoughts to flood my mind and then take matters into my own hands. The results are disastrous!

I encourage you today to hold fast to faith and trust God, even when it seems that what you are asking for is impossible. Believe anyway, confess any thought that is warring in your mind, and ask Him to fill you with faith to believe. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Will you believe God with me today?

Let’s Pray: Father God, help us to trust You, even when the pressures around and within cause us to waver in our belief. Help us to hold onto faith. Father, You are our living hope. You are trustworthy and a promise keeper! Please remind us of this truth when we doubt You and your promises for us. Strengthen our faith in You as we wait for You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Wait for You” by Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “The Benediction” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. 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.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How I learned to surrender and trust God

Why We Need to Trust God and Surrender to Him
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Solomon, the wisest man God created, tells his son to trust God. His wisdom is recorded in the verse above (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We are to trust God not with a part of our heart but with our whole heart. Solomon could make that bold statement because he had the experience of what it was like to fully surrender his everything to Almighty God. Perhaps you say that Solomon made some unwise decisions and did things God told him not to. But that doesn’t negate the fact that there were a lot of times when he relied solely on God. He knew the outcomes of those times worked in his favor when he relinquished control to God and asked Him to take control. This is why he can encourage us today through Scripture to do the same.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “trust” means “to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of: believe” or “to place confidence in” and “to hope or expect confidently.” The word “surrender” means “the action of yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.”

As I reflect on my life and think back to the times when I truly applied this Scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6) to my life as I learned how to surrender to God and trust Him, I saw and experienced the hand of God in profound ways. If I trust God then I have to surrender my will to His. We can’t have one without the other. We have to give Him total control and trust that the outcome for the challenges we face, the difficulties and hardships. Tough decisions we have to make yield better results when we leave it in God’s capable hands.

It’s easy to say we will trust God and we will surrender everything to Him. But when we are in a time crunch, when our backs are against a wall, and time seems to be running out, we sometimes take matters into our own hands. We should know that the outcome from that decision is never good. However, when we take our hands off the steering wheel and give God full control, it is in those moments that we experience peace, joy, and satisfaction because we know that no matter what, God’s will is the final outcome. And His will is best.

Have you ever been in a place of waiting on God to show up for you? You are praying and waiting and believing. Perhaps you are quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 like your life depended on it because you know that the outcome you desire is something only God can do? What do you do in those moments? Did you recall past experiences, looked at the outcome when you surrendered to His will and timing and then look at what happened when you didn’t?

The lessons I have learned from both scenarios are always a reminder to trust God no matter what and not to take matters into my own hands. What have you learned from those experiences and how has it affected your desire to lean into God?

I know trusting and surrendering aren’t easy. It’s especially hard in these days when the demands of life are upon us, our needs seem unbearable and waiting seems far-fetched. But as I recall the Bible story in Genesis chapter 16 about Abraham and Sarah. They took matters into their own hands because they couldn’t trust God’s word and surrender to His plans. This true story taught me how important it is to trust God and not rush ahead of Him.

My prayer is that every time we are about to lean to our own understanding and acknowledge our own capabilities then we will remember not only our own outcomes when we didn’t wait on God, but the outcome of Sarah and Abraham’s impatience and the negative results that occurred after they rushed ahead of God.

Today, I encourage you, despite what your circumstances say, to trust God and surrender your heart and will to Him. God is producing something within you that far outweighs the answered prayer we desperately need. When we wait while God is working on our behalf, we are building our faith, trust and confidence in Him. This makes it easier to surrender our hearts and own understanding of what should be and lean into the fact that surrender and trust leads to God directing our path.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

You alone are Sovereign and You know the end from the beginning. Thank You for your infinite wisdom. I pray for every person reading this devotional today. Please strengthen and undergird them. When they feel like waiting is too hard, remind them of this promise: As we acknowledge You (God) then You will direct our path. Thank You for developing within us the desire to submit our will to You. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Surrender” by Hillsong. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “I Surrender All” by Cece Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. 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.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to worship God while we wait on Him

Worship While you Wait
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”—Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

I put a note in the calendar on my phone to remind me to arrive at least 15 minutes before the exact start time of my appointment with my doctor. On the day of my appointment, I walked into my doctor's office with plenty of time to spare.

I greeted the receptionist and took a seat. I noticed several other patients were waiting. I hoped and prayed they were not before me because I was on time. I made a mental note of the notice on the wall about a charge for missed appointments. That would not be my story today because I was on time.

Trying to relax, I opened my book to read the next chapter. I wanted to finish reading this chapter before it was my turn to see the doctor. After I finished reading the chapter, I looked at my watch and saw that I had been waiting well past my appointment time. Taking a deep breath, I prayed quietly that I would be called shortly. Can you relate to sitting in a waiting room for an appointment that you had planned your day around, only for the start time to be delayed much longer than you expected? Waiting is not fun, but every one of us faces this challenge more often than we would like.

Sometimes we are waiting on God to answer a prayer that we’ve been looking for an answer for some time. Day after day we wait in expectation. One thing I’ve had to repeatedly learn during this time of waiting is to trust Him. Trust that He has heard my prayer and that He wants me to rest in Him. God also wants me to worship Him while I wait. Trusting God requires us to learn His character. Scripture shows us that we are not alone in learning this life lesson.

There is a story in the Bible about a woman named Anna (Luke 2:36-38). She was someone who had waited many years for God to answer her prayer. The Bible tells us that Anna’s husband died when she was very young. After his death, she spent her days in the temple. She was one of many people who were waiting to see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.

How was Anna able to do this for many years? She fasted from food for certain times as a spiritual discipline and she prayed to the Lord. She communicated with God and faithfully gave honor to God. When we worship through prayer and wait upon the Lord, there is a supernatural strength we are given that enables us to see our situation(s) with a different perspective. God wants us to delight so much in Him that we desire what He wants. Making His desire priority means we are placing a high worth on Him. Can we expect Him to direct our steps? Absolutely! The psalmist said in Psalm 27:14 to wait patiently for the Lord. Scripture also says in Psalm 27:13 (NLT) that he is confident he “will see the Lord’s goodness.”

The psalmist had experienced the Lord’s faithfulness just like Anna had. We too will see His faithfulness. However, we must be patient enough to wait on the Lord.

In closing, think about this: When people are honored at a public event the host will speak about that person’s character, what they have done to contribute to this world, and how they have impacted lives. Everyone’s focus is on that person with deep respect. But there is also an expectation that person will continue to do exemplary things to help make the world a better place.

Let’s put God in the spotlight and magnify His character. He has a flawless track record! Remember this when it comes to waiting on the Lord and trusting Him: God’s ways are not like ours and His timeline is different. But we can trust Him to always show up right on time and help us because His timing is perfect. Therefore, let’s continue to wait for Him and be courageous. Let’s honor God in our daily lives while we trust in Him, wait on Him and listen to His voice. Note: I’ve learned that waiting becomes less stressful because we’re worshipping God in the process.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Sometimes it is so difficult to wait when I’ve prayed for so long for an answer. Yet, I’ve learned to praise You for who You are and thank You for what you’ve done in the past. I praise You for the testimonies throughout Scripture that showcase your faithfulness. As I wait on You, help me to rest in Your will. Thank You in advance for hearing my cry and sending the answers to my prayers. Help me to wait patiently to hear from You. Teach me to trust your perfect timing.

In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “While I Wait” by Lincoln Brewster. Listen to it here.

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What a long wait at an airport taught me about life

Life Lessons Learned While Waiting at an Airport in Dubai 
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Do everything without complaining and arguing.”

—Philippians 2:14 (NLT)

We had been in a Dubai airport for hours.

It was in the middle of the night local time, but for us, who knew what time it really was for our bodies? We had been traveling for over 24 hours, and we had many hours more to go. Our meals were lackluster, and we had run out of our favorite packed snacks. We had food, but only of those for desperate times variety. We weren’t there. Yet.

Because we were part of a larger team, keeping and maintaining a good attitude was paramount. Not that it really should matter, as we should live our lives to reflect Jesus Christ no matter the circumstance every day. So, we played games, told stories, walked, and waited. And tried very hard not to complain.

Why do we fall so easily to this pastime of complaining? It seems to be one thing we all have in common: We all tend to complain. When the Apostle Paul wrote this verse in Philippians 2:14, he was in jail, chained to a prison guard and had the barest of basic necessities. Yet, he had the audacity to write to the Philippians about not complaining. Didn’t he know what the national pastime was? Didn’t Paul have plenty of things to complain about at that time? Wasn’t he wrongfully jailed?

The Bible says we are to do all things without complaining, even if it is for someone else. Especially so. If we are not complaining, then how are we to spend our time, our thought life, our energy? The Bible says in James 1:2 (NKJV) that we are to count. James wrote in that verse, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” What, exactly, are we to count? All things, and with joy!

Everything we do can be considered in this and it can be counted with joy without complaining. How can we do this, realistically? Play the Glad Game, like Pollyanna? Yes, if it helps you get on the right track. Maybe counting to three when the temptation to complain gets too, well, tempting? Or, simply, just stop.

Our Heavenly Father (God) says in Psalm 46:10 (NKJV), “Be still and know that I am God.” This means we are to pause, be still and know. We are to wait and spend our time waiting, learning about the Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

It is not being still to do. It is about being still to know and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. When we are in this posture, complaining has no place in our hearts, souls, minds and strengths. It is a change of what we deem important. It is a move to honor God in all we say and do.

In the Dubai airport, we had a choice: wait patiently, or grumble and complain. Neither one advanced the process or made time move faster. But only one honored God and had a faithful witness to His working in our lives.

Are you in a Dubai airport of sorts? Have you been traveling for hours on end, jet lagged, and ready to be done (really done) with whatever it is you are facing? Are you done with complaining and willing to accept, be still, and begin counting joy in all things?

It may not be easy, but we are not in this alone. God is with us.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I sincerely repent of my complaining heart and attitude. I can see how it does not honor You, nor does it give a faithful witness to those around me who are watching. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to see the joy and count it. Help me to be still and know that You are God because I do want to know You more. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 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 eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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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: When you're waiting on God for answers

Playing Your Triangle for God
A devotional by Ashley Martin

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”—Psalms 100:1-3 (NIV)

There are moments when it is easy to shout, sing, or make a joyful noise to the Lord, but at other times, it is not so simple.

I vividly remember the first time my son got in trouble at school. He was in kindergarten. In music class, he refused to play the triangle. They were all assigned instruments. He was not thrilled with his triangle. He flatly refused even to pick it up. A triangle is not the first instrument a five-year-old boy wants to play. They want a drum or cymbal. The louder, the better. I am sure his first thought was that it was a “girly” instrument. His resistance was so strong that he was removed from the class entirely. While the office staff chuckled at the situation, I saw it as a valuable lesson. Sometimes, we must do things we do not want to do. When did God last ask you to do something painful or awkward?

That moment stuck with me and made me reflect on how God calls us to step outside our comfort zones. Sometimes, He asks us to do difficult or inconvenient things—like sharing our testimony, helping an aging parent, or serving someone we struggle to love. Sometimes, He even asks us to wait. When did God last make you wait for an answer or a blessing? For me, waiting is the hardest part. I am in that season, unsure of what God has planned for me. I am sitting in the corner, playing my triangle for Him. It may be uncomfortable sometimes, but I trust His plan is far greater than I can imagine. I look forward to seeing it unfold. Until then, I will praise God and wait.

David wrote the Bible book of Psalms to praise his Lord. He had a special connection with his Heavenly Father from an early age. It was marked by David’s deep faith and reliance on God. As a young shepherd, David demonstrated his trust in God through his courage in protecting his flock. For instance, he trusted God to deliver him from a lion and bear. His relationship with his Lord was rooted in prayer, worship, and understanding God’s presence in his life. When David met the prophet Samuel, God revealed the boy's future. David would be king. His life only grew more difficult after this prophecy. But David’s faith carried him through many challenges, including his famous victory over Goliath. He declared that his battle was the Lord’s. God showed up!

After David defeated Goliath, King Saul took notice of him and called him to speak (1 Samuel 17:55-58). Soon after, David formed a deep friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, and moved into the palace. His success in battle earned him a promotion to a high-ranking position in Saul’s army (1 Samuel 18:1-5).

However, David's rising fame did not bring him peace. Samuel’s prophecy and David’s military victories fueled Saul’s growing jealousy, driving the king to seek his death. Hoping the Philistines would kill David for him, Saul set a dangerous challenge: he offered his daughter Michal in marriage if David could kill 100 Philistines and bring back proof. Undeterred, David and his men went beyond expectations, killing 200 Philistines (1 Samuel 18:5-30).

Realizing that God was with David, Saul saw him as an enemy. Fearing for his life, David fled and went into hiding. Yet, even in exile and hardship, he continued to praise God (1 Samuel 19:11-17). Eventually, David was finally crowned king but lost his best friend, Jonathan, in the process. In sadness and in victory, David honored his Father (God) in Heaven. His reign was also tumultuous. Absalom, his son, tried to overthrow him, and David had to flee again. The king of Israel and Judah hid in a cave and still cried out to God. He told of his sorrows and fears and honored God’s steadfast love. So, David played his triangle (it was really a harp) in the corner, waiting for God to make the next move. Are you currently in a similar situation? Remember, if David can stay in a cave, you can wait in your comfortable home for God to answer your prayer. He will. God never lets us down.

The next time you feel uncertain about God’s direction in a major life decision, remember King David. His life was far from peaceful. He had to step out in faith every day. Yet, he continued to play his harp and praise God. My son has also learned to adapt, though in a different way. He has graduated from the triangle to the piano. He and his music teacher have built a wonderful rapport, adjusting and growing together along the way. As for me, I feel called to pursue full-time ministry. God continues to place people and opportunities in my path to affirm this calling. However, I have yet to see a clear way forward. So, what do I do? Like David, I choose to praise God while I wait for further direction.

Let’s Pray: Lord, when You call me to step outside my comfort zone, help me to trust in Your perfect plan. Give me the strength to obey, whether You ask me to act, to love, or simply to wait. As I sit in the corner, playing my triangle for You, may my heart remain steadfast in praise, knowing that Your timing and purpose are always good. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Hallelujah Anyway” by Rend Collective. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Ashley Martin is a history teacher who has transitioned into a being a professional Christian writer and speaker. 

She felt a calling to the ministry at the age of eighteen, having known God from a young age. However, her struggle with alcoholism hindered her from pursuing this path. For nearly twenty years, Ashley taught history while battling her addiction. In 2013, she entered treatment, and at that point, the barrier between her and God finally came down.

Since then, Ashley has been sharing her story and developing her ministry. For the last nine years, Ashley has been married to her husband, West. Together, they have an eight-year-old son named Grant, and Ashley has a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter named Cameron. They call Alabama home, and they enjoy traveling the world as a family.

Nowadays, Ashley continues to teach history to middle school, high school, and college students. She also works for an online women’s ministry named Called Creatives.

~*~
Connect with Ashley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.klages.54/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymartinministry/

My email: ashleyclairemartin@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to wait on God's answers to your prayers

What Are You Waiting For?
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”—Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

What breakthrough are you hoping for? What is your next season of life for which your prayers have so far gone unanswered?

We are instructed to lay our requests before God. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect to go through seasons of waiting, which is one of the hardest disciplines to learn. Culture teaches us instant gratification and self-reliance, so when our hopes and plans don’t happen on our timetable, how do we respond?

How do we wait expectantly and patiently as Psalm 5:3 instructs? By developing a daily habit of prayer and Scripture reading. By thanking God daily for the many blessings and gifts He has already given us. By praising and worshiping God daily for who He is and what He is going to do. Blending all these practices together is the key to keeping our focus on Him and not our perceived lack.

God uses challenging circumstances of waiting to draw us closer to himself. He may allow us to go without our need or desire to help us grow more dependent on Him. He may want us to learn that we need Him more than having our immediate desires met.

At the time I’m writing this devotional, my husband and I are praying daily for an offer on our house. The weeks are dragging by, and we are on a timetable, so our discouragement is weighing on us. My brilliant nephew who just graduated cum laude from college is searching daily for his “real job.” Another friend of mine is struggling in a difficult marriage. How long, oh Lord, how long? Four times the phrase “How long” is repeated in Psalm 13. I really appreciate this description of despair because it shows me God’s understanding.

Frustration and despair will consume us if we don’t turn to prayer and read God’s word—daily, or even hourly, if necessary. In fact, if God has given us the wonderful gift of time in the waiting, we need to take advantage of it and dig into His word for peace, clarity, guidance, and direction.

Prayer and scripture reading also keep us focused on the bigger picture of who God is. That means asking the right questions. Rather than demanding answers from God about what we should do, we need to shift our focus to who God is. The world wants us to focus on ourselves and what we think we ought to have accomplished or are entitled to. What God is teaching us in this season of waiting is equally important as our prayers and that includes complete dependency on Him and not on our own efforts.

God can’t prepare us for the blessings He has planned in His perfect timing if we refuse to slow down and listen to his guidance and direction through prayer. Stripping us of distractions and unhealthy relationships or control is sometimes His way of slowing us down.

Why does God seem slow to act on His promises? The burden of waiting can feel like a thousand pounds weighing on our shoulders. But often, we are the stubborn and impatient one. Sometimes God is waiting on us to cooperate with Him while He is behind the scenes, actively preparing answers to our prayers.

David, a man after God’s own heart, accused God of being slow. However, the Lord in His loving graciousness, did not take those accusations personally. The Lord told Samuel to anoint David for the throne of Israel at age 16. However, his start date wasn’t until age 30. During that time, David went through the entire range of ugly emotions of anger and fear to despair, depression, and doubt while on the run from an insanely jealous King Saul. David poured all those emotions out in a significant portion of the Psalms. If God hadn’t allowed 14 years of chaos in David’s early life, we would not have the comfort today that those Psalms provide as we endure our 21st century challenging situations and intense emotions.

God knows our need. God has known of our need while he was knitting us together in the womb. Our prayers do not remind Him to “get it together.” We need to pray our prayers to remind ourselves of who God is. The same God who spoke the Earth into existence and scattered the stars has our backs.

When that breakthrough finally comes, it may not be what we hoped for or expected, but we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that only God could have done it, and we give Him all the glory and honor.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, forgive our impatient demands. You are God and we are not. Give us a sense of peace and comfort while we wait. You will give us your best at the proper time. Thank You for using the challenges of our lives to draw us closer to You. Thank You for all the blessings you have already given us that we have been overlooking. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “While I Wait” by Lincoln Brewster. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the Waiting
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”

—Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

Are you in a season of waiting?

I can relate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trust Him.

God is working even in the waiting.

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons about Waiting on God to Show Up

Waiting On God
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

The Lord said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.” A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the Lord. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat. He went out and stood at the cave’s entrance. A voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?” 

–1 Kings 19:11-13 (CEB)

How do we respond when God does not show up when we expect Him to?

Do we question Him along the lines of: Is He real? Does He care?

Maybe we question ourselves thinking, Did I misunderstand? Am I a fool for waiting on Him? Questions like these can be detrimental to our faith, tearing us down from the inside. But rather than wondering what went wrong between us and God, these are times that build us up in relationship with Him.

Elijah’s experience, written in 1 Kings 19:11-13, of waiting on God has helped me stay steadfast in faith and quiet the internal relationship interrogation. Elijah was told that God was coming and to wait for Him. Elijah waited through all sorts of calamities that any of us would hope to find God in. Yet God did not present as expected.

This passage reveals that though we go through difficult times, God will show up in His time, not ours. And when He shows up, we will be filled with awe. I had this experience years ago when our family took a week’s vacation to Hawaii. Upon landing, I had this sense that God wanted to say something to me. So, I began each morning reading my Bible and opening my ears to what He wanted to disclose.

Day one of listening for God to speak went by and yet I heard nothing. Day two...nothing. Days three, four, and five...still no word from God. I began to question both God and me. Looking heavenward I prayed: Hello, up there. God, did You say to listen or am I just making it up?

By day six I was weary of the waiting. I felt like I had wasted a vacation waiting on God’s arrival. But in that moment, I felt an urgency to take my journal down to the seashore. Yet it was raining outside, so I prayed: Father, I have trusted You all week. I am confused and disappointed that I am not hearing what You have to say to me. Yet as Elijah, I will take my journal to the ocean as soon as the weather clears.

The weather cleared the day we were departing. Remembering my promise to God, I gathered my book and pen and walked over to a rocky inlet near our accommodations then sat in silence.

In that cove there was a sea turtle eating greens growing on the volcanic crag. Waves rolled in and out, tossing that creature wildly to and fro. To my eyes it seemed a dangerous place for an animal to be, the Pacific’s strength working against her.

In that moment, God visited me. He spoke to my heart about His design on my life, using the unique sea turtle design, the hard shell, sharp beak, and the flipper-like feet, as metaphors for His equipping me to live in rough “surf”. Immediately I was filled with awe and humbled to the core for the personal word spoken over me. The doubts I’d had throughout the week dissipated and my faith grew in our relationship.

Are you struggling in your relationship with God because of hard times? Have your expectations of Him gone unmet? Friend, God is not absent nor unaware of your problems. He will arrive to meet you in your moment at the perfect time, one that grows your faith in Him.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for sharing Elijah’s story to help us know You. We ask to be built up in our relationship with You that we might be faithful people to You and an encouragement to others. May we always look on You with awe. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior.

She has a diverse background in business, fitness, and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She’s been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she’s served, Sharon sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is studying Christian fiction writing.

~*~
Connect with Sharon:
Website: Sharonmusgrove.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060

Devotionals for the Heart: The Wait

In the Waiting Room
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

–Romans 8:25 (KJV)

What type of person are you while you are in the waiting room?

I have been a receptionist at a doctor’s office for four years now and I have seen a wide range of people come through the waiting room. Some people keep to themselves and read a book or are on their phones. Some people chat with the other people in the waiting room, often finding an old friend and having a reunion, making the receptionist almost feel bad about interrupting when she calls one of the friends back. And some people mumble about the waiting time and wish the doctor would hurry up.

The waiting room can be an unexpected test of patience. Where I work, the doctor occasionally runs behind seeing the patients on time, which means patients can be sitting in the waiting room for nearly an hour or more. Some people know that it is worth the wait and that they will feel better once they are seen by the doctor. But others give up and leave before it is their time.

I feel as though I am often in a waiting room in my life. Waiting for this trial to pass. Waiting for God to answer my prayer. Waiting for things to get better. And the thing about waiting in this life is that all of life is a waiting room. We will never truly arrive until we have made it to Heaven. So, how are we to patiently endure the endless seasons we spend in the waiting room?

I pray you will trust me when I say you can’t simply wish away a waiting season in your life. God has something for you to do in this season. Whenever hard seasons of waiting come into my life, I find myself begging God to just get it over with. But instead, I should be asking God what He would have me do while I wait. Maybe there is someone here in this season that simply needs someone to listen. Maybe there is someone who needs encouragement. Maybe God simply wants to build my patience.

God planned this special waiting room season in your life. Please do not grumble about how long it is taking. It is worth the wait if you are simply patient and trust that God is never late. He is always on time in His perfect time. Trust Him with your time and ask Him what He has for you in this waiting season.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for giving us seasons of waiting. Please help us to wait on You and be patient in Your timing. Grant us the courage to never walk out on Your perfect will for our lives. This world is our waiting room and we desire only to glorify you until our waiting seasons are passed. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “We Wait” by Juanita Bynum. 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 life feels like a roller coaster

Waiting With Hope
A devotional by Casey Wayne

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” 

–Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

Not long ago I responded to a post someone shared on social media. It asked people to comment with one word that described their summer.

Intrigued by the reflective nature of the question, I pondered it for a moment and chose to respond with: Roller Coaster. It was the best way to describe the ups and downs of the previous months. There were so many beautiful opportunities, moments and highlights to the summer. Family vacation, pool time, adventures with the kids and so much more. Unfortunately, if I’m honest, I would also say I struggled to be present and enjoy it. The summer was also filled with stress, pain, fear, worry, and uncertainty. Things that brought tears to my eyes and burden to my soul. Weeks turned into months where I teetered between faith in God’s future for me and hopelessness in the waiting.

I felt the strong tension in my heart and mind as Satan tried to drag me into believing his lies and forfeiting my identity in Christ. My heart was crushing under the weight of it all and trying to have the strength, mentally and physically, to move forward. The battle raged on as I fought for what I knew was God’s truth.

Lamentations 3:25 (ESV) says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” By God’s grace, as I sought Him daily, I was reminded of His faithfulness enough to get through one day at a time. The sinking sand slowly changed to solid rock with more support to move forward with bigger steps. Healing and restoration is a process. And as much as I dislike that reality, God often does His most beautiful work in the waiting. So I rested at the feet of Jesus Christ and prayed for the Spirit to restore me. I held tightly to what Scripture says in Romans 8:5-6 (ESV) which reads, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

If you are in a season of life where you feel like you are living in that tension between who you are in Christ, His faithfulness, and the weight of what this broken world throws at us, I encourage you to bring it to the feet of Jesus. Allow the restoration and nourishment of your soul by the Holy Spirit. Be intentional in reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness in the past and set your mind on God’s Truth. Satan wants nothing more than to bring us down with lies and hopelessness—dragging us into a life of “death”. Be conscious of that battle, but know that Christ has already won and offers us a life of hope, peace and purpose for God’s glory.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the hope and peace we have in Christ. As we come to You, restore our hearts and encourage our trust in Your faithfulness. I pray for continued strength to seek you daily. In seasons of waiting, remind me of my identity in Christ and protect me from the lies of the enemy.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Never Been A Moment” by Micah Tyler. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

~*~
Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne

Devotionals for the Heart: Persevere in prayer and wait on God's timing

Persevere in Prayer
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”

—Psalm 40:1 (NLT)

Do you remember the movie, Are We There Yet?

The movie is about a family experiencing a road trip. Many people can relate to taking a road trip. If you’re a child looking out the window of your parent’s car during this kind of journey, everything that you see outside the window appears to be bigger in size. To most children, time seems to move so slow while on the road.

After driving for an hour, one or more passengers might ask the question, “Are we there yet?” Even though you’ve been told that it’s going to be a five-hour drive, for some reason, 30 minutes feels like an hour. I can relate to this. As we were on vacation and driving to another city, I knew it was going to be a long drive. I don’t know why 30 minutes felt incredibly long. It felt as if we should have been farther down the road than the clock or the GPS stated. We kept driving and before long, we were halfway there. We were actually making progress! Waiting is oftentimes difficult as it requires us to be patient on things that are out of our control.

The Bible tells us of a time in the life of Israel when things became out of their control too. In 1 Samuel 4, Israel was defeated in war by the Philistines. They experienced a devastating blow by the enemy and even more so because the Ark of God was captured. The Ark of God represented the old covenant under the law. This was not going down well for Israel. How long would the Philistines hold on to the Ark? When and how would they get the Ark back?

Just like Israel, we may have been praying for change in a situation for a long time. We prayed for an answer and hours turn into days, days into weeks and then weeks into months. We may have prayed, “Lord, how long?”

It was 20 years before God acted on their behalf. For 20 years, the ark was not in Israel’s possession (1 Samuel 7:1-3). Can you imagine waiting for 20 years?

I don’t have an answer as to why things take so long to change when you are doing all that you know to do. What I do know is that God is very patient, and He wants us to learn this also. What I know for sure is that God hears our prayers. He hears our every cry. Remember: God never slumbers nor sleeps. He is awake all day and all night. He never gets tired of hearing us call on His name.

Israel kept praying. Israel did not give up! I encourage you to not give up either. God answers in His time. They had been crying out for Messiah to come. Galatians 4:4 (KJV) says, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman.” He did not send His Son before He was ready. The stage was set and prepared for Jesus Christ’s arrival. There was a time for this to happen and when the time was right, the ark that was held in captivity was released.

We do not control time. Waiting can become difficult but as the psalmist says, he “waited patiently” (Psalm 40:1). We are told in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, true stories of people who were faithful to the Lord. We read how they waited for breakthroughs and change. We are also told of the many who did not receive the prize they were running toward. As a matter of fact, many of them suffered greatly for their obedience to the Lord. Yet all remained faithful to God. Every one of these people persevered and endured till their last breath.

Is there anything that would cause you to give up? Can you think of anything worth more than your obedience to God? How is it worth waiting on God and trusting Him for a breakthrough as Israel had to learn to wait? These are a few questions to consider journaling and praying privately about to God.

We all have a moment (or more) in life when we get tired and feel like giving up. But let me encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Remember how He stayed focused on His call. Never give up!

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, it is so hard to wait sometimes. Help me to learn from David how to wait on Your timing. I know that Your ways are not mine, but I trust you to make all things beautiful in your time. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord, I Trust You: Words of Encouragement, to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has travelled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 33 years. Together, they serve the community through their local congregation in various capacities. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and watched on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy”—her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Website: http://www.patrussellonline.com/
E-mail: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you struggle with waiting on God

Waiting on God
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” –Hebrews 11:11 (KJV) 

Waiting on God is something I have been struggling with lately.

Usually, I am worried that I will miss something that God has for me or that He will refuse to give me what He promised in His Word because I did not react fast enough.

I think there is an inner desire in every human being to take control of our lives and the situations that dictate our daily living. We fear being subject to someone else. We want to work hard and make it happen. But our timing is not God’s timing.

I love Sara’s story because her doubt is very human, but her faith is something to be admired. Sara knew that God had promised her husband, Abraham, a son. But after years of her own barrenness, Sara assumed that God did not intend to give Abraham a son through her. I cannot imagine how discouraged and disappointed she must have felt. Did she feel like God had cast her aside? Did she feel like God had rejected her and would never use her?

Sara, like most of us, decided it was too difficult to daily face her shortcomings and she decided she wanted the shame to end. So, Sara gave her Egyptian handmaid, Hagar, to her husband, hoping that Abraham will have a seed through Hagar. You can read this portion of the story in Genesis 16. Sara was impatient and tired of feeling inadequate, so she tried to find the quickest and easiest solution to her problems.

Sometimes, God gives us instructions, but we misinterpret what we think God is trying to tell us.

Naturally, we take what God has given us and we try to rationalize what He is saying and try to plan our next step. But God always intended to use Sara to give Abraham a son. You can open a Bible and read Genesis 18:9-15 where God told Sara that she would have a child, but she still did not believe him! In the book of Genesis, we do not see a major turning point in Sara’s spiritual journey where she decided to believe God. But we know from the book of Hebrews that it was because of her faith that she conceived and bore a son. In Chapter 21 of Genesis, we can read that Sara gives birth to her son in her old age because of her faith.

Waiting on God is hard. We want to make things happen and bring about His will in our own way, but our efforts will only bring confusion and destruction in the end. Sara had to let go of her control of her situation and have faith that God was going to do what He said He would do.

What situation are you trying to control right now? What would it look like to let go of the situation and just trust that God will take care of it? Do you need to step back and revaluate what it would look like for you to leave your life in the hands of the God who cares so infinitely for you?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and the examples of the great men and women of faith in the Bible. Please grant us the courage to let go of the control we claim on our own lives. Help us to leave our future and plans in Your loving hands. You are the Lord of our lives, and we surrender our hearts and lives to You. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

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

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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!

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Believe

Believe It Before You See It
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

–Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

There is an old saying, “You've got to see it to believe it.”

These rules, unfortunately, do not apply in the Christian faith. Having faith means believing it before you see it. That is the true definition of faith. According to Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

According to the KJV Dictionary, one of the definitions of the word substance is "something existing by itself; that which really is or exists." Another definition says, "something real, not imaginary; something solid, not empty."

The definition of the word evidence, also according to the KJV Dictionary, is "that which makes plain and enables the mind to see the truth."

Therefore, when we have faith in something, we tell ourselves what we don't see exists. Consequently, it's about believing God's words no matter how the situation looks. Sometimes that faith is tested with time.

Abram was 75 years old when he first received the promises of God that he would be a father to nations, but it wasn't until he was 100 years old that Isaac was born. So that is 25 years they had to wait for God's Word to manifest.

I am sure in those 25 years, things did not look promising, and it was hard to keep the faith. Finally, Sarah and Abraham grew impatient and took matters into their own hands. Sarah advised Abraham to sleep with their handmaiden Hagar so she could have his baby, and Sarah would take care of him as her own. It is safe to say they failed the faith test. However, God still blessed them with a baby of their own.

Joseph had to look beyond his troubling circumstances and wait on what the Lord showed him. In Genesis 37, Joseph had two dreams that illustrated he would one day reign over his family, and they would bow down to him.

Besides the 13 years it took for this prophecy to be fulfilled, Joseph also had to go through betrayal from his brothers, being lied to by Potiphar's wife, thrown in prison and forgotten.

I'm sure Joseph questioned what he saw in his dreams when he was sold into slavery, thrown in a pit, put in prison, and abandoned. Nothing Joseph went through looked like the promise God showed him.

However, during every trial was God's favor. During difficult seasons, these small doses of favor keep us holding on to our faith. It's seeing small rays of sunshine when you're in the middle of a storm.

What we see will try to deter us from what we believe. That is the enemy's only tactic. He cannot take away the promises of God, but he can take our minds off the promises of God. This is why we must constantly remind ourselves of the God we serve.

We serve a God who “is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19 NKJV), we know that “The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word” (Lamentations 2:17 NIV), and “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV).

God is not capable of turning back on His promises. What He said will come to pass. So speak these scriptures back to God and ask Him to put you “in remembrance” (Isaiah 43:26 NKJV). Speak God's truth over your situation when things look grim or your deliverance feels like it's taking too long. This is what keeps you flat-footed and rooted in faith. It's holding on to the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Let’s Pray: Father God, we thank You for Your faithfulness. We thank You that what is done in Heaven will surely be done on earth. Holy Spirit, help us keep our eyes on what we do not yet see but believe in our hearts. Keep us rooted in our faith and not in our circumstances. Father, we will keep our eyes on You throughout the difficulties and long-suffering. We patiently wait for Your promises to be fulfilled in our lives. We trust You and love you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Believe For It (Live)” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. Her first Bible plan debuted in December 2021. She will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

Also in 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

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Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423