Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons on trusting God and taking a leap of faith

A Leap of Faith
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. 

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

—Matthew 14:27-29 (NIV)

The apostle Paul describes the vastness of God’s love for us in Ephesians 3:18 as deep and wide – much like a great chasm.

To cross such a chasm often takes a great leap of faith, and sometimes God will ask us to take that leap blindly. Unless one has a dare devil personality, most won’t line up to take this kind of leap. Leaping blindly, much like skydiving, could mean risking everything, and even result in death. Not necessarily a physical death but the death of a dream, desire, or personal goal.

Leaping blindly when God asks requires trust as well as obedience. Note that God will ask you to leap, not tell you. It will always be a choice. Most people are willing to make such a choice when they think it will lead to what they want or give them something they can physically obtain as a result. Runners will run a marathon for a medal, and even run their strongest when they can see the finish line. An artist will spend hours brushing and dabbing colors onto a blank canvas to produce a masterpiece commissioned to hang in a museum.

Rewards for our actions are wonderful and fulfilling. But, leaping in faith does not guarantee reward or success, only that God will be with you wherever you land.

One such leap is when God asks you to quit your stable job and give up your current salary to trust Him for something better. It doesn’t feel good, and it doesn’t make sense because professional advice tells us to “never quit a job before you have another lined up.”

Another leap is when God asks you to break an engagement or serious relationship. Too many chose not to trust God’s leading to walk away because they are scared to lose what they think is love. Yet, it is never in God’s plan to harm you, but to give you a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Trusting God when we leap is a great act of our faith and hope in Him.

We should choose to leap blindly for God when He asks because He is great and mighty and just. The Bible provides hundreds of examples to support these attributes. One that we can glean from is the moment in Matthew 14:27-29 where Jesus calls to Peter to “take courage” and commands him to “Come”. It was a call for Peter to take an unnatural leap of faith out of a boat that results in the miracle of walking on water with God.

Is God asking you to take a leap of faith today? Could your leap lead to the miraculous too? Perhaps it will. It could also lead to greater hope, greater peace, greater faith and trust, and a deeper, more abiding love with God. You’ll never know unless you take the leap!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, show me where I need to take a leap of faith with you today in my work, home, relationships or friendships, ministry, or personal walk with you. Give me the courage to choose to leap with you into the unknown and have the faith that with you all things are made possible. Let my actions be a true testament to others of my faith and trust in you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Mirachelle’s devotional message reminds me of the song “Walk on the Water” by Britt Nicole. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater.

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Reasons why there's no gain without pain

No Gain Without Pain
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” 

–Romans 12:1 (NASB)

I want to lose ten pounds. But here’s the shocking part: I don’t want to give up any of my favorite foods. I really hate to exercise. I like to sleep. Consequently, I don’t want to get up any earlier and walk or run or stretch or sweat or anything. So guess how long it will take to lose that weight? Maybe forever.

I want to be a published writer. But writing is hard work! Most days I’d rather spend my free time watching television, reading a book someone else wrote, or scrolling social media on whatever device is closest at hand. Will my book ever get written? At that rate, it’s not likely.

I want a deeper relationship with Jesus. But I resist regular prayer time and Bible reading in favor of other, easier distractions during the time I should be spending with Him. And the end result? A stalled growth in my faith and a gap between us wide enough for temptation and sin to flood inside.

We are constantly bombarded with messages about all the things we deserve and the shortcuts we can take to get them. Whether it’s “making money with these three easy steps” or “lose weight while you sleep,” all of us can get sucked into the idea that we can gain what we want with no sacrifice on our part. But it’s not true.

Our salvation is a free gift from God. We don’t earn it. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB)

Don’t be mistaken. There is a cost. If we want to gain the fullness of what God has for us here in this life…If we want to be good ambassadors of His kingdom…If we want to share His love to its fullest extent…If we want to know Jesus, not just know about Him, then we must give up whatever we know is holding us back from doing that.

In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27), a man asks Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. When He told the young man to keep the commandments, the man said he always had. Jesus then told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. Did Jesus know the one thing that held this rich man back from truly becoming a follower? Of course, and so He knew exactly what to ask for. The man walked away, saddened, because he wasn’t ready to give up his riches. I’ve always felt great compassion for this man, probably because I see myself in this story.

What is that I hold onto so tightly that if Jesus asked me to give it up, I would walk away, saddened because I just couldn’t do it?

We are only weeks away from Easter Sunday. Jesus’s sacrifice should be our model every day (not just when Easter comes around) of how, while our sacrifices may feel too hard, in the end, that surrender will be greatly rewarded. Our willingness to give up things we love—comfort foods, television, personal property, whatever He asks of us—proves to ourselves that our provision is in Christ alone.

When we know our true priorities, we can let go of anything that doesn’t line up with them. Do you and I really want to be followers of Christ? If so, ponder this: What is He asking each of us to let go of today?

I’m ready to prayerfully consider the answer to that question. Are you?

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us what a life committed to God looks like. Please show us today what things hold us back from a life lived completely for You. We love You and praise You for your goodness, grace, and forgiveness. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note: Today’s devotional by Glynis reminds me of Keith & Kristyn Getty’s performance of the song "In Christ Alone”. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. 

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.

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Connect with Glynis:
Website: www.glynisbecker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7

Devotionals for the Heart: God is still in the business of making miracles!

The Business of Miracles
A devotional by Anthea Kotlan

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."—Luke 5:4-5 (NIV)

I didn't grow up in a Christian home or attend church regularly as a child. However, after becoming a Christian at age 15, I joined a youth group and accepted an invitation to a Christian camp with the other young women.

Upon arrival, I was settling into my cabin and unpacking my suitcase. I realized I had no towel with me for the three-day weekend ahead. I mentioned this to my new friend Tera, and she stunned me with her reaction.

"Here, you can use one of mine."

Such a simple yet generous offer left me standing there stunned. This young lady had met me only minutes earlier, and now she was handing out her possessions to me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Generosity didn't spend much time at my house growing up. Instead, I knew far too much about scarcity and the need to guard one's possessions and avoid being taken advantage of. However, I knew at that moment there was something in the way Tera lived her life that was completely different.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus Christ calls his first disciples. While Jesus is teaching on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, he finds fishermen washing their nets after a long night of fishing. They have completed their night shift and are undoubtedly ready to go home. But, instead, Jesus climbs into Simon's boat, continues teaching, and then tells Simon to go back out to fish again.

Simon might have felt frustrated by Jesus's request. What did Jesus, a teacher, know about fishing?

Simon wants to make sure that no one misses the truth. He doesn't think this is a good idea. He reminds Jesus that they have caught nothing all night. But Simon's worldview was about to be changed forever when he accepted Jesus's invitation.

My worldview was also transformed all those years ago at camp by the generosity of one sister in Christ. She would become one of many women who discipled me with their words and actions. I was newly following Jesus and seeing my whole world turn upside down. The Lord knew what I needed. I gained the use of a towel and a lifetime of friendship.

Simon did as Jesus asked. He sailed out into the deep waters, and Luke 5:6-11 tells us a miraculous fish catch happened next. Those freshly washed nets even broke, thanks to the abundance of the haul. Other boats had to come and assist. Everyone saw the overflowing generosity of God and how Jesus was in the business of miracles and had the power to defy the laws of nature.

This moment changed the trajectory of Simon's life. Jesus told him, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”(Matthew 4:19 ESV)

Simon would be catching souls for life in Christ. He would no longer need those broken nets due to the abundance that Jesus offered him. He was ready to leave them behind and follow Christ as a disciple.

How has Jesus invited you to experience transformation? Is He calling you into doing something that doesn't make sense in the natural? Is He asking you to trust Him in a new way? Cast that net out! Don't miss out on a transformational invitation to so much more than you can imagine.

Let's Pray: Lord, thank you that you always make abundant provision for us when you call us to follow you as a disciple. Help us to see all the ways you are doing this every day. Help us accept your invitations and directives so that we don't miss out on all You are doing. We long to be in step with You by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Born in the highlands of Scotland, Anthea Kotlan made her way to Texas as a third grader.

After studying the new language at length and mimicking the Houston locals, she found ways to blend in. Years later she floated down the San Marcos River, attended Journalism classes, and completed an undergraduate degree in in Journalism.

After getting married to Bill, she completed a graduate degree in English at Texas A&M. Ever the multitasker, she had two daughters and carried one of them into her graduation ceremony hidden under her billowing graduation gown.

Over the years she has served as a women’s ministry leader in several churches, spoken at women’s events, taught college freshmen English, lead various Bible studies and writes whenever she can on her blog.

Anthea makes her home in Conroe with her husband Bill, a bi-vocational priest and engineer, and spends all the time she can with her two grandchildren, Ian Michael and Margaret Yael.

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Connect with Anthea:
Website: www.antheakotlan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthea.kotlan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antheakotlan/

Devotionals for the Heart: Miracles

A Change of Heart
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” –Acts 16:25 (KJV)

I think each of us has gone to God and asked him to change a big situation in our lives.

Perhaps you have personally asked Him to heal a sick family member. Maybe you have asked Him to get you out of debt. Or perhaps you have asked Him to show you His will for your life.

We pray in earnest, expecting God to answer our prayers as He answered Moses and Elijah. But then, He does not answer our prayers. Not as soon as we would like, anyway. Unfortunately, when we feel God does not care enough to change our circumstances, we turn to ourselves and our own strengths to fix our problems.

Why can we not get God’s attention as the prophets of the Old Testament or as the Apostles of the New Testament had done? We may be led to believe that God does not listen to His people as He did in the Bible. Or maybe we start believing that God is not as great as He was in Bible times. These thoughts could be the most destructive lies we could possibly believe. Maybe the issue does not lie with God, but with our expectations.

God does wonderful things in our lives. He still performs miracles and is still as wonderful as He was in the beginning. But what if God miraculously changed your situation today? Wouldn’t you be back the next day to ask for something more? The miracles are not enough, dear reader. Only the Miracle Worker is enough.

The Miracle Worker is not as interested in your outward circumstances as He is with your internal heart. God desires your heart, and your heart is the focus of His daily miraculous works—the appointed location of divine miracle activity. In fact, God prizes your heart above all else.

God is far more interested in working in your heart, rather than working in your situation. This radical miracle—a miracle of the heart—requires a certain level of submission. We must lay down our own agendas and desires. We must be willing to sacrifice our comfort for His glory. We must be willing to submit to His will and make it ready for His miracle working power.

Consider Paul and Silas in the prison after they had nearly been beaten to death for their faith. They sat in a dark and filthy prison, their hands and feet chained, but their outward circumstances did not affect their internal joy. Those men prayed and sang praises to God while in pain and imprisoned. Later in the story, God would perform an outward miracle and rescue Paul and Silas from the prison, but God had already performed the greater miracle of changing their hearts and turning them toward Himself.

So many times, when I ask for big outward change, I expect an immediate difference.

Thankfully, God is far more patient than me. God first gives me peace. Often, this peace only comes when I still my thoughts and focus on Him. I have to let go of the outward chaos and noise and focus on what is really important. I have to focus on Him. Oddly enough, it is when I am trusting fully in who He is that He begins to orchestrate my situations and works through me.

My circumstances may not change, but troubles and fears seem so small when brought to the light of Jesus. Releasing your worry and unease at His feet is the most freeing thing you will ever do. As a child of God, you no longer have to be controlled by your circumstances. You no longer have to carry your heavy burdens and worries. Give them to Jesus. His hands are always open.

What is the situation in your life that completely overwhelms you? What would it look like for God to perform a miracle in your heart? Perhaps your answers do not lie in working harder or in your own prayer ability. Maybe He is calling you to stillness.

God can give you a change of heart. Simply be still, acknowledge who He is, and ask Him to perform a miracle in the deepest parts of your being. Believe me, dear reader, God delights in entering a humble and broken heart. Let Him enter your heart today and perform the deepest of miracles. When God changes your heart, your outward circumstances will be transformed as you learn to see them through God’s perspective.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for always being patient, even when we do not understand. Our world is plagued with injustice and worries, but we pray that You first perform miracles in us that you may work your miracles through us. Please make our hearts always open to You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Tessa’s devotional message today reminds me of this song by Cody Carnes “Too Good To Not Believe”. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

God’s dream of Tessa becoming a writer was revealed to her at the age of sixteen and she hasn’t been able to stop since. Though she has not yet been published, Tessa enjoys writing historical romance novels and speculative fiction.

Tessa believes God loves stories, and through her writing, she wants to reveal the happily ever after God dreams of for each of his daughters—one where Jesus is the knight in shining armor.

Tessa loves all things Georgian/Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size. When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, Tessa can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the mixing bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beloved.bookworm/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/101227159

Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons Learned from an Anniversary Trip

Worth It All
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” –2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)

Last year, my husband surprised me with an anniversary gift that included a trip to San Francisco, California.

While we were there, we met another couple who suggested that we rent bikes, ride them across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then take the ferry back to San Francisco. My husband and I thought this idea was amazing, so we immediately set out to do it on the day of our anniversary.

The concierge at our hotel gave us instructions to get to the bike rental shop using public transportation. He explained that from the shop, it was a “nice bike ride” to the bridge. Neither of us were experienced bikers, but we assembled our backpacks and made sure we were prepared for the brisk weather in San Francisco.

We took the streetcar and the bus to the part of town that rented the bikes. We were told to ride to the paved bike path and follow it to the bridge. The excitement was building as we started on this journey. The weather was pleasant and as the clouds parted, we saw the beautiful bridge in the distance. I was very impressed with how flat and smooth the bike path was. After riding for about 30 minutes, the bridge was getting closer, but still seemed far off in the distance.

Suddenly, we were facing a steep inclination in the road. We both tried to pedal our way up the hill, but we had to get off our bikes and walk along side for the rest of the way up the hill. This happened several more times along the way to the bridge. I was getting tired, but I was still very much excited to complete this mission.

Finally, after surmounting yet another hill and getting turned around because of a road closure, we arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge! There was a roadway designated for those who dared to ride their bikes across the almost two-mile path. Although the bike path on the bridge was fenced in, we could still feel the vibration of the cars whizzing across the bridge. The wind gusts that threatened to toss us off our bikes were concerning, but we kept going. We looked over the railing and the view was breathtaking. The rocky landscape of trees and greenery lay perfectly across the San Francisco Bay and the rays from the sun glistened on top of the waves in the water. Before we knew it, we were at the end of the bridge, and we were looking forward to the ferry ride so that we could return to our hotel.

Once we exited the bridge on our bikes, we searched for the ferry. We found some people who were kind enough to point us in the right direction, down another bike path.

At the bottom of the hill, we saw a sign. Three more miles to the ferry in a town called Sausalito! There was no time to waste because the ferry was the last one for the day! We hurried and tried our best to pedal the uphill roads. We finally made it on the ferry with only a couple of minutes to spare. The ferry dropped us off at the pier and we rode our bikes two more miles back to our hotel. By that time, it was evening, and we were beyond exhausted.

In retrospect, I often wonder if I would have embarked on such an adventure if I had known all the details ahead of time. The view from the bridge was amazing, but I might have passed up the biking opportunity once I heard that it would take about 45 – 60 minutes to get to the bridge, then two miles to get across, three miles to the ferry, and then another two miles to get back to the hotel…not to mention the steep hills along the way, the gusty wind, and the stinging chill in the air.

Many of us want to experience something amazing but we are not willing to do what it takes to get there. God is trying to take us to a much higher level in our lives, but we want to know all the details beforehand and then determine whether it is worth all the trouble. Meanwhile, what He has in store for us is beyond our wildest dreams.

Furthermore, God is trying to get us to Heaven. Just to see His face one day outweighs any afflictions or momentary troubles that we experience on this Earth. I am so thankful that God’s plan for us is just on the other side of whatever we are going through, and it will be worth it all in the end.

Let’s Pray: Father, we are so thankful that You are such a loving God who always has our best interests at heart. Help us to remember that there is so much more for us beyond what we can see right now. We just need to trust you and believe that we will get to where you want us to be. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in NJ. She found her love for writing when she was in elementary school. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. 

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled, Just When I Thought I Knew God, and a children's book that is not yet published.

In 2021, Angela started writing articles for an online magazine called Christian Women Living, where she focuses on writing messages for mothers and sharing advice on parenting. In addition to this, Angela wrote a devotional that is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book title is Hope When Your Heart is Heavy.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking. She is the co-founder of Anchor Moms, a ministry to cure loneliness in Motherhood. Currently, this ministry meets via a group on Facebook.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 17 years. Together, they have two sons: Thomas (age 9) and Ryan (age 4). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should love people unconditionally

Unconditional Love and Angels Unaware
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”–Hebrews 13:2 (NASB)

Love. It is a small yet powerful word. It is both a feeling and an action. It takes on a lot of meanings, but they are all rooted in how God loves His own. He calls His children to love others the same way He loves us: unconditionally.

Loving unconditionally can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Showing love is easy when it is mutual. When it is a shared decision between like-minded people, it rarely requires much thought.

The intention to love others is mostly instinctive when it does not feel like a burdensome task. It seems easier to love when there is a heightened level of awareness of the person or situation. It can be easier to love an individual who may be difficult to get along with when you understand the root of their contentiousness and you decide to love them beyond their flaws. 

However, in order to love unconditionally the decision must be made to show love relentlessly regardless of the person or specific situation. To love unconditionally means love is exhibited with no restrictions, no requirements, and no expectations.

The tricky thing about loving unconditionally is that sometimes we may feel like we are showing love without it being reciprocated. Committing to love others as God calls us to can sometimes seem overwhelming and tiresome. Loving unconditionally can be difficult to do when you find yourself walking away from situations feeling unappreciated or taken advantage of. It can be a hard thing to do, but doing so shows the love of Jesus Christ to those who need to see it. It is easy to talk about, but we often don’t understand what it means until we experience it firsthand.

But what about those who find themselves feeling unappreciated? They love others relentlessly without it being reciprocated. Over time, they find themselves looking for a silver lining; something to remind them of their purpose. They desire encouragement to continue loving with the heart of God even when the work can feel like it is done with no purpose.

If this resonates with you, please be encouraged by this: “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NASB).

It can seem hard to continue loving others during their darkest hours. But be encouraged by knowing that God sends His angels to you just when you need their presence. God’s Angels will not mistreat you. Angels will not devalue you. Angels will not allow you to feel unappreciated after they cross your path. You never know when you will entertain them, so make it a best practice to be hospitable to every person you meet. This is how we show the love of God.

Let’s Pray: Lord, you consistently show us what unconditional love is. You always to love us relentlessly. Because we see how you love us, we have the blueprint that guides us and shows us how to love others without limitations or conditions. Thank you for being patient with us as we are learning how to love others unconditionally. Thank you for being so forgiving as we sometimes don’t always love as fiercely as we should. Thank you for your gentle reminders to always love even the strangers who may be the angels you have sent our way. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Erin’s devotional message today reminds me of this song “Angels Unaware” by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more’. With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts. 

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about Biblical Womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world.

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry. When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education.

Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.

Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons learned on obeying God's speed limit

Obeying God's Speed Limit
A devotional by Sarah Cole

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

–Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

I looked at my calendar, and a feeling of dread came over me.

Over the next 24 hours, I planned to host a dinner party, make a meal for a friend, work at my volunteer job, rush to meet a writing deadline, and prepare my house to welcome a new foster puppy.

But when I woke up the following day with a respiratory virus, I realized God used my body to do the very thing I was not willing to do: slow down and rest.

Like many women growing up in today's culture, I was raised to live in the fast lane. My mother taught me to live by a handful of words that would drive me most of my life, and my father teased her for the "shoulds," and "musts" that were commonplace in her vocabulary. But carrying these arbitrary rules into my adult life served to push me beyond the point of exhaustion. And I learned the hard way that the payoff of running on empty wasn't worth the effort.

Perhaps, like me, you've realized that moving full speed ahead to pursue the world's version of abundant life is a recipe for exhaustion and burnout. But the good news is that we don’t have to live this way. When we slow down to God's speed limit, it can feel strange to go against the grain of how our instant gotta-have-it-now society lives, but it's the way He's designed us.

When Jesus walked this earth, He didn't sit on his laurels. But He knew the value of rest, and unlike most of us, He was never in a hurry. After a full day of ministry, He set an example for us by retreating to a quiet place to pray and recharge His batteries (Luke 5:16).

We are no different. If we want to experience the abundant life Jesus promised us, we must surrender our schedules to Him and wait on Him for direction. As our Shepherd, He leads us at His speed because He knows it fits us perfectly (Psalm 23:2-4).

If you're like me and find it challenging to slow down, here are ways to incorporate much-needed rest into your life:

1. Know ahead of time what matters and what doesn't. By doing so, you manage your to-do list before it manages you.

2. Remember to rest weekly. When God rested on the seventh day, He set a standard for us to follow (Exodus 20:8-11). Our Omnipotent Creator never grows weary, but He knows we do.

3. Listen to your body. It's God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Like our cars, our bodies have an internal dashboard. If we choose to ignore its warnings and neglect our need for rest, God knows they'll break down. Depression, pain, anxiety, stress are just some examples of our body's warning system.

4. Create margin in your schedule (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Think of ways to recharge your batteries and try one a week until it becomes a habit. Some ideas are a brisk nature walk, journaling, indulging in a creative hobby you enjoy, watching a movie, taking a bubble bath with scented candles, or curling up with that book you've had your eye on.

When you look at this week's schedule, are you trying to juggle too much or feel uncomfortable unless you are always doing something? That, my friend, is the hamster wheel that keeps you in danger of burning out. But there's hope! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask God to help you sort out your priorities and find tangible ways to live by His speed limit.

I promise you that you'll be glad you did.

Let's Pray: Dear God, You are an amazing Father and friend, and we thank you for teaching us the value of rest. When the world tempts us to live at breakneck speed, help us slow down long enough to remember what's truly important, so our lifestyle reflects Your kingdom values. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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