Overcoming Trials

God Is Always Listening and Hears Our Cries

Today’s devotional post is adapted from my new 31-day devotional Mornings With Jesus.  If you enjoy this post, find your copy of Mornings With Jesus at the bottom of the page.  I pray this new online devotional book blesses you richly!  And now, a gentle reminder that God is always listening.

God Is Always Listening and Hears Our Cries

“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17).

We’re living in the grey days of winter as I write these words.  Already, I find myself craving the light and life of springtime.  The winter seasons of waiting can feel never-ending as we look to the ivory firmament and wonder if God hears our cries.

As I closed my eyes this morning, I reminded myself that every winter eventually turns to spring.  Even in the longest winters, God is always listening, and he is working in quiet and hidden ways.

Today, let’s reflect on the seasons in our natural world as well as the seasons of life.

Our family loves spending time in the woods together, and my kids often ask me which season is my favorite.  As much as I love the vibrant colors of autumn, springtime is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year.  After a long winter season of waiting for warmth, my soul comes alive in spring.

God Is Always Listening and Always Working

Springtime also reminds me of a truth I need to remember every time life’s winter seasons feel unending: God is always working.

God is working when my greatest dreams stay hidden in darkness instead of springing into the light.  Even when I see no signs of answered prayers, God is at work.

You might need this reminder today as well.

Maybe you’re waiting for God to restore a relationship, touch a loved one’s hurting body, or answer an important prayer.  You might be wondering if God has stopped working on your behalf.

Most of us will face times when we wonder if God has forgotten us.  It’s not easy to hold onto faith when you’ve been praying for decades and see no visible signs of God’s provision.

Hope for the Waiting Seasons of Life

Let the example of the natural world offer you hope today.

The gray winter forest might feel lifeless and forsaken, but God is working in unseen places.

He is preparing the buds and bulbs to emerge in vibrant colors.  In the same way, God is still working in the areas of your life that feel dismal and lifeless.  He has not given up on you, and he’s not holding out on you.  Keep seeking his face, guard your heart against taking offense, and trust that he is still on the job.

God has not given up on you, and he is not holding out on you. #trust #GodsLove #SeekingGod #faith Click To Tweet

An Invitation to Connect With God:

I invite you to take a moment to connect with God today.

First, take a quiet moment and let your thoughts settle.  Focus on breathing deeply and imagine God holding you in his arms.

When your mind is quiet, prayerfully identify one area of your life that’s hard right now.  Ask God if he wants to reveal anything about this difficult area of your life.  Quietly wait for him to show you what he wants you to know.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t sense any impressions from the Lord or if nothing comes to mind.  God always has a Word for us within the pages of our Bibles.

After your quiet moment, spend some time in God’s Word and create space for him to speak through his Word.

God wants to encourage you as you wait for him to answer your prayers.  The following Bible verses are powerful truths about trusting God to work in our lives:  Luke 12:7; Isaiah 46:4; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 65:24; and Exodus 14:14.

Sometime in the next week, read through these verses and let God’s Word penetrate the deepest part of your heart.

God Is Always Listening

Friend, God hears you even when he seems silent.

He has not forgotten you.  Keep seeking his face.  He’s not done writing your story.  God is always listening

Get Your Copy of Mornings With Jesus Here:

I wrote this devotional for every person who wants to set a habit of seeking God for a few minutes each morning.

You’ll find 31 devotions and several questions to help you reflect.  My vision is to help others encounter God in ways that change their lives.  Instead of asking $9.99, I’m offering this devotional for free with promo code JESUS for a limited time right here.

These Two Books are Free on Kindle Unlimited as eBooks and Also Available in Print:

God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone.  Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life.  Find this life-changing book in eBook form for free on the Kindle Unlimited Plan or for 12.99 in print right here.  (You can sign up for a free three-month Kindle Unlimited trial if you are not a member.) This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!

Attention, all moms and daughters!

Lastly, in addition to writing to adults, I am also passionate about ministering to the next generation.

My 12-year-old daughter Bekah and I wrote a mother-daughter devotional book together.  We hope to help moms and daughters connect and grow in faith together.  Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith includes 60 devotions with Scripture, commentaries from both of us, conversation starters, and even a shared journaling section.

Our vision is for girls ages 7-17 to enjoy it with their moms, grandmas, or older women they look up to.  However, mothers and daughters of all ages are using this book to grow closer together!  This book makes a wonderful gift for a mother or daughter you care about!

You can buy your paperback or eBook on Amazon right here.

 

 

 

 

I’m passionate about equipping others to encounter God in powerful and life-changing ways. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me hiking, jogging, exploring wild places with my three young children and husband, leading small groups, and mentoring younger women. A certified special education teacher, I am on leave from the classroom for a season of chasing frogs and playing in creeks with my little ones. Most of all, the compassionate love of Jesus has forever ravished my heart, and I'm emphatic about making his love known to the world.