Overcoming Trials
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7 Powerful Scriptures for Spiritual Attacks
I spent most of my life assuming that fearful thoughts, negative circumstances, and challenging situations were “just happening to me.” Over time, I learned that the spiritual realm is just as real as the physical realm; furthermore, we can fight back against the spiritual forces of evil. Today, we’ll look at seven Scriptures for spiritual attacks as we learn to stand our ground against the enemy. I invite you to join me as I recently identified a spiritual attack and stood my ground by speaking God’s Word. Scriptures for Spiritual Attacks Not long ago, I was invited to speak at a women’s event. As the day of the event approached,…
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What Is the Spirit of Offense & How to Overcome It
As a young woman, I blamed God for almost every unfortunate turn of events in my life. This spirit of offense led me to blame him for everything from shattered athletic dreams to hard breakups. At the time, I was largely unaware of the enemy’s schemes. I had not yet learned that Satan’s primary battle strategy is to lead us to embrace the spirit of offense, angrily blaming God for the troubles of life. Rejecting the Spirit of Offense Several years ago, I sensed God leading me to make a commitment to never again hold onto a spirit of offense toward him in challenging times. Our family had just endured…
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12 Ways to Destroy the Works of the Devil
Over the water of a still lake, a cluster of hardwoods casts russet shadows. I’m in the forest tonight because I need this space to sort through a series of challenges our family has been facing. I sense we’ve been facing one spiritual attack after another, but I realize that we cannot destroy the works of the devil without identifying them first. The forest is a mishmash of colors—cranberry, ochre, and umber. As I gaze at the scene, it’s hard to discern where reality ends and the mirror image begins. At times, I’ve experienced similar sentiments in my spiritual life. I’ve scratched my head in bewilderment as I’ve aimed to…
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10 Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times
The way the mittenlike leaf of the poplar unfurls from its tiny burgundy bud is an astonishing mystery to me. In these moments of wonder, the rhythms of the natural world offer encouragement about the importance of perseverance. Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses about not giving up in adversity. Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times As the old poplar tree reminds me, when we stand strong in the face of challenges (including long winters, spiritually dry spells, and seasons of feeling defeated), we will eventually see the fruit of our perseverance. Perhaps you’re facing a challenging season today. If so, let these Scriptures inspire you to…
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10 Reasons to Trust God in Uncertain Times
Spring rain serenades us through the open window—singing a sweeter song than the frozen whisper of the winter we just endured. Looking back at what we’ve learned over the past few months, I’m reminded that God is just as trustworthy in the dark winters as in the hope-filled springtimes. Today, I’m sharing 10 reasons to trust God, including some lessons gleaned from our darkest winters. 10 Reasons to Trust God Maybe you need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in your own dark season. If so, I invite you to slowly read through these biblical reasons why God is worthy of your trust. 10 Reasons to Trust God in Uncertain…
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5 Gifts Found in the Valley of Weeping
Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with blessings. Psalm 84:6 AMP The Gifts We Find in the Valley of Weeping A chorus of birdsong ascends out the window, almost as if encouraging us to hope again—reminding us that seasons change, and a master Creator has ordered the ebb and flow of the world he holds in his hand. As I sit at the window and greet the day, I thank God for the gift of springtime sunshine and the shift away from the long, dark winter months. Opening my Bible, the words of Psalm 84 capture…
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God Knows Your Pain and Cares About Your Suffering
Several years ago, our family endured a painful series of events. I felt alone and forgotten by God when a friend gently said, “God knows your pain, and he hasn’t left your side.” Her words carried me through that dark season. Join me as I stroll down our country road, reflect on my journey, and explore God’s purpose for pain and suffering. God Knows Your Pain The forest shivers as the first signs of a cold front exhales over the rolling fields surrounding me. Above, a ragged edge of cirrus clouds warns us of what’s to come. We’re in the thick of winter in this part of the world. I…
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How to Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God: 8 Ways
Wolf Creek swells with freeze-up. Spilling its saffron onto the bleach-white bank like an unwanted stain on a clean tablecloth, I wonder how far the water will rise before the ice has done its work. I decide not to worry about the way this valley will soon change. Meanwhile, the scene leads me to think about how to stop worrying and start trusting God in the other realms of my life. I want to trust him with our kids as they navigate the challenges of life. I want to trust him with our future as we step slowly into change. As I walk along the riverbank, I talk to God. …
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God’s Restoration: 3 Steps to Healing and Peace
A full moon lifts her pale face above the horizon as I amble along the snowy path. Blinded by the brilliance, I breathe deeply as God’s restoration washes over me. As often as possible, I walk through this field as the late afternoon daylight fades to dusk. Here, I find space to let go of my cares and connect with my Creator. Here, I find peace. Perhaps you long for God’s restorative touch as well. Today, we’ll discuss how to embrace God’s restoration, peace, and healing as we follow his directives in Scripture. This might include taking an evening walk in the moonlight, but we don’t need to leave the…
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8 Christmas Bible Verses About Peace and Joy
December rain falls cold and clear, washing away the mud-encrusted ice from children’s footprints. I gaze at the scene from the window as I open my Bible in search of Christmas Bible verses about peace and joy. Christmas Bible Verses About Peace and Joy Christmas will be here soon, and our family could use a fresh outpouring of peace. We’ve battled various viruses nonstop throughout the past several weeks, and we’re ready for a break as we celebrate with family and friends. We’ve faced unexpected setbacks in many realms, and our joy has been tested through affliction. Maybe you could use some joy and peace this Christmas as well. Let’s…
