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Give It to God: 5 Ways to Give God Control
A midsummer drought slows the creek to a trickle and darkens it to the color of black tea. I sit by the water with a friend, and we talk about hopes, dreams, and the prayers we desperately want God to answer. We talk about how hard it can be to surrender control—to “give it to God” and trust him with the outcomes in our lives. I wonder if you can relate. Maybe you’ve been chasing a dream that hasn’t come to fruition, and you’re not sure how to embrace your calling while trustfully giving it to God at the same time. Perhaps you’ve been asking God to mend a broken…
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15 Powerful Bible Verses About Purpose in Life
Winter fog huddles over the earth as I gaze out the window and gather my morning thoughts. I’ve been feeling scattered and distracted by the needs surrounding me lately, and I open my Bible in search of Bible verses about purpose. Perhaps you want to know what the Bible says about purpose, too. I invite you to soak in the words below. God has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is not as complicated as it might seem. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace God’s purpose. 15 Bible Verses About Purpose Whether…
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Rejection Is God’s Protection: 8 Truths to Stand on
Last year, I faced a crushing setback in my writing career. I almost walked away from writing to pursue a different line of work. Yet as I sorted through my emotions, one truth became clear: Often, rejection is God’s protection. Perhaps you’re facing painful rejection today, too. I encourage you to give yourself time to grieve the loss of your hopes and expectations. Be kind to yourself as you process your feelings and give yourself space and grace to lament what was lost. In the meantime, remind yourself of this truth: God closes doors in our lives for our protection. What If This Rejection Is God’s Protection? Often, God’s protection…
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10 Bible Verses About God’s Provision in Tough Times
Are you facing an assignment you didn’t choose for yourself? If so, let’s turn to God’s Word for 10 Bible verses about God’s provision as we walk through all sorts of difficulties. I invite you to join me as I wrestled with an unexpected assignment and doubted God’s provision. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you trust in God’s provision for you. 10 Bible Verses About God’s Provision A few years ago, God called me to an all-encompassing assignment I did not choose for myself. I spent the first weeks grumbling and resisting it. Finally, on a cold winter…
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Seeking God’s Wisdom: Are You Praying or Ruminating?
Do you ever feel afraid of making the wrong decision and messing up your life? Maybe you need to choose between two jobs, two future spouses, or two different houses. In your uncertainty, you’re afraid you’re going to choose incorrectly and derail your life. You’ve been seeking God’s wisdom, but for the most part, heaven seems silent. A few years ago, I was desperate for wisdom and direction from God. I wasn’t sure whether to continue fervently pursuing my writing career or slow my writing and consider the possibility of having a third child. I reached out to a mentor and asked for advice. Secretly, I hoped she would tell…
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Are You Afraid of Missing God’s Plan for Your Life?
I walk the country road at dusk—twilight folding over the path behind me like a parted sea falling back into place. I’ve been thinking about staying in step with God’s plans lately, and my heart feels bogged down by worries that I might somehow botch his plan. I wonder if you can relate. I wonder if you’ve ever felt fearful that you just might miss God’s plan for your life. You probably know how it feels to be desperate to hear from God about something important to you. You fasted and prayed and scoured your Bible in search of direction. All the while, you wondered if you might be heading…
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When God Calls You to Step Out: A Review of Fearing Bravely
I invite you to journey back in time with me. We’ll talk about stepping out of our comfort zones, and then I’ll offer insight into a book called Fearing Bravely, which will challenge you to step out, too! When God Calls You to Step Out: A Review of Fearing Bravely It’s past midnight in Tijuana, Mexico. I lie awake on the hard mattress of my cot and listen to the sound of teen girls snoring and tossing in their equally uncomfortable bunks. I’m here as a youth leader with dozens of teens from our church, and we’re serving the people of this city with open hearts and willing hands. Sometimes,…
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A Prayer for God to Take Control in a Situation
Snow falls like a million answers to all the wishes cast on shooting stars. I made a wish while the moon shined white last night. I whispered it in the quiet part of my heart where child-like hopes mingled with prayers. On the surface, it seemed to be a wish for everything to turn out okay. On a deeper level, it was a prayer for God to take control in a situation that was weighing on my heart. I’ll share this story in today’s post. I also encourage you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you surrender control to God. A…
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How to Keep Walking With God Through Dark Seasons
Days are growing shorter. For our family, shorter days include more time together within the fawn-colored walls of our living room. I’m learning to appreciate the rhythms of indoor seasons. I also know I’ll soon face winter days when walking with God through the darkness feels difficult. Not long ago, on one of these cloudless black evenings, I looked across the room to see my husband walking across the dining room with our little girl standing on his feet. Sweet Bekah’s little body moved wherever her daddy moved as her feet rested on his much larger feet. I immediately thought about the way God wants us to cling to him.…
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10 Bible Verses About Fitting in: And a Perspective Shift
A few years ago, I stepped about a million miles out of my comfort zone and attended a conference for women who feel called to write and speak. The weekend was filled with informational seminars, discussion groups, and motivational speakers. I was anxious about the weekend for plenty of reasons, and one of my deepest concerns was a quiet voice that whispered, “What if I don’t fit in?” Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses about fitting in. Then, we’ll return to my weekend at the conference as I share the lessons I learned about feeling left out and insecure. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for…
