-
A Refiner’s Fire Story and a Prayer for the Fires of Life
The snow outside was knee-deep when I counted the days and realized I hadn’t left the house in 28 days. I was living out my own version of the refiner’s fire story. The refining fire was burning away the dross in my life, and it hurt. I’ll share my story from the fire shortly. First, let’s visit the refiner’s fire story as we consider the various fires we face. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you encounter God as you endure life’s fires. The Refiner’s Fire Story The refiner’s fire story shares the story of a group of women…
-
10 Bible Verses for Desperation: Don’t Give Up
We all face desperate situations in life. During these times, we need anchors to hold us in life’s storms. Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses for desperation. I’ll also share a message to every mom who feels like she is barely hanging on. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. Bible Verses for Desperation Let’s dig into God’s Word as we soak in these comforting Bible verses for desperation. Bible Verses for Desperation 1. Isaiah 41:10 ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be…
-
10 Anchoring Bible Verses for Uncertainty in Life
Somewhere along the blurred line between the lush days of summer and the frosty mornings of autumn, I stared out the window and realized we were stepping into an uncertain future. I’m a planner, and the uncertainty threatened to make me come unglued. I needed to find some anchoring Bible verses for uncertainty. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. 10 Bible Verses for Uncertainty Opening my Bible, I began my search. As I scanned the pages, I considered my tendency to cling to control.…
-
How to Trust God in Difficult Times: 4 Ways
It’s a bitter winter evening, snow falling like a white veil, when I realize that I need to let myself feel the disappointment I’ve been running from. Not long ago, a dream fell apart, and I decided it would be best to pretend I never cared about the dream. Perhaps facing my true feelings on this brisk winter evening will help me learn how to trust God in difficult times. To be honest, ignoring the pain seemed easier than dealing with disappointment directly. Most of us know all about this kind of false resilience. We say we’re rolling with the punches and bouncing back, but what we’re really doing is…
-
What Does the Bible Say About Suffering?
Today, we’ll answer the question, “What does the Bible say about suffering?” Most of us do what we can to avoid pain and suffering; meanwhile, God’s Word assures us that God has a purpose for our pain. I invite you to read my personal testimony of suffering. Then, we’ll look at a list of Scriptures on suffering. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you encounter God’s comfort in suffering. What Does the Bible Say About Suffering? There are chickadees at the bird feeder, and the world is quiet as we step slowly into another year. It has been a…
-
Seeing God Through Pain and Suffering: 5 Unexpected Things God Is Doing in the Dark
The maples tower grey and unclothed in the valley behind the house. This place looks nothing like the lush sanctuary that enveloped me in its arms two months ago. As I stare out the window, the austerity of the world matches the state of my soul. If I’m honest, I’ve been having trouble seeing God through pain and suffering lately. Seeing God Through Pain and Suffering This season has not come easily here. It has not met our expectations. Some of our dreams have come to life, and some have fallen apart. It’s not always easy to sense God’s presence when you are suffering. But faith isn’t about feeling; it’s…
-
Thanksgiving Encouragement for When Thanksgiving Is Hard
The first rays of morning sunlight stretch through the frosted windowpane. For an instant, I forget that it’s Thanksgiving day. On this day when much of the world celebrates, I could use some Thanksgiving encouragement for my hurting heart. Maybe Thanksgiving is hard for you this year, too. You want to embrace this season and give thanks for the gifts in your life, but giving thanks just isn’t cutting it. If this is your story today, I invite you to join me as we stand on encouraging words amid our discouragement. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook for hope and comfort.…
-
22 Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times
Do you need hope to carry you through a difficult time? We all face tough times, and when these times God, God’s Word offers hope in the darkness. Today, we’ll explore 22 Bible verses about hope in hard times. Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times We’ll also discuss the ways God uses hard times to shape us into his image. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to give you hope in the most difficult times. First, let’s look at these powerful Bible verses about hope in hard times. 22 Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times 1. Matthew 11:28-30…
-
6 Promises for When You Feel Abandoned by God
“I feel like I’ve been abandoned by God,” my friend whispers through tears as we sit by the creek and watch flies rise from the water. She’s been in a tough season, and I tell her I can relate. Fifteen years ago, I uttered the same words. Since that time, I’ve uncovered a few valuable lessons about God and life. I share from my heart as the sycamores lean in with listening ears. I don’t know if she feels encouraged as we leave the water, but I pray she finds the faith to keep walking with God. When You Feel Abandoned by God Later that afternoon, my little boy stirs…
-
When the Walls Are Closing in: 5 Suggestions
There’s a pileated woodpecker pounding at the bird feeder, and Caleb stands entranced at the window. The vibrance of autumn is a distant memory, and there are long, dark weeks until the first signs of spring. As I watch Caleb by the window, I admit it to myself: The walls are closing in, and I’ve discovered no helpful escape route just yet. What do you do when you’re in the middle of a long, dark season and can see no way out? Today, I’ll invite you into my journey with this. We’ll also explore some practical suggestions for when it feels like the walls are closing in. Be sure to…
