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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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10 Bible Verses About God’s Timing and Faithfulness
It’s a cloudy Monday morning when I open my Bible in search of Bible verses about God’s timing. Beside me, the amaryllis has burst into full bloom. It bows low under the weight of its heavy blossom. It seems ironic that after waiting for it to bloom for so long, the weight of the blossom might crush it. I watch the amaryllis become its fullest self, and I wonder about my own growth. I’ve been waiting on God this year. Reflecting on my waiting season, I wonder if waiting on God has been more purposeful than I’ve imagined. Maybe God knows that if I bloom before I’m ready, the weight…
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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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Why Does God Test Us? (3 Reasons)
Do you have a sense that God has been testing you? God does not tempt us, but he does put us through tests to help us grow and build our character. Maybe you’ve been asking the question, “Why does God test us?” We’ll look at three reasons for God’s tests today. The following words are taken directly from our new mother-daughter devotional book, Heart to Heart. Find this book here today! Why Does God Test Us? “God left him alone only to test him, so that He might know everything that was in his heart.” 2 Chronicles 32:31 About 10 years ago, I sensed God calling me to start writing…
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Rising Above Adversity (With Bekah Pardoe)
Yesterday, Bekah and I shared an exciting announcement. Heart to Heart, our new mother-daughter devotional book for teen girls is on sale here! Today, we’re sharing another devotion from the book. This one is from Bekah. Join her as she shares a few insights on rising above adversity. You’ve Got This! (Rising Above Adversity) Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. Isaiah 40:31 A few years ago, my mom and I decided to end the year with an adventure. It was New Year’s Eve, and we decided to walk five miles from our house to my grandma and grandpa’s house. We set out an hour before dark,…
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10 Tension-Easing Bible Verses for Stress at Work
The creek writes its story in splashes of emerald and sandstone brown. I sit beside its clear waters with a heavy heart. The year is 2003, and I’ve just started my teaching career. Much to my frustration, the demands of the job are quickly shattering my dreamy ideals. I pull out my Bible as I sit in the forest, opening it with hopes of finding a few Bible verses for stress at work. Regardless of where we work, most of us face workplace stress. When these times come, God’s Truth can lift our heads and help us press forward. The verses I’m sharing today carried me through my first year…
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When God Changes Your Plans
As Bekah and I stand at the base of the giant quartzite mountain, I don’t expect our ascent to become a lesson on how to respond when God changes your plans. “I can’t believe the summit is only three miles away,” she marvels. “It looks like it’s going to take forever to get up there.” “I guess it’ll happen one step at a time. This is going to be a steep climb, but we’ll get there one step at a time,” I respond optimistically. When God Changes Your Plans An hour later, we cling to the side of the giant mountain with racing hearts and trembling knees. “Keep three points…
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Lead Me to the Rock That Is Higher Than I
“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1-2, ESV). Lead Me to the Rock That is Higher Than I We sit in the yard as the songbirds swoop beneath the pale blue canopy overhead. It’s hard to believe August has come. The sun is setting earlier, and the nights will soon grow cooler. These shorter days speak of what’s to come, and I’m not sure I’m ready. Long summer days spent sitting in the backyard and swimming in the creek will draw to a close. …
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How to Stand Firm in the Lord When Life Gets You Down
The old sycamore leans over the creek with a trunk worn white by the weather. Resisting the pull of its own weight, it seems to keep watch over the valley where the water runs clear over silt and stones. As I rest against it on a warm evening, it seems like a metaphor for how to stand firm in the Lord. Just as the sycamore resists the earth’s gravitational pull downward, we are called to stand against the forces that aim to pull us down. How to Stand Firm in the Lord The Apostle Paul wrote that our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against authorities and rulers…
