Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
When prayer is our first response to someone in need, we can trust that God will carry their burdens and provide strength for us as well. By learning how to pray effectively and regularly, we can be empowered to help others without exhausting ourselves, and ultimately fulfill the good works Christ has prepared for us.
As we navigate uncertainty, it's easy to let doubt and fear hold us back from embracing the good news of God's promises. But what if our hope leads to disappointment? A powerful story in Luke 1 reminds us that even when we're unable to trust, God is faithful to His word, and His goodness is not dependent on our faith.
Stacy Lowe shares a personal struggle with feeling lost and uncertain about God's plan for her life, but finds comfort in Isaiah 55:8-9, which reminds us that God's thoughts are far beyond our own and His ways are higher than we can imagine. By trusting God's love and sovereignty, we can choose to have hope even when life doesn't make sense.
Lisa Appelo shares her personal journey of loss, grief, and finding hope in a shattered life, highlighting the biblical promise that God's abundant life is not dependent on circumstances. By letting go of her own desires and embracing the life God has given her, Appelo discovers fresh beauty and goodness, and invites readers to do the same through her book "Life Can Be Good Again" and a free downloadable guide.
When weary days and seasons of weariness threaten to consume us, it's easy to turn to temporary distractions like creature comforts for solace. But what if God's genuine comfort is available instead? In her new seven-session Bible study, "Isaiah: Striving Less and Trusting God More," Melissa Spoelstra invites readers to explore the promises of Isaiah 40 and discover a deeper trust in God's power and strength.
Meredith Houston Carr invites readers to reframe their understanding of limitations, exploring how God's Son Jesus understands and sympathizes with humanity's weaknesses. By embracing our limitations as an invitation into deeper fellowship with Christ, we can find comfort and strength in His love and mercy.
Christina Patterson shares a personal story of feeling overwhelmed and rushed, mirroring Martha's experience in the Bible, but ultimately discovers that Jesus' response to her hurried heart is not condemnation, but an invitation to let go of the trap of rushing and focus on what's more important - Himself. By choosing a grace-paced life, women can break free from the cycle of frustration and find peace in their relationship with God.
As a Christian, you've likely been hurt by mean girls or struggled with your own meanness towards others. But what if God's grace can transform not just our hurts, but also our hearts and actions? In this powerful devotion, Sarah Geringer shares her personal story of receiving God's grace for herself and others, and invites you to do the same, so you can break free from sinful desires and show kindness to those who have hurt you.
Karen Wingate shares her personal experience of facing fear after a medical test revealed a potential diagnosis, and how she found comfort in Psalm 27, which reminds us that God is our guide, rescuer, and protector. By understanding the reasons behind God's instructions, we can live with confidence that He stands ready to help us move past our fears through His guidance, salvation, and protection.
A local Christian bookstore employee shares a personal story of feeling disconnected from God during a time of deep sorrow, but is unexpectedly comforted by a customer's genuine display of love and empathy. Through this experience, the author reflects on Romans 8:39, highlighting that our deepest sorrows do not signify a separation from God's love, and encourages readers to seek connection with others who can help them feel seen by Jesus.