Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
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.
Ann Swindell shares her personal struggle with comparison and how it led to feelings of inadequacy, but ultimately finds freedom from crushing comparison through a deeper understanding of God's love and purposes for her life. By focusing on Christ's love and goodness, she discovers that God is working out all things for her good, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty.
Ellie Holcomb shares her personal struggle with believing lies and how she found transformation through memorizing God's Word, which she calls "fighting words." By clinging to these verses, she has been able to overcome fear, shame, and anxiety, and find comfort in the power of God's living Word.
Living undistracted in our relationships requires a plan to foster love, rather than letting offense separate us from others. By asking ourselves three questions - what is the most generous explanation, what is the most realistic explanation, and what is the most optimistic explanation - we can develop a go-to plan to right the ship of our valued relationships.
When loneliness strikes, Jesus invites us into His social circle, offering friendship and belonging without conditions or expectations. By embracing this unconditional love, we can learn to be the kind of friends who create a space for others to belong, just as Jesus does.
As a pastor's wife, Jodi Harris is leaving behind her identity and role after years of serving others, but in doing so, she finds herself facing uncertainty and fear about the future. By embracing a season of spiritual "timeout" and waiting on God, Jodi discovers that this time of rest can be an opportunity for restoration, renewal, and transformation, as she learns to lean into God's path rather than her own.
As we navigate life's messy moments, God invites us to bring our hidden spaces and burdens to Him, allowing Him to clean up the wounds, worries, and fears that weigh us down. By embracing this process of surrender and restoration, we can discover a life-changing beauty that reveals peace, comfort, and joy in the midst of chaos.
When comparing ourselves to others, we often feel crushed by their apparent successes, but true fulfillment comes from pursuing righteousness and faithful love, not "crushing it." By shifting our focus to those who need care and encouragement, we can find life, righteousness, and honor in showing kindness to the lowly.