Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Lynn Cowell shares a personal struggle to accept her true self, questioning whether she likes the person God made her into. She finds comfort in Romans 9:20, which reminds us that our Maker knows exactly what He created us for and will use our unique traits to glorify Him.
As a parent embarking on a new season of independence, navigating uncertainty and change can be overwhelming. Drawing from the biblical account of Joshua 3, author Alicia Bruxvoort shares how focusing on God's presence and guidance can provide wisdom even in unfamiliar territory, offering practical encouragement for those seeking to trust in His plan.
When life takes us off course, it's easy to feel lost and regretful, but God is always with us, offering grace and compassion. By returning to Him and trusting in His ways, we can find hope and redemption, just as the prophet Joel reminds us in 2:13, "Rend your heart and not your garments."
Chrystal Evans Hurst shares her personal struggle with praying when she didn't have words, drawing inspiration from Hannah's story in the Bible, who also felt a deep sense of sadness and grief that left her without words. Through her own experience and biblical insight, Hurst reminds readers that even when we're unable to express ourselves, God still hears our prayers and can bring us peace and trust.
Laura Jensen Walker shares her personal story of fighting breast cancer, using humor and faith as effective weapons in her battle against the disease. She reveals how God's promise of never leaving or forsaking her gave her the strength to overcome fear and find peace during a terrifying time.
Lorraine Edwards shares a personal story of her journey to healing and freedom in Christ, where she grapples with the idea that God's answers may not always be what we expect or want. She finds comfort in the biblical account of Moses and the Israelites, who were told to "go forward" into the unknown, and reflects on how this simple yet powerful command can be a source of strength and guidance for us today.
As a prodigal's loved one waits anxiously for their return, Jesus' parable reminds us that our Father God watches the horizon with compassion and hope, urging us to hold unswervingly to the faith we profess and trust in His promise of redemption. By focusing on the father's unwavering love and the power of prayer, we can find courage to keep watching for our prodigals' return, even when they seem a long way off.
When feeling unlovable, embracing the idea that you are fearfully and wonderfully made can be a powerful act of self-love and worship. By praising God for creating you, loving yourself becomes an overflow of gratitude and adoration for your Creator.
Sheila Walsh shares a heartwarming story of how her mother taught her to pray about everything, from the smallest concerns to the biggest challenges. Through this simple yet powerful practice, Walsh learned that God cares about every detail of our lives and offers us His peace in times of uncertainty.
Enoch, a biblical figure, exemplifies a profound relationship with God, walking faithfully alongside Him despite being a mere human. By embracing this intimate connection, Enoch transcended the boundaries of his common nature and experienced a life without death, illustrating the possibility of cultivating such a relationship in our own lives.