Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today

Lysa TerKeurst reflects on how life's unanswered questions and uncompleted outlines can actually be a space for God to fill in, leading to redemption and trust in His plan. By embracing the unknowns and "blanks" in our lives, we can invite God into those spaces and discover His holy purpose at work.

Tessa Afshar shares a personal story of her mother's experience creating a dress for Princess Diana, highlighting how ordinary moments can be extraordinary by heaven's standards. By exploring the life and legacy of Priscilla, a biblical figure who embodied this reality, Afshar encourages readers to see their everyday work and choices as having a profound impact on their eternal destiny.

When fear threatens to consume us, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. But what if the key to fighting fear isn't a one-time solution, but rather a continual practice of trusting God? By recognizing that our fears are not the ultimate authority, but rather the fear of the Lord, we can begin to shift our focus from what scares us to who is worthy of our reverence and awe.

In the midst of life's unexpected twists and turns, it's easy to become paralyzed with fear and hesitation. However, God is always present, urging us to be strong and courageous, even in the face of uncertainty, as He promises to guide and navigate us through any route we take.

Amy Carroll shares a personal struggle with setting boundaries, drawing inspiration from Jesus' example in the Bible, particularly in Luke 2:41-51, where He was about His Father's business despite being surrounded by family and expectations. By applying this principle to her own life, she learned that saying "no" to non-essential commitments can lead to a healthier balance between relationships and personal mission.

Lysa TerKeurst shares a personal and biblical reflection on choosing to follow God's calling over comfort, using the story of Simon Peter as an example. By embracing Jesus' directives to "feed my lambs," "take care of my sheep," and "feed my sheep," believers can discover their true purpose and love for Christ more than anything else.

Carolanne Miljavac shares a personal story of how her fear of failing others led to self-doubt and stagnation, but ultimately finding faith over fear allowed her to pursue her purpose and live unafraid. By tuning out negative thoughts and focusing on God's truth, women can overcome the pressure to please others and discover their true potential.

God's grace is often misunderstood as a means to avoid difficulties, but it actually speaks of His love for us in the midst of trouble. By examining the lives of biblical figures like Paul, who experienced rejection and persecution yet found strength in God's sufficient grace, we can shift our focus from equating God's love with a trouble-free life to recognizing His unmatched favor and loving kindness that draws us closer to Him.

Meredith Houston Carr invites readers to rethink their excuses and instead invite God into their fears, doubts, and struggles, offering a message of hope and redemption through the power of Christ. By recognizing God's rich mercy and love, believers can flip their excuses upside down and view trials through the lens of His power, leading to courage and joy in the midst of challenging circumstances.