Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Crystal Paine shares a personal reflection on aging, encouraging readers to reframe their perception of wrinkles and gray hair as signs of growth, maturity, and God's faithfulness. By exploring the biblical promise that "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever," Paine invites readers to rest in God's love and trust in His goodness, even as they navigate life's challenges.
When anxiety and uncertainty grip your heart, prayer can be a powerful lifeline - but what if you don't know where to start? In this poignant devotional, Alicia Bruxvoort shares her personal journey of learning to pray without words, and how embracing the simplicity of an earnest cry can lead to a deeper connection with Jesus.
Feeling impatient with yourself today? A recent personal struggle with impatience has led to a profound realization that embracing our growth journeys, rather than trying to skip over them, can invite our hearts to open and lead to true transformation. By consenting to be where we really are, we become who God created us to be, and find healing in the slow work of God in our lives.
Kia Stephens shares a personal story of how her relationship with her father, who struggled with addiction, was transformed through their conversations about Sunday dinner, illustrating God's ability to do new things in our lives. Through her own journey and biblical references, Kia highlights the power of forgiveness, new beginnings, and God's love, encouraging readers to trust in His ability to bring change and renewal.
Lysa TerKeurst shares a personal and powerful story of how she learned to "go near" individuals who are different from herself, gaining understanding and earning the right to share her faith with them. Through her own journey and biblical teachings, TerKeurst encourages readers to break out of their comfort zones and lovingly share the good news about Jesus with those they may have previously avoided.
Margaret Feinberg shares a personal story of how her husband's recurring dreams, which she initially thought were just nightmares, actually became prayer prompts that led her to confront her own struggles with health and loneliness, ultimately prompting her to seek healing and deeper connection with God. By exploring the role of ordinary dreams in spiritual growth and intimacy with the Holy Spirit, Feinberg invites readers to bring their dreams to God as conversation starters, fostering self-awareness and vulnerability in their relationship with Him.
God is not mad when we wrestle to do His will, as evidenced by the stories of Jesus and Esther, who both struggled with obedience before ultimately surrendering to God's prompting. By embracing our own wrestling matches with God, we can learn to trust Him, let go of control, and experience His peace, just like Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane.
Kristel Acevedo shares a powerful personal story of finding comfort and rest in the wilderness, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah's experience with God. Through her own struggles with depression and exhaustion, she reveals how God's love and provision can bring nourishment and respite to our souls, reminding us that sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply receive and rest.
Sarah Freymuth shares her personal struggle with anxiety and insomnia, finding comfort in the love and support of her husband, family, and friends who point her to God's Word and promises. Through her experience, she highlights the importance of community and connection in our times of hardship, and encourages readers to look around for the people God has given them to help get through their struggles.
As a child, author Karen Wingate struggled with obedience, but Jonah's story reveals that God invites us to share His concern for lost people and love those we serve, just as He does. By embracing this heart of compassion and trust in God's plan, we can overcome our own hesitations and boldly follow His leading.