January 2024

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When I read Ava’s post below, I immediately thought of my friend Iris Peters, who died of brain cancer about five years ago. Prior to her death, when the tumor was slowly stealing her eyesight, speech, and mobility, she took a picture of the passage Ava quotes below, with her personal declaration written in her Bible’s margin. I know, from conversations she and I had during that painful time, that she wrestled with the question Ava poses. Perhaps you do as well.

Is God *Always* Good?

by Ava Pennington

A friend recently posted on social media about her successful recovery from illness. She announced the results with the observation, “God is good!” You can probably imagine the resulting comments:

  • God is good!
  • God truly answers prayer!
  • God is an awesome God!

We rejoiced in her results because we understood the magnitude of what might have been. Still, our collective responses started me wondering. What if she had not recovered as quickly as she did from the illness? Would we still have said:

  • God is good!
  • God truly answers prayer!
  • God is an awesome God!

. . . or would we have questioned God’s goodness?

I’ll admit, it’s easy for me to proclaim God’s goodness when life is going well. But what about when we find ourselves besieged by illness or loss? Or by relational or financial obstacles? That’s when we’re called to be intentional about what we say we believe. And not just what we say, but how we live it out.

We read these words in Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV). The prophet Habakkuk wrote:

“Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,
       though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,
     though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,
     yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

It’s difficult to rejoice in the midst of trial and suffering, isn’t it? But notice, Habakkuk is not saying we’re to be joyful for the difficulty. He said he will rejoice in the Lord. He will be joyful in God his Savior.

Can you and I say the same thing? It means being intentional about our perspective. I’m not suggesting we plaster fake smiles on our faces as we hear fearful news or experience loss. No, this is about responding to reality without allowing fear to overwhelm us. Will circumstances determine how we view our faith or will faith determine how we view our circumstances?

We are living testimonies. Think of family, neighbors, and friends who have not been interested in the gospel. The ones who give us figurative pats on the head and say something like, “That’s nice for you if you need it.”

This is our opportunity to live differently because of who we belong to. To live out the reality of the relationship between what we believe and how we live. To show God’s peace is real. And we are the recipients of His peace because we belong to the Prince of Peace.

So would you allow me to paraphrase Habakkuk for us? Today, we might say:

         Though the cancer is not healed

                   and I can’t pay my mortgage,

                   though my marriage has failed

                   and the economy produces no jobs,

                   though I have been misunderstood,

                   and I have lost someone I love,

         yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

                   I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Be encouraged. No matter what happens, God is good.

Whether we understand our circumstances or not, God is good.

                   Whether our days are difficult or easy, God is good.

Do we believe this—truly believe this in the midst of our present circumstances? An unbelieving world is watching to see if this faith of ours really does make a difference in the face of trouble.

Believe it in your heart and speak it aloud because it is always true:

         God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good!

***

Jen here. I wanted to circle back to my opening introduction to Ava’s post. I mentioned that my friend, for a time, questioned God’s goodness. But I can also say that He met her in her wrestling and gently, lovingly led her to a place where she came to say, like Ava, God is good, all the time–even when life feels hard. If you are currently wrestling with a similar question, I encourage you to listen to my conversation with Bible teacher and radio host Susie Larson on a recent episode of the Faith Over Fear podcast titled “Is God Still Good When Life is Hard?”

***

Get to Know Ava Pennington:

Ava Pennington is an author, speaker, freelance editor, and certified writing and speaking coach. She teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. Ava also received an Adult Bible Studies certificate from Moody Bible Institute and is trained as a Precepts Ministries instructor. She is the author of Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully, and has contributed to numerous magazines and anthologies. Visit www.AvaPennington.com to learn more. 

Check out her book, Reflections on the Names of God:

Every name God calls himself and every name his people call him hold clues to who he is, how he relates to his children, and the promises he has made—and kept.  
Spend time each day getting to know God more intimately by exploring his names and attributes with Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully, a giftable devotional from Ava Pennington.

How to Hold Onto Hope When You Feel Discouraged and Worn Down – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. How to Hold Onto Hope When You Feel Discouraged and Worn Down
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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When God Calls Your Name

by Kelly Hall

Isaiah 43:1 on a teal graphic with plant designs.

Bundled against the freezing Midwest dreariness, I burst into my house and without removing a single item of wintry protection, collapsed into the couch. The wet, snowy trail I left behind normally would have prompted a quick flurry of activity to dry and protect the hardwood floors, but today I barely noticed.

I’d moved halfway across the country with my four young children so our three daughters, born with profound hearing loss, could undergo surgery to receive cochlear implants and attend a school where they’d be trained to speak. My husband, a fighter pilot in the Air Force, had managed to secure a one-year assignment about six hours away so he could join us on weekends.

Although we were starting to see great benefits from the school, I was overwhelmed with the daily demands of parenting and facilitating communication between our four “littles.” But what really surprised me was the pain of loneliness. Adjusting to an unfamiliar city without the nearby support of family, friends, military community or church home was harder than I expected.

I poured out my heart to God. “Thank you for leading us to a place where our girls are finally getting the help they need. I’m grateful for Your presence and care. But Lord, I’d really like to talk to a physical person. Please send someone who can understand, someone who won’t feel burdened by our story or feel they have to travel across the country to help.”

After skimming through a mental list of names, I gave up and told the Lord, “If you want someone to call me, You’ll have to figure it out.” As I prepared to drive to a nearby bakery for some comfort food, my phone rang. A woman from a church we’d recently visited explained the reason for her call, “For three days God’s whispered your name, telling me to call you, but I kept putting Him off because I didn’t know how to help. But today, when He started shouting your name, I could no longer ignore Him.”

This dear older woman had four grown children, three of whom were also deaf. Her husband had been in the military and they had moved to this same city for the same reasons we had. God sent me a precious new friend who could understand our complicated story. The wisdom, insight, prayers, and laughter that flowed through the phone were a healing balm to my heart.

After I hung up, I fell to my knees stunned by this extravagant outpouring of God’s intimate care. “Lord, I can’t believe You love me enough to arrange a phone call from just the right person at just the right time. You started orchestrating it three days earlier because You knew precisely how long it would take!”

My friend never could have imagined how her one simple act of obedience would become my favorite memory of God’s faithfulness and love.

The Bible reminds us when the overwhelm of life makes us feel isolated, we don’t have to be afraid for the Lord knows our names. The One who created us, who formed us, who redeemed us, is deeply invested in our stories (Isaiah 43:1). His fingerprints are on our very souls (Psalm 139:14). Our names are inscribed on His hands and on His heart (Isaiah 49:16). Before a word is on our tongue, the Lord knows (Psalm 139:4). Before our needs arise, He has positioned the perfect provisions (Matthew 6:8).

What a comfort to know our God is not only immensely powerful, but also intensely personal.

(c) Kelly Hall, KellyHall.org

About the author: Kelly Hall is a speaker, author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Her Unshakable Hope Podcast: where Real Life intersects Redeeming Love, brings Biblical hope to the weary and highlights the unchanging faithfulness and love of God.

Her Bible study, Courageous Faith, is framed around Proverbs
3:5-6 and expands on the faith lessons learned in her personal journey of raising four children, three with special needs, in the constantly challenging world of Air Force military life. She enjoys the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with her husband, two adult daughters, and a super smart service dog, Skylar.

How to Hold Onto Hope When You Feel Discouraged and Worn Down – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. How to Hold Onto Hope When You Feel Discouraged and Worn Down
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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Do you typically start your New Year with a solid plan and a list of things you want to accomplish? Normally, that’s where I land. That doesn’t mean, however, that God has always been leading the way. I’ve become increasingly aware of how much I’ve done automatically, especially when it comes to ministry. In some areas I’ve presumed upon God’s will—because I saw a need, received joy in the endeavor, and felt a certain degree of competence—without taking the time to hear from Him.

I wonder, how often have I invested in the “good” while missing His best for me?

If you listen to the Faith Over Fear podcast, you might have heard me share how I’ve handed over leadership of Wholly Loved Ministries to the woman who previously led my content development team. This news felt shocking to some, but God had been leading me in this direction for some time. However, He hasn’t yet shown me what’s next.

This means I’ll enter 2024 with less actionable goals but more intentionality—to rest, to seek, and to listen—with my shoes on and feet ready to obey, whenever and however God directs.

Today, I’m reflecting upon Psalm 33:20-22, which states,

20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you (NIV).

I wait in hope, in faith-filled expectation, knowing God’s plans for me are good, because He is good.

This includes when He calls me to act and to wait.

He is my help. He doesn’t expect me to figure out my five-year agenda, nor does He want me scrambling forward out of fear or obligation. Instead, He wants me to trust in His guidance, His timing, and His promise to perfect, or complete, all that concerns me.

And to remember that He alone is my prize, the only One who can fill and nurture my soul. In my busyness, I tend to forget this and begin seeking fulfillment in my roles, goals, and achievements rather than my Lord. But in this quiet, still place, with my schedule reduced and my margin increased, I more clearly recognize that my heart most fully rejoices not in successes or even Christ-led vision, but instead, in Him, the Maker and Sustainer of my soul.

In my experience of His unfailing, never ending, merciful love poured freely upon me, when I’m serving, when I’m resting, and while I wait on Him.

When I’m tempted to feel guilty for my more relaxed pace, I’ll instead remind myself that I’m right where God wants me to be. And that, as the One who guides me and illuminates the path before me, He’ll let me know when it’s time to start moving forward once again.

Let’s talk about this! What does your 2024 look like? Have you sought direction from God regarding where and how He wants you to invest your time? Do you have clarity on that yet, or are you, like me, in a season of listening, resting, and waiting?

Note: Please know, I’ll still be writing and podcasting. 🙂 I do have clarity on those things.  

How to Hold Onto Hope When You Feel Discouraged and Worn Down – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. How to Hold Onto Hope When You Feel Discouraged and Worn Down
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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Hello, friends! If you love fiction, specifically clean cowboy romance novels, and if you love telling others about fun books, and would like to support me, then you’re invited!

Read about the book HERE.

A launch team is a group of readers united via email and through a Facebook group that helps promote an author’s book, shortly before and after it releases.

What team members do:

Team members share reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and, if applicable, their blog. They also share posts on social media (preferably at least three times weekly; content that they compose, copy from me, or copy from me then tweak as they desire).

What team members get in return:

A free ecopy (now) and print copy (once it releases) of the book.

The opportunity to interact with other book lovers

Access to team exclusive content (such as scenes or sections that never made it to print)

If interested, contact me through my contact page on this site.