My soul aches from wounds left from my bio-mother’s rejection and abandonment and celebrates the love God gives me through my mom-in-law who embraces me with open arms.
I lament the chronic pain that steals my sleep and praise God for the soft pillow upon which I can rest my weary head.
I’m saddened by ways and times my unhealed self hurt family and friends and express deep gratitude for the wholeness to which my Lord draws me.
I grieve the people I won’t see this holiday season and am thankful for the smiling faces I will.
I recoil at the increased evil advancing in our world and shout hallelujah for God’s light that always breaks through the darkness.
And even as I feel the weight of all that’s hard and uncertain this season, I lift my chin, fix my eyes upon my Savior, and realize, I have much cause for thanks.
If you can relate, I wrote this post for you.
* ~ * ~ *
On another note, my latest release, Christmas on the Ranch, has hit the Walmart shelves! Snatch a copy at your local Walmart, Barnes and Noble, or online!
From the back cover:
A Christmas in the Hill Country
Could lead to a new beginning country living is the last thing caregiver Evie Bell wants—but she goes where the work takes her. And this time, that’s a Texas ranch full of terrifying bulls and a handsome cowboy and single dad. Thankfully, the position is temporary. But spending time with Monte Bowman and his twin daughters while caring for his great-aunt will only make it harder to leave. Evie’s here to help this family—not join it. And there’s no place for her at Monte’s side…especially once he learns the secret she’s been hiding.
(Scroll down to share your thoughts on future episodes!) In this powerful episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with Chad Roberts to confront one of the most painful lies we believe in suffering: If God loved me, He would stop this. Even more deeply, many of us quietly wrestle with the fear that suffering means God has abandoned us. Through Chad’s personal story of losing his sight, this conversation gently but firmly reframes that lie with truth: God’s presence is not measured by our comfort. Instead of standing at a distance, He steps into our pain—and never leaves. Together, Carol and Chad explore how suffering can distort our view of God and whisper dangerous lies about His character. Rooted in Scripture, they walk through the stories of Joseph, Job, and ultimately Jesus, reminding us that while God may not always provide explanations, He always offers His presence. The cross becomes the clearest picture of this truth—not a removal of suffering, but redemption through it. This episode also unpacks what it means to develop unshakable confidence in God—not confidence in outcomes, but in His character. Chad offers practical insight into what “suffering well” looks like in everyday moments and how to guard your heart against bitterness when life doesn’t go as planned. For those walking alongside someone in pain, this conversation provides compassionate guidance on what to say—and what not to say—encouraging listeners to replace empty platitudes with meaningful presence. If you’re in a season of pain, disappointment, or questioning where God is, this episode offers a steady reminder: you are not alone, and your suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—but an invitation to experience His nearness in a deeper way. Resource referenced: Blind Faith: Seeing God Through Darkness by Chad Roberts Biblical verses and passages discussed: Psalm 118:24 James 1:2 Mark 11:22 Psalm 23:2 Jeremiah 2:13 2 Corinthians 4:17 1 Peter 4:19 Isaiah 40:31 Connect with Chad Roberts: On his website On Instagram On Facebook Follow his work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Reflective Questions: When you’re in a difficult season, what thoughts do you tend to believe about God—and are they rooted in truth or in fear? Have you ever equated God’s love with your level of comfort? How might that belief be shaping your faith right now? What would it look like for you to shift from trusting outcomes to trusting God’s character? In what ways might God be inviting you to experience His presence in your current struggle rather than removing it? How do you typically respond to others who are suffering—and how can you grow in offering presence instead of quick answers? What is one simple, grounding practice you can begin this week to stay anchored in truth when suffering feels overwhelming? We’d love your input on something we're praying through.As we plan our next mini-series for Faith Over Fear, we want to speak into what you’re actually walking through—not just what we think might help.If you have 30 seconds, would you take our quick poll on Spotify? Your responses will guide the conversations we create. Take our poll HERE! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What if your greatest need, your greatest challenge, strategically leads to your greatest blessing? What if, in your place of struggle, of uncertainty, God is chiseling away all that is shaky and false to lay beneath you a sure and steady foundation? What if, when it feels as if everything around you is shattering, God is actually using those broken pieces to create something eternally beautiful and precious?
My mind likes to shoot straight to fear. When our car breaks down, or our daughter struggles, or maybe someone I love experiences a health challenge, I’m tempted to forget. To forget that God is with me, with us. To forget He’s ever present, certain and true. That His love is big enough to cover every need and hurt. But most of all, I’m tempted to forget that He is in my difficulty, using the situation to reveal hidden lies lurking in my heart. Shining His light on what is diseased in order to bring life and light to what’s gone dead.
For years, I felt food insecure. Even with a full pantry and well-funded savings account, financially, everything felt uncertain. I remembered my time wandering the street of Tacoma, of eating potatoes, and lets be honest, large quantities of malt liquor.
My vision from that time was selective, distorted. I remembered the hard more than God’s hand. And so, I lived in fear. Fear that, at any moment, the life I’d created—that I thought I’d created—would unravel.
In essence, I made much of myself and little of God. I placed my husband’s paycheck, or working car, or our checking account in place of my faithful Provider. Yet, in the deepest recesses of my fearful heart, I intuitively knew that none of those things had the power to carry me. But in focusing on all those lesser, powerless, ever-shifting provisions, I forgot who was and always has been holding me.
My focus on the “bread” hindered my view of the “Baker” and this kept me from resting firmly in His embrace.
This was precisely what happened some two thousand years ago, when Jesus and His disciples encountered a large crowd of hungry people. We likely miss the magnitude of this situation as most of us have never truly been food insecure. When we want something to eat, we run to the store or hit the nearest restaurant. But for ancient man, hunger was a real and pressing concern.
And so, seeing their hunger, Jesus said to Philip, one of His disciples, “You feed them.”
To which Philip replied, in essence, “Um, what?”
“Philip answered Him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’” (John 6:7, NIV). Peter responded much the same, saying “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:8, NIV).
Like I so often do, Philip and Peter allowed their need to blind them from their Provider. In that moment, the need felt huge and their God felt small.
Have you ever been there? I have. And when I land in that place, God doesn’t chastise me or turn away. Instead, He draws me close and says, “What you have is enough, because I, who always am enough, will make it enough.”
That’s precisely how He responded to His disciples. “Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish’” (John 6:10-11, NIV).
Did you catch that? Jesus didn’t just give the people a little. He didn’t feed them enough to hold them over until they could find another meal. He gave them each as much as they wanted. He gave them an abundance, because He is the God of abundance, and He wants us to know that He alone, not our jobs or our paychecks, will meet our needs.
God calls us to utilize what we have, not obsess over what we lack. When needs arise, it’s easy to become paralyzed by our lack. But even in our lack, we have hope, because we have Christ. And the same God who used a simple lunch of five loaves and two fish can use our meager resources and feeble strength to perfect all that concerns us.
In fact, sometimes, oftentimes, He will allow us to land in situations that feel hopeless so that we can truly and securely grab hold of the only One who is hope. That is a precious blessing that will never fade or disappoint.
What are you facing today? What might God be showing you through it? In the middle of your struggle, what lies are rising to the surface? That God doesn’t care? That He won’t provide for or protect you? That He’s distant or not listening?
What does truth say?
Share your thoughts, stories, and encouragement with us in the comments below, because we can all learn from and encourage one another!
(Scroll down to share your thoughts on future episodes!) In this powerful episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with Chad Roberts to confront one of the most painful lies we believe in suffering: If God loved me, He would stop this. Even more deeply, many of us quietly wrestle with the fear that suffering means God has abandoned us. Through Chad’s personal story of losing his sight, this conversation gently but firmly reframes that lie with truth: God’s presence is not measured by our comfort. Instead of standing at a distance, He steps into our pain—and never leaves. Together, Carol and Chad explore how suffering can distort our view of God and whisper dangerous lies about His character. Rooted in Scripture, they walk through the stories of Joseph, Job, and ultimately Jesus, reminding us that while God may not always provide explanations, He always offers His presence. The cross becomes the clearest picture of this truth—not a removal of suffering, but redemption through it. This episode also unpacks what it means to develop unshakable confidence in God—not confidence in outcomes, but in His character. Chad offers practical insight into what “suffering well” looks like in everyday moments and how to guard your heart against bitterness when life doesn’t go as planned. For those walking alongside someone in pain, this conversation provides compassionate guidance on what to say—and what not to say—encouraging listeners to replace empty platitudes with meaningful presence. If you’re in a season of pain, disappointment, or questioning where God is, this episode offers a steady reminder: you are not alone, and your suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—but an invitation to experience His nearness in a deeper way. Resource referenced: Blind Faith: Seeing God Through Darkness by Chad Roberts Biblical verses and passages discussed: Psalm 118:24 James 1:2 Mark 11:22 Psalm 23:2 Jeremiah 2:13 2 Corinthians 4:17 1 Peter 4:19 Isaiah 40:31 Connect with Chad Roberts: On his website On Instagram On Facebook Follow his work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Reflective Questions: When you’re in a difficult season, what thoughts do you tend to believe about God—and are they rooted in truth or in fear? Have you ever equated God’s love with your level of comfort? How might that belief be shaping your faith right now? What would it look like for you to shift from trusting outcomes to trusting God’s character? In what ways might God be inviting you to experience His presence in your current struggle rather than removing it? How do you typically respond to others who are suffering—and how can you grow in offering presence instead of quick answers? What is one simple, grounding practice you can begin this week to stay anchored in truth when suffering feels overwhelming? We’d love your input on something we're praying through.As we plan our next mini-series for Faith Over Fear, we want to speak into what you’re actually walking through—not just what we think might help.If you have 30 seconds, would you take our quick poll on Spotify? Your responses will guide the conversations we create. Take our poll HERE! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
(Please note, the below post is not intended to minimize anyone’s pain or hardship. I share it because I found the reminder to see good, even if but a single ray of light piercing through an otherwise cloudy sky, in the present encouraging and a practice to which I aspire. I know there is good in each moment because God is with me in each moment)
I woke up one Friday to no electricity, no cell phone signal, and a neighborhood that looked like it had been through a war. Strong winds and tornadoes from the hurricane left behind a nightmare of destruction. Signs of disaster surrounded me—neighbors with downed trees, some on their homes. Roads blocked.
And the rain was still coming down.
Two days prior, I’d been weeping over feelings of stress and overwhelm, trappings of my busy everyday “normal” life. Now, those feelings seemed so petty in comparison to what we faced today. Perspective slid into alignment with the perfect click of hindsight, replaced with understanding about what really matters.
God, life, family, food and shelter, basic human kindness … that’s what really matters—not work deadlines or to-do lists. Not all those silly surface worries that had consumed me days prior.
After the wind and the rain had subsided, my husband and I walked our acre of land and surveyed the house. Gratitude welled up in my heart. Unlike so many others, we’d somehow escaped with not a downed tree on our property. We were without power, and would be for several days, but our house was unscathed, and none of us was hurt. We had a generator that would keep our food from spoiling and camping gear that made the ordeal somewhat like an adventure.
Yet not too far from me, people were mourning lives lost from that same storm, houses demolished, roads washed away, and whole towns underwater.
Just like that, lives changed. For some, everything changed.
This week, I’m keeping that gratitude close to my heart, and I pray you’ll do the same.
We all go through suffering and hardship in our lives, some far more than others. We never know when we’ll say “I love you” to someone for the last time, or whether the things we take for granted will suddenly be gone.
What we do have is right now—today. We have this moment to be alive, to allow gratitude to swell in our hearts and minds, to share love, mercy, and compassion with fellow humans, to care for each other in the way Jesus commanded us. We have this moment to bask in the sunshine and breathe in the cool morning air, to laugh with a loved one and glorify our Savior.
God commands us not to worry over and over again in the Bible. Jesus told us Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV).
The past is gone, and the future could be taken in an instant. What we have is right now, this beautiful moment.
Let’s savor it knowing that we are beloved today.
If you know someone who would benefit from reading this blog, please share this with them.
Get to Know Jessica Brodie
Jessica is an award-winning Christian journalist, author, blogger, and editor. She is the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won more than 118 journalism awards during her tenure. She is the author of two devotionals, Feed My Sheep (2019) and More Like Jesus (2018), and editor of Stories of Racial Awakening (2018) and Called by God (2020), all from her newspaper’s Advocate Press. She also writes fiction, represented by Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency, and her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for unpublished contemporary fiction from the American Christian Fiction Writers. A speaker and contributor to Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and the United Methodist News Service, she has a faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com. Subscribe to Jessica’s YouTube Channel HERE.
(Scroll down to share your thoughts on future episodes!) In this powerful episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with Chad Roberts to confront one of the most painful lies we believe in suffering: If God loved me, He would stop this. Even more deeply, many of us quietly wrestle with the fear that suffering means God has abandoned us. Through Chad’s personal story of losing his sight, this conversation gently but firmly reframes that lie with truth: God’s presence is not measured by our comfort. Instead of standing at a distance, He steps into our pain—and never leaves. Together, Carol and Chad explore how suffering can distort our view of God and whisper dangerous lies about His character. Rooted in Scripture, they walk through the stories of Joseph, Job, and ultimately Jesus, reminding us that while God may not always provide explanations, He always offers His presence. The cross becomes the clearest picture of this truth—not a removal of suffering, but redemption through it. This episode also unpacks what it means to develop unshakable confidence in God—not confidence in outcomes, but in His character. Chad offers practical insight into what “suffering well” looks like in everyday moments and how to guard your heart against bitterness when life doesn’t go as planned. For those walking alongside someone in pain, this conversation provides compassionate guidance on what to say—and what not to say—encouraging listeners to replace empty platitudes with meaningful presence. If you’re in a season of pain, disappointment, or questioning where God is, this episode offers a steady reminder: you are not alone, and your suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—but an invitation to experience His nearness in a deeper way. Resource referenced: Blind Faith: Seeing God Through Darkness by Chad Roberts Biblical verses and passages discussed: Psalm 118:24 James 1:2 Mark 11:22 Psalm 23:2 Jeremiah 2:13 2 Corinthians 4:17 1 Peter 4:19 Isaiah 40:31 Connect with Chad Roberts: On his website On Instagram On Facebook Follow his work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Reflective Questions: When you’re in a difficult season, what thoughts do you tend to believe about God—and are they rooted in truth or in fear? Have you ever equated God’s love with your level of comfort? How might that belief be shaping your faith right now? What would it look like for you to shift from trusting outcomes to trusting God’s character? In what ways might God be inviting you to experience His presence in your current struggle rather than removing it? How do you typically respond to others who are suffering—and how can you grow in offering presence instead of quick answers? What is one simple, grounding practice you can begin this week to stay anchored in truth when suffering feels overwhelming? We’d love your input on something we're praying through.As we plan our next mini-series for Faith Over Fear, we want to speak into what you’re actually walking through—not just what we think might help.If you have 30 seconds, would you take our quick poll on Spotify? Your responses will guide the conversations we create. Take our poll HERE! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Our already busy and fast-paced world seems to be continually speeding up. As soon as I create margin in my life, I find myself bombarded with numerous opportunities to fill it. And there are days when I simply feel weary.
If you can relate, I hope you’l gain encouragement and some helpful insights from my sweet friend Becky Harling’s post. (This first posted on her blog.)
Do you ever feel completely spent—like you’re running on empty? Maybe you’ve been battling a relentless illness, or perhaps you’ve been pouring out your heart in prayer for a loved one without seeing change. Or, maybe you’re simply tired from the daily grind, struggling to keep up with life’s demands. Whatever the cause, we all experience seasons of exhaustion. In those times, we desperately need to find renewed strength. But how do we access it?
David reminds us in Psalm 18:1, “The Lord is my strength.” And Isaiah offers hope when he writes, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
The key to finding strength lies in hoping in the Lord. But what does that look like practically?
Praise: An Anchor for Your Soul
One of the most powerful tools God has given us is praise. When we lift our hearts in worship, we shift our focus off our circumstances and onto the greatness of God. Worship isn’t about feeding God’s ego; rather, it’s a channel through which the Holy Spirit fills us with Christ’s strength, right in the middle of our human frailty. As we praise Him, we become more like Him, strong and steadfast.
When I feel weary, I know God is inviting me to pause and praise. Recently, I learned that an oncologist has been giving his patients my book, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, to help them face the challenges of chemotherapy. Why? Because as they praise God, they find the strength to face each day. Friend, you cannot praise God without being strengthened—praise connects you to God’s power.
Scripture: Power for the Weary
The Word of God is more than just text to read; it’s a weapon against weariness. When we pray the words of Scripture, we stand on God’s promises, and the enemy of our souls, who wants to drag us into discouragement, is forced to retreat. Having a few key verses ready to pray over yourself can be transformative. Try verses like Psalm 27:1, Ephesians 2:6, and Isaiah 40:29-31 when you’re feeling depleted. When God’s Word becomes your prayer, His strength infuses your heart.
Community: Strength in Connection
When weariness hits, our tendency can be to withdraw, but isolation only increases the burden. Instead, we need to lean into our community and let others carry our burdens with us. God designed us for connection, knowing that our hope is strengthened when we journey together. Be vulnerable, let others in, and allow their prayers and encouragement to lift you. Often, God uses the hope of those around us to renew our own.
Weariness is a reality we all face at times, but the good news is, we don’t have to face it alone or in our own strength. The next time you feel tired and depleted, pause to praise, pray Scripture over yourself, and reach out to trusted friends. I believe you’ll experience hope and strength rising in your heart as you do. Remember, God is always ready to meet you in your weariness and infuse you with His boundless strength.
Get to know Becky Harling:
Becky Harling is an author and speaker, host of the Connected Mom podcast, and certified coach with The John Maxwell Team. She helps those looking to move beyond their personal obstacles to live life intentionally with purpose and passion. She offers mastermind classes and seminars on leadership, communication and personal growth. In addition she offers personal coaching for those looking to grow emotionally, professionally or spiritually. Connect with her on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and follow her work on Amazon.
Loneliness is an epidemic, but you can live life with a deep sense of belonging.
If you’ve ever felt that ache to connect and belong, you’re not alone: three out of every five people are suffering from loneliness. No group is excluded—married, unmarried, parents, pastors, leaders, elderly, and teenagers. We all experience moments . . . or long seasons of heart-aching loneliness. And it hurts. It can hurt right to the core.
In Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World, relationship expert, mother, grandmother, and John Maxwell Certified Coach Becky Harling taps into the deep ache of loneliness and shares with readers a rich theology of belonging. Does God ache for us? What does it mean that we belong to Him? How do we establish a deeply bonded relationship with others? What steps can we take to improve our relationships?
Because we were made for God and for community, relational isolation or brokenness is incredibly painful. But we don’t have to live isolated and unconnected. In fact, we must not. Our souls were designed for more. Deeply rooted in Scripture and joined with reflection questions, this book shows us how we can strengthen our relationships and experience deep connection.
And make sure to listen to her conversation with my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast.
(Scroll down to share your thoughts on future episodes!) In this powerful episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with Chad Roberts to confront one of the most painful lies we believe in suffering: If God loved me, He would stop this. Even more deeply, many of us quietly wrestle with the fear that suffering means God has abandoned us. Through Chad’s personal story of losing his sight, this conversation gently but firmly reframes that lie with truth: God’s presence is not measured by our comfort. Instead of standing at a distance, He steps into our pain—and never leaves. Together, Carol and Chad explore how suffering can distort our view of God and whisper dangerous lies about His character. Rooted in Scripture, they walk through the stories of Joseph, Job, and ultimately Jesus, reminding us that while God may not always provide explanations, He always offers His presence. The cross becomes the clearest picture of this truth—not a removal of suffering, but redemption through it. This episode also unpacks what it means to develop unshakable confidence in God—not confidence in outcomes, but in His character. Chad offers practical insight into what “suffering well” looks like in everyday moments and how to guard your heart against bitterness when life doesn’t go as planned. For those walking alongside someone in pain, this conversation provides compassionate guidance on what to say—and what not to say—encouraging listeners to replace empty platitudes with meaningful presence. If you’re in a season of pain, disappointment, or questioning where God is, this episode offers a steady reminder: you are not alone, and your suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—but an invitation to experience His nearness in a deeper way. Resource referenced: Blind Faith: Seeing God Through Darkness by Chad Roberts Biblical verses and passages discussed: Psalm 118:24 James 1:2 Mark 11:22 Psalm 23:2 Jeremiah 2:13 2 Corinthians 4:17 1 Peter 4:19 Isaiah 40:31 Connect with Chad Roberts: On his website On Instagram On Facebook Follow his work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Reflective Questions: When you’re in a difficult season, what thoughts do you tend to believe about God—and are they rooted in truth or in fear? Have you ever equated God’s love with your level of comfort? How might that belief be shaping your faith right now? What would it look like for you to shift from trusting outcomes to trusting God’s character? In what ways might God be inviting you to experience His presence in your current struggle rather than removing it? How do you typically respond to others who are suffering—and how can you grow in offering presence instead of quick answers? What is one simple, grounding practice you can begin this week to stay anchored in truth when suffering feels overwhelming? We’d love your input on something we're praying through.As we plan our next mini-series for Faith Over Fear, we want to speak into what you’re actually walking through—not just what we think might help.If you have 30 seconds, would you take our quick poll on Spotify? Your responses will guide the conversations we create. Take our poll HERE! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I’ve read numerous posts and articles of late urging Christ-followers to vote according to their convictions. And in the comments, I often see individuals who, perhaps fueled by one too many cups of coffee, use the encouragement as an opportunity to instigate an argument. Each time I see this, I’m both discouraged and convicted, as there’s a part of me tempted to join in.
I’ve been known to have quite heated mental debates I’m sure would wow you all with my brilliance. Actually, I’m certain the opposite would occur—that my adding to the noise would only cause those who disagree to become more committed to their stance and determined to convince me of it. I know this from experience. Early in my faith journey, I wasted hours, forfeiting my peace in the process, trying to argue someone to my position.
Do you want to know how many times I was successful?
Zero.
Do you want to know how many times this furthered the gospel?
Zero.
Do you want to know how many times I walked away with the sense that I’d grieved God’s heart and played into the devil’s schemes?
Yeah …
That grieved me more than any ideology, behavior, or political movement with which I disagreed. This is why, while I will certainly do my best to vote by my convictions this season, I hope and pray I will speak, act and think according to my convictions as well—according to the heart of Christ.
Here are my personal guard rails, not that I always remain within them. They do, however, reveal my goals and the maturity I wish to reach.
If my words convey more anger and hostility than gentleness, love and grace, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because Scripture states, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17, NIV).
If I spend more time arguing on social media than reaching out to the hurting, the marginalized, and oppressed, than I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Scripture says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27, NIV).
If I’ve come to see people as issues and as one demographic rather than individuals, I’ve stepped further from Christ’s heart.
I know this because of Psalm 139:13, which, speaking of God, applies to everyone I encounter or read about. This verse states, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
If I’m more concerned with who occupies the oval office and spend more time talking and fretting about our nation’s politics, than I do investing in the soul-health of my neighbors, I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Scripture tells me “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV, emphasis mine).
If I’m more grieved over someone else’s sin than I am my own, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because Jesus continually asks me, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Mark 7:3, NIV). May I not act like the Pharisee who thanked the Lord that he wasn’t like the obvious “sinner” he saw in the temple.
When pride causes me to think I’m more godly than I am, may I remember Christ’s words regarding these two men: “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14, NLT).
If I can express all the reasons I disagree with certain political stances but don’t know my neighbors, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because Jesus commanded me to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). And His model of discipleship was life-on-life relationship.
If I’m more prone to speak words of condemnation than invitations to grace, I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Jesus declared, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17, NIV).
If I’m more focused on what I want to say than on hearing and understanding the heart of others, I’ve stepped further from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Scripture states, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19, NIV).
If I name call and use my words to attack others, I’ve stepped outside the heart of Christ.
I know this because Scripture states, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9, NIV).
If I place more security in who leads our nation, my state, or my city than I do in the power and authority of Christ, I’ve stepped away from His heart.
I know this because Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18, NIV), assuring me that He retains full control, always.
And most convicting, if I’m not willing to lay down my life for those who think, speak, and act differently than I do, then I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because, while hanging from the cross, above the Roman authorities who worshiped idols, oppressed the people, and practiced infanticide, and hanging above the Pharisees who used religion for personal gain, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, NIV).
If this post resonated with you at all, I encourage you to listen to next Friday’s Your Daily Bible Verse podcast episode, and to catch my upcoming conversation with YDBV team member Reverend Kyle Norman on the Your Daily Bible Verse GodTube channel. (I expect that video to publish on the channel next Saturday.)
You might also enjoy my conversation with James Spencer, President of the D.L. Moody Center. You can listen HERE.
(Scroll down to share your thoughts on future episodes!) In this powerful episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with Chad Roberts to confront one of the most painful lies we believe in suffering: If God loved me, He would stop this. Even more deeply, many of us quietly wrestle with the fear that suffering means God has abandoned us. Through Chad’s personal story of losing his sight, this conversation gently but firmly reframes that lie with truth: God’s presence is not measured by our comfort. Instead of standing at a distance, He steps into our pain—and never leaves. Together, Carol and Chad explore how suffering can distort our view of God and whisper dangerous lies about His character. Rooted in Scripture, they walk through the stories of Joseph, Job, and ultimately Jesus, reminding us that while God may not always provide explanations, He always offers His presence. The cross becomes the clearest picture of this truth—not a removal of suffering, but redemption through it. This episode also unpacks what it means to develop unshakable confidence in God—not confidence in outcomes, but in His character. Chad offers practical insight into what “suffering well” looks like in everyday moments and how to guard your heart against bitterness when life doesn’t go as planned. For those walking alongside someone in pain, this conversation provides compassionate guidance on what to say—and what not to say—encouraging listeners to replace empty platitudes with meaningful presence. If you’re in a season of pain, disappointment, or questioning where God is, this episode offers a steady reminder: you are not alone, and your suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—but an invitation to experience His nearness in a deeper way. Resource referenced: Blind Faith: Seeing God Through Darkness by Chad Roberts Biblical verses and passages discussed: Psalm 118:24 James 1:2 Mark 11:22 Psalm 23:2 Jeremiah 2:13 2 Corinthians 4:17 1 Peter 4:19 Isaiah 40:31 Connect with Chad Roberts: On his website On Instagram On Facebook Follow his work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Reflective Questions: When you’re in a difficult season, what thoughts do you tend to believe about God—and are they rooted in truth or in fear? Have you ever equated God’s love with your level of comfort? How might that belief be shaping your faith right now? What would it look like for you to shift from trusting outcomes to trusting God’s character? In what ways might God be inviting you to experience His presence in your current struggle rather than removing it? How do you typically respond to others who are suffering—and how can you grow in offering presence instead of quick answers? What is one simple, grounding practice you can begin this week to stay anchored in truth when suffering feels overwhelming? We’d love your input on something we're praying through.As we plan our next mini-series for Faith Over Fear, we want to speak into what you’re actually walking through—not just what we think might help.If you have 30 seconds, would you take our quick poll on Spotify? Your responses will guide the conversations we create. Take our poll HERE! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
