This Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about friends and family–some who will be grieving, others joyfully reconnecting with loved ones, others enduring intense anxiety, and still others who find the holidays a bit bitter sweet, wonderful and hard. And I’ve been reflecting the tender heart of our Father who remains perfectly present in each of our moments, comforting us in our sorrow and laughing with us in our joy.
I thought, perhaps, I might encourage some of you through some prayer prompts you can pray, receive, or both.
A prayer for the hurting:
Father, thank You that You not only see my pain, but feel a depth of empathy toward me I may never fully comprehend. My sorrow isn’t inconsequential to You. To the contrary. As Psalm 56:8 states, “You have taken account of my miseries; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” (NASB) You are the Father of Compassion who abounds with steadfast love toward me. Comfort my hurts and remind me of Your constant, grace-filled presence. I thank You that Your mercy is new every morning and that You have promised to one day turn my sorrow to joy. (Lamentations 3:22-23; Ps. 30:5). In Jesus’ name, amen.
A prayer for the anxious and overwhelmed:
Father, You are a holy, all-powerful, loving, attentive, and faithful God. Scripture tells me You know everything I will face today, tomorrow, and decades from now. I hold tight to two immutable truths: Every day of my lives was recorded in Your, before a single one came to pass, and You have wonderful, hope-filled plans for me. (Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11). Through Your Son, You have promised me a beyond expectations life characterized by joy, peace, and soul-deep freedom. (John 10:10, Galatians 5:22-23). Quiet my anxiety and fear with Your truth and assurances of Your heart toward me. I know and trust that the God of all creation is for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A prayer for the overjoyed:
Holy, precious Father, as I celebrate another holiday and reflect upon all the blessings You’ve given me this year thus far, I’m reminded that every perfect gift comes from You. (James 1:17) Thank You for all the ways You have provided for me and my loved ones. (Philippians 4:19). Thank You for the food we’ll eat and the laughter and wonderful conversations we’ll share. May I cherish and remain fully present for ever grace-filled moment, just as You always remain fully present with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A prayer for the bittersweet:
Father, thank You that I have joyous moments to celebrate this Thanksgiving, and also that I don’t have to pretend that the hard parts don’t hurt. You see it all and are present in it all, and You invite me to come to You just as I am. No filters. No fear of displeasing You or saying or doing something that might turn You away, because You have promised this will never occur. (Hebrews 13:6). You will never forsake me or abandon me. This season, help me to enjoy every gift and blessing You have provided, to give myself permission to laugh, but also, to cry. And may I experience Your love and presence in both. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
And to my newsletter subscribers, keep an eye out for my next newsletter edition. I’ll be sharing a recipe to my latest culinary creation. It was so, so good!
Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses.
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation.
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
On her website
On Instagram
On Facebook
On her Amazon Author Page
Find Jennifer Slattery:
On her website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Find Wholly Loved:
On their website
Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
What resonated with you most in this episode?
What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
For some, dreams come easy. Most of us want to feel significant, to know we were created for eternal significance.
But others have long since lost that childlike expectancy and have traded thoughts of what could be to settle for what is. Maybe an opportunity came that felt so right, so us, our hearts leapt with joy. And we immediately began envisioning where God might take us and that thing. But then opposition hit, and though we persevered for a while, eventually our passion and strength waned until both felt nonexistent.
So we quit.
We stopped trying. Stopped hoping, stopped longing for more or better.
Maybe after years of rejections and setbacks, we came to believe God could never use that gift in that way. Or maybe not at all. Perhaps after years of marital silence and what felt like unanswered prayers, we relinquished our hopes of happily ever after and slowly, quietly, our hearts hardened. We ceased praying for that family member, quit believing that wayward child would return. Quit trusting God would one day give us victory over that sin.
And so, over time, we joined the disillusioned and discouraged, convinced Christ’s promise of abundant life was nothing more than hyperbole.
But at each moment, God gives us a precious gift: the chance to begin again. To send one more letter, offer one more prayer, make one more phone call, or type one more line. Because He’s fully engaged in our journeys, not just our beginnings and ends. As the saying goes, the God who calls us to it, whatever it may be, is the same God who will bring us through it.
All He asks is that we lean on Him and keep stepping. We tend to see difficulties as dead ends and detours, but in Scripture, again and again, we see those things that appear to be obstacles are simply opportunities for God’s power and grace to shine.
Imagine being part of the rebuilding crew King Cyrus sent back to Jerusalem. If you’ve been following this blog series, you’ll remember, after a long period of captivity, God stirred the hearts of His people’s captors to send them home—with abundance. He was calling them to rebuild their Temple, the place where He said He’d dwell. I imagine, in this, they would also be rebuilding their faith after having spent decades in a foreign, pagan land where all their desperate pleas for aid appeared to go unanswered for so long.
But then, just when all seemed hopeless, God came through and sent them off with absolutely everything they’d need to fulfill the task He’d assigned. Can you imagine the celebration they felt, upon leaving Babylon? The images and memories that filled their heads as they traveled closer and closer to their homeland?
You can sense their excitement in Psalm 126, written to celebrate their return:
“When the Lord brought back His exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lords has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (vs. 1-2, NLT).
Scripture tells us the people joined together “with a unified purpose” (Ez. 3:1) and, though frightened of the locals, began building with courage (Ez. 3:3, NLT). Everyone, including the priests and Levites, who’d returned from exile, worked together. Then, once they laid the foundation, they praised God with trumpets, cymbals, and songs of thanks.
Oh, what a glorious beginning! What joy to be called and commissioned by the King. But then came the opposition. The locals first tried to deceive them, then frightened and discouraged them until, eventually, the building stopped.
They shifted their focus off of the things of God and onto themselves, off of the glorious and miraculous and onto the mundane. They settled for “what was”—a life of ordinary houses occupied by ordinary lives—instead of what could be.
At least for a time—until God once again revived their hearts. Just as He does with us, when we begin to feel tired and discouraged. If that’s where you’re at now, hear this truth: God’s with you. He has a plan for you, and He is, at this moment, walking beside you. He will turn every struggle and setback you encounter to good. Trust Him in this, lean on Him, and keep stepping.
Let’s talk about this! Is there a dream God might want to be resurrecting in your heart? How might He be directing your next step?
Today’s Bible Verse: "and sweep into Judah until it is chin deep. It will spread its wings, submerging your land from one end to the other, O Immanuel." – Isaiah 8:8
Want to listen without the ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/
MEET OUR HOSTS:
JENNIFER SLATTERY is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
Follow Jennifer:
https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/ https://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/
CAROL MCCRACKEN is a Christian communicator who teaches women Biblical truths through real-life application and humor to connect them to their God-given purpose. Carol has been a Bible teacher for twenty years and served on church staff and in women's ministry for three decades.
Follow Carol: https://www.carolmccracken.com/
REVEREND DR. KYLE NORMAN is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.
Follow Rev. Kyle: https://revkylenorman.ca/
JOY A. WILLIAMS is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God. She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women’s Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church. Joy is a wife and mother and she shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog. Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.
Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
Read Joy’s 7-day Bible reading plans: “Live Your Joy Story” and “When Easy Doesn’t Live Here: Living by Faith When Life Is Hard” on the YouVersion Bible app.
JESSICA VAN ROEKEL loves the upside-down life of following Jesus as she journeys to wholeness through brokenness. As an author, speaker, and worship leader, she uses her gifts and experiences to share God’s transformative power to rescue, restore, and renew. She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything.
Jessica and her husband have two adult daughters spreading their wings, and two high schoolers, a son and daughter, fluttering their wings as they edge closer to the nest. Connect with her at welcomegrace.com and reframingrejection.com.
GRACE FOX is the award-winning author of 13 books, a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events, and a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries). She’s also been a career missionary for more than 30 years.
She and her husband have served in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada’s west coast, and currently co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in 30 countries. They live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 13 grandchildren.
Learn about Grace’s books and subscribe to her free resources at https://www.gracefox.com
Follow her: https://www.fb.com/gracefox.author
Learn more about ministry opportunities with International Messengers: https://www.im-canada.ca
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I never want to be one who doubts someone else’s gift or becomes resistant to God’s Holy Spirit. But Scripture also tells us that not everything we hear truly comes from Him. If this has left you wondering how we can know when a “word” comes from God or human pride and sin, you’ll gain encouragement from today’s post by guest blogger, A. C. Williams.
When “Prophets” Lie to You
by A. C. Williams
How is your sense of direction? I can’t find my way out of a paper bag without help. But every now and then, I’ll get to drive somewhere familiar. In those instances, as long as the landmarks haven’t changed, I can find my way just fine.
But I’m still monstrously insecure about it, so anyone sitting in my passenger seat can change my mind if they question the route I’m taking. I’ve grown in confidence now, but it doesn’t take much for someone to make me question the direction I’m going.
The Bible tells us a challenging story about misdirection in 1 Kings 13. You really need the whole chapter to get the context, but for brevity’s sake, God sent a prophet to King Jeroboam to tell him to straighten up. He was the first king of the divided kingdom of Israel, leader of the ten tribes in the north (1 Kings 12:20).
This prophet, who remains unnamed, is righteous and careful to obey God’s Word in everything he does. So when multiple people invite him to stay and eat a meal, he declines. Why? Because God told him not to eat or drink anything there (1 Kings 13:8-10).
And that’s where the plot thickens. Another prophet enters the story, an older prophet. He’s also unnamed, but we know he comes from Bethel. This guy chases the first prophet down and invites him to a meal. As you would expect, the first prophet declines.
But then the old prophet throws a curveball: He claims an angel of the Lord gave the first prophet permission to eat with him.
Why would the first prophet doubt his claim? He is a prophet, after all. So he goes. He eats. And then God declares that he will die because he disobeyed. And he does.
Yup. You guessed it. The old prophet lied to him. No angel had come to him. God hadn’t changed His mind. And both prophets faced the consequences.
This is a hard story to swallow, I think, because it’s triggering. How many of us have experienced something similar? We submit to spiritual abuse in a church because a respected elder claims it’s God’s will. We hand over our authority to connect with God personally because a pastor or priest tells us we need an intermediary other than Jesus.
I wish it weren’t the case, but for all of us, someone we consider a spiritual mentor or leader in our lives will likely lie to us. Only God knows why, and that’s between Him and that leader.
But what does that mean for us? Should we question everything we are told about Scripture and how to apply it to our lives?
Honestly? Yes.
There’s nothing wrong with having a spiritual leader you respect, whose teachings speak to you. But never allow a spiritual leader’s interpretation of Scripture to contradict Scripture itself. The only way to do that is to know what the Bible says, to understand who God is, and to trust God’s Word and His Spirit more than what any man or woman tells you.
Anyone—man, woman, or even angel—who asks you to trust their word more than what is written in the Bible is lying to you. For whatever reason, some people twist God’s Truth to manipulate others. We need to be aware of this so we aren’t fooled when they try that on us.
Be confident in Scripture. Know God Himself. And don’t be fooled by the pretenders who only want to control you.
About the author: A.C. Williams is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks won’t match. An AWSA Golden Scrolls finalist and an editor at Uncommon Universes Press, she believes that God works miracles through stories. Learn more about her coaching services at www.amycwilliams.com and subscribe to her daily devotional emails at www.alwayspeachy.com. Amy is offering a special: the first seven days free, then $5/month. https://acwilliams.substack.com/arisedaily
Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses.
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation.
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
On her website
On Instagram
On Facebook
On her Amazon Author Page
Find Jennifer Slattery:
On her website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Find Wholly Loved:
On their website
Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
What resonated with you most in this episode?
What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I’ve often said, I can handle almost anything, if I know it’s coming. I can feel quite anxious and vulnerable, however, when I don’t know what’s ahead. When I don’t know where that assignment might lead, or if a particular where a particular choice might take me. If you can relate, you’ll find encouragement from my friend, Grace Fox’s post.
Finding God in Life’s Unfamiliar Territory
by Grace Fox
One of my friends found herself in unfamiliar territory when her husband died suddenly. They’d just put their house up for sale and signed papers with a contractor to build a new one. Now the major decisions associated with those plans fell on her. Her husband had always managed their family finances. Now that responsibility fell on her.
One day I phoned to ask how she was doing. She talked about facing so many unknowns, and then she said something I’ve always remembered: “I really don’t know what to expect about anything. I’ve never traveled this road before.”
Like my friend, the Israelites also came to unfamiliar territory. They’d already spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. Moses had passed away and God had appointed Joshua to take his place. Now they were camped on the banks of the Jordan River. After three days, the Israelite leaders told them it was time to move on and then gave them instructions for the trip ahead.
“When you see the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, move out from your positions and follow them. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer” (Joshua 3:3-4 NLT*)
The Israelites’ Journey into Unfamiliar Territory
First, the Ark of the Covenant would become the Israelites’ primary focus. The writer mentions it seventeen times in Joshua chapters 3 and 4. It was God’s dwelling place and a visible reminder not only of His presence but also of His covenant relationship with them. He was their God and they were His special possession. They needn’t be afraid as they entered unfamiliar territory because He was fully committed to them and their well-being.
Second, the priests would carry the Ark of the Covenant and lead the way across the Jordan River. This made no sense by human standards. How could a dozen unarmed priests defend the people from enemies living on the opposite shore? They couldn’t, but God could.
God wanted His people to trust Him implicitly. He’d proven His power by rescuing them from Egypt, parting the Red Sea so they could escape the enemy, and caring for their needs in the wilderness for forty years. He proved His power again by stopping the Jordan River’s flow the moment the priests’ feet touched the water. Yes, the people would have to fight God-sized battles as they entered unfamiliar territory, but they could face those battles with courage because God promised to accomplish the victories.
Third, the people would walk a half mile behind the Ark of the Covenant. There were several reasons for this. First, the distance indicated the people’s need to respect God’s holiness. They were not allowed the same access to God that the priests were given, and the distance bore reminder that they could not come into His presence.
Next, the distance between the Ark and the people showed that it didn’t need anyone to protect it. Its position out front made it vulnerable, but God’s presence made it invincible.
Finally, the distance between the Ark and the people ensured its visibility to all. If people had been allowed to crowd around it, others further back would not have been able to see it. God wanted to ensure everyone could see it as a reminder of His presence and care for them as they began their journey into unfamiliar territory.
Crossing the Jordan River led the Israelites into unfamiliar territory. No doubt the journey with its countless unknowns felt unsettling and scary. But God was with them, committed to them, and fighting their battles for them.
Our Journey into Unfamiliar Territory
My friend discovered the same thing in the unfamiliar territory of widowhood. God was with her, He was committed to her, and He fought her battles for her.
Sooner or later, we all travel the road into unfamiliar territory. Suddenly we’re single again, or we’re faced with a medical diagnosis we didn’t expect. Our kids grow up, spread their wings and fly away, leaving an empty nest. We move to a different house down the street or in a different city or across an ocean. We start a new job, or we retire from the job we’ve had for forty years.
Traveling into unfamiliar territory can be unsettling or scary. But friend, we can face our journey with courage because God goes with us and before us. Let’s keep our focus on Him. And let’s move forward with this truth in mind: because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we don’t have to remain distant from God like the Israelites did. While we still give Him the reverence He’s due, we can draw near to Him unafraid. In fact, Hebrews 4:16 says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
The Israelites received God’s mercy and help as they traveled into unfamiliar territory. My friend experienced the same. And so will we.
May I pray for you?
“God, thank You for the lessons You teach us through Your holy Word. We are grateful for accounts such as this, inspired and written for our benefit. When You lead us into unfamiliar territory, help us keep our eyes on You and follow You one step at a time. Give us faith to trust You to fight our battles, and fill us with the desire to draw near to You in bold confidence of Your glad welcome. We love You and are so grateful for Your mercy and care. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Enjoy this song by MercyMe. Imagine—God is with us! Let this truth fill your heart with courage and praise today.
Get to know Grace Fox:
Grace Fox is the author of 12 books, a member of the “First 5” writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries) and a regular contributor to Guideposts’ annual devotional, Mornings With Jesus. She also co-hosts the podcast “Your Daily Bible Verse.” A career missionary for nearly 30 years, Grace lives aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, she and her husband celebrate three grown kids and eleven grandchildren.
Sometimes the road we travel feels lonely or too steep. Often, it winds through dark valleys, follows unfamiliar ways, and leaves us weary from the inside out. With warmth and wisdom, Grace Fox offers you ninety daily devotions to refresh your soul and lead you to a place of joy on the journey. Read and reflect on these gems; let their truth remind you of God’s presence and care. You don’t walk alone, my friend. Each day’s devotion offers a key Bible verse, insights on which to pause, an application question to ponder, and a sentence prayer. You’ll also find an encouraging quote from others who walked a difficult journey but discovered joy along the way.
Readers of these devotions are facing difficult circumstances and need spiritual encouragement in bite-sized pieces. Their greatest need is hope. They need reassurance that God’s love will never let them go. His presence will never leave them, and his strength will carry them through. Fresh Hope for Today addresses these needs as follows: Its overall message directs their minds to God’s character and promises. These bite-size bits of truth will feed their souls and give them the strength and encouragement needed for that day. Devotions are short enough to read and keep their focus even when their minds are on overload. All segments work together to make it easy for readers to recall truth. Relevant quotes reinforce the day’s teaching.
Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses.
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation.
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
On her website
On Instagram
On Facebook
On her Amazon Author Page
Find Jennifer Slattery:
On her website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Find Wholly Loved:
On their website
Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
What resonated with you most in this episode?
What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I don’t like to appear weak or needy. In fact, I will go to great lengths to avoid this and to portray an image of strength, even in the face of weakness. I suspect some of this comes from my slightly stubborn and determined personality. But honestly, most of my insecurities stem from fear and pride. I’m afraid my weaknesses might somehow disqualify me from some future opportunity and might cause others to lose their respect for me.
I didn’t realize I had a fear of weakness until I became physically weak. Some of you know my story—how I grew sick in 2011. And while I’m so much better than I was, I’m still far from the athlete I once considered myself to be. Sometimes, oftentimes, actually, I’m afraid to admit why: I have fibromyalgia, though I hide my symptoms well. I’ve learned to smile through the pain and shake off the fatigue—until I come home. There, nestled in the security of my husband’s love, my true and often hurting self emerges.
Like I indicated, my insecurities stem from a fear of missing out. Of being labeled by my weaknesses rather than my strengths. Of being discounted before I even try. Of having to fight not just my inherent limitations, but other people’s false perceptions as well. In short, my fears stem from a failure to rest in God’s sovereignty and grace.
One hot, summer afternoon, I sensed God’s nudge to share how He’d met me in my struggle—how He became my strength during a time of weakness. But out of fear and shame, I remained quiet. As I explained to God why—all I feared might happen should I step out from behind my carefully erected veneer, He reminded me of a faith-bolstering truth.
He’d called me. Long before I took my first breath, committed my first sin, ran my first triathlon, or acquired my first illness. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV). This means God has a plan for me and my life, a wonderful, eternally significant plan. That plan absolutely must include my current condition, because He set His plan into motion before my diagnosis. What’s more, Psalm 139:16 tells me that every day of my life was recorded in God’s book before a single one came to pass.
But the original Hebrew goes deeper. It says, in essence, “All the days fashioned, or molded into form, for me …” Combined with Ephesians 2:10, this creates an image of a patient, loving, intentional craftsman molding a pliable, not yet perfected lump of clay into His masterpiece. The pushing, squeezing, and molding hurts, absolutely. But never without purpose. Never without hope.
My condition cannot limit the call God’s placed on my life. It may, in fact, reveal that call more clearly. Though I don’t believe He gave me fibromyalgia, He can and will use it to reveal the gospel. As I lean on Him, the only One able to bring strength from my weakness, I proclaim a God bigger than everything hard, broken, tarnished, and incomplete in this world. And as I long for restoration and health, He lifts my heart to thoughts of eternity where He’ll one day make all things right. Where there will be no more pain, no more sickness, no weakness or sin. Nothing but light and life and love as we, God’s children, stand in the presence of the One who is light and love.
So in the meantime, I serve, honestly, faithfully, and authentically, focusing not on how others perceive me but rather how I reveal my God.
Fear of weakness, at its root, is an idolatry problem. It stems from a failure to lose myself completely in my Lord, the One who gave Himself completely for me. I conquer this fear not through fighting for strength but rather choosing surrender. Choosing to lose myself in a battle greater than me.
Let’s talk about this! When has your weakness caused you to rely on God and therefore turned to a strength? When has your strength resulted in self-reliance and therefore turned to a weakness?
Today’s Bible Verse: "and sweep into Judah until it is chin deep. It will spread its wings, submerging your land from one end to the other, O Immanuel." – Isaiah 8:8
Want to listen without the ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/
MEET OUR HOSTS:
JENNIFER SLATTERY is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
Follow Jennifer:
https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/ https://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/
CAROL MCCRACKEN is a Christian communicator who teaches women Biblical truths through real-life application and humor to connect them to their God-given purpose. Carol has been a Bible teacher for twenty years and served on church staff and in women's ministry for three decades.
Follow Carol: https://www.carolmccracken.com/
REVEREND DR. KYLE NORMAN is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.
Follow Rev. Kyle: https://revkylenorman.ca/
JOY A. WILLIAMS is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God. She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women’s Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church. Joy is a wife and mother and she shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog. Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.
Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
Read Joy’s 7-day Bible reading plans: “Live Your Joy Story” and “When Easy Doesn’t Live Here: Living by Faith When Life Is Hard” on the YouVersion Bible app.
JESSICA VAN ROEKEL loves the upside-down life of following Jesus as she journeys to wholeness through brokenness. As an author, speaker, and worship leader, she uses her gifts and experiences to share God’s transformative power to rescue, restore, and renew. She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything.
Jessica and her husband have two adult daughters spreading their wings, and two high schoolers, a son and daughter, fluttering their wings as they edge closer to the nest. Connect with her at welcomegrace.com and reframingrejection.com.
GRACE FOX is the award-winning author of 13 books, a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events, and a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries). She’s also been a career missionary for more than 30 years.
She and her husband have served in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada’s west coast, and currently co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in 30 countries. They live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 13 grandchildren.
Learn about Grace’s books and subscribe to her free resources at https://www.gracefox.com
Follow her: https://www.fb.com/gracefox.author
Learn more about ministry opportunities with International Messengers: https://www.im-canada.ca
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
This is for those of you whose book purchases add up as quickly as mine and who, like me, love to learn about great deals. You can’t get much better than free–the price at which New Hope Publishers/Iron Stream Media is offering my first release Beyond I Do.
Here’s the blurb:
Marriage . . . it’s more than a happily ever after. Eternally more. Ainsley Meadows, raised by a hedonistic mother who cycles through jobs and relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, falls into a predictable and safe relationship with Richard, a self-absorbed, socialite psychiatrist. But as Ainsley’s wedding nears, a battered woman and her child spark a long-forgotten dream, a hidden passion. One that threatens to change everything, including her fiancé. If she wants to embrace God’s best and find lasting love, this security-seeking bride must follow God with reckless abandon and realize that marriage goes Beyond I Do.
The home he doesn’t want could become the family he needs.
Returning home to sell his mother’s struggling farm, Tyler Reyes doesn’t expect the new neighbor to ruin his plans. But when Daria Ellis’s ATV rentals damage the property, working on repairs with the single mom is the only option. Soon the simple agreement turns into kids’ riding lessons and family dinners. With his deadline looming, Tyler knows his biggest challenge will be leaving Texas with his heart intact.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses.
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation.
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
On her website
On Instagram
On Facebook
On her Amazon Author Page
Find Jennifer Slattery:
On her website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Find Wholly Loved:
On their website
Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
What resonated with you most in this episode?
What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
(Taken and adapted from a previous Your Daily Bible Verse podcast episode.)
I often tell my team, If we’re in God’s pocket, nothing else matters. And if we’re not in God’s pocket, nothing else matters. In other words, we want to be squarely, unwaveringly, in the center of God’s will, on the path He has determined for us.
In Proverbs 4:25-26, we read, Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Fix our gaze on whatever it is He’s assigned.
If we’ve been called to parent, may we parent well, with determination and focus, refusing to allow life’s petty inconveniences or empty promises to distract us. If it’s to lead a team at work, may we do so as a deeply loved and empowered child of God, His ambassador. If we’re called to serve the needy or homeless or maybe at risk youth, may we continually be led not by pride or selfishness but the love of Christ.
And so we fix our eyes, because we will face numerous distractions, externally and internally. Fears that will make us doubt that God’s path truly is good. Pride that will deceive us into believing that we can forge our own way. Selfishness that will fill our hearts with lies, making us believe that life and soul-deep joy comes through grasping and striving and gaining rather than living deeply connected to Christ.
This reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, which tells us to focus, unwaveringly, on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. This means we keep Him in the center of our mind, seeking His help and His guidance throughout the day. Because we don’t always know where to walk, do we? But He does. He’s already marked out our path, knows where the potholes and deceptive detours lie, when we’ll need to prepare for a steep and grueling climb. The word our Bibles translate as pioneer or author can also mean captain or chief leader, so we follow Christ’s lead, however He leads.
Sometimes He leads us with a gentle nudge from His Spirit, sometimes with a truth from Scripture. And sometimes with that deep understanding of who He is. Meaning, the more we come to know God, through Bible reading and simply doing life with Him, the more we recognize ways in which He would and wouldn’t direct us.
To put it simply, we’re best able to follow God’s lead when we know God’s heart.
God’s heart for the world, including all the people you and I interact with each day, but also God’s heart for us. It’s easier to follow the One we trust, right? When we know they’re good and always have our best in mind, and that their wisdom is greater than ours.
Oh, the danger of thinking we know best which way to go! Scripture, history, and for most of us, personal experience demonstrates that our plans apart from Christ lead only to destruction and death. Death of relationships. Of dreams. Of opportunities. But following Christ leads to life and increased joy. Always.
And so, when our journey feels tough and our feet begin to slip, we keep stepping toward Jesus, the One who longs to see us thrive.
Author Steve Carter once wrote that he keeps a compass in his pocket, to help him remain focused on his true north, God. We all need those tangible reminders, especially when the world is pulling our eyes in a thousand different directions. To please others, to maybe appease our boss by cutting corners. To chase after numbers rather than personal integrity.
We’re better able to stand strong, when we determine where we will and won’t step before the temptation or difficulty hits. We focus on what’s ahead, that next step, yes, but it’s so much more than that. We also focus on all God’s promises–His perfecting of our souls, how, through this journey, He’s making us whole, and the hope of heaven, where all our pain and struggle will be eradicated for good.
And finally, we make level paths for our feet and take only ways that are firm. This means we think about where we’re going. If we take that step, and then the next, where might we land?
Are we heading the direction God wants us to walk? Are we taking steps of faith or fear? If fear, we are likely trusting in ourselves, and I don’t know about you, but I’m highly aware of how my “wisdom” rates against God’s. I’d much rather follow the brilliance of my Creator than the whims of my emotions or the pull of my temporary desires.
And so, I want to remind myself to pause, contemplate, and align my steps with God’s good, pleasing and perfect will, trusting so long as I keep my gaze fixed on Jesus and live as He leads, He will direct our steps.
Let’s talk about this! When do you find it most challenging to follow God? What helps you to trust in His guidance more fully?
Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses.
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation.
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
On her website
On Instagram
On Facebook
On her Amazon Author Page
Find Jennifer Slattery:
On her website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Find Wholly Loved:
On their website
Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
What resonated with you most in this episode?
What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Sometimes God speaks to our hearts while we quietly read through Scripture. Sometimes He comforts us as we pray or listen to praise music. And as you’ll see in my guest’s post today, other times He uses someone unexpected to let us know He sees us, loves us, and holds us securely now and forever.
Angels Watching Over Me by Candy Arrington
I stared at the ceiling of pre-op outpatient surgery, wishing I was somewhere else. Earlier, the nurse hustled my husband to the waiting room, believing I was minutes away from my turn in the operating room.
Now, nearly an hour later, I was growing increasingly uneasy. Alone, at the far end of a long room, away from the nurses’ station, I felt my resolve to remain calm dissolving. I willed myself to remain in the bed and not bolt for the door.
As I turned, I saw a little lady moving a push broom across the floor near my bed. She softly hummed “Amazing Grace.” Leaning the broom against the wall, she came to my bedside and straightened the covers, smoothing and tucking as she worked. Gentleness tugged the corners of her mouth into a comforting smile. Her face was unlined and serene.
She placed my hand in hers and patted it in rhythm with her humming. Then she moved to sit in a rocking chair I hadn’t noticed in the shadows. Rocking slowly, she continued her soft humming, a different, but familiar, hymn. I was intrigued. I hadn’t seen her enter the room and now she settled in a dim corner, as if for a visit.
Suddenly leaning forward, she stopped humming and asked, “You’re not scared, are you?” Before I could answer, she followed with, “Don’t be scared, Baby. Jesus, take care of you. You rest. Jesus gonna take care of you.”
The humming resumed. I felt myself beginning to relax. The fear drained away, and my panic evaporated. With a sigh, I felt peace settle over me like a warm blanket. My eyes grew heavy as I gave in to sleep.
Later, I was awakened by a bustling nurse preparing to take me to surgery. Groggily, I looked toward the rocking chair. My visitor was gone. Smiling at the nurse I said, “That was the sweetest little lady. She calmed my fears.”
The nurse looked at me with question mark eyebrows, and said, “What lady? No one else has been in the room.” I explained she must have been a cleaning woman. Again, the nurse gave me a quizzical look, and said, “The cleaning lady went off shift hours ago.” There was no further discussion as she wheeled me into the operating room.
Angels are mentioned numerous times in Scripture. A few include: messenger angels, who appeared to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds (Luke 1-2, Matthew 1:18-25); rescue angels, who opened prison doors (Acts 5:19-20, Acts 16:25-34); an angel leading and guarding the Children of Israel (Exodus 23:20); and worshiping angels (Isaiah 6:2-3).
I’ve often thought of that little lady in pre-op. I guess I’ll never know for sure if she was human or an angel, but I believe God sent a messenger that day to provide comfort in my hour of need.
This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).
About the author: Candy Arrington has written hundreds of articles and devotionals on faith, personal growth, and moving through and beyond difficult life circumstances. Her books include: Life On Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for This Season of Life (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide(B & H Publishing Group). Candy is a native South Carolinian, who gains writing inspiration from historic architecture, vintage photographs, nature, and the application of Biblical principles to everyday life. Learn more about Candy at www.CandyArrington.com, where you can also read her blog, Forward Motion: Moving Beyond What Holds You Back.
Let’s talk about this! When has God loved and encouraged you through someone else? How did that increase your faith? What did that instance reveal regarding His heart for you?
Today’s Bible Verse: "and sweep into Judah until it is chin deep. It will spread its wings, submerging your land from one end to the other, O Immanuel." – Isaiah 8:8
Want to listen without the ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/
MEET OUR HOSTS:
JENNIFER SLATTERY is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
Follow Jennifer:
https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/ https://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/
CAROL MCCRACKEN is a Christian communicator who teaches women Biblical truths through real-life application and humor to connect them to their God-given purpose. Carol has been a Bible teacher for twenty years and served on church staff and in women's ministry for three decades.
Follow Carol: https://www.carolmccracken.com/
REVEREND DR. KYLE NORMAN is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.
Follow Rev. Kyle: https://revkylenorman.ca/
JOY A. WILLIAMS is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God. She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women’s Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church. Joy is a wife and mother and she shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog. Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.
Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
Read Joy’s 7-day Bible reading plans: “Live Your Joy Story” and “When Easy Doesn’t Live Here: Living by Faith When Life Is Hard” on the YouVersion Bible app.
JESSICA VAN ROEKEL loves the upside-down life of following Jesus as she journeys to wholeness through brokenness. As an author, speaker, and worship leader, she uses her gifts and experiences to share God’s transformative power to rescue, restore, and renew. She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything.
Jessica and her husband have two adult daughters spreading their wings, and two high schoolers, a son and daughter, fluttering their wings as they edge closer to the nest. Connect with her at welcomegrace.com and reframingrejection.com.
GRACE FOX is the award-winning author of 13 books, a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events, and a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries). She’s also been a career missionary for more than 30 years.
She and her husband have served in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada’s west coast, and currently co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in 30 countries. They live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 13 grandchildren.
Learn about Grace’s books and subscribe to her free resources at https://www.gracefox.com
Follow her: https://www.fb.com/gracefox.author
Learn more about ministry opportunities with International Messengers: https://www.im-canada.ca
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
May you personally experience Christ as each of these this Christmas.
Prayer prompt:
Jesus, help me experience You and Your love. Help me to sense Your presence throughout the day and to pause to acknowledge this. Help me to experience the soul-deep peace of complete absolution, knowing through faith in You, that I am lavished, surrounded, and completely covered by Your grace. Help me to worship You from a trust-filled, fully yielded heart that I may, daily and progressively, experience Your gift of life. True and vibrant life. And thank You for seeing my need and coming to dwell with me and to remove everything that hinders my relationship with You, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. In Your victorious Name I pray, amen.
Do all the parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday meals this time of year prick your insecurities and create anxiety? Do you find yourself simultaneously enjoying home-baked treats and calculating how many hours at the gym each bite will cost? More importantly, do you ever long for the day when you don't stress about your body? In our photo-shopped, filtered, social media culture, is that even possible? Faith Over Fear guest Rachael Gilbert, author of Image Restored, says yes and shares her inside out approach to learning to feel comfortable in our skin, whatever shape it encompasses.
(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)
Resource Mentioned: Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation.
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
On her website
On Instagram
On Facebook
On her Amazon Author Page
Find Jennifer Slattery:
On her website
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon
Find Wholly Loved:
On their website
Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group
Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group
Discussion/Reflective Questions:
What resonated with you most in this episode?
What body image messages have you absorbed from your social circle?
What body image messages have you received from generations before you?
How often do you put your thoughts "on trial"?
How often do you check your negative thinking against the truth of Scripture?
In what ways might a negative body image be impacting your relationships
How might your life change were you to feel confident in your skin?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode?
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
