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God doesn’t always provide immediate relief, but His presence and power remain constant even when life feels out of control. When you’re facing uncertainty, remembering how God has carried you through past hardships can strengthen your faith and help you trust Him with today’s struggles. Rather than focusing only on when your circumstances will change, you can grow closer to Jesus by learning who He is and relying on His strength. Discover how to find peace amid anxiety, trust God when answers seem delayed, and build a resilient faith that holds firm through life’s fiercest storms. Highlights What Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:41 teaches us about His power and authority Why God doesn’t always provide immediate relief when we face fear, anxiety, and difficult circumstances How life’s storms can reveal doubts and strengthen our understanding of who Jesus truly is Why remembering God’s faithfulness in past struggles can help you trust Him through present challenges How to rely on Christ for lasting peace instead of depending only on changes in your circumstances Why God can use difficult seasons to deepen your faith, develop perseverance, and strengthen your spiritual foundation Practical ways to turn to Jesus in moments of fear and find comfort in His unchanging character and presence Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Encountering the God Able to Calm Our Fiercest StormsBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” - Mark 4:41 Often, when difficulties hit, I want immediate rescue. In the past, when God didn’t respond as I’d hoped, I tended to feel frustrated or abandoned. At times, I even accused Him of ignoring me when I most needed Him. Yet, looking back on our history, I’m able to see how often He used my most challenging circumstances for my good: to liberate me from a harmful behavior, heal a wound, or deepen my faith. While I occasionally still slip into old, panicked responses, this after-event realization strengthens my soul. I’m better able to pause and reflect on all the times He’s rescued me from past storms and what this reveals regarding His power, nature, and heart. I increasingly go from, “Who is this God, who commands even the winds and waves,” to, “This is the One who holds all of Creation, myself included, in His hands.” In the passage surrounding today’s verse, Jesus was teaching the disciples this same truth. This was relatively early in His earthly ministry, and therefore early in His relationship with these men who chose to abandon whatever dreams and goals they held previously because they believed He offered something better.  Although they didn’t yet understand what that meant, and in fact, were operating on false assumptions that kept them from knowing and therefore trusting in Christ’s true nature. They’d accepted Him as the long-promised Messiah, yet their comprehension of what that meant, and what He came to do, remained far too small. They wanted temporary solutions and comfort and freedom from circumstantial oppression (largely, at the hands of the Romans and the religious elite).  But Jesus was doing a much deeper work that would anchor them through all of life’s hardships. And He used the storm recorded in Mark 4 to do so by first making them aware of their need and the fear this evoked.  Consider, He timed His rescue intentionally, with His loving gaze focused on the work He was doing in their souls. He allowed them to feel the full weight of the situation, not out of callousness or rebuke, but rather to allow the doubts and lies lurking in their souls to rise to their awareness.  Imagine if your doctor knew how to give you medication without you realizing it for an illness you didn’t know you had. This would affect you physically, in preventing whatever distress you might experience as your disease progressed, but it wouldn’t deepen your trust in his care. If anything, that might convince you that you didn’t need his intervention. In contrast, your confidence in him is likely to significantly increase if the successful treatment comes after you’ve felt the full weight of your condition and your longing for relief.  Jesus could’ve easily prevented the storm recorded in Mark 4. He could’ve had the disciples wait to enter that boat until after it passed, or never asked them to cross the lake in the first place. But then, they never would’ve reached the place where they exclaimed, with awestruck amazement, “Who is this Man who holds authority over even the wind and waves?!” Again, they knew, before climbing into the boat, that He was the long-promised Messiah. They didn’t realize, however, how insufficient their view of Him in that role was. He was providing an expanded and much more faith-anchoring perspective. To stand strong for all that lay ahead, they needed to recognize Him as more than the Father’s chosen servant or yet another divinely empowered prophet. They needed to see Him as He truly was, and is, God the Son, Co-Creator, in human form.  Through the storm, He also forced them to confront a core need for safety, which only He could fully meet. In this, He was teaching them to rely on Him, rather than themselves, which ultimately positioned them for strength.  Notice, also, His rescue didn’t arrive a moment too late. When all hope seemed lost, and all their fighting against the external chaos left them physically and emotionally spent, He arose and brought enduring, supernatural calm.  This helped develop their endurance and inner grit. The next time they landed in a terrifying situation, they could look back on how He’d carried them through that frightening night and trust that He could, and would, do so again.  Intersecting Life & Faith: God doesn’t change. The same Savior who remained with the disciples in their fear remains with us in ours as well. The same Messiah who knew precisely when to calm the winds and waves understands when our rescue will impact us most as well. His delays might feel frustrating, and at times, deeply unsettling, and that’s okay. He understands our overwhelm, and He longs to comfort us in today’s challenges. But He does so with His gaze fixed on building a faith that, progressively, brings lasting peace.  We reach that place, in part, by turning to Him in crisis, asking for the help we need, but also reminding ourselves of the heart and ways of the One providing it. Because of that, not circumstantial relief is how we develop the rock-solid faith that allows us to thrive, regardless of what life throws at us.  This is a topic with which I’m highly passionate, because it has provided me more relief in my anxiety than temporary “rescue” ever has. And, to build these important truths into my soul, I spent much of August discussing some of God’s most comforting divine attributes. I invite you to peruse my Instagram page to glean from some of those reels and posts. Just Google my name, Jennifer Slattery, to find me and more of my faith-building content.    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Following God doesn’t always mean taking the easiest path. Sometimes faith requires perseverance when you’re tired, uncertain, or unable to see how things will work out. Yet true worship is about more than singing songs or gathering with other believers. It’s a daily choice to honor God, trust His promises, and remain faithful even when the journey feels long and the destination seems far away. When circumstances test your faith, God invites you to keep drawing near to Him through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and praise. Worship can become an expression of trust when you don’t have all the answers or when following God costs you something. Rather than allowing exhaustion, disappointment, or uncertainty to pull you away from Him, you can learn to recognize His faithfulness along the way. Discover how to persevere in your walk with God, worship Him through challenging seasons, and find renewed strength by keeping your heart focused on His presence. Highlights Why worship sometimes requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to trust God through uncertainty How following God faithfully can mean choosing the difficult path instead of the easiest one Ways to worship God when you feel tired, discouraged, or unsure of what lies ahead Why worship involves daily trust and obedience, not just singing or attending church How prayer and Scripture can strengthen your faith during a long or challenging season How to recognize God’s faithfulness even when you haven’t reached your destination Practical ways to keep your heart focused on God and continue following Him when the journey feels difficult Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: You Don’t Have to Fear What Hides in the Dark  By Deidre Braley  Bible Reading:Since the children have flesh and blood, (Jesus) too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. - Hebrews 2:14-15 Our children have become afraid of the dark. Our daughter sleeps with her door open now, to let in a crack of light, and many nights after bedtime, our son wanders out of his room and calls down the stairs for me.  “I’m scared,” he will say, bleary-eyed and slumping. In the cocoon of his room, he imagines the beasts he has read about in his books. He hears noises he can’t identify. He looks outward, and all he can see is darkness, and he shudders to think of whatever lies hidden within it.  Downstairs in the kitchen, all the lights are on, and it still smells like whatever we had for dinner. I am packing lunches, presetting coffee, and wiping down counters. Everything is in order. In this brightly lit space, his fears feel distant, improbable. I am watching over him, and I am certain no beasties will get him tonight. But as I lead him back up the stairs, through the dark hallway, and into his bed once more, it is as though I am seven years old again, too. I see the shadows. I know what it’s like to lie awake, afraid of what hides in the dark. So I lay beside him for a while, then I rub his back and tuck the covers up under his chin, to make sure nothing can get to him there.  And when I wake up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with existential dread and worries about looming disaster and grief, I am no different than my children: in the darkness of my room and my limited understanding, these threats feel as real as real can be. There is no doubt about it—the human experience can be terribly frightening.  What I like to remember during these times is myself as a parent, standing in the brightly lit kitchen, knowing that even if my child is feeling afraid in his particular room, I am presiding over the whole house, and that he is safe and that everything is in order. Though he may not sense it when the lights are turned off in his own bedroom, he is actually surrounded on all sides by light and love and security.   I think it is the same with God and us.  But we are not just contained within his care and the light of his goodness. Because God did not choose to stay in the brightly lit space, where our fears were distant and removed from his reality. Jesus—God in the flesh—came to dwell with humanity and was, as it says in Hebrews, the “pioneer of their salvation” (2:10). He engaged with the darkness and wrestled with the power of death—that darkness that haunts us mortals and keeps us lying wide-eyed and terrified in our bedrooms at night—and came out on the other side gripping the keys to death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). He entered into our greatest nightmare with us so that we wouldn’t have to leave in fear of what hides in the dark all our lives. In doing so, he showed us that he has the final say, that he holds the ultimate power, and that we are children who are surrounded by his light.  Intersecting Faith & Life:  In the book of Revelation, John records what the new creation looked like in the vision he received from God. He writes:  The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.” (21:23-25)  One day we will live in a place where there is no longer any darkness to fear—no beasts hiding in the dark and no dread of the future looming beyond what we can see. Though we long for that place now, we already have a God who is, by his very nature, light and life and love. His glory is already radiant. His power is already all-encompassing. And his presence is already here, through his Spirit dwelling with us. So the next time you wake up in the night and your mind begins to race with worries, try this prayer:  God, I am so afraid, and everything feels so dark. But I know that you are God of the living, and that you are also God of the light. Please come into this darkness with me and illuminate it with your presence. Please help me to see my circumstances from your standpoint: in a brightly lit place, totally surrounded by light. Amen.  Further Reading: Hebrews 2Revelation 21   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when worshiping God requires sacrifice, patience, or a long journey through difficult circumstances? Following God doesn’t always mean taking the easiest path. Sometimes faith requires perseverance when you’re tired, uncertain, or unable to see how things will work out. Yet true worship is about more than singing songs or gathering with other believers. It’s a daily choice to honor God, trust His promises, and remain faithful even when the journey feels long and the destination seems far away. When circumstances test your faith, God invites you to keep drawing near to Him through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and praise. Worship can become an expression of trust when you don’t have all the answers or when following God costs you something. Rather than allowing exhaustion, disappointment, or uncertainty to pull you away from Him, you can learn to recognize His faithfulness along the way. Discover how to persevere in your walk with God, worship Him through challenging seasons, and find renewed strength by keeping your heart focused on His presence. Highlights Why worship sometimes requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to trust God through uncertainty How following God faithfully can mean choosing the difficult path instead of the easiest one Ways to worship God when you feel tired, discouraged, or unsure of what lies ahead Why worship involves daily trust and obedience, not just singing or attending church How prayer and Scripture can strengthen your faith during a long or challenging season How to recognize God’s faithfulness even when you haven’t reached your destination Practical ways to keep your heart focused on God and continue following Him when the journey feels difficult Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When Worship Requires a Long Journey By Hannah L. Benson Bible Reading:“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV). When we think of Christmas, we often think of Christmas carols, a baby lying in a manger, shepherds in the field, and wise men bearing gifts to the King of the Jews. But the first Christmas wasn’t as “silent” and “calm” as the carols lead us to believe. Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph endured what may have been a roughly ninety-mile journey to Bethlehem, according to historical geography. And miles away in the east, another journey began, one that would require months of travel across harsh terrain before these travelers ever laid eyes on the King. We don’t know how long the Magi traveled before they arrived in Bethlehem. But Scripture offers an interesting clue: when King Herod inquired about the star’s appearance and eventually ordered the execution of male children in the region, he targeted boys two years old and younger (Matthew 2:16). This means Jesus was likely a toddler already living in a house (Matthew 2:11), suggesting the wise men’s search was not an easy, brief journey, but a relentless, long-term pursuit. The wise men were well-versed in astronomy and had no doubt studied the stars and signs in the sky. It’s also possible they were familiar with Jewish prophecy and the rumblings of the coming Messiah. Either way, the moment they saw the star rise in the east, they knew something amazing had happened and that the long-awaited King of the Jews had been born. We often think of the end of the Magi’s journey, the moment when they fell on their faces before Jesus, worshiped Him, and presented Him with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But we rarely consider the months, or perhaps years, spent traversing desert expanses and rocky terrain. While the book of Matthew doesn’t detail their route, we can infer from historians that day after day, they likely would have faced scorching heat, freezing nights, the constant threat of bandits, and the fatigue of an exhausting journey. Think about it. These wise men traveled across the perilous desert. No doubt they knew one wrong turn could cost them both their lives and the treasures they carried. But no matter what they encountered, God protected them. By the time they arrived at the house where the young King stayed, their treasures were intact, ready to be offered in worship. Imagine their immense joy when they finally arrived where Jesus was. When the star went before them and then rested over the place, Scripture records that they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:9-10 ESV).⁠ What must it have been like to feel that joy course through their veins as the moment they had pursued for so long finally arrived? It’s likely these were wealthy and influential men who chose to humble themselves by traveling to see a King, at the time still a young child. Intersecting Faith & Life: I don’t know what you are going through today. Perhaps you feel like you’re traveling through the proverbial desert or fighting to survive. I wonder if the wise men ever felt like giving up. Surely, the journey was laborious. Did they ever wonder if they would make it in time, if the trek was worth the difficulty? While it may have been difficult, the wise men chose to keep moving forward, trusting that what they would find at the end of their journey would make it all worth it. And once they laid their eyes on Jesus and fell on their knees before the King of the Jews, I’m sure they didn’t think about how hard it was to get there. While we aren’t traveling across a physical desert, our lives as believers are a journey of their own. Keep moving forward. The road may be long and wearying, but the prize waiting at the end, Jesus Himself, makes every single step worth it. Pray with me: Dear Father God, I feel like I’m on a long journey today, and I’m struggling to keep going. Please help me to worship You even when it’s hard and to keep pressing onward to see Your face at the end of this race. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s love for you remains secure. Romans 8:38-39 offers one of the Bible’s most powerful promises: nothing in all creation can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus. No hardship, spiritual power, present struggle, or future uncertainty is greater than His unshakable love. God’s love isn’t something you have to earn through perfect behavior or constant achievement. Even when you fail, He invites you to come to Him with a repentant heart and receive His grace and forgiveness. When rejection or fear makes you question your worth, remembering God’s faithfulness can help you find renewed hope, peace, and belonging in Christ. Discover how to trust His unchanging love through difficult circumstances, release the fear that you’re not good enough, and rest in the assurance that your future remains in the hands of a loving God. Highlights What Romans 8:38-39 reveals about the unbreakable love of God in Christ Jesus How rejection, loneliness, guilt, and shame can cause you to question whether God still loves you Why God’s love isn’t something you have to earn through perfection or good works How to approach God with repentance and receive His grace and forgiveness after making mistakes Why present struggles and future uncertainties cannot separate believers from God’s loving care How remembering God’s past faithfulness can strengthen your confidence in His presence today Practical ways to replace fear and feelings of unworthiness with gratitude for God’s steadfast, eternal love Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love By: Lia Girard Bible Reading:For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39, NIV  If you’ve ever felt unloved or abandoned by anyone here on earth, it can be quite discouraging how quickly it can have you believing that maybe even God rejects you. When people are mean or hurtful, or broken relationships leave you feeling as though you don’t belong anywhere, you might assume that God is also far removed.  Or maybe, there’s a general sense of paranoia that the whole world is turning wicked and God will surely abandon it. This worry can tempt you to distance your heart and wallow in dread. It’s also possible that when you or I have hurt someone else, or hurt ourselves, we can be afraid to bring our mistakes to God for fear of losing his love.  For times like these, or any time you’re battling loneliness, fear, guilt, or shame, Romans 8:38-39 is a balm of truth. This compassionate and eye-opening portion of the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome serves as a promise. Paul wants all believers to know that no life event, timing, distance, external force, spiritual powers, or even death can tear you out of God’s loving care. His embrace is unshakable and eternal.  As an aside, I don’t believe Paul intends these verses as a “pass” to allow evil or sin free rein. He isn’t simply stating, “God stays no matter what you do, so do whatever you want.” He is, however, painting an amazing portrait of an ever-present love, vast enough to send his only son to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). And he says he is “convinced” of it—because he experienced God’s radical and transformative mercy firsthand. The truth is: God never rejects you. Even when you inevitably sin, he is always inviting you to run to Him with a repentant heart and know that he will receive and forgive you. He offers constant, unchanging love that doesn’t waver.  This “love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” also doesn’t require impossible perfection, but rather delights in the way you’re made. You don’t have to perform for God or keep earning his love. He knows and sees everything about you, and loves you anyway.  Paul also includes “neither the present nor the future” in his list of things you may fear will separate you from God. This means you can trust God to be with you today, and every tomorrow. No matter what is happening now, or what transpires in your future financial status, family plans, health, or anything you hold dear, God’s love for you is secure. You can also take comfort in knowing that absolutely no evil power in this world is greater than God. In fact, 1 John 4:4 reminds you: “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Furthermore, John 16:33 explains that Christ has already overcome the world. So if you’re ever feeling unlovable, unworthy, or lonely, and are wondering if God still loves you, hold on to Romans 8:38-39. God’s love isn’t based on your fallibility or your accomplishments. It’s a gift of His grace that’s unstoppable because you are in Christ. As a believer, God has grafted you into the vine of Christ, so you can branch out confidently by the power of his unbreakable love. Intersecting Faith & Life: The next time you start feeling like God only loves you when you’re perfect, try recalling a time when God pulled you through any disaster. Remember, as you look back, a sign from God that showed you that he was holding and loving you. As you focus on his steady love, you can offer a prayer of thanks and gratitude for a God that’s bigger, more powerful, and more loving than “anything else in all creation.” Further Reading: Psalm 136:26 Jeremiah 31:3 Zephaniah 3:17 John 3:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this Bonus Episode of "On The Ground" | Service has the ability to radically change us. God can use serving others to mold and shape our hearts to look more like His. This is what happened in Angie’s life—a volunteer Kristy met while on the ground in Mississippi. Hear how the Lord is using Angie’s testimony to show others that they are never too far from Him. Jason Taft, an assistant director with Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief, met Angie in Mississippi after a tornado tore through the southern part of the state. He was amazed by her skills on the skid-steer, but even more amazed by her story. Angie has known about God her entire life, but she has not always walked with Him. Her upbringing was hard, and her adult life has been marked by many trials and disappointments. When twin tornadoes came through her town, Angie went out and served with U.S. Disaster Relief. She kept going back, day after day.  In her private life, Angie was in active alcoholism and plagued by grief. But when she was serving, she was not drinking. Angie continually cried out to the Lord for help. About a year later, God delivered her from alcohol. Service was the catalyst that the Lord used to change Angie's heart. And now she gets to serve all over the country, using her abilities and sharing her story with homeowners and fellow volunteers. Angie tells Kristy about a particular moment on a deployment when her testimony blessed a room full of volunteers.  “And I believe that God is going to use all of us … And if people will just be brave enough to tell [their] story—it gets raw, but I'm living proof that God can do anything.” – Angie Polk If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Difficult seasons can leave you feeling weary, unproductive, or uncertain about what God is doing in your life. Jeremiah 17:7-8 offers a powerful reminder that those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted beside water, with roots that remain strong even when the heat and drought come. Your circumstances may look bleak, but a season that feels fruitless doesn’t mean your faith has stopped growing or that God has abandoned you. Trusting God isn’t about pretending hardship doesn’t hurt or forcing yourself to feel hopeful. It’s choosing to rely on His character and sovereignty even when you cannot see the outcome. Like a tree growing deeper roots through winter, your relationship with God can strengthen through quiet seasons of prayer, Scripture, and dependence on Him. Discover how to stop measuring your spiritual growth by visible accomplishments, find encouragement in God’s promises, and trust that He can produce lasting fruit in your life—even when all you see are bare branches. Highlights What Jeremiah 17:7-8 teaches about trusting God when life feels uncertain, painful, or unproductive Why a difficult season doesn’t mean your faith is failing or God has stopped working in your life How to choose trust in God’s character and sovereignty when your circumstances feel out of control What bare winter branches teach us about growing deeper spiritual roots during seasons of hardship How prayer, Scripture, and quiet time with God can strengthen your faith when you feel weary Why spiritual growth isn’t always visible and how God can use trials to develop lasting faith Reflection questions to help you recognize where God is inviting you to trust Him and grow beneath the surface Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Bare Branches Can Teach Us about Trust  By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” - Jeremiah 17:7 Every season, I take a quick snapshot of the tree in our front yard. We’ve only lived in our house for a few years, but this tree was obviously planted a decade or more ago. It looms over half of our yard and into the neighbor's yard. I take a picture because as the earth rotates and the weather shifts from cold to warm and then back again, my tree changes. I love every single season of this tree! It is the same tree year-round, but it looks different depending on the weather!  The cycles of trees are not new to those of us who live in a climate that has all four seasons. We know that in the spring, small buds appear and green begins to grow. In summer, trees are filled with flowers and fruit. As fall moves in with colder winds and rain, the tree’s leaves change color and drop to the earth. Winter strips the tree of all color and beauty.  Snow might make the tree look magical, but let’s be honest. This sweet tree in my front yard is not the prettiest during the winter when the branches are barren. As I think about my tree, I can’t help but think of Jeremiah’s tree in the Old Testament. Jeremiah was a prophet filled with sorrow and heartache. He preached during a time of political turmoil and spiritual idolatry. The nation of Judah was on the brink of collapse. Israel had already fallen. The prophet foresees the destruction of the beautiful city of Jerusalem and tries to warn the people. In the midst of his voice of condemnation, we find pockets of hope. In the middle of Jeremiah 17, we read about a tree.  For several chapters, Jeremiah has spoken up about the coming famine, sword, and pestilence waiting for God’s people. Because of their own sin (Jeremiah 17:1-4), they will now have to face the consequences and punishment. For centuries, God has been patient and kind with them, but now He must punish evil. God says that if they return to Him, he will rescue them, but instead, we read that they want to trust in their own abilities and help from outside the people of Israel (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Still, even though doom is coming, God makes a way for His people to find grace, mercy, and hope! Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Maybe you feel like your world is in turmoil, filled with unknowns, heartaches, grief, and loneliness. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the hardest struggles of my life, I can’t even fathom how fruit or flowers can grow in my life. There have been periods of weeks, months, and yes, even years, where I have been so weary that my life feels so unproductive.  I get up, do the bare minimum, and fall into bed each night with not much to show. My house remains messy, my Bible gets dusty on the nightstand, and prayer feels so hollow. How can Jeremiah promise that if we trust the Lord, we will not be anxious, cease to bear fruit, and never fail to have green leaves? How is this even possible during times that feel so barren?  When life is turned inside out, and grief lies like a heavy fog, none of that feels true. Can I tell you a secret? In God’s kingdom and His economy, times of hardship can actually produce fruit!  Notice that first Jeremiah says, “trust in the Lord” twice! That isn’t a typo, but an emphasis. During what might seem like fruitless seasons, our only job is to trust. Friend, let me encourage you that trust is not a feeling but a choice. When everything around us is out of control, God’s sovereignty is not. We trust both God’s character and we trust His control.  The next part of verse seven and verse eight tells us what will happen when we trust. I love that all of these things are not something we muster up or have to do. Remember, all God is asking from us is trust. The original Hebrew word for “trust” means to be bold, confident, and secure. Because we place our faith in God, we have roots, green leaves, and fruit.  The roots are the most important thing about trees. Strong roots anchor the tree so that winds and storms don’t topple it. The roots also provide nutrition. During the winter and cold months, when the branches are bare, the roots are still growing. The tree doesn’t have to provide nutrients to the leaves and fruit, so all of its energy is spent on growing deeper roots. During our winter seasons, as we trust God and lean into Him for strength, reading the Word and praying, we find that our faith is still growing!  On the outside, it might look as if we are barren, empty, and nonproductive. But times of quiet, simple communion with God actually bring about the most productive fruit! Charles Spurgeon said, “Storms help to make the sailors sturdy, and trials help to make Christians strong in faith." Do not look at your time with “barren branches” as unfruitful. God is working in your life. Just because you can’t see how, you can trust that your tree is by the living waters of God. Psalm 1:3 says that those who delight in God’s Word and meditate on it will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”  Intersecting Faith & Life: Some seasons of life look fruitful; others feel like bare branches. But God may be doing His deepest work in places you can see. Instead of measuring this season by what you are accomplishing, consider where your roots are growing. Where is God asking you to trust Him right now? What might He be growing beneath the surface that you cannot yet see? Further Reading:Psalm 1:1-3John 15:4-5 Colossians 2:6-72 Corinthians 4:16-18James 1:2-4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what might happen next. Fear of the unknown can leave you mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, and struggling to find peace in the present. In John 15:4-5, Jesus reminds us to remain in Him because we can do nothing apart from Him. Abiding in Christ means staying connected to Jesus, trusting His guidance, and relying on His strength instead of trying to manage every uncertainty on your own. You don’t have to figure out tomorrow to faithfully follow God today. When anxiety and fear begin to take over, prayer, Scripture, and focusing on Christ can help redirect your thoughts and remind you of His presence. Rather than carrying the weight of every possible outcome, you can ask Jesus to guide your next step and trust Him with what you cannot control. Discover how abiding in Christ can help you release future worries, find peace in difficult seasons, and live each day with greater faith, freedom, and confidence in God’s direction. Highlights What it means to abide in Jesus and why John 15:4-5 calls us to depend on Him How fear of the future can create anxiety and make difficult circumstances feel overwhelming Why following Christ one day at a time can help you release worries about what you cannot control How prayer and focusing on heavenly things can redirect your thoughts toward God’s peace and presence What the disciples’ decision to follow Jesus teaches us about trusting God when the future is uncertain Practical ways to invite Jesus to guide your daily decisions instead of trying to solve every problem at once How remaining connected to Christ can strengthen your faith and help you face life’s challenges with greater peace Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Abide in Him By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you... Apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:4-5 This past year, I went through a season of nothing but trials and difficult circumstances, which left me overwhelmed as new situations hit me every week. Although I wish I could say that was the only time in my life I felt overwhelmed, it was just one of many. As someone who struggles to live in the present, it was especially difficult not to worry about the future. As I thought about all the difficult things I had to face, a myriad of thoughts ran through my mind: What if I can't cope with life? What if an additional bad consequence comes my way? What if there's a situation that I can't handle? These roaming thoughts caused a physical reaction in my body. My hands shook when I awoke in the morning. My heart beat fast and often went throughout the day with nausea and headaches. My physical body manifested the inner turmoil I wrestled with in my mind. As I brought these circumstances to the Lord and poured out my feelings to him, I felt God speak to my soul. Then saw a picture in my mind of Jesus walking ahead of me. Jesus spoke two words to me and then began walking: Follow me.  In that moment, I let go of all the things in the future that worried me. Instead, I focused on my current circumstances. I didn't think about tomorrow or what else might come my way. Instead, I allowed Jesus to order my steps. I felt that if I followed Jesus and took it day by day, I could get through every situation that plagued my mind. These same two words he told me are the same two words he gave his disciples. In that moment, his disciples had a choice: continue living in their old life of comfort and predictability or drop their nets and follow him into a life of complete unknown. The disciples dropped their nets at once and followed Jesus. Because of their faith, God used them to do extraordinary things for the Kingdom. Additionally, I tried to think about heavenly things. Rather than earthly things. I thought about what heaven would be like and envisioned Jesus on his throne alongside his father. When I dwelled on those thoughts rather than my problems, my body stopped shaking, my heart stopped beating fast, and the nausea subsided.  This is a great practice for any of us who struggle with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. Ask Jesus what he wants you to do for that day and that day only. Don't worry about tomorrow, next week, or next month. Don’t worry about the things you cannot control today. As I practiced abiding in Christ and letting Him order my steps, life felt less overwhelming. I was able to tackle many situations, and my emotional state of anxiety was quickly replaced with peace. Do you wish you could live a life in a constant state of abiding in Christ? Do you wish you could live a life with more freedom and less anxiety and fear about the future? Abiding in Christ lets us do that. When we choose to give our every waking moment to him, we can achieve the freedom from fear we desire because that’s what God wants for us. Believe it or not, when we live in fear, that is not God’s will for us.  What do you need to do to abide in Christ today? If Jesus appeared to you today, what would you have to let go of to follow him? What stops you from doing that right now, even if God did not ask you to let it go today?  Abide in Jesus. Let him order your daily steps. He will never lead you astray. Lord, help us to walk in step with you. Remind us that you already know the end of the story. By choosing to live in the present and letting you order our steps, we no longer need to worry about the future. We can accomplish the tasks you have for us simply because we are abiding in you. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you live in a state of fear of the future? How would forgetting your fear and following Christ change that?  Further Reading: Philippians 3:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes the choices that lead us away from God don’t seem harmful at first. Ignoring spiritual conviction, reacting out of anger, compromising our values, or relying on our own understanding can gradually create patterns we later regret. Judges 3:6-7 reveals how the Israelites drifted from God through a series of compromises until they forgot the Lord and turned to other gods. Their story offers a powerful warning about the consequences of ignoring God’s guidance and underestimating the influence of our everyday decisions. Breaking destructive patterns begins with strengthening your relationship with Jesus and learning to trust His heart for you. When anxiety, insecurity, or the desire for acceptance influences your choices, it can be tempting to seek peace and belonging in places that ultimately pull you away from God. Through prayer, obedience, and daily dependence on Christ, you can recognize unhealthy patterns before they take root, respond more wisely in difficult situations, and find lasting peace in His presence. Discover how to guard your heart, resist spiritual compromise, and choose the life God desires for you. Highlights How seemingly small compromises can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and spiritual drift What the Israelites’ choices in Judges 3:6-7 teach us about the consequences of ignoring God’s commands Why anger, insecurity, fear, and the desire for acceptance can lead to decisions we later regret How ignoring the Holy Spirit’s conviction can affect our relationships, choices, and spiritual well-being Why destructive patterns often develop gradually, with one compromise leading to another How to strengthen your relationship with Jesus so you’re less likely to seek peace and fulfillment in unhealthy ways Practical ways to seek God’s wisdom, guard your heart, and choose obedience even when compromise seems easier Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Guarding Our Hearts Against Self-Sabotaging BehaviorsBy Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. - Judges 3:6-7 Sometimes I have little control over the things that make me most anxious or cause me pain and regret. But I’ve also created or intensified issues because I ignored the Lord’s gentle conviction, His leading, or didn’t take the time to seek His guidance. I might have shared, in previous devotions, how Christ empowered me to show grace to an angry and often explosive teenager we fostered. But I don’t believe I’ve yet shared all the times when I, the so-called adult in the room, reacted poorly to the youth’s trauma response or got sucked into an argument that brought immediate regret. Because I didn’t heed Christ’s warning or invitation, before the conflict, to tend to my soul.  Thankfully, the Lord always responds to my failings with grace. But that doesn’t negate the damage I caused from living with my spiritual eyes and ears closed.  Ancient Israel’s history reveals the same pattern. The Lord had well prepared them for this season, long before the fallout hit. This occurred decades after He liberated His people from Egyptian oppression, faithfully led them through the wilderness, and into the land He’d long promised them. But shortly before they stepped into Canaan, God reminded them of all the ways He’d cared for them in the past and presented them with what seems like an easy choice. If they remained true to Him, things would go well. If they rebelled against Him, they’d experience hardship rather than the covenantal blessings laid out in Deuteronomy 28-30. He invited them to choose life; instead, they chose death—by doing one of the very things He warned them against.  They united their souls, in marriage, with the wicked people groups that the Israelites failed, partially in fear and partially from greed, to drive from the land.  They chose death, likely believing they were choosing life. Relationships, connection, family—and likely, peace with the militant people groups surrounding them.  In the moment, their actions probably seemed inconsequential. Maybe they believed their faith was strong enough to withstand compromise. Or, perhaps they thought the men and women they married offered something the Lord could not or would not—security, belonging, acceptance, and peace. Regardless, it’s safe to say, they didn’t realize or consider where their actions might lead and the intense pain they and their families, children included, would endure.  Though, their journey toward rebellion didn’t begin with their wedding. Our sinful behaviors rarely emerge in isolation. Most often, one compromise leads to another, then another, until we find ourselves frighteningly far from God, our source of godliness and self-control.  Notice the progression Scripture records. First, the people failed to obey God’s command to drive the people from the land. Then, they built their homes among them and slowly, but steadily, began to assimilate with their culture, until, eventually, they and the Canaanites became essentially indistinguishable. Although they called themselves God’s chosen people, they lived as His enemies. As verse 7 states, they “forgot” as in rejected, the Lord, and turned instead to a religion rooted in demonic deception.  Intersecting Life & Faith: We humans, haven’t changed much in the generations since. We’re still prone to wander from the Lord, and to downplay the seriousness of our choices. I suspect this stems from our inability to understand and trust Christ’s heart. It’s easy to question the benefits of obedience when we’re not convinced that He truly has our best interests in mind. In the spiritual void this creates, following our wisdom and desires seems not only reasonable, but like the best course of action. The best anecdote for sin, then, is cultivating a deeper connection with the Lord and allowing Him to meet those needs we might otherwise try to satisfy in self-destructive ways.  He alone knows what most makes us feel alive, has the power to provide us with peace and joy, and the desire to do so.  He’s already chosen us, and daily, He invites us to choose Him in return.  And so, my question is, will we? Further Reading:John 15:4-5Hebrews 2:1James 1:14-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As a new season begins, it’s easy to carry old fears, unhealthy habits, and painful memories into the future without realizing how much they affect your peace. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that wisdom and understanding are worth pursuing above everything else. God invites you to reflect on what you’ve experienced, recognize what He has taught you, and release the burdens you were never meant to carry forever. Preparing for a new season isn’t just about decluttering your home or organizing your calendar. It’s also an opportunity to examine your heart, strengthen your faith, and seek God’s wisdom for the road ahead. Through prayer and reflection, you can learn to hold on to the lessons from difficult seasons without continuing to carry their worry. Discover how to surrender yesterday’s burdens to Jesus, recognize the blessings in your life, and move forward with greater clarity, gratitude, and confidence in God’s direction. Highlights Why reflecting on past seasons can help you recognize what is weighing down your heart and mind What Proverbs 4:7 teaches about pursuing God’s wisdom above material possessions and regrets How to release past worries to Jesus while holding on to the valuable lessons you’ve learned Practical ways to declutter your home, calendar, habits, and spiritual life as a new season begins Questions to help you identify your priorities, recognize meaningful relationships, and understand what brings lasting peace How prayer and gratitude can help you appreciate God’s blessings and prepare for what comes next Why moving forward in faith means keeping your eyes on the future rather than remaining stuck in the past Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Are You Carrying into the Next Season? By: Lia Girard Bible Reading: The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. — Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) As a Christian, I'm very familiar with the truth that Jesus’ yoke is light. That taking his teachings to heart and living by them is liberating. He offers each of us the continual opportunity to cast our cares on him and trust him for the outcome. I know this can relieve me of weighty mental and spiritual burdens.  Yet I still have to make myself stop and take inventory. Because I can collect a lot of worries along my way. I can wind up choosing to carry around some unnecessary things season after season, or year after year ... because I haven't learned to let go of their memory. What’s more, their buildup can start to control the way I’m living now.  Have you ever noticed this habit in yourself? It’s natural. Each of us accumulates experiences that wind up causing a multitude of effects in our lives and hearts. However, thanks to new mercies, tomorrow is always a new day, and a new year is always ahead.  Wherever and however you live, you may encounter seasons when it feels right to examine your life spiritually and physically to prepare for the months ahead. In any of these time passages, you may decide to declutter your home, your calendar, your perspective, or your heart. Even though life up to now may have cost you time, money, or peace, Proverbs 4:7 advises that the best thing to bring forward with you is the wisdom you find in it all.  This isn’t to say you can’t own boxes of seasonal decorations or keep special items. It’s to encourage you to explore what might be weighing you down, and then decide what you’ll carry. Parsing through all you’ve gathered seasonally is a practical way to discern wisdom. You can then lay things of the past at the feet of Jesus, and move forward enlightened. You can also look to the book of Proverbs for direction. A large portion of this treasury was authored by King Solomon to teach us the value of wisdom. He asserts that wisdom is “the principal thing” to gain in life and urges it above all else.  I find it interesting that a leader who likely had amassed a family and a comfortable life doesn’t advise you and me to hold on to things, riches, or regrets. In fact, he says that wisdom is worth the cost of all you have. Throughout Proverbs 4, King Solomon explains that the wisdom you gain (otherwise known as the valuable lessons that are maturing you) can guard your heart, keep you on the right path, and protect you from ruin.  So, what has this past season taught you about what you value most? Have there been special places, people, or purchases that have entered your life or continue to shape you? Have you noticed a habit or commitment that’s making a positive impact? What does all of this show you about what kind of life brings you peace, and what kind of person you desire to be?  As you look forward to what’s next on your calendar, I hope you make time to answer questions like these for yourself. And then you can, as Proverbs 4:25 advises, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you,” and keep on learning.  Intersecting Faith & Life: As a new season approaches, consider these ideas: Mark off time to bring your past burdens to God in prayer and ask for His wisdom Pencil a decluttering day on your calendar and donate at least one physical item from your life that no longer serves you and could serve someone in need Try to articulate the lesson learned from a hard season and commit to holding on to the wisdom, not the worry List three things, blessings, or relationships that you truly love and thank God for them Make yourself a promise to spend a little less money on purchases and a little more time with people who need you, including yourself  Further Reading: Isaiah 43:18-19 2 Corinthians 5:17 Romans 12:2 Philippians 3:13-14   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you praise God when life hurts, prayers seem unanswered, or circumstances feel overwhelming? It’s often easy to worship God when life is going well, but praising Him through grief, disappointment, fear, and uncertainty requires a deeper kind of faith. Hebrews 13:15 calls Christians to offer God a continual sacrifice of praise through Jesus—not because every situation feels good, but because God remains worthy of our trust and worship in every season. A sacrifice of praise means choosing to turn toward God even when your emotions make worship difficult. Through prayer, Scripture, and songs of worship, you can bring your pain to God rather than facing your struggles alone. The story of Job reminds us that we may not always understand why suffering happens, but we can continue trusting God’s character and faithfulness. When you shift your focus from the size of your problems to the greatness of God, praise can help strengthen your faith, renew your perspective, and remind you that His presence is with you through every storm. Highlights What Hebrews 13:15 means when it calls believers to offer a continual sacrifice of praise Why praising God during pain and uncertainty requires intentional faith How Job’s response to suffering demonstrates trust in God during devastating circumstances Practical ways to worship God when you feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or distant from Him How praise can shift your focus from your problems to God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness Why you can trust God even when you don’t understand why He allows difficult seasons How prayer, worship, and praise songs can encourage you to persevere and find renewed hope in Christ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Power of Praise By Alexis A. Goring  Bible Reading:“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” - Hebrews 13:15 (NLT) Lately, God has been teaching me to worship Him through tough times and praise Him through my problems. He is teaching me how to turn my pain into prayers because He is always listening and He has all the resources I need. God led me to the verse in Hebrews 13:15, which tells us, as followers of Jesus Christ, to “offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God”. But what does that mean? Let’s explore this and learn how to apply Biblical advice to our daily lives. We can start by understanding what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise.  According to Google, “A sacrifice of praise is the act of thanking and honoring God during difficult times, even when you do not feel happy or grateful,” and “In ancient times, a sacrifice cost the worshipper something valuable, like an animal or grain. A ‘sacrifice of praise’ means your worship costs you something, too. It requires you to put aside your sadness, pain, or complaints to focus on God's goodness.” In addition, the search results said, “It is easy to praise God when life is good. A sacrifice of praise happens when life is hard, but you praise God anyway because of who He is, not just what He does. A real sacrifice requires giving up something valuable. In this context, you sacrifice your right to complain, your self-pity, or your temporary negative emotions to honor God. Scripture defines this sacrifice as verbal acknowledgment—using your words, prayers, and songs to confess and magnify God's name rather than staying silent in despair. The command is not to praise only when it is convenient or emotional, but to maintain a steady posture of trust in all seasons.” The key characteristics that define offering a sacrifice of praise are that it is costly because “it takes real emotional and spiritual effort when you are hurting or grieving.” It is intentional because you “choose to praise God based on who He is, not based on your current feelings or life circumstances.” And it is continual because “the Bible says to offer this praise continually, meaning it does not stop when hard times start” (Google AI Overview).  Examples of offering a sacrifice of praise in our modern-day life include, but are not limited to: Praising God after losing your job, becoming ill, or having your heart broken by someone you love, choosing to thank God for everything instead of complaining to Him when your burdens feel too heavy, and nothing seems to be going right. You can also choose to go to church and engage in the worship service and pray to God, even when you feel tired and depressed or distant from Him. A Biblical example of offering a sacrifice of praise is in the Bible story about Job. It is a true story about a righteous and wealthy man who lost everything and almost everyone he held dear—from his children to his livestock—yet he chose to keep his faith in God and trust Him through this deep suffering. According to Job 13:15 (NKJV), he said this about God: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Sometimes God may not tell us why He allows suffering in our lives, but He does tell us in His Word (The Holy Bible) that we can trust Him and He will work everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). God taught me that knowing Him is better than knowing “why”. It is a lesson I am still learning today.  In closing, I’d like to discuss how praise has power. Simply said by a Google search with AI Overview, “Praising God has power because it shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness, inviting His presence and realigning our hearts with His truth.” I’m learning that when we choose to praise God, then we turn the worry of our problems into worship of the One who knows all and can solve every problem. Worshipping God invites His Presence into our situation and can give us perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Praising God through the storms of life helps us to stop magnifying our problems and instead, magnify God, who is the problem-solver.  Finally, praising God can serve as a weapon in spiritual warfare. We can receive a breakthrough by taking our pain to the Throne of God (Hebrews 4:16) and asking Him to defeat the forces of darkness and shine His Light into our lives. He’s ready and willing to intervene on our behalf. Praising and worshipping God through the trials of life reminds us that God’s strength is greater than any obstacle we may face. We can overcome anything with His help. Before you go, please read “What Does a Sacrifice of Praise Mean?” by Robert Hampshire. I also suggest you read my devotional about the Bible story of Job to learn how God taught me that knowing Him is better than knowing why He allows suffering in our lives: “When You Want to Know Why.” Lastly, I’d like for you to listen to and reflect on these five songs (listed below): Song of Reflection #1: “Praise is What I Do” by Shekinah Glory Ministry. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE.  Song of Reflection #3: “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “When You Praise” by Fred Hammond. Listen to it HERE.  Song of Reflection #5: “Overcomer” by Mandisa. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: Next time you feel defeated or depressed, will you try praising God through your pain and offer Him a sacrifice of praise? Further Reading: Psalm 42:11 Psalm 50:23 Psalm 107:22 James 1:2-4 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

direction, He can renew your strength, deepen your faith, and fill your life with hope and peace. Like a well-watered garden or a spring that never runs dry, your renewed relationship with God can also become a source of encouragement and life for the people around you. Highlights How to recognize spiritual dryness and find your way back to a vibrant relationship with God What Isaiah 58:11 promises about God’s guidance, provision, and spiritual renewal How the restoration of Beaver Marsh illustrates the possibility of new life after damage and neglect Why prayer, Scripture, and listening to the Holy Spirit are essential for discerning God’s direction How taking small steps of obedience can help you experience God’s restoration in everyday life Why relying on God rather than trying to solve every problem alone can bring renewed strength and peace Practical questions to help you identify spiritually dry areas of your life and begin following God toward renewal Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Will Guide You Back to Life By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” – Isaiah 58:11, NIV Walking along the boardwalk at the Beaver Marsh in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I was amazed at how this thriving wetland had come back to life. For decades, the site was a junkyard filled with old cars. In the 1980s, inspired by a shared desire to care for God’s creation, community volunteers and park staff came together to haul away tons of trash and clean up the landscape. Then, beavers reintroduced to the area built a dam across a nearby canal, which naturally flooded the land that had been a marsh years ago. Dormant seeds that had been waiting for water activated and started growing into marsh plants again. What was once a damaged dump transformed into a thriving wetland filled with water lilies, birds, turtles, beavers, river otters, and more. The Beaver Marsh is a wonderful reminder that no matter how damaged something appears, it can be restored when people follow God’s guidance to take good care of it. Just like the land at the Beaver Marsh was dry before it was restored physically, you might feel dry spiritually right now – finding it hard to find God. Spiritual dryness can feel like walking through “a sun-scorched land” like Isaiah 58:11 describes. You can become stressed and exhausted, just like you would if you were physically walking through a dry desert without water. But if you seek God with all your heart, you’ll find him, and you’ll be blessed by being able to perceive God’s guidance. This verse promises that God will satisfy your needs and strengthen you. In the process, you’ll be like “a well-watered garden” – just like the Beaver Marsh is thriving. Since God gives you Living Water spiritually, you can rely on him for whatever you need to thrive. You can start thriving when you stop trying to solve your problems on your own and instead invite God to show you the way to solutions. To find God’s guidance, you need to prioritize talking to God in prayer and listening to God in meditation. You can just pray something simple, like: “God, please help me know what to do today.” But talking to God is only half of the conversation. When you meditate on God’s messages to you in the Bible and listen for God speaking to you through His Holy Spirit, you can find the guidance you need. Then, when you put that guidance into action and follow where God guides you, you’ll see restoration happen in your life. Whenever you do what God asks – even by taking a few small steps in the direction where God is leading you – you’ll experience God’s answers to your prayers. As you follow God’s guidance day by day, your life will start to bloom like a well-watered garden. A garden with plenty of water stays green and growing even on hot days. Following God helps you make good choices, saves you from getting lost on wrong paths, and helps you thrive in every part of your life. God also promises that you’ll become like a fresh water spring that never runs out. All the hope and peace God gives you will flow through your life like a spring and spill over into the lives of your friends and family. When you listen to God and follow his guidance, you can step out of spiritual dryness and come back to life spiritually through renewal and revival! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how seeking and following God’s guidance will help you thrive, reflect on these questions: What areas of your life currently feel “sun-scorched” and how can you seek God’s help to bring those situations back to life with his living water?  How do you feel most connected to God’s guidance day by day?  What is a recent piece of wisdom from God that you feel called to act on right now?  What makes it challenging to follow God’s guidance instead of relying on your own plans, and what helps you trust God as he leads you?  What changes do you notice in yourself when you choose to seek and follow God’s guidance? Further Reading: Psalm 23:2-3 Jeremiah 17:7-8 Psalm 32:8 Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 32:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why can the fall season bring both beautiful memories and painful reminders of loss? Autumn’s changing leaves, cooler weather, and familiar traditions can stir up feelings of gratitude and joy, but they can also bring grief, loneliness, and memories of difficult experiences. If fall is a challenging season for you, you don’t have to ignore your pain to appreciate the beauty around you. God’s love remains present through both joyful memories and sorrowful days. Deuteronomy 32:7 encourages us to remember the past and learn from the generations before us. Reflecting on meaningful memories can remind us of God’s goodness, even when life feels heavy. Whether you’re remembering loved ones, processing grief, or hoping to create happier memories this year, you can invite God into the process of healing. By slowing down, spending time in nature, connecting with others, and noticing the beauty of His creation, you can begin to experience His comfort and recognize His faithfulness throughout every season of life. Highlights Why autumn can bring both cherished memories and painful reminders of loss How to find God’s beauty and goodness even when the fall season feels difficult What Deuteronomy 32:7 teaches us about remembering the past and learning from earlier generations How reflecting on happy memories can offer comfort during seasons of grief Why God’s love remains constant through both joyful and sorrowful experiences Practical ways to create new fall memories through nature, relationships, and prayer Encouragement to invite God into your healing and discover fresh hope during a difficult season Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Beauty and Memories of FallBy Vivian Bricker  Bible Reading:“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7).  What comes to mind when you think of fall? The beautiful flowers, the cooler weather, or Thanksgiving? Fall holds cherished memories for many, but perhaps fall also brings up painful memories for you. Maybe you are reminded of the death of a loved one, or a painful experience at work, home life, or within your family. Even though fall may carry a heavy weight with it, we can still stop and admire God’s beauty. His love is richly poured out on us, even if we cannot see it at the time.  This fall, slow down and listen for the crunch of the leaves below your feet. Stop and watch the leaves fall; take special note of the colors: the vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves surrounding you. These are all blessings from God, even if the season may be sorrowful.  Allow God to heal your wounds with His love. Fall time may continue to be painful; however, God’s love will always prevail (Romans 8:37-39). He is with you through every dark, gloomy autumn day as well as every sunny, beautiful day. Through the good and the bad, He goes before you.  Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7). The “days of old” can refer to your present life as well. Think about the happy falls – the ones full of memories, love, and joy.  When the days grow dark, reflect upon these brighter days. Perhaps your parents used to take you outside to jump in the leaves after they fell from the trees, or you would take a nature walk together. God’s fingerprints are across the fall season; you might just have to slow down, take in the moment, and reflect upon His grace.  If you cannot recall a happy memory of fall, ask the Lord to help you create a few this year. You could pray, “Dear Jesus, in the past, fall has only been full of pain. I dread when fall comes around each year because it is a reminder of everything and everyone I have lost. Despite this challenging time, help me to heal and form happier memories. Bring loved ones into my life who will make me smile, laugh, and see the beauty of You again. In Your brilliant Name, I pray, Amen.” Never underestimate what God can do in your life; He can make a way when there is no way. Challenge yourself to also connect with others and nature this fall season. Go out to an apple orchard, take a hike somewhere beautiful, or take time to simply sit in your garden. Talk to God while you are out in nature and allow His beauty to move your soul. His love, grace, and blessings will be poured abundantly into your heart.  What memories do you associate with fall time? Are they happy or sorrowful? What new memories do you want to form this year?  Further Reading:  1 Kings 19:11-13 James 1:17 Zephaniah 3:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever wish you could change parts of your past, your circumstances, or the things that make you feel inadequate? It’s easy to believe that our weaknesses, disappointments, family struggles, or painful experiences make us less useful to God. But the Bible reminds us that God doesn’t require a perfect past or impressive qualifications to work through our lives. He calls us to trust Him and take the next step in faith, even when we don’t feel equipped. In Judges 6:15-16, Gideon questions how God could use someone with his background and limitations, but God responds with a promise: “I will be with you.” This powerful reminder shows us that our usefulness to God depends not on our strength, but on His presence. Although we don’t have to pretend painful experiences were good, we can trust God to redeem our stories, shape our character, and use even the parts we wish were different to grow our faith and help others. Highlights Why we often view our weaknesses, painful experiences, and limitations as reasons God cannot use us What Gideon’s story in Judges 6:15-16 teaches us about trusting God when we feel inadequate Why God’s presence matters more than our qualifications, abilities, or past experiences How difficult seasons can develop compassion, humility, wisdom, and deeper dependence on God Why trusting God’s redemption doesn’t require us to pretend painful experiences were good How 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness Encouragement to stop treating your past as a disqualification and trust God to use your story for His purposes Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Can Use the Part of Your Story You Wish Were Different  By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” - Judges 6:15-16 If God had handed twenty-four-year-old Sarah a list of everything she would eventually be responsible for, she might have handed it right back. As a young new mom, I had no idea the journey God would put me on as I started out through motherhood.  I did not feel particularly equipped to bring a newborn home that spring morning, but I did.  As the years moved on, I found myself adding more and more children (we ended up with five). Homeschooling was next on the agenda, and then God gave us a special-needs daughter. After that, God moved our family to a foreign country, then moved us back. So many parts of my story I have wished to be different. There were moments of tears and heartache. In those times, I didn’t really see how God would use this part. Of my…. Most of us have circumstances, weaknesses, disappointments, and limitations we would change if we could. We assume that these unwanted parts of our life make us less useful to God. So many years later, I’m learning that we often believe God needs a more qualified version of us, but in reality, He only needs a willing heart.  Gideon looked at his own story and saw reasons God couldn't use him. God saw something entirely different. In Judges 6:14-15, we read that God calls Gideon to rescue the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon’s immediate response was to list all of the reasons why he shouldn’t be God’s leader. Gideon essentially asks, How could someone with my background possibly do this? We do something similar when we look at our past, personality, family circumstances, weaknesses, disappointments, or lack of resources. We often see our limitations as disqualifications. But. God didn’t change Gideon’s story before he called him. God’s answer to Gideon is the same answer God gives us. Judges 6:16 says, “But I will be with you.”  Notice that God didn’t correct Gideon's assessment of his circumstances. What Gideon said was true. He was who he said he was. God didn’t change anything about Gidoen’s family, background, or resume. It would be God's presence—not Gideon's qualifications—that would make the difference. God doesn't need to rewrite your past before He can use your present. The Bible is filled with the truth that God works with those who are weak. God does not use us despite our weakness, but through our weakness. He does this so His strength is visible and He gets the glory!  Not only that, but parts of your story have provided deep spiritual growth in your life. There might be things you learned, experienced, and grown in while facing the hardships that you wouldn’t have otherwise done. If you removed the hard parts of your past, you might not have developed the compassion you now have. Or maybe you learned dependence and humility in a deeper way. God certainly grants us wisdom and faith while going through storms.  We may not always understand why God allowed something, and we don't need to call painful things good. But we can trust that God is able to redeem what we would never have chosen. Your weakness does not limit God's strength. Gideon's confidence couldn't ultimately come from discovering something impressive about himself. It came from God’s presence. If God is asking you to do a new type of work, step into a new role, or take on more responsibility, remember that it isn’t about “being enough.” It is all about God's promise: “I will be with you.” When our usefulness in God's kingdom rests more on His sufficiency than ours, we find that we are already equipped for what God is calling us to do.  Maybe there is a chapter of your life you still wish you could rewrite. You don't have to pretend it didn't hurt or wish it had happened differently. But you also don't have to believe it disqualifies you. The God who looked at Gideon in all his weakness and said, “I will be with you,” is still the God who works through imperfect people and imperfect stories today. If I could sit beside that twenty-four-year-old version of myself today, I wouldn't hand her a list of everything coming. That would be overwhelming! Honestly, I wouldn't even give her a warning. Preparing for hardship doesn’t often help. Instead, I would simply say: God is with you. He always has been and always will be. Looking back, I can see that God didn't always change the circumstances I wished were different. Instead, he used them to change me. Yes, some will be hard, but in the hard things, there will be so many good things. God’s goodness shines so bright when we rest in His character! Friend, those parts of your story have made you who you are. God does not make mistakes. Even if you wish you had a different background, different abilities, different circumstances, or even a different personality, God is ready and willing right now to use you. He has created you with care and love. Nothing He does is a mistake!   Gideon's story reminds us that God isn't searching for the person with the perfect résumé. He is looking for people willing to trust Him. Whatever God places in front of you today, you don't need to know whether you are strong enough. You only need to remember the promise that was enough for Gideon: “I will be with you.” Intersecting Faith & Life: What parts of your story do you wish were different?  Do you use these things as excuses not to follow God’s call in your life? Today, ask God to help you trust that He is with you. His presence is enough.  Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 1 Corinthians 1:26-29  Exodus 4:10-12  Psalm 139:13-16 Ephesians 2:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Letting God rake away what is covering your heart means inviting Him to reveal unhealthy attitudes, heal old wounds, and clear away anything keeping you from growing closer to Him. Through prayer, Scripture, repentance, and honest reflection, we can begin releasing the burdens we were never meant to carry alone. Although this process may feel uncomfortable, God’s loving correction brings freedom and creates room for spiritual renewal. As you surrender your heart to Him, you can experience His grace more deeply and make space for the peace, joy, and growth He desires for your life. Highlights How emotional wounds, bitterness, fear, and distractions can keep us from drawing closer to God Why examining your heart is an important part of spiritual growth and renewal How God can reveal hidden attitudes and burdens that need healing Why surrendering painful experiences to God can open the door to greater peace and freedom How prayer, Scripture, and repentance help us clear away spiritual obstacles Why allowing God to change your heart requires honesty, humility, and trust Encouragement to let God remove what is holding you back and make room for deeper faith and lasting spiritual growth Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Letting God Rake Away What Is Covering Your Heart By: Lia Girard Bible Reading: I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. – Psalm 139:11-12, NLT I love the way fallen leaves in autumn cover landscapes across many parts of the world. It feels like a song of sweet surrender, as vivid colors float everywhere, then fade into nutrients for the soil. Carpets of fall foliage on lawns, parks, or fields always look so purposeful and romantic to me. But when we live in modern, manicured places, we often rake these leaves into piles, either composting them for reuse or disposing of them. It’s a common seasonal sight, though I’m still not sure if it’s better to rake or not rake the leaves that grace our lives. It’s always interesting to me that we don’t need to rake wild forests. They remain entirely in God’s hands.  However, when it comes to my heart and yours, let’s consider that God may do some spiritual raking. Because sometimes we want to hide ourselves, our feelings, our habits, our lack of faith, from God. That’s why Psalm 139 lays out clearly that God sees everything, anyway.  In fact, Psalm 139:11-12 proclaims that “even in darkness I cannot hide from you.” This entire psalm rejoices that you can turn to God and ask him to search you, bring you into His light, and lead you on the path of everlasting life. The freedom you gain when you let God “uncover” you is also celebrated in 2 Corinthians 3:16, when Paul says, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Paul is referring to how Moses would cover his face with a veil because the glory of God he reflected was too much for his followers to receive. So, in his New Testament letter, Paul teaches that you and I have been reconciled to God through Jesus. You can let God lift the veil, rake away what you’re hiding under, and fully receive the Holy Spirit within you. There’s no need to bury yourself in secrecy. Not only will God rake away what’s covering hearts, but he will also dig deeper to pull up stones and plant new life. When Ezekiel 36:26 tells us, “and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a new heart of flesh,” it refers to God’s miraculous power to completely transform a hardened heart that has become cold, inflexible, or impenetrable.  This hardening could be the result of self-protection over many years of pain. Or, it could be a heart turned away from reconciliation by unforgiveness. Or, it could be a refusal to share fears and feelings with God. Ezekiel 36:26 is God’s reminder to you and me—that he sees our struggles anyway.  So, even if you don’t see a way to cultivate peace in your own heart, or feel courageous enough to be exposed, God’s promise here is that he can do the work for you, if you let him. You and I can bring our hurting, hiding, hardened hearts to God, and welcome his healing. He will rake away what’s weighing you down, warming and softening your heart.  So the next time you’re working in the yard, or marveling at leaves, remember: John 15 says God is your gardener. Let him rake, prune, and shape you ... so that you will bear much fruit for His glory. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider the beauty of changing seasons, or the work of raking away anything that’s covering something underneath, reflect on these thoughts:  What can you ask God to reveal to you about anything that may be weighing you down? Can you recall a time God pruned you and you were better off for it? If your heart is hurting, how might you pray for God to heal it? Further Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13 Psalm 33:13-14 1 John 3:20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you know when to trust your own instincts and when to wait for God’s guidance? When conflict, difficult decisions, or emotional situations arise, self-reliance can cause us to act or react before seeking God’s wisdom. Judges 1:1-4 offers a powerful picture of what it looks like to turn to God first, ask for His direction, and faithfully follow where He leads. Following Christ doesn’t mean we will always know exactly what to do or receive an immediate answer. God often guides us through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of other believers. As we consistently seek Him in everyday circumstances, we become more attentive to His direction when bigger challenges arise. Learning to follow Christ requires practice, humility, and trust, but we can rest in the assurance that we don’t have to figure out every step on our own. Highlights Why self-reliance can lead us to act or react before seeking God’s guidance What Judges 1:1-4 teaches about turning to God for direction How prayer and Scripture help us develop greater spiritual discernment Why God’s guidance may come through Scripture, other believers, or the Holy Spirit How practicing dependence on God in everyday situations prepares us for bigger challenges What James 1:5 teaches about asking God for wisdom without fear of criticism Encouragement to trust Christ’s leadership rather than trying to figure out every step on your own Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Faithfully Led by ChristBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” - Judges 1:1. Some of my deepest relational wounds were self-inflicted. I’m presently dealing with the painful aftereffects of a situation I created through self-reliance. That’s not to say I never prayed for God’s guidance, or that I didn’t try to follow His lead. I did, frequently. But I also acted on my emotions and perspectives far too often, particularly during times of conflict.  Because of this, at times, I did and said things that hurt the other person and damaged our relationship. In fact, when I consider some of my most painful experiences, I recognize that I brought many of them on myself by acting before receiving God’s guidance, His perspective on the situation, or His strength to love others as He loves me. That’s one reason I find the book of Judges so comforting, because it highlights God’s grace despite humanity’s persistent rebellion.  The people started their new season in the Promised Land well. The Israelites appeared to keep their focus on God and His will, even for some time after Joshua, their former leader, died.  Having witnessed God’s miraculous provision and protection during their desert wanderings, these men and women seemed to recognize how much they needed the Lord’s support. At this point in their history, it appears they didn’t have a strong, central leader—no president, king, or military commander—to follow.  Yet, rather than relying on themselves, they turned to their true, ever-faithful King, the Almighty. They sought His guidance, and He provided, stating in verse 2, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.” Verse 4 records the result: “Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands, and they defeated ten thousand men at Bezek” (Judges 1:4, NASB).  This reminds me of the promise recorded in James 1:5, which reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV). Intersecting Life & Faith: Scripture invites me to come to God with all my concerns, questions, and confusion. When I do, God never responds with frustration or criticism. Instead, He welcomes me close, often comforts and strengthens my soul, and provides the wisdom I need to navigate life’s complexities with discernment and grace.  Sometimes, I “hear” His directions in that moment. Most often, however, His guidance comes later, in His perfect timing, whether that's through Scripture, a conversation with another Christ-follower, or a growing but gentle conviction from the Holy Spirit. I’m learning, I’m most apt to recognize His voice when I practice connecting with Him while tuning my spiritual ears to Him. This intentionality and consistency in everyday experiences help me recognize His voice in situations that feel “high stakes”—like with the relationship I mentioned at the beginning of this devotion. In my present, healing-but-not-yet-whole situation, the Lord provided understanding of the other person’s fears and their hurts I wouldn’t have known otherwise. This reduced my tendency toward defensiveness while increasing my ability to remain focused on the real issue, rather than outward behavior (symptoms). He’s also shown me ways some of my past actions caused harm, along with how I can interact differently in the future.  Not only have these divine insights facilitated relational healing, but they’ve also dramatically reduced my angst by reminding me that I’m not alone. I don’t have to figure out each step; I simply need to follow the One who has promised to lead me to His very best (John 10:10). As I consistently turn to Christ and yield to His Spirit within, I’m better able to follow the example provided in the opening of Judges. As I do, something beautiful occurs. God’s faithfulness deepens my trust and increases my desire to seek His guidance before acting or reacting. Again, this takes practice, intentionality, and consistency, as many of us have spent our entire lives strengthening our self-reliance. Thankfully, we’re not traveling this transformation journey alone. The God who led ancient Israel into the Promised Land longs to guide us through our challenges, big and small, as well.  Consider: How might responding to God's guidance in everyday situations increase your ability to recognize His direction when facing life's bigger battles? And if this is an area you long to grow in, I invite you to join me and my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast for our upcoming series on hearing God. Because the Lord is leading us. The question is, are we alert and responsive to His guidance?  Further Reading:Proverbs 3:5-6Psalm 25:4-5Galatians 5:16, 22-25 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.