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The crabapple tree remained barren through May and June, leaving its caretakers puzzled. A visit to the local garden center revealed a surprising explanation: the winter had been too mild to provide the conditions the tree needed to bloom. In an unexpected way, the tree needed the cold of winter to prepare for the beauty of spring. I sometimes feel sorry for trees in winter. They shed their vibrant canopies and endure bitter winds and freezing temperatures. Without knowing better, we might assume they are lifeless. Yet beneath the surface, something is happening. Their roots continue to grow, reaching deep into the soil for the nourishment they need to survive and flourish. Our spiritual lives often follow a similar pattern. There are seasons when life strips away our sense of security, leaving us exposed to the cold winds of confusion, disappointment, and pain. We may wonder why God allows us to walk through such difficult circumstances. Yet even when we cannot see what He is doing, He can use these seasons to deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him. Winter is not the end of the story. James 1:2-4 reminds us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, helping us grow toward spiritual maturity. Trials are not pleasant, and we do not need to pretend otherwise. But even in our suffering, God remains faithful. He can use what we endure to develop patience, refine our character, and teach us to depend more fully on Him. When winter comes, we have a choice. We can allow discouragement to take root, becoming bitter or withdrawing from God. Or we can turn toward Him, trusting that He is still at work even when we cannot see the evidence. Our circumstances may not change immediately, but our roots can grow deeper as we remain anchored in His presence and promises. The word rooted carries two meaningful ideas: being firmly established in something and being strong enough to withstand what threatens to destroy us. Both describe the life God desires for us in Christ. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:4, KJV). He compared our relationship with Him to branches connected to a vine. Our ability to bear fruit depends not on our own strength but on remaining connected to Him. The fruit others eventually see in our lives—love, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity—grows from that unseen relationship with Jesus. We may wish to bypass the difficult seasons and move straight into spring. Yet spiritual growth often takes place in the quiet, hidden places where our faith is tested and our dependence on God deepens. We learn to pray when answers seem delayed, trust when the way forward is unclear, and hold to God's promises when circumstances offer little reassurance. In time, what God cultivates beneath the surface may become visible in the way we love others, respond to adversity, and reflect His character. Like trees that blossom after winter, we can bear fruit in the season God appoints. If you find yourself in a winter season today, take heart. Your struggle does not mean God has abandoned you, and your lack of visible progress does not mean He is absent. Keep drawing nourishment from His Word, remain steadfast in prayer, and trust Him with the work you cannot yet see. Stay rooted in Christ. Winter will not last forever, and God is faithful in every season. Lord, help me remain rooted in You through every season of life. When trials come and I cannot see what You are doing, strengthen my faith and teach me to trust Your timing. Use every season to deepen my roots, shape my character, and help me bear fruit that brings glory to You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Two artists set out to create paintings that represented perfect peace. The first depicted a carefree woman sitting in a boat on an idyllic lake, its surface undisturbed by even the slightest ripple. The second painted a raging waterfall, with powerful winds whipping the spray through the air. Yet on a branch overhanging the swirling waters, a bird sat peacefully in her nest, sheltered and protected as she brooded over her eggs. The first painting portrayed stillness. The second revealed something deeper: peace in the midst of turmoil. It is easy to associate peace with calm circumstances—a quiet home, a trouble-free season, or a life untouched by unexpected challenges. But true peace is not dependent on everything around us being still. It is the ability to rest in God's care even when the world feels unsettled. Psalm 34:14 gives us this instruction: "Seek peace, and pursue it" (KJV). Notice the action in those words. Peace is something we must seek and pursue. It doesn't always come naturally, nor does it mean we will never experience conflict, disappointment, or fear. Sometimes, pursuing peace requires intentional choices, courageous faith, and a willingness to keep trusting God when circumstances remain difficult. Jesus prepared His disciples for this reality when He said: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NKJV). Jesus did not promise a life free from trouble. Instead, He offered something greater: peace in Him. Our circumstances may be uncertain, our hearts may be burdened, and our questions may remain unanswered, but we can find stability in the One who has already overcome the world. So, what does it mean to seek peace and pursue it? It begins by drawing near to Jesus and allowing His Word to shape our thoughts, responses, and attitudes. It means choosing prayer over panic, extending forgiveness when resentment threatens to take root, and responding with gentleness when conflict tempts us to react in anger. Sometimes pursuing peace means speaking the truth with love. Other times, it means remaining silent rather than adding fuel to a difficult situation. And there are moments when peace requires setting healthy boundaries and trusting God with what we cannot change. Seeking peace does not mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it means inviting God into the middle of our struggles and allowing Him to guide our next steps. We must also remember that pursuing peace is a process, not a one-time event. There will be days when peace feels close and others when we must seek it all over again. We may need to surrender the same worry, release the same hurt, or remind ourselves of God's promises more than once. Yet we can take courage in knowing that God has relentlessly pursued reconciliation with us. As His people, we reflect His heart when we become peacemakers in our homes, churches, relationships, and communities. We may not be able to quiet every storm around us, but we can learn to rest in the faithfulness of the One who stands with us through it. Like the little bird sheltered beside the roaring waterfall, we can find security in God's presence even when life is anything but peaceful. Peace isn't found in a life without storms. It is found in the steadfast presence of Jesus in the midst of them. Lord Jesus, teach me to seek and pursue Your peace in every circumstance. Help me trust You when life feels unsettled, respond with grace when conflict arises, and become a peacemaker in the lives of others. Quiet my heart with the assurance of Your presence, even when the storms around me continue. In Jesus' name, amen.

If you could erase the painful parts of your life story, would you? Psychologist Jonathan Haidt described a thought-provoking hypothetical experiment in which participants were given a summary of someone's life and asked to imagine it as the inevitable journey of their unborn daughter. With an eraser in hand, they had five minutes to remove anything undesirable from her story. What would you erase first? Perhaps you would remove disabilities, accidents, illnesses, disappointments, or broken relationships—the very things you would never wish upon your child. But what if removing those difficulties also erased the experiences through which she would discover God's purpose, develop compassion for others, or find a ministry that could make an eternal difference? The idea of holding the pen represents having control over the story being written. Although we may wish we could edit our lives, we are not the ultimate authors of our stories. God sees the whole picture, even when we can make sense of only one painful paragraph at a time. That doesn't mean every hardship is good or that we must pretend our pain doesn't matter. It means we can trust God to bring redemption, purpose, and hope even from the chapters we would never have chosen for ourselves. Consider Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he endured years of hardship and injustice before seeing God's plan unfold. How many times might he have wished to erase those painful years? Yet God used his circumstances to position him to save countless lives, including those of his own family. Looking back, Joseph recognized God's hand at work and told his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" (Genesis 50:20). Then there is the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well. Her past may have been a source of shame, but her encounter with the Messiah changed everything. Rather than allowing her history to define her future, she shared her testimony with the people of her town, leading many to believe in Jesus (John 4:28-30, 39-42). Her story became a testimony of grace. Even David's story reminds us of the power of redemption. His grievous sin involving Bathsheba and the death of her husband brought devastating consequences. Yet David humbled himself in repentance, and God continued His redemptive work through David's family line. From that lineage came Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. David's story does not excuse his sin; it reminds us that even the darkest chapters do not place us beyond the reach of God's mercy. These biblical accounts reveal a beautiful truth: God can bring purpose from pain, hope from disappointment, and ministry from experiences we would rather forget. We may not understand why certain chapters are part of our stories, but we can trust the One who sees the beginning and the end. Perhaps you are living through a chapter you wish you could erase. Maybe you are carrying the weight of a painful loss, a broken relationship, a personal failure, or a season of uncertainty. You may wonder how anything good could come from what you have endured. You don't have to understand the whole story to surrender it to God. Bring Him your questions, your grief, and your regrets. Allow Him to heal what is broken, teach you through what you have experienced, and show you how your journey might encourage someone else. God's redemptive work does not mean every painful experience will have an explanation we can see in this lifetime. But we can trust His character, His promises, and His ability to work in and through us, even in the most difficult seasons. You may not be able to rewrite your past, but you can place your future in God's hands. The chapter you are struggling to understand today may become part of the testimony that gives someone else hope tomorrow. Don't waste the story God can redeem. Surrender the pen, trust the Author, and let Him write what comes next. Lord, help me trust You with every chapter of my story, even ...

When we admire beauty apart from God, we risk making an idol of what He created. The grandeur of mountain peaks, the beauty of the human form, delicate flowers, and countless other wonders all point to the magnificence of their Creator. When we focus on the creation rather than the One who made it, we give created things a glory that belongs to God alone. Perhaps the problem isn't that we pursue beauty too much, but that we pursue the wrong kind of beauty. There is a beauty worth seeking that surpasses all others and never fades. C. S. Lewis captured this longing when he wrote, "The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing…to find the place where all the beauty came from." King David understood this desire. His greatest longing was to "behold the beauty of the Lord" (Psalm 27:4). He desired to dwell in God's presence and discover more of His holiness, goodness, compassion, grace, and love. The more we come to know the character of God, the more we recognize that He alone is the source of all that is truly beautiful. As Song of Solomon 5:16 declares, "He is altogether lovely." What if we began to measure beauty by how clearly our lives reflect Jesus? True beauty is not found in physical perfection, cultural approval, or the admiration of others. It is revealed as the character of Christ takes shape in us. When we understand our worth in Him, we no longer have to chase the world's shifting standards or depend on others to validate us. Instead, we can embrace the unfading beauty of a life transformed by His presence. We become women who reflect His love, embody His grace, and demonstrate His strength in a world that often defines beauty by outward appearances. Our lives can point others beyond what is temporary to the One whose beauty never fades. But reflecting His beauty begins with knowing Him. If we want our lives to reveal who God is and who He created us to be, we must become students of His beauty. We do this by spending time in His presence, meditating on His Word, and allowing His Spirit to shape our attitudes, choices, and relationships. Darling, you are a work of art. You can display beauty without vanity, influence without manipulation, style without materialism, kindness without passivity, strength without competition, and dignity without compromising your worth. You can transform the world around you through your wit, wisdom, character, and courage—all while creating beauty and embodying love. You are not merely interesting; you are original. You are not simply good enough; you are uniquely gifted. You are not just here; you are here for a purpose. The most beautiful thing about you will never be what the world sees on the outside, but the evidence of Jesus at work within you. So, let your heart pursue the beauty that never fades. Let your words reflect His kindness, your choices reveal His wisdom, and your life testify to His goodness. May your greatest desire be to know Him more deeply until, in every part of your life, your heart can sincerely declare, "Jesus, You're beautiful to me." —Inspired by a reflection from Sarah Dubbeldam

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10 Since childhood I have heard about heaven. My mind cannot imagine what it will be like to leave this world and be in the presence of the Saviour that I have loved and served. The Bible does not give us a lot of detail about what happens after we pass from this life. We know that our soul will return to God, and eventually we will have an immortal body. So many of our ideas of heaven are formed from the hymns that we have sung through the years. In the concluding chapter of Revelation, we read about the New Jerusalem, where the plan of the ages is finally fulfilled. There will be no tears, no sickness, and no sorrow. But the best part will be seeing Jesus face to face and knowing that we will spend eternity with Him. Like Paul may we each be able to say: "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:8 Within the pages of God's Word are promises so great. Eye has not seen nor has ear heard the splendour that awaits. We trust the promise that He gave One day to come again. He paid the price our souls to save And with Him we shall reign. This is the goal we press toward When pearly gates swing wide. Eternity with Christ our Lord Forever at His side. Thought For Today: We are looking for that blessed hope. Devotion by Anne Johnston

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 Those of us who are parents realize that what our children want may not be good for them. We do our best to supply everything that they need but there are times when we must refuse their requests. They may not understand at the time why we say no to some things. Often we know that to give them what they are asking would not be in their best interests. Because our heavenly Father knows what our future holds, He knows what is best for us. He has a plan and a purpose for each of us. He wants us to bring all our requests to Him in prayer. But He does not give us everything we ask for. David said in Psalm 37:25 "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Paul writing to Timothy advised him to be content with his lot in life. I Timothy 6:6-8 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." This verse in Philippians is a promise from the Lord to supply all our needs. We can trust Him to provide us with food, clothing, and shelter. I am thankful for all the other blessings that He provides as well, out of His abundant riches in glory, He blesses us with family, friends, and a beautiful world to enjoy. Psalm 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Sometimes the promises of God are conditional. Psalm 84:11 "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Jeremiah 29:13 "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Thought For Today: What do you need from the Lord? Trust Him today. Devotion by Anne Johnston

"For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5 Without Jesus, where would I be? I am so thankful that I learned about Jesus when I was just a child. As I look back over my life, I am reminded of times when without the Lord, my life might have gone in a different direction. He was there with me through my teenage years, protecting me from getting involved with things that would lead me astray. In every circumstance of life, the Lord has been with me, directing my steps. I thank Him for the wonderful man I was married to for thirty-five years. We were blessed with three wonderful children. The Lord was with us as we faced the challenges of raising them. When my husband went home to be with Jesus, twenty-six years ago, the Lord gave me peace. I proved the Word true, that Jesus would never leave nor forsake me. Thank God for the promises that we can stand on no matter what circumstances life sends our way. Isaiah 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Proverbs 18:24 "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Matthew 28:20 "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" Our world is filled with evil and violence. As we listen to the news each day, it is hard to imagine how wicked mankind has become. I often wonder how people who do not know the Lord Jesus cope with it all. Where would we be without Jesus? I never want to know what that is like. Thought For Today. Give your fears to Jesus and trust His promises. Devotion by Anne Johnston

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 Have you ever asked someone to do something for you and they have replied, "rest assured that it will be done?" In most cases we trust the person and so we go our way, feeling confident that it will happen. What a disappointment it is if someone fails to keep their word. There is always One that will never disappoint us. Whatever God has promised us we can rest assured that it will happen. The scripture above assures us that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in we can go to the Lord for rest. Things that cause us to be heavy laden: Grief – Most of us know what it is like to lose a family member or a beloved friend. Often grief can linger for an extended period. The enemy will try to tell us that God has forsaken us. But remember the promise in Isaiah 53:4 "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." Fear – In a world filled with turmoil and strife, it is easy to let our hearts fill with fear. Fear for the future, fear for our families. But we have a promise. I John 4:18 "but perfect love casteth out fear:" Sickness – As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not immune from all the sickness and disease that is in our world. But remember Exodus 15:26 "for I am the LORD that healeth thee." and Isaiah 53:5 "with his stripes we are healed." Troubling Thoughts – Whenever we find hurts from the past filling our minds, we can bring them to the Lord and He will give us rest. II Corinthians 10;5 "Casting down imaginations, …. and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" What has you burdened down today? Bring it to Jesus and rest assured in Him, He will never fail. Thought For Today: Hebrews 4:9 "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." Devotion by Anne Johnston

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2:38-39 I believe the greatest promise that the Lord gave us is the gift of His Holy Spirit. I was thirteen years old, when I accepted this gift and spoke in tongues for the first time. Although I did not fully realize just what I had received, I still remember the experience. Through the years I have learned that the Holy Spirit is not just a blessing in church but an abiding presence in every moment of my life. Unpacking This Promise: It is free. Isaiah 55:1 "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Offered to all: Acts 2:39 "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off." Young, old, rich, or poor, nobody is excluded. Gives us power to share our experience with others. Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Illuminates the Word of God to us. John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." Guides our steps. Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." It gives us a prayer language. Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." What a wonderful promise this was to the disciples. And it is still offered freely to us today. God is still pouring out His Spirit on whosoever will yield their hearts to Him. Thought For Today: Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? Devotion by Anne Johnston

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." John 10:11 Everyone is familiar with Psalm 23. David was familiar with the work of a shepherd, and in this Psalm He paints a vivid picture of all the benefits the Lord has promised to His people. Today, we will look at some of those promises. Verse 1 "I shall not want." Jesus has promised that He will supply our every need. Verse 2a "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Jesus has promised us rest and provision for our daily bread. Verse 2b "He leadeth me beside the still waters. "Jesus promises peace and safety, a shelter from the storms of life. Verse 3a "He restoreth my soul." Jesus renews our spirits each day. Verse 3b "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness" Jesus guides our steps each day, and when we fail, He leads us back to the path. Verse 4a "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" Jesus promised to be with us even in the dark times in our lives. Verse 4b "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Jesus reproves and corrects, but He does it with love and grace. Verse 5a "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." We can rest in Him, even when the enemy is against us. Verse 5b "thou anointest my head with oil." Jesus has promised that His Holy Spirit will continually fill us with joy and gladness. Verse 6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Jesus has given us hope not only for today, but a promise of a future with Him. So many great and precious promises are in this Psalm. And we can claim them all as ours when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Shepherd. We will consider many of them in greater detail over the next few days. Thought For Today: Take time to read Psalm 23 again and thank the Lord for all the promises He has given us because He is our Shepherd and our guide. Devotion by Anne Johnston

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises." II Peter 1:3-4a KJV Every promise in the book is mine, Every chapter, every verse, every line, All are blessings of His love divine, every promise in the book is mine! Do you remember singing this chorus at Sunday School? It is a catchy tune and easy to sing but is it true? Is every promise given in scripture one we can claim as ours? God always keeps His promises. Solomon stressed this in his speech at the dedication of the temple in 1Kings 8:56 "Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise." Personally, there are some promises that I read, especially in the books of the prophets, that I do not want to claim as mine. As we read of the judgment that the Lord promised to pour out on Israel, we certainly hope that the Lord has not promised that to us. Of course, we can learn from the mistakes they made that caused the judgment to be pronounced. But we do not claim those promises as ours. The Bible does tell us in II Timothy 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Think of the promise that God made to Abraham and Sarah. I cannot imagine having to raise a child at the age they were when God fulfilled His promise to them. So, I do not believe that we can say every promise in the Bible is ours. BUT God has made wonderful promises in the Word that are for you and me today. Over the next few days, we will consider familiar promises that we can trust the Lord to keep. Thought For Today: What is your favourite promise in God's Word? Has it been fulfilled in your life? Devotion by Anne Johnston

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." Psalm 51:10-12 Renew – Restore – Uphold. These three words are lavished with peace and power. Do you remember how excited you were when you started living for God? I was fifteen when I received the Holy Ghost, and I told everyone I could about God's love: my friends, the barista at Starbucks, people waiting at the bus terminal… everyone! I lived out 1 Peter 2:9, "that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." Praise was continually on my lips. Over the years, my excitement has been ignited and quenched. The fire that once blazed vibrantly in my life has been stomped out by people's opinions, criticisms, and even by my own insecurities and sin. My once effervescent passion for God has been tainted by the everyday happenings of life. The good news is that I didn't have to stay in those places because God is a restorer. Have you been there before? Maybe you are in this place right now. If you feel like you have lost your fervent adoration for God, there is hope. I encourage you to read and pray Psalm 51 aloud—God can renew and restore the joy of your salvation. Prayer: Lord, I pray that you would restore the joy of your salvation in my life today. Remind me of where You have brought me from. I am thankful for Your grace and mercy in my life.

"And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is." Genesis 21:14-17. I don't know about you, but when I read Hagar's story, my heart grieves for her. Her life was profoundly shaped by decisions made for her, not by her. She was not wealthy, not a matriarch, and not even free. She was an Egyptian servant girl in Abraham and Sarah's home. I know we can judge the situation with Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, but let's consider Hagar's part of the story. Other people's desires and decisions controlled her life, and even if she had an opinion, it was likely dismissed because of her social status. I can only imagine the weight of expectation she must have carried when her handmaiden told her she was expected to conceive a child on her behalf. And, it seems, when she did conceive, she loved him, clung to her baby, and became a really good, loving mother. Hagar's story took another turn years later when Ishmael was caught mocking Isaac, the promised child. It was during this juncture of life when she and her son were commanded to leave the only home she had known for years of her life. Some seasons in our lives feel like we have been sent away from everything familiar. Some people we thought would be in our lives forever are no longer there. Or we find ourselves in a wilderness that we never intended to enter. This is where we find Hagar and her son Ishmael. Abraham sent Hagar and his son away with some bread and water; honestly, those two things in a desert environment would not sustain anyone for very long. I can only imagine Hagar's anguish when the water runs dry, when the food runs out. She finds shade, places Ishmael under a bush, and weeps nearby. Honestly, I would weep too. Then God speaks through His angel. "I have heard the voice of the lad where he is." Scripture doesn't record what Ishmael said, but it shows that God hears the cry of despair in the wilderness. God hears the voice of the broken. He hears the voice of the bruised and discarded. You may be in a place you never imagined you would be. You may face circumstances you cannot change, carry a burden you cannot explain, or grieve a loss that has left you feeling empty. Perhaps the water has run out, and you have no idea how you will make it through another day. Your present moment does not limit God's ability to reach you. God can provide a future beyond the place you feel your story may end. This is not the end for you, or your children, or your family. There is hope today. So if you find yourself in a wilderness place today, don't give up. Keep trusting God, even when you cannot see the whole picture. Keep praying, even when the words are difficult to find. And keep believing this painful chapter isn't the only chapter; many more pages are still to be added to your story.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV). There is something beautiful about knowing we don't have to be strong all the time. As believers, we often feel the need to keep moving, keep serving, keep showing up, and keep believing, even when life becomes difficult. We remind others to trust God and hold on to His promises, yet sometimes we need that same encouragement ourselves. The truth is, faith does not mean we will never grow weary. Trusting God doesn't mean we will never cry, and walking with Christ doesn't mean we will never have seasons when life feels heavy. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reveals a beautiful promise: God's grace is sufficient for us, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Notice that God does not require us to hide our weakness. He reminds us that His strength is made perfect right in the middle of it. We do not have to pretend we have everything together to experience His grace. We simply have to come to Him as we are. Grace does not always change our circumstances immediately, but it meets us in the middle of them. Be honest with God about what hurts, and bring Him your concerns, disappointments, and the questions you still try to understand. You do not have to find the perfect words or put on a brave face when you enter His presence. The God who created you already knows your heart, and He welcomes your burdens. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us. What a comforting truth! The God who holds the universe in His hands is also concerned about the details of your life. Nothing that weighs on your heart is insignificant to Him. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to bear one another's burdens. We were not created to navigate every hardship alone. God often uses the people around us to remind us of His love and faithfulness. A trusted friend, a faithful brother or sister in Christ, a pastor, or someone willing to listen can encourage us when we need it most. There is no shame in needing support. Sometimes, God answers our prayers for strength by sending people who are willing to help us carry what has become too heavy. Even Jesus received help carrying His cross on the road to Calvary. Luke 23:26 tells us that Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross behind Him. If someone helped carry the cross on the journey to Calvary, we should never be ashamed to acknowledge that we need help along the way, too. As we walk through seasons of grief, disappointment, and change, we may discover that some experiences leave a lasting mark on our hearts. We may never understand every circumstance, and some losses may always hold a tender place within us. But we can keep trusting that God is present in every season. Our hope is not that life will always be easy. Our hope is that God will remain faithful, even when life is hard. Perhaps today you are tired from carrying responsibilities, grieving someone you love, navigating an unexpected loss, or simply trying to find your footing in a season you never anticipated. If so, take a moment to breathe and give yourself permission to rest. Make room for your feelings, spend time in God's presence, and let the people He has placed in your life love you through this season. God's grace is sufficient for this moment, this day, and this season of your life.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) We often hear people say, "God won't give you more than you can bear." Although those words are well-intentioned, they don't exactly reflect what this Scripture says. First Corinthians 10:13 speaks specifically about temptation and God's faithfulness in providing a way for us to endure it. It does not promise we will never face circumstances that feel too heavy to carry. And if we have lived long enough, most of us know what it feels like to reach that place. Have you ever walked through a season of life and wondered how you would make it to the other side? Have you experienced a loss, a disappointment, or a series of hardships that seemed to come one after another? Perhaps you have found yourself smiling in public while privately trying to hold yourself together. Sometimes life happens in ways we never could have prepared for. And sometimes, the very things we are trying to survive are the things we never imagined we would have to face. A few years ago, I sat with a friend visiting from Chicago. We met at a little bistro in Washington, D.C., where we enjoyed coffee, a gentle autumn breeze, and the kind of conversation that nourishes your soul. I have always loved meaningful conversations. I enjoy going beyond the surface and creating space for people to share what is really happening in their lives. That day, our conversation turned to writing a book. My husband, who has encouraged me for years to write, reminded me again of something I had carried in my heart for a long time. Then came the question: "Why haven't you written a book?" It was a simple question, but my answer was anything but simple. As I sat there, I began to put words to something I had been carrying for a long time. "Grief is exhausting," I said. "I guess I haven't written anything because I have felt powerless." As soon as I said the word powerless, I felt its weight. My eyes filled with tears, and I realized how much pain I had been carrying beneath the surface. Over the years, my husband and I have experienced seasons of deep disappointment, uncertainty, and loss. We navigated financial struggles early in our marriage. We experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage. My father suffered a stroke that changed his life and affected our family in profound ways. We faced difficult family circumstances, continued serving in ministry, earned my master's degree, and welcomed our precious daughter into the world during a season when so much was happening around us. There were beautiful moments, and there were heartbreaking ones. Prayers were answered, unexpected challenges arose, new beginnings began, and losses changed me forever. And eventually, I had to say goodbye to my dad. Losing him has been another chapter in my journey through grief. His absence reminds me that life keeps moving, even when our hearts need more time to catch up. Grief does not always announce itself. Sometimes it shows up in a memory, a familiar moment, a conversation you wish you could have one more time, or the realization that someone you love is no longer here to call. Grief has a way of reaching into places you didn't even realize were hurting. Through all of this, I have continued to believe that God is faithful. I believe His Word when it says He will never leave us nor forsake us. I believe He is our strength when we are weak. I love the Lord, and my faith in Him remains the foundation of my life. But I have also learned that loving God does not mean we will never experience sorrow. Faith does not make us immune to grief. Trusting God doesn't mean we will never feel overwhelmed, and serving Him doesn't mean we must pretend everything is okay. Sometimes, faith looks less like having everything together and more like bringing...