Divine Delays Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 For the past several years, I have flown several times a week, most of the year. And I would love to say every flight is an easy trip.…
Go Find Some Darkness
Every day, there are situations in our normal routines that require us to be the light of Christ in the midst of utter darkness. Every day, there are people crossing our paths who need to hear a word of hope, feel a touch of compassion, see the possibility of a different future. We need not…
The Pain of Disappointment
We all land in heartbreaking places at some point in life, feeling sad, alone, and perhaps drained of our courage to hope again. The reasons can be a miscarriage, like I had, or something else entirely, like when: your children grow up, move away, and never call the company to which you’ve devoted your years…
When the Unexpected Exceeds What You Imagined
Who Am I? More than a decade ago, when Nick and I first began researching the possibility of establishing an anti-trafficking organization, we were given a terminal prognosis: impossible. The feasibility study from the consultants we’d hired used that word ten times in their report. Ten times. And opening an office in Thessaloniki? It was…
Expect the Unexpected
Introduction Kirk and Ashleigh were in their late twenties and already knew the heartbreak of bad news. After three years of tests, procedures, and tears, they sat with the doctor as he explained that they would not be able to conceive. They had reached the end of their medical options. They would have to adjust…
When the Unexpected Betrays
Forgiving Freely Loss is the uninvited door that extends us an unexpected invitation to unimaginable possibilities. — Craig D. Jonesborough I once had a dear friend whom I loved wholeheartedly and with whom I shared so many fun times. We had endless heart-to-heart talks about God, ministry, life, family, fashion, movies, books, food, and of…
A Prayer of Trust
As you move forward embracing all the unexpected adventures God has for you, I invite you to pray the following prayer. Pray it in faith, boldly, courageously, and with a passionate love for Jesus. Pray it with a thankful heart for all He has placed inside of you and all He wants to do through…
Praying When the Unexpected Disillusions and Hope Wanes
Hope Is an Act of Defiance I don’t know where your hope is struggling. Maybe your beleaguered hope is for… A loved one to be saved A child to come home A marriage to be restored Your body to be healed Your finances to be restored Your career to be revived A home of your…
When the Unexpected Interrupts
Living Expectantly True stability results when presumed order and presumed disorder are balanced. A truly stable system expects the unexpected, is prepared to be disrupted, waits to be transformed. ~ Tom Robbins “Chris, you have cancer.” Not quite the words I was expecting to hear as I was unpacking, having arrived in Sydney just two…
When the Unexpected Requires Risk
Stretching Beyond It’s strange how new and unexpected conditions bring out unguessed ability to meet them. —Edgar Rice Burroughs Keep Your Eyes on Hebron Hebron was a desert region rich with history and natural resources, including an abundant water supply. Great men and women of faith had lived there — and been buried there. Abraham…