One lesson we learn from seasons of pain, darkness, and doubt is that when we’re hurting, a person’s presence with us is far more significant than any words he or she might say. Just having someone sit silently next to us when life is hard communicates genuine love and concern. Besides, when we’re hurting, we…
You Are Already Saved
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 NKJV Tuck God’s truths away in your heart. Holding on to those promises and thinking about them every day is a form of self-care that should not…
A Prayer for When You Are Afraid
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10 NKJV Father, how grateful I am for Your awesome love and that You are with me at this moment when…
Cheering for Someone When They Get What You Want
I live in a home of athletes, raised in the school of hard work and dedication — literal blood, sweat, and tears. When your boys play football and you’re the mother who supports them, you learn early on to live with both the smells of their jerseys and the fears that require prayers for God…
So Long Normal: What’s So Bad about Normal?
INTRODUCTION Leader, read this section aloud to the group: Have you ever tried to grab your breath on a cold morning? It may seem like an odd question, but it’s undoubtedly something we’ve all tried to do at some point in our lives. Catching our breath is like trying to maintain a sense of “normal.”…
Refined in the Fire
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. — Job 23:10 The doctor was very matter-of-fact. When he told me I had breast cancer, his inflection didn’t change, his manner didn’t warm up, and he offered nothing in the way of comfort. He left…
Praying to Know the Power of Prayer
During the first couple of years I walked with the Lord, my prayers went something like this: “God, help me get that job.” “Jesus, please heal my throat.” “Lord, send enough money to pay these bills.” “Father, take away my fear.” It took me a while to realize that those spur-of-the-moment prayers were not accomplishing…
The God of All Comfort
O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord…. Search…
How Happiness Happens: Accept One Another
It’s hard to know the best way to respond to people who represent your “opposite you.” Do you ignore them? Leave the room when they enter so you don’t say something you later will regret? Share a meal and discuss your differences? Dismiss your differences? How do you find and show acceptance toward someone when…
Hopelifters Need Hopelifters, Too!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “How do you fill your pitcher?” I’ll never forget hearing the speaker’s words as she finished pouring water into several glasses and held up an empty pitcher. I could relate to feeling empty after pouring…