Tag Archives: Encouragement

A Renewal of Faith – Joyce McCullough
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In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ROMANS 8:26 NIV

My friend suffers daily. He’s had a devastating illness for several years and I have been praying faithfully for his healing. Frustrated that God didn’t seem to be listening to my prayers, I turned to a colleague who suggested I might stop praying for healing and start praying for the acceptance of my friend’s illness. I knew I should be open-minded to his advice, but it was hard. I loved my friend.

My heart wrestled with the idea of giving up, so I decided to go for a walk on my treadmill and relieve the stress. The discman attached to my treadmill hadn’t worked in months, but I was desperate to block the sound of my own negative thoughts. I tried every CD I could find, but none of them worked. Leaving the last CD in the player, I eventually gave up.

That evening I picked up a pamphlet on prayer and read: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Though I found comfort in the words, my friend’s advice haunted me.

The next morning I decided to try the treadmill once more. I prayed for my friend’s healing once again but doubt crowded my mind. I pushed the thoughts aside and asked God to prove to me I shouldn’t give up. I smiled as I eyed the play button on the treadmill discman. My finger inched over the button and pushed. Immediately the numbers lit and the music blared. “Renew my faith; restore my joy.”

Give your doubts to God and watch him renew your faith and restore your joy.

Joyce McCullough teaches Honors English at Coffee County Central High School in Manchester, Tennessee. She is active in her church and community and enjoys playing the piano, attending book club meetings, and reading to her nieces. She has been a freelance writer for the past fifteen years for numerous publications including Alive, The Cumberland Presbyterian, and Focus on the Family. She is currently looking for a publisher for her children’s book.
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Free-Falling Trust – Barbara Winters
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Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV

God gave me a visual this morning.

Do you remember playing the trust game? You stand in front of a friend, both facing the same direction. You spread your arms and free-fall backward. The idea is to let the person behind catch you.

It requires relying on someone else. As a child, if I didn’t trust my playmate I would take a step backward at the last moment. If my younger sister was the one catching me, I gave her the evil eye before facing forward and starting my fall. She knew that meant, “If you don’t catch me, I’ll hurt you.” But this act said more about my fear than her nature.

This morning I brought an impending decision before the Lord—one that will affect my life dramatically. As I prayed, I saw a picture of myself, arms extended, legs straight, falling backward. I lingered in mid-air as if God asked what I would do. Do you trust Me enough to fall into My arms or will you take a step back?

When I take matters into my own hands; when I make choices without consulting the Almighty One and move forward without looking up, I put more trust in myself than in God. I essentially say, “My wisdom usurps Yours.” Moreover, if I take a step back before I reach His loving arms, I allow my fear to supersede my trust.

What do you fear? That God will require more than you can bear? That you are unworthy of His love or He won’t fix your mess?

Take heart. God wants us to succeed. He coaxes, prods, and cheers for us. He woos, loves, and gently guides. Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Let go of your fears. Visualize yourself free-falling backward into God’s loving arms. Take a step of faith toward the One who is trustworthy.

Lord, I choose to trust You with my decisions and my life.

Barbara Winters and her husband, Don, have four children, Kevin, JT, Kenneth, and Melinda. Barbara home schools her children and encourages her husband in his pastorate position. Her passion is ministering to ladies. Her purpose is to glorify God. Barbara writes articles and devotions and has been published at Lucid Magazine, SEEK, and Focus on the Family

Hurry Up and Wait – Delton de Armas
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In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.. Psalm 5:3

The arrival of a baby is such bittersweet anticipation. For almost thirty-seven weeks, my soon-to-be-born son was developing in his mother’s womb. The normal gestation period is forty weeks, but at this point, he could arrive at any time. We knew he would be here soon, but we didn’t know exactly when.

He was our third child, so while the beginning of the pregnancy was still very exciting, we were perhaps a little complacent. After all, it would be months before our little one would be here, so it almost didn’t seem real. The due date seemed an eternity away.

Month by month, though, the time flew by. Every day, our eagerness intensified. We could hardly wait to meet this new addition as he was introduced into our lives. The day that seemed so far away was suddenly upon us. Our expectation of our son’s arrival both lengthened and shortened the waiting period. It made time both speed by and drag.

Sometimes prayer can be that way. We bring our requests to God, expecting an immediate answer. Unfortunately, there is never a specific timetable. God promises to answer our prayers, but he does not say when. We should pray with expectation, though, anticipating his response, regardless of how long it takes. This can make things go by quickly and slowly, both at the same time.

What are you praying for? Are you eagerly awaiting an answer? Spend some time today thanking God for prayers that He’s already answered, and in advance for the prayers he’s going to answer in the future.

After all, we know he’s going to answer, we just don’t know when.

Delton de Armas was born in Orlando, Florida. He moved with his family to Carrollton, Texas in 2010 to attend Dallas Theological Seminary where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Media and Communication (M.A./MC). He married his high school sweetheart Pam, and has three children: Amber, Alden, and Abram. Delton loves cycling, snowboarding, reading, and writing.
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The Miracle Suit – Susan Dollyhigh
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For the Spirit God gave us…gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Ever needed a miracle like… now? My son called to say his wedding, postponed the previous summer, would take place in one month. Anticipating the first wedding date, I’d bought a dress that fit perfectly.

I hung up the phone and dropped my head into my hands.

How would I ever lose the fifteen pounds gained since summer?

I began working out and counting every calorie. Holding my stomach in, I got into the dress without bursting any seams.

Maybe another day without food and I’d look just right.

However, when time neared for the big event, a vision flashed before my eyes of the groom’s mother waddling down the aisle in a beautiful, lavender dress with bulges everywhere — around her waist, around her hips, and around her thighs.

I dashed to the mall in search of the perfect slimming garment and spotted a sign boldly proclaiming Miracle Suits. I snatched that garment from the rack and practically danced my way into the fitting room. I pulled, tugged, and stuffed myself into the suit. My now-bulging eyes told me I was enhanced, slenderized, and shaped as the label claimed.

So I bought the suit, returned home, and removed my purchase from the bag. My family stopped what they were doing as their mouths fell open. They agreed I could not wear that suit of armor under my elegant dress. I realized the only thing slenderized was my brain.

Sanity returned to my panicked mind and I returned that miracle suit to the mall. The day of the wedding, I put on my dress and found that those huge bulges I’d imagined existed only in my panic mode.

Later, I was able to laugh about the suit of armor I’d almost worn to my son’s wedding, but I also realized that many times I react the same way in a perceived crisis. I take the problem to God in prayer and then rush out to try to fix it myself.

I’ve learned with a little discipline — physical, mental and spiritual, and putting on the armor of God daily — I don’t get myself into situations where I have to struggle with pleading to God for a miracle.

Are you in need of a miracle today? Trust God and watch him come through for you.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, NC. www.inspirationfrommayberry.com.

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One Bite at a Time – Laurie Thompson
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And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a, NKJV

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. My father drilled this adage into my head as a youngster. The purpose? To help me realize I could do anything if I put my mind to it and took things one step at a time. This approach was extremely helpful last year while my husband was deployed with the military. Some days seemed overwhelming. The tasks of managing our three children, my full-time job, and household duties were depressing at times and didn’t seem humanly possible. Looking at my husband’s fifteen-month mission all at once was discouraging. However, when I took it one day at a time or one week at a time, I was able to remain focused upon the tasks at hand and make it through.

No matter what happens during each day, God promises that His grace is sufficient. There are no contingencies. The Bible doesn’t say God’s grace is sufficient only on days that He is not busy on the other side of the world, or only on days He is not promoting world peace. God teaches in His Word that His grace is sufficient every day.

What are you facing today? God cares. Whatever it is, God will give you the grace necessary to endure and overcome. Before your feet even hit the floor in the morning, remember this and pray. Ask God to give you the grace needed just for today.

Just as you eat an elephant one bite at a time, don’t get ahead of yourself…take each task one at a time and live life one day at a time. It is much more enjoyable and you’ll feel like you have really accomplished something.

Laurie Elmore Thompson is a published author, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and inspirational speaker. She has a M.Div. in Women’s Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her book, Laurie’s Story: Discovering Joy in Adversity, can be purchased on Amazon.com by using the following link http://www.amazon.com/Lauries-Story-Discovering-Joy-Adversity/dp/193550777X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315398282&sr=1-1. Dr. Frank Page, President and CEO of the Executive Committee for the Southern Baptist Convention has said of Laurie’s new release: “A true story of God’s grace in the midst of a most difficult circumstance.” Laurie is also a regular contributing author for the Wives of Faith website at http://www.wivesoffaith.org/. Visit her ministry website and read her weekly blog at www.lauriethompsonministries.com. Laurie, her husband, and three children reside in Anderson, SC.

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Clutter – Andrea Merrell
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But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. I Corinthians 14:40 NASU

I have a confession. I am a stack-a-holic—a bonafide, 100% stack-a-holic in desperate need of finding a Stack-a-holics Anonymous.

This disease permeates my home and my office at work. When I don’t know what to do with something, it goes in a neat (or sometimes not so neat) stack.

Whoever coined the phrase “outta sight-outta mind” must have been related to me. When papers go into one of my stacks instead of a file or the trash, my intentions are to look at them later when I have more time. The problem is I never seem to have (or take) the time and the stack grows higher and higher until it’s ready to topple onto the floor.

With my basic perfectionist tendencies and my need for structure and organization, this malady drives me nuts. It’s my Achilles Heel—my thorn in the flesh. Trying to function in the midst of clutter is like cooking in a dirty kitchen—can’t do it.

As I get older, I realize how many times I’ve let other things pile up in my life—important issues such as asking forgiveness, making amends, or dealing with a critical attitude. Sometimes when God says, “Do this” or “Do that,” it’s easier to push it aside and put it in a stack to deal with later.

When I finally get around to de-stacking, it feels great. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and a large dose of peace. Dealing with spiritual matters and being obedient to the Lord’s promptings gives me the same feeling—only better. Makes me wonder why in the world I wait so long.

The Bible says all things must be done “properly and in an orderly manner.” If you’re dealing with natural or spiritual clutter, don’t wait. Attack it today and enjoy the freedom that will follow. God will be pleased and you will be too.

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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Peddling Through – Eli Linton
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Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

I remember when I first learned how to ride a bike. I was a four-year-old—a cynical four-year-old at that. I was convinced if I took the training wheels off my bike I’d never be able to ride it again, forever lost in a purgatory of skinned elbows and scraped knees. I was perfectly content to ride my bike with four wheels forever. I had no faith in my ability to keep it upright on only two. But my dad thought otherwise.

That dreadful, terrifying day is still burned into my memory. Dad walked outside—no doubt after watching me perform uninspired loops in the driveway.

“It’s time,” he said. I stared, wide-eyed as my dad dismantled the training contraption and prepared the bike for its christening.

My heart thumped against my chest as I climbed onto the bike. My courage failed me, and I let Dad know just how futile this exercise of adolescent maturation was. Dad wasn’t about to let me go flinging myself wildly about the street on two wheels alone, so the next words he spoke calmed my fear and gave me the confidence to press on.

“Don’t worry, Eli. I won’t let you go. I will be right here the whole time. I won’t let you fall.”

From that moment on I knew I could ride my bike. For the rest of the day, no matter how violently I drove my bike, or how wildly I swerved, he was right there to catch me, encouraging me the whole time.

“You can do it, Eli. You’re doing great.”

God does the same for us every day. No matter where we go, how far we swerve away, or how far we ride, He is always by our side—encouraging us along the way. Just like my dad held the back of my seat as I learned to pedal straight, God is there guiding us. All we have to do is trust Him. He’s there for you too.

Eli Linton is a senior at Oral Roberts University. He is studying History and Journalism, and plans to attend the Graduate school of Education next summer. Linton also writes for ORU’s student newspaper the Oracle. The Oracle was recently named winner of the OCA (Oklahoma Collegiate Association) Sequoia award, given to the best college newspaper in the state of Oklahoma.

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Diagnosis Light Search – Venita McCart
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For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts…2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

Nothing happened.  I hit “start” on the coffeemaker and nothing happened.

I hit it again and the lights started to blink. It beeped and blinked, but no coffee. I flipped the light switch – no light, but the garbage disposal worked. It shook and ground. In the dark I slapped at another button. Finally, water started to gurgle. In the midst of beep, blink, grind, shake, and gurgle, the coffee water started to dribble. I watched as thick coffee grounds pulsed over the top of the filter, flooding anywhere except into the carafe.

At 5 a.m. in the darkness of my sister’s kitchen, I couldn’t find the light. I couldn’t see to unplug the thing or find towels to stop the flood. It was a frantic face-off with this crazy machine.

Another more serious morning, “You have cancer,” hit with a sickening thud. My heart raced and I couldn’t catch my breath. Shock, fear, and grief overwhelmed me. Lost in the dark, there was nothing to unplug and no light switch.

Like the blinking lights on the coffeemaker provided a inkling of light in the dark kitchen, the light of Christ on my life did the same thing. But in diagnosis-agony, an inkling of light is not enough.

Jesus is not some distant light above, separated from who we are. Paul told Christians that Jesus has made his light shine in our hearts…

God knew exactly what to do. A childhood melody came to mind, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”  The simple and profound words reminded me I had known Jesus as my light for a long time. He was going to be personally involved. He began proving to me His light deepens in perfect accordance to the depth of my personal need. Wherever I was, He met me with His light.

When chaos seems to loom around you, reach up for the light that never burns out.

Father of lights, I am in the darkness of diagnosis. Through your Son Jesus Christ, please give my heart light to cope and hope.

Venita McCart, founder of Faith Force Cancer Support Ministries has, with her group, ministered to hundreds of patients since 2005 through group meetings, personal contacts, writing, and speaking.  A cancer survivor herself, Venita is currently working on materials to comfort and encourage cancer patients and their loved ones, and to help others create support ministries for the same. She and her husband live in central Illinois.  Venita may be reached at venitamccart@yahoo.com.
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Listening to the Spirit – Ellen Andersen
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The Holy Spirit is able to teach you all things. What He teaches you is truth, and not a lie. I John 2:27

Sweet gum balls littered the lawn. It was spring and the flowers bloomed in my garden.

Each year I spend hours raking the sweet gum balls off the lawn and tossing them in the trash. On this particular day I raked them into piles, scooped them into the dustpan, and threw them away. When I re-examined the area, I found one I’d missed. I picked it up and tossed it.

The further I walked, the more I found. I was surprised at how many I’d overlooked. How could I not have seen them? I’d already gone over the area thoroughly.

I realized this mirrored my spiritual life. It’s easy for me to go about my days and overlook my sin. I fail to recognize them even as I evaluate my life. I need to pray continually and pay attention to the Holy Spirit as He reveals my sin. The joy comes in abandoning these things and replacing them with what glorifies God.

Just as clearing my yard of sweet gum balls is a process that takes time and continual upkeep, ridding my life of sin is an ongoing practice that I need to make time for. Both require paying attention to detail and getting rid of what doesn’t belong. Only by looking to Him and listening for His voice, can I hear Him convict me of my sin.

Do you go through your days simply moving from one task to the next and checking them off your list, or do you stop to listen to the Spirit? Learn what He wants you to do and follow through with what He reveals.

Ellen Andersen, a native of California, moved to Greenville, SC nine years ago. She is a member of the Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers and An Author World in Greenville, SC. She serves as a Stephen Minister at her church and is involved in a women’s Bible study. She is working on a memoir detailing how God used unforeseen circumstances in her life to change her focus so she could minister to others to whom she could not otherwise relate.
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Happy Birthday to Me – Leah Gonzales
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Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Recently, I celebrated yet another birthday. The typical countdown began as the new year rolled around…it was a month away, then weeks, then days. As the day drew closer, friends and family asked me what I was going to do on my special day. As in past years, my thoughts turned to the laundry list of things I was not going to do. I was not going to wake up early, not going to cook,  not going to allow the day to be about my kids, etc. Shortly after I awoke to the ranting and raving of my self-centered puppy, I decided to check off the first item on my laundry list. I went back to bed. Of course it was what I deserved, right?

When I awoke after a three hour nap, it suddenly dawned on me I’d missed out on a prior commitment I’d made to God…a bi-weekly service project. Even though it seemed insignificant to man, it broke my heart to think I had passed up an opportunity to serve God. The question plagued my mind; how could I feel so robbed of internal joy when the day was supposed to be about me? At that moment, I realized I had been carrying around a tradition from my pre-Christian days that had not been re-evaluated since then.

In the years to follow, when my special day comes around, I plan to update my laundry list with things that will express gratitude toward God for giving me another year of life. After all, the times I experienced the most joy were found in my service to the Lord. When your birthday rolls around, make your own laundry list filled with the joys of the life God has given you. Celebrate in Him.

Leah Gonzales enjoys spending time with family and friends. She volunteers with a local teen outreach ministry and her church. She spends time writing devotions, bargain shopping, cooking, exercising outdoors, and watching lighthearted movies. You can reach Leah by e-mail at leahg06@sbcglobal.net. You may visit her web site at: http://www.leahgonzales.com.

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