Who Needs a Crutch?

by Ava Pennington

I’ve been thinking about crutches lately. Maybe it’s because I recently finished studying the account of Jacob in Genesis 32. After he wrestled with God, Jacob was left with a limp. I wonder, did he require the use of a crutch after that experience?

Physical aids aren’t the only type of crutch. Anyone ever tell you “religion is a crutch”? It’s usually said with a condescending tone, inferring that only weak, foolish people need it.

When did using a crutch become something to be ashamed of? Would you rather walk on a broken leg and compromise the healing process or walk with the support of a crutch while the bone heals stronger than before?

Crutches provide strength and stability to those who need it. Which brings me to Christianity. Christians believe Christ is the answer to the biggest need they will ever have: the need to deal with the sin that separates them from their Holy Creator. We cling to the only solution for this problem: the sinless life, substitutionary death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Those who call Christianity a crutch believe they have it all together. They have no need for a savior because there is nothing they need saving from. But is this realistic?

Do you know anyone who truly has it all together? A thought-life totally under control? Someone who has never lost their temper or spoken an inappropriate word? Anyone without bad habits or selfish motives? No faults at all?

Of course not. Because every one of us is broken in some way. We all fall short of a perfect God. Why wouldn’t we want to receive the only solution to our problem? Wouldn’t it be foolish not to?

Even if one does not believe in God, is it reasonable to believe this world is all there is? That life is a cosmic accident, and we live and die with no more purpose than a hamster racing to nowhere on its exercise wheel? From my perspective, it takes more faith to believe this than to believe God created the world—and us—for an eternal relationship with Him.

I’m not a Christian because I’m strong and have it all together. I’m a Christian because I’m weak and admit I need a Savior. I’m a Christian because my “crutch” is making me healthy and whole. My relationship with Christ gives my life meaning far beyond my brief time on this earth.

Jesus once said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent” (Luke 5:31, 32 NLT).

Who needs a crutch? I’m not ashamed to say I do. Do you?

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 NASB

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the Author: Ava Pennington is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She’s also a freelance editor, and a certified coach for writers and speakers, and she teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. Ava is the author of Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully (Revell Books, 2022), an abridged gift book edition of the one-year devotional, Daily Reflections on the Names of God. Three devotions for each name/attribute explore who God is, and how this changes us and our relationships. Visit her at www.AvaPennington.com to learn more.

Join the conversation: In what ways is God your crutch?

The Holy Spirit INTERCEDES for Us

by Susie Crosby

Keyword intercede (verb): to intervene; to act as a go between

“…we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” Romans 8:26 CSB

We don’t know what to pray for as we should. I know that feeling.

I get it when I find myself in a cycle of overwhelming circumstances. Life is going along at normal stress level (medium-high), and then something extra stressful happens unexpectedly. And then another thing. And yet another…

We all have times when we feel stuck on the high-stress setting. We’re dealing with one hard thing, then another comes and sends us around the other way. Round and round we go, feeling less in control and more desperate with each turn.

One of my sons has a rare condition that is difficult to treat. It comes on very suddenly with unpredictable triggers and requires emergency hospital care. Since he is an adult and lives on his own, we often have to make a quick decision to go to him if he needs our help. His friends are so good about taking him back and forth to the emergency room, but sometimes we need to be there, too.

The last time it happened (like most times), life was at full pace. The calendar was full of appointments, work, and plans. We took a six-hour flight, helped him as he recovered, and tried to make the best of our gross hotel and unorganized suitcase. We felt more internal and external pressure than ever to figure this out, find a doctor, get the right medication…we’ve spent years trying to find that elusive cure.

Then my elderly dad started feeling sick back at home. He has been in and out of the hospital—five times in the past year—and his health is not good. What if the antibiotics don’t work? What if he can’t fight this infection?

My stress was increasing by the hour. I was trying to pray. For answers, for peace, for my son, for my dad, and for myself, but my brain felt like it was blocked. I needed to connect with God more than ever, but I couldn’t seem to get out of my own head.

Sometimes we are just too overwhelmed to pray.

But God says he’s got us even then.

He reminds us that others are praying for us, and so is he. He promises to intercede.

The Holman Bible Dictionary describes it this way:

The Bible reveals that intercession is performed by the Holy Spirit, Christ, and Christians. Romans 8:26-27 shows that the Holy Spirit works to sustain the burdened believer, to intercede to carry even inexpressible prayers to God. [1]

Inexpressible prayers.

The Spirit carries the prayers we don’t know how to pray to God for us. Prayers for things that only he knows that we need. Prayers we can’t explain, but he can.

He is the one who prays for us, and he is the one who answers. We can rest in his gentle care.

Dear Jesus, my heart is overwhelmed, and the words won’t come. Thank you that your Spirit is interceding for me right at this moment. Help me to trust you with all the things I need. Amen.

---

[1] Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for ‘Intercession’. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/i/intercession.html. 1991.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Susie is a grateful mom of two (almost) grown boys who currently live and go to school in Honolulu, Hawaii. She and her husband live in a seaside town in the Puget Sound region called Mukilteo. They love to hike and kayak, they are huge Seattle sports fans, and they mostly love hanging out at home with their little dog Koko. Susie teaches P.E., Art, Technology, and Music at an all-kindergarten school which keeps her busy full time. Her passion and joy is sharing encouraging words with the people she loves. She is an active blogger and speaker, and she is the author of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In. She is always on the lookout for fun coffee shops, inspiring books, remote beaches, and farmers’ markets. Connect with Susie at www.susiecrosby.com.

Join the conversation: When was the last time you were unable to pray with words?

Are You in Training?

by Kathy Howard

My husband loves to hunt. His enjoyment reaches far beyond the hours he spends on the actual hunt. He relishes the planning, the preparation, and even the packing.

A few years back, Wayne planned a two-week hunting trip in the mountains of Washington State with some friends. They packed in eight miles by horseback. There was no cell phone coverage and no bathrooms. Just six men in tents. He had the time of his life.

Two months before the big hunt, I returned from a trip to find a small pile of camouflaged gear laying in one corner of our bedroom. It had begun. 

“So,” I casually asked, “is this here for the duration?”

He grinned. “Yep,” was his only response.

Every week the pile grew. Sleeping bag. Canteen. Socks. Spotting scope. Jackets. Well, you get the idea. As he got things washed, or purchased, or “sighted in,” it was added to the mound. I just tried to ignore it.

But the pile was not the only way Wayne prepared for the big trip. About six months before travel day he stepped up his workout routine so he’d be in good shape for all the hiking and climbing. He also had to break in the new hiking boots. Since we lived in flat West Texas at the time, he performed that task on the treadmill, while watching hunting shows on television.

Then during the last month, he shot his bow several times a week to make sure he was ready for the real thing. Wayne was determined to make the most of his time hunting in the mountains. He disciplined himself and managed his time to meet that goal.

Many of us put similar energy into work and hobbies that we love and enjoy. But what about our spiritual training? The apostle Paul gave young Timothy this advice:

Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 ESV

Only the Holy Spirit can bring spiritual transformation, but He chooses to work through our obedient cooperation. God uses spiritual discipline to shape and mold us into the people He wants us to be. It holds value for this life and the next.

Sometimes I get lazy in my spiritual training schedule, but then God gently calls me back. We’ve all had seasons where we allow our discipleship to slip. If that’s you now, make a fresh commitment to a spiritual training program. It will provide great value for today and eternity.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Kathy Howard is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate, richest coffee, and cherished stories of faith. She also digs deep into Scripture, mining God’s eternal truths. Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and has taught the Bible for more than 30 years in a wide variety of venues. She is the author of 12 books, including “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” and the “meaty” devotional series “Deep Rooted.”

Kathy and her husband live in north Texas. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and one accidental dog. Find free discipleship resources at www.KathyHoward.org.

Have you lost the wonder of your salvation? Maybe you’ve forgotten the abundant riches of God’s grace. The Gospel isn’t just a statement of faith. It is more than hope for eternity. The Gospel of Jesus is the power of God for your life today. Recapture the awe of your life in Christ with this 40-day pilgrimage: Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Romans.

Join the Conversation: What “training exercise” has God brought you through lately?

The Boomerang Blessing

by Nancy Kay Grace

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone, trusting God in a new way in an unfamiliar situation?

I registered for a general market writer’s conference, which was different from my usual faith-based ones. I was curious to learn in another setting. Although the event didn’t emphasize the same overarching values as I hold, I anticipated benefitting from workshops and networking.

A few months before the conference, planners asked for volunteers to assist the faculty. I felt the Lord nudge me to attend with a new purpose—to serve someone I didn’t know in that unknown setting. A faculty member would be assigned to me, and my tasks were to introduce her workshops, make sure she had everything she needed for the presentation, and share meals if necessary. I would still attend workshops, but as my secondary focus.

The large conference felt intimidating, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone. At the pre-conference faculty dinner, I felt timid and awkward in this group of creative people. Though nervous as I waited to meet my assigned person, our introduction proved comfortable since we had visited each other’s websites. Our conversation flowed easily throughout the meal; I learned more about her topic and what she needed for her workshops. However, our early exchange had revealed that we shared something else beyond our creative interests: faith in Christ.

As the conference unfolded, our friendship grew. Her presentations went smoothly, and we shared faith conversation at meals. On the second day, after she eagerly described a divine appointment that she had had with someone with a very different worldview, we prayed with each other.

I believe that God had prepared my own divine appointment through connecting me with this delightful person. By venturing out of my element with a desire to serve, I received boomerang blessings: the joy of serving someone, and the return blessing of making a new friend in Christ.

In Joshua 1:9, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (NIV).

We can trust God’s indwelling Spirit even when we feel timid. He will empower us to do brave things outside our comfort zones. His love and grace will give us assurance in unfamiliar situations. When we align our hearts with His Spirit, our self-discipline grows, and we can press on into new settings.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Nancy Kay Grace is the speaker and award-winning author of The Grace Impact, a devotional about God’s grace. Her website, blog, and GraceNotes newsletter sign-up are found at www.nancykaygrace.com. As a cancer survivor, she writes about hope, perseverance, and God’s grace. Nancy enjoys hugs from grandchildren, playing worship songs on piano, hiking, and travel.

Join the conversation: How has God blessed you when you stepped out in faith?

God is Good…or Is He?

by Shirley Brosius

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29 NIV

I’ve heard my son Terry, a pastor, open a church service with this exchange:

Pastor: God is good.

Congregation: All the time.

Pastor: All the time.

Congregation: God is good

Easy to say. Sometimes hard to believe. When we face tough times, we may feel God is anything but good. I’ve been a “good girl” for most of my life, and I’ve been righteous in Christ for many more years than not. I read my Bible. I pray. So I feel entitled to a good life.

Yet life has not always been good. I’ve stood at the gravesides of an infant daughter, my parents and four siblings. I’ve lost a job. I’ve suffered through disorders from colds to cancer, from dizziness to dental mishaps. When life is bad, is God still good?

If I think “good” means “freedom from pain and suffering,” I need to rethink my definition. My dictionary defines “good” as “being positive or desirable in nature.”

We quote this verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). But please read on: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29 NIV).

The GREATEST good, “being positive or desirable in nature,” is to be conformed to the image of Christ. And I’ve found that my struggles contribute to this transformation. For instance, when our daughter died, I identified with the psalmist who wrote Psalm 42. Like the writer, I thirsted after God to understand what had happened. I too was “downcast”—numb, bewildered, depressed.

But the psalmist encouraged me to: “Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11). I memorized that psalm, and it became a lifeline through the weeks, months and years of grief. As I waited on God, heaven became more real, and I now picture my daughter there.

According to Gary Thomas in A Sacred Marriage, God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. The challenges and struggles of marriage draw us to God if we respond with hearts and minds open to God. Thomas’s thoughts certainly apply to life in general. We’re motivated to connect more deeply with God in our struggles.

In his book Waiting on God, Wayne Stiles emphasizes that realizing the goal of Romans 8:28-29 takes a lifetime and ultimately the resurrection. Our suffering may not end this side of eternity. But it WILL end, once we meet our Savior. There’s pain in the patience of waiting, and God uses that pain to mold us into the image of Christ.

They say struggles make you better or bitter, and by God’s grace, I am a better person for having survived challenging experiences. I am more humble, more forgiving. I am more aware of the hurts around me. And I am more grateful for God’s daily gifts of grace.

Yes, I believe God is good. All the time. He is good in the sense that He is for me and not against me. He is good in that everything that happens to me helps me mature as a Christian. He is good in that He knows the final outcome, and like we sometimes sing: when you can’t see His hand, trust His heart.

Consider how God has helped you and even matured your faith through a past challenge and draw the strength you need for a present situation.

About the author: A former teacher and director of Christian education, Shirley Brosius is the author of Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories about Women Who Made a Difference and coauthor of Turning Guilt Trips into Joy Rides. She and her husband Bill enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and watching “Jeopardy.” You can learn more about her writing and speaking ministry at www.shirleybrosius.com and http://www.friendsoftheheart.us.

Join the conversation: Have you experienced the goodness of God during or after a difficult time?

Conformed or Transformed

by Fran Sandin

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12: 2 NIV).

Jim and I were in Toronto, Canada, for a medical conference. We invited my recently widowed mother and her church friend to come with us and enjoy a vacation. An advertisement for a dinner theater featured good food and humor. It sounded like fun, so we made reservations.

While anticipating “I Love Lucy” type slapstick comedy to follow, we had a meal that wasn’t outstanding, but after all, we were geared up to laugh. The people around us were mostly younger than we, but we saw a few mature folks and did not feel out of place.

Imagine our shock when the master of ceremonies began with vulgar language, words I will not repeat. The four of us looked at each other and knew we were in the wrong place. The humor was not wholesome, it was degrading and offensive.

Jim whispered, “We are leaving” and we three ladies agreed. While everyone else was seated, we got up and walked out. The man on the stage called attention to us with some snide remarks, but we kept moving until we got outside. A young lady server ran after us asking “Why did you leave?” We kept walking to our car as Jim replied, “The show was not a good fit for us.”

We were stunned. A small ceramic piece in my grandmother’s house had three little monkeys, each with a message: See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil. We had unknowingly stepped into the devil’s workshop. I kept wondering…how could anyone sit through such trash? Then it dawned on me they had not been transformed but were conformed to the world.

If we are complacent about our spiritual growth, we can easily drift toward compromise and cultural views. Conversely, with renewed minds we are more selective about what we see, what we say, what we hear, and what we do. The more we study God’s Word, the more we desire His approval. When guided by the Holy Spirit, we gain insights and wisdom regarding the consequences of our choices.

Had we stayed at the dinner theater, we would have been conforming to the world, lending credibility to its content. Instead of being more concerned about offending the people at the venue, we were taking a stand against evil. Many people today exhibit steadfast faith, and it encourages me when I see a florist, a baker, an artist, a female athlete, a coach, and others who will not yield to complacency and conformity.

The Lord knows we are a work in progress, still learning to listen to His voice, to pray earnestly, to be disciplined in Bible study, to treat others as we wish to be treated, and to love Jesus with heart and soul so that our minds will be renewed. Will we be conformed or transformed? Let us courageously meet the challenge to choose His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Fran Caffey Sandin is a retired nurse, wife, mother, and grandmother in Greenville, Texas. She enjoys baking, flower arranging, hiking, and traveling with her husband, Jim. Fran is a church organist, a core group leader for Community Bible Study, and author of See You Later, Jeffrey, and Touching the Clouds: True Stories to Strengthen Your Faith. and has co-authored others. Jim and Fran are parents of two sons awaiting them in Heaven; a married daughter and son-in-law, and three fabulous grandchildren. Visit Fran at her website:  www.fransandin.com.

Join the Conversation: Looking back, can you see transformation the Spirit has worked in your life?

When You Meet a Porcupine

by Sheri Schofield

I was driving down a country road one morning when I saw a porcupine laying on the center line. All its quills were standing straight up and blowing in the wind . . . except for those where a car tire had left its mark. “Uh-oh,” I thought. “Someone had a bad blowout!”

Porcupine quills can do major damage to tires. The owner of the car had probably been innocently driving along at night on the way home after work and hadn’t seen the porcupine until it was too late.

Many times, I’ve been innocently going along in life, enjoying my family and friends, when a sudden disaster arises and throws me off balance. Just like that porcupine ruined someone’s drive home. Plans are disrupted. Fear and anxiety rear their heads. I am thrown off balance spiritually and cry out desperately to God for help.

There have been long stretches of time when my tears soaked the carpet as I knelt on my face, not sure what to pray except for “Help me!” God always answers, but sometimes it feels like forever before the pain and distress pass.

Job—and his wife—experienced sudden disaster. I’ve always thought people have given Job’s wife a bad name because of her responses to her losses. Job had just lost his fortune, and their children had been killed. Remember, they were her children, too!

What Job and his wife did not know was that God had allowed Satan to test Job, to see if he would still trust and worship God anyway. Job passed the test. He fell on his face and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21 NIV).

But Satan wasn’t done. He was allowed to afflict Job with painful sores all over his body. His wife, who was beside herself with grief, said, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9 NIV). Maybe she was already there, dying, emotionally.

Job replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV).

In the midst of his time of testing, Job may have caught a tiny glimpse of what God was doing since he declares, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold,” (Job 23:10 NIV).

In the end, God blessed Job even more than before the test, and his wife bore him ten more children. Their daughters were the most beautiful women in the land.

God clearly allows us to be tested. But he never abandons us even when we cannot feel his presence. He walks by our side, comforting our hearts as we learn to lean on his grace through faith. His purpose in testing is only to make us stronger.

Peter writes, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God”(I Peter 4:1, 2 NIV).

As we go through testing and trials, God builds us into strong, dependable ambassadors of the gospel. Through us, he can reach and rescue others who suffer without knowing our Lord, drawing them to Jesus.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10- 11 NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Sheri Schofield, award-winning author and Bible teacher, has added a new way to share faith in Jesus: Her latest book, Before You Find Me, is a contemporary romantic suspense featuring a strong Christian who faces a crisis that tests her courage. Tara, a freshman at West Texas A&M whose parents are dead, learns that her younger sister witnessed a murder. To protect her siblings, she must spirit them out of Texas before the murderer learns there was a witness to his act. Tara has one day in which to act. Can she do it? She remembers a family ranch in Montana…and Ben, the boy next-door, who captured her heart once. Will he still be there? Will he help her protect her family now? This book entertains while it presents godly responses to danger and struggles. Sometimes fiction can draw people closer to God when they will not be drawn by nonfiction. Before You Find Me is available at http://www.sherischofield.com.

Join the conversation: Have you been tested lately?

Laughing in the Rain

by Crystal Bowman

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

Years ago, when hubby and I lived in Florida, I enjoyed spending time with my granddaughter who lived about an hour away. One day when I was there, she wanted to go for a ride in her car-stroller-thing that had a long blue handle for me to push.  As we strolled the sidewalks, we sang silly songs, followed squirrely squirrels, and tried to avoid squishing lizards that darted in and out of our path.

When we were a few blocks from home, dark clouds swirled overhead, warning me that a pop-up shower was going to join us on our walk. Afternoon showers in South Florida are not a wimpy drizzle or light sprinkle. They’re more like the motto for Morton Salt, “When it rains, it pours.” 

Before we could reach home, the flood gates opened, and heavy torrential rain came beating down on us. The visibility was so bad I could not read street signs and I could barely see the houses. I was not that familiar with the layout of the neighborhood, and as far as knocking on someone’s door, I only knew the woman who lived next to them.

As I tried to maneuver my way through the precipitation, I was on the verge of panicking. I didn’t want my granddaughter to sense my fear, so I did the only thing I could think of. I laughed. As I kept laughing, my granddaughter began to laugh too. She followed my example and imitated me.  

In the New Testament, we read the story of Jesus celebrating the Passover Feast with His disciples. This was Jesus’ final meal with them before His crucifixion. While they were eating, Jesus got up from the table, wrapped a towel around His waist, filled a basin with water, and washed His disciples’ feet—a task usually performed by a servant.

When He finished, He explained the purpose of actions. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:12-15 NIV).

When Jesus lived on earth, He was God in human form. He taught His followers how to love God and love one another. He is our Lord and Savior, yet His earthly life was an example of servanthood, humility, and obedience. Many godly men and women have given us examples of what it means to live for Christ, but every human is flawed. Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, exemplified the deepest meaning of love, servitude, and sacrifice. As we follow His example, we will grow in our Christian walk to become more like Him.

So, here’s the rest of the story: My granddaughter and I finally made it home. We were soaked to the bone, but my daughter-in-law met us at the front door with thick bath towels and a sigh of relief. She had tried to find us but didn’t see us anywhere. Those were also the days before we carried cell phones with us 24-7. But we were safe and that’s all that mattered.

Every now and then when I witness a heavy downpour, I laugh. Not because I’m afraid, but because I’m in the house!

This article is brought to you by the Advance Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Crystal Bowman is a bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 books including, Our Daily Bread for Kids. She and her husband have three married children and eight huggable grandchildren.

Good Morning, God Loves You is a charming, colorful, rhyming board book for families of young children. The beauty of God’s creation, as shown in words and charming illustrations, reminds children how much they are loved by God the Father. Each page reveals family members enjoying the great outdoors as they are greeted with “God loves you!” in barks, birdsong, and other nature sounds. Readers are reminded that hearing a message of God’s love is the best way to begin and celebrate each day. 

Join the conversation. What trait of Jesus is most important to you to imitate?

Not My Own

by Tina Yeager

I gazed at the ceiling this morning. The vacant square footage reminded me of those blank spaces remaining where I had hoped to check off accomplishments. I asked the Lord if I had done anything significant during the past two decades of my career, volunteer work, and community. The ceiling glared back as a reminder of my limited reach.

Twenty years of effort should have produced more measurable outcomes. Yet I still earned nothing and wondered if my work touched those who needed support. Could I continue sharing inspiration in person or on camera without any sign of impact? How can I justify work without revenue? Typing additional pages to add to the mountains of unpublished pages that no one may read proved harder each day.

Then I realized how humanistic my logic had become. My concerns and measure of success all centered upon what I could see and believed I had done so far. I stretched my hands before the Lord to reorient my soul. My life, what it is and what comes from it are not my own.

I am yours, Lord. I am yours.

The validity of my life has never depended upon human assessments. Jesus established my purpose before my birth. He masters any measurements or accounting of actual consequence. The Lord prescheduled the number of my days. He allotted provision for all the work he designated for me. No matter what challenges I perceived, my Savior has sustained me through them.

The Lord calls me as his disciple to serve in faith. My opportunities to serve remain as long as I breathe and choose to submit my life to him. I pray that the Holy Spirit will empty me of my self-focus with all its insecurities, resistance, and doubt. I ask Jesus to fill me with more of himself. May the Lord sculpt me into his vessel. Shape me into Jesus’ image. And present me as one who devotes all I am to him.

If any part of my life amounts to anything, that’s up to Jesus. My concern is surrendering to him, obeying his call every moment, every day. Whether or not I see significance. Even if I never see an income or audience worth measuring. I am not meant to be the significant one, after all. Nor is my work. He alone is significant. The full places and blank spaces are his. Not my own.

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11 NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina Yeager encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She offers writing workshops through Serious Writer Academy, hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, and is a mentor with Word Weavers International.

Tina’s book, Beautiful Warrior, empowers you to break free from the insecurity that has you trapped. Pick up your shield―the Word of God, your identity in Christ, and healthy thought patterns―and become the divine heroine you were destined to be.

Join the conversation: How do you measure success?

Cracks That Let the Light In

by Amber Weigand-Buckley

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

We try to hide the cracks. We want others to see us as strong, whole, and perfect. But the truth is, it’s often in our brokenness that God’s light shines through most beautifully.

I grew up believing I needed to protect God’s reputation by hiding family struggles and pain. Mental illness and dysfunction were things to be concealed for fear it would make God look bad, make my dad lose his position in the Christian workplace. In fact, I became a pro at “lying for God.” I learned to keep up appearances—lay low, not cause problems, show up for church, and shut my mouth, even as the shame chipped away inside me.

As an adult in ministry leadership, I continued this pattern when my marriage became toxic. I hid the cracks, thinking God couldn’t use a broken vessel like me. But the façade soon crumbled when I went through a severe bipolar episode that led me to a ledge where I almost took my own life. I could no longer pretend everything was fine. Finally, all the shame and secret-keeping cracked wide open.

In the breaking, I discovered afresh the God who meets us in our deepest pain. Christ’s comfort and healing wrapped around my shattered pieces in surprising ways. I saw that those painful cracks became openings for God’s light to seep out. My weakness made room for His strength.

Paul reminds us we are like cracked clay pots containing the treasure of Christ within. Our flaws are not the point. They provide opportunities for God’s glorious light to shine, revealing the sufficiency of His grace at work in our inadequacies.

What if we stopped hiding the cracks? What if we shared openly about our struggles, not to glorify them but to point to the Healer? Our stories of weakness could reflect the hope found only in Christ.

Lord, help us to stop judging our worth by the flaws. We are not disqualified because of our broken pieces. Thank You for making all things new. Give us the courage to be vulnerable. Use our cracked stories to shine the hope of Christ into hurting lives. We yield our pain into Your hands, Lord—fill every crack with Your magnificent light.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). 

We are cracked clay pots with an eternal treasure inside. Our scars can become windows for His light. May we believe that the cracks do not disqualify us but qualify us to reveal God’s hope.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Amber Weigand-Buckley navigates bipolar disorder while embracing her best life. She is the author of Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success with Lisa Burris Burns, who join over 30 women of diverse backgrounds, ages, and walks of life to redefine what leadership looks like in God’s marketplace. Find out more at www.LeadingLadies.Life

Join the conversation: Have you been hiding your cracks?