The Sanderling

by Melissa Heiland

I love everything about Sanderlings. I love to watch them hop cheerily along the beach. I even love their name—precious little sand creatures.

One day, as I was sitting at the beach basking in the beauty of God’s creation, I noticed a little sanderling that was just a small step behind her flock. She was hopping in time with the rest of her tribe and only slightly behind the rest of the birds. Her lag was so slight, I don’t think I would have noticed except that she was hopping directly in front of me. I had to take a second, perhaps even a third look, to notice that she only had one foot.

This struck me so strongly. This tiny creature that spends her day hopping had only half as many legs as the rest of her tribe. Yet, she looked identical to the rest unless you look very carefully. Her pace was almost identical and her life brought the same joy to the beach-combing onlookers as the rest.

The sanderling was not concerned about what anyone else was thinking. She did not care that she was different from the others. She hopped happily along, not noticing or worrying about being different. She brought joy to her world being the creature God created her to be with no thoughts of comparison or desire to be like everyone else. The fact that she was different only brought hope and courage to those who took the time to notice her differences.

The one-legged sanderling serves as a lesson for us. God wants us to thrive where we are, rejoicing in how He created us. There is nothing to be gained from comparing ourselves to others and wishing we were stronger or smarter or different than God created us to be. In fact, the Lord uses our weaknesses to show His strength and His power.

If we will let Him, the Lord will show His glory through the very things we are tempted to use as fodder for complaints. When we trust that God knows what He is doing, we are free to live our lives serving and rejoicing without the heavy chains of comparison and doubt. We are free to experience joy and bring joy and hope to the lives of others, just as the sanderling did for me that sunny day.

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 my rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

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

About the author: Melissa Heiland is the Founder and President of Beautiful Feet International, a mission organization that plants pregnancy ministries around the world. She is an international speaker and author who is passionate about mommies, babies and sharing the Gospel. She and her husband Ken have 6 children and 10 grandchildren

No Shame, Melissa’s newest release, was written for survivors of sexual abuse. It’s a gentle, 40-day devotional to comfort survivors along their journey to peace and healing. She has written two other devotionals for new and expectant mothers and a children’s book, all of which are available in Spanish. As a missionary, she has written Get Set, a short devotional that will help equip and prepare short-term missions teams for their upcoming trip.

Join the conversation: Do you tend to compare yourself to others?

God’s Unlimited Resources

by Karen Wingate

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NASB

Always looking for a bargain, especially in this time of rising prices, my husband and I have succumbed to participating in our local grocery store’s rewards game. Sometimes I add digital coupons to my phone at home before venturing to the store. Other times, Jack trails behind me in the store aisles, adding deals as I find them. On one trip, we found great deals on meat, so we grabbed the chance to stock our deep freeze. I grabbed. Jack added.

As we approached the checkout, I said, “I forgot to add the coupon that will give us 4x the rewards points if we spend more than $50 on meat.” Jack’s face clouded with confusion.

“Never mind,” I said, whipping out my phone. “I’ll add it.” But the clerk looked up and told us all the coupons had to be on one phone. Jack pulled out his phone, still confused over what I was talking about. “Can’t do it now,” said the helpful clerk. “You’ve already swiped your card.”

When we reached the car, Jack asked, “What was all that about?” As I explained, I saw his shoulders slump. We’ve been married long enough; I knew what he was thinking. I screwed up. Again.

“It’s no big deal.” I put a hand on his arm. “We have a rich Daddy and He’s promised to give us our daily bread.” My reminder was as much for myself as for him. I know myself too well. When prices rise or investment revenue falls, I go into overdrive, curtailing car trips, scanning the grocery ads more closely, and becoming fastidious about turning off lights. My mind retains the words of Philippians 4:19 (NASB), “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” but my lifelong frugality informs me that if I work harder to save a dollar here and there, we’ll be all right.

Yes, God wants us to manage well the resources He’s given us. Bargain hunting is a part of that management; the more I save, the more I will have to bless others. But the moment I allow my budgeting to rule my life is the moment I’ve bought into the lie that I’m in control of my daily needs, not God.

It’s that little phrase “according to His riches” that convinces me about the silliness of my worry. God’s resources are so vast, the psalmist describes Him as having cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). And, as a loving father, God will make sure we have everything we need.

I’m grateful God doesn’t work on a reward point system, like my grocery store. We don’t have to invest one hundred good deeds to get one blessing. God gives to us freely and generously. If I mess up, get confused about a store’s complicated marketing scheme, or realize I could have made better choices, God will still provide everything I need.

How do we break the habit of fixating over the control of our resources? I’m slowly learning to do two things. First, I pray before I head to the store, asking God to help me spend His money wisely. Then, at each meal, I thank God for giving us our daily bread and so much more besides. Trusting Him to provide and thanking Him when He does helps minimize my tendency to worry over whether I’ll have enough.

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

About the author: Karen Wingate is author of the award-winning book, With Fresh Eyes: 60 Insights into the Miraculously Ordinary from a Woman Born Blind. After she and her husband spent 35 years in local church ministry, they have returned to the desert Southwest where Karen continues to write. You can receive her popular weekly newsletter by subscribing on her website, www.karenwingate.com .

Join the conversation: Are you fixated on controlling your resources?

Special

by Harriet E. Michael

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV.

“Special” was the only word on the large sign taped to the side of a bus sitting in a used vehicle lot in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The sign might have been placed to advertise a sale on that particular bus. But after a mission team purchased the bus for a church in La Paz they’d worked with for many summers, the student team-members that year chose to keep “Special” as its name.

Some years ago, I had the privilege of participating in that same annual student trip as a chaperone. The students came from the Christian school where two of my children graduated and where I have worked as a substitute teacher for over fifteen years. I have a degree in nursing, even though I no longer work in this field. But that year, they needed a nurse to go along on the trip, so they asked me. Having grown up on the mission field, I eagerly said yes. 

After riding in “Special,” I can vouch for the fact that she was well named. Her cracked windshield could not be replaced because a piece of glass with the correct dimensions was all but impossible to find in Honduras, and having it shipped there would have been too costly. The church just drove her anyway—cracked windshield and all.

Sometimes Special developed other problems. The week I rode in her, I thought we were going to flip over or slide down the side of a steep hill more than once. She broke down altogether on the way back across the mountain to Tegucigalpa for our return flight home. Fortunately, we had added one day of shopping and sight-seeing to our schedule, so we had that day to sit by the road for several hours while men from the church first tried to fix the problem and then arranged for another bus to come and get us to the airport.

In spite of her tendency to develop problems, Special faithfully went up and down winding and mountainous dirt roads every week to bring people to church who would otherwise not have been able worship. I witnessed the smiling faces of happy children run to the bus to be taken to the church from some of the poorest homes I have ever seen.  

Zechariah 14:20-21 speaks of the holiness of even the cups and cooking pots in the Temple. Indeed, God’s purpose for all things is their holiness. I suppose if cups and cooking pots can be special to the Lord, then so can an old bus with a cracked windshield.

God’s people are a bit like that, too, special in our own ways, though often flawed. God’s purpose for us is our holiness, and he created us uniquely for his purposes.

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

About the author: Harriet E. Michael is an award-winning and widely published author and freelance writer. She has authored or co-authored ten books, with three more under contract for release in 2024 and ’25. She has penned hundreds of articles and devotions that have been published in various publications. Harriet’s new release, Wonder and Worship: 65 Days of Devotion, will help you meditate on the Word of God. Not only will you leave inspired, but you will also grow in your knowledge of Scripture. The worship sections each week support and enhance the nuggets of wisdom as well.

Join the conversation: Do you struggle with your flaws?

Protecting Yourself From the Crazies

by Cheri Cowell

If you are in a small group, a ministry or charitable group, even a neighborhood group, you’ve encountered a crazy. I’m not using that term to disparage the mentally ill. Rather, I’m talking about the people that like to stir the pot and keep things unbalanced. You know them as the people who start rumors, who deftly undermine things others are working to achieve. The church has always had these people, and Scripture calls them wolves in sheep’s clothing.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15 NIV).

Sadly, the world we live in today allows them to increasingly operate with impunity. So what are we to do? Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself, your church, and your groups.

1. Acknowledge that evil exists. Not that these people are evil, but the enemy will use whatever and whomever to discourage, disparage, and sometimes destroy you, the church, and those who are doing good things.

2. Develop healthy relationships within your small groups. Strong relationships with good, spiritually strong people is the best antidote to the crazies in your midst. Have a no gossip rule. Set boundaries and never use prayer as a guise for gossip.

3. Know when to refer. It is not always the case, but there are times when the person you are having trouble with needs help. Having a good counselor for you to talk to, and someone you can refer to is a big help in some situations.

4. Learn to identify your own triggers. Does it seem you are surrounded by crazies? There are many good books on this subject (a few favorites are listed below) to help you identify the problem and help you examine how you may be inviting attack without even knowing it.

We don’t openly talk about it in the church, but perhaps that is part of the problem. When brought out into the open, this growing issue can no longer operate in the dark.

“. . . to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18 NASB).

In the light, it can be seen for what it is. People can get the help they need, and healthy communication skills can be developed. In your prayer time today, ask God to reveal to you the unhealthy relationships in your life. Then ask the Lord to show you which of these steps you should take. For all of us can be easily led astray and, therefore, we must guard our hearts and minds always.

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13 ESV

Lord, give us courage to stand strong for You, to live in harmony with others, and to bring to light the darkness that seeks to enter.

Here are a few books to help you explore the issue:

• The Wounded Minister by Guy Greenfield, ph. D.
• Clergy Killers by G. Lloyd Rediger
• Antagonists in the Church by Kenneth Haugk
• Surviving Friendly Fire by Ronald Dunn
• Pastor Abusers: When Sheep Attack Their Shepherd by Kent Crocket
• When Sheep Attack by Dennis Maynard
• Well-Intentioned Dragons by Marshall Shelley

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

About the author: Cheri Cowell is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and her, Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, recounts her church wounding story and the lessons she learned. To learn more about Cheri and her other books visit her website http://www.CheriCowell.com

Join the conversation: Have you struggled with a “crazy”? What did you find to be helpful in that relationship?

A Beagle Destined to Soar

by Sandi Banks

Underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 ESV

“If you could be any animal, what would it be?” I asked a friend one day.

He thought a moment, and answered, “Eagle.” I thought he said, “Beagle,” so I was stunned. Frankly, he didn’t seem the beagle type, so I questioned his choice. He answered with several beautifully descriptive words; and now I was really baffled.

Don’t get me wrong; I like beagles. But I would never describe them as “majestic,” “graceful,” “free from cares of the earth,” or “beautiful as they soar.”

Eventually, we realized, as in Cool Hand Luke,“What we have here is a failure to communicate.”

That mix-up got me thinking. How would one describe a beagle? Research reveals that these merry little hounds are a mixture of fun, frustrating, flawed, and friendly. Cute. Contrary. Intelligent. Independent. Beagles will follow their nose to the next zip code before you realize they’re gone. They’re smart but not sensible, often good-naturedly trying to dig their way out of a place they don’t want to be.

Whoa. Sounds a bit familiar. Beagles are endearing, but I don’t want to be like one. I want to be like an eagle, to soar gracefully in the high places above all the world’s cares. I want to be strong and mount up with eagles’ wings (Is. 40:31), my youth renewed. I want to be swift of flight (2 Sam. 1:23) and have the power of vision (Job 39:29) for what God calls me to.

“So, Lord, why am I so beagle-like? Is there a cure? Can I trade my freckles and wags for feathers and wings?”

Then I open His Word and get excited as I read, “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, the LORD alone guided him” (Deuteronomy 32:11,12 ESV).

What a magnificent picture of God, who stirs up our nest of complacency, and nudges us out of our comfort zone; then as we try out our new wings, He’s there to catch us and carry us.

I don’t want to be a beaglet. I want to be an eaglet—to learn to soar, to grow spiritually, to discover the abundant life God has planned through the power of His Holy Spirit. As I allow Him to stir up, flutter over, and guide me, I will begin to see the “impossible” unfold—not by my striving but by His strength.

You and I are programmed to be eagles—to fly! Ready for take-off?

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

About the author: Sandi Banks is an author and devotional writer for multiple publishing houses, and serves on Speak Up faculty. Drawing from her ministry and travel experiences in 40 countries on six continents, Sandi brings the hope of Christ to others through her writing, speaking, and mentoring.

Join the conversation: What do you admire most about eagles?

Three Wrong Pictures of God

by Lane Jordan Burday

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 NIV

My husband and I were truly blessed to attend a conference at our church. The event was graced by speakers known around the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights.

One of my favorite speakers was John Maxwell. He has written countless books on Leadership, and his latest book, High Road Leaders, provides some strong insights.

But at the end of the conference, the author mentioned that many people don’t come to God because they have the wrong picture of Him. Maxwell stated that he would love to share several pictures with attendees who would like to stay for another fifteen minutes. There was no pressure, and anyone had the freedom to leave.

Hardly anyone left!

Maxwell began with the first picture some people have about God. They see a giant wall with God on one side and themselves on the other. They believe this is a true representative picture of God, that He is too great to want to be near them, so they do not need to reach out to Him. What would be the point of reaching God when they are sinners?

The second picture revealed other people’s view of God: above a great stairway. They can advance on the stairway each time they do a good deed. Every good act gets them closer and closer to God. However, they will realize one day that they can never do enough good to get all the way to Him.

The third picture showed a huge trash pile. Some people compare their lives and actions to a trash pile. Why would God ever want to talk to someone who has lived a life so bad it looks like an ugly and awful trash pile?

But there is one more picture! Jesus comes all the way from heaven to stand at the door of our heart. He knocks and waits for us to answer. He never leaves. He loves us so much that He died for us and then stands at our heart’s door. This last picture is the correct one.

Jesus jumped over the wall to reach you. His blood on the cross removed the staircase. Jesus never saw a trash pile, only a beautiful person created in the image of His Father.

Mr. Maxwell ended his talk by asking if anyone would like to erase from his mind the wrong picture and ask Jesus into their lives.

At that Christian conference held at a church, almost half of the attendees walked to the front and gave their lives to Jesus. I had never witnessed anything like this.

My prayer is that for anyone reading this who doesn’t have Jesus in their lives, you open the door right now and ask Him into your life.

You will never be the same again!

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

About the author: Lane Jordan is the best-selling and award-winning author of over ten books.  Find her latest fiction book, Evangeline, based on the story of Esther, on Amazon, as well as her books on becoming more organized.  She is an international speaker, life coach, Bible teacher for over 30 years, writer, and artist. She has served as Associate Producer for the program In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. You can visit Lane at: www.LaneJordanMinistries.com. She is also on the Pearls of Promise Ministries team. You can find her there at www.PearlsofPromiseMinistries.com  where she is a co-host for the Radio/TV ministry and blog writer.

Join the conversation: How do you picture God?

Embrace Joy

by Juliana Gardiner

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NKJV

A warm embrace is so comforting and enjoyable that sometimes we don’t want to let go. In Genesis 33:4, we see Esau run to meet his brother, Jacob, he embraces him, falls on his neck, kisses him, and they wept, reminiscing about their brotherhood and their broken relationship resulting from Esau’s hatred and Jacob stealing his brother’s blessings.

We give an embrace to express support, acceptance, love, and admiration. We may not do this very often, because we know there is time for everything; Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”; we understand its worth, and do it when appropriate.

But have you thought of embracing joy each day? Understandably, each day brings its challenges. But imagine how embracing joy can bring you that warmth you so desire. When Psalms 118:24 (NKJV) says, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” it emphasizes the importance of choosing to be joyful.

Joy is not a superficial emotion. It stems from an inward state of being. It depends not on circumstances or life events but on our deepest soul’s desires. And that is why joy is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

We see this same encouragement in Philippians 4:4 (NKJV), “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.” Scripture encourages us to choose joy because it is such a powerful emotion. Clinicians describe its ability to remedy stress-related burnout, positively improving physical and mental health.

The question is how we can embrace joy. One way we can do this is by looking beyond our circumstances. We choose critically, by examining and weighing factors, deciding to follow the example Jesus gave us. Jesus, seeing the joy before Him, endured the cross, despising its shame (Hebrews 12:2). When Jesus looked beyond the cross, he knew there was something better in store for Him, to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. He also knew that by His death, others would live. Jesus was driven by purpose. We can do likewise by looking to Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, embracing joy each day.

John 10:10 (ESV) tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” One of the things the devil desires to steal is our joy. You see, at times, no matter how optimistic you are you feel something is dragging you off focus or pulling the joy of life away – that is when feelings of edginess and crankiness set in. And then what do we gain? Nothing!

I will purpose to embrace joy, because the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

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

About the author: A mom, wife, and professional. Juliana Gardiner supports her husband, the founder and general overseer of World Outreach Ministries, headquartered in Irvington, NJ as a leader of the music team and the women’s ministry. Juliana is an advocate for using every situation as an opportunity for learning and growth. She finds inspiration through music and has been doing this her whole life.  She works as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University, Union, NJ. Juliana has been married to Frederick Gardiner for 24 years, and they are blessed with three children.

Join the conversation: How do you embrace joy?

A God-Wink

by Linda Summerford

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 NIV

 “Can you help me find my sisters?”

Virginia Calhoun stopped and stared at Martha. “Whoa, I sense a story in that question!”

“Yes ma’am. I’d love to share it with you.”

“I’m here at the hospital to facilitate an infant adoption. I’ll come find you as soon as we’re finished. I want to know more.”

An hour later, Virginia found Martha. “There you are,” she said, “I’m eager to hear your story.”

Martha began, “There were four children in our home, ranging from eight months to five years old. We were separated into foster care because of abuse and neglect. My sisters probably don’t remember me, since we were all so young, but I remember them.

“When I was 16, I found out that my sisters were adopted. So I had to wait until the youngest turned 18 before any information could be released, and only then with the adoptive parents’ permission. She will be 18 on June 6. Can you help me?”

“I’d love to help  you. Write a letter to the adoptive parents. Let them feel your love for your sisters. I will make sure they get your letter. Then leave it in God’s hands and pray.”

“Thank you, Ms. Calhoun. I believe our meeting each other today is one of those Godwink moments, don’t you?”

“Yes, I believe with God there’s no such thing as a coincidence!”

Martha wrote: Hello, I’m Martha. We haven’t met yet, but I hope one day to be able to hug your neck. I’d like to thank you for taking care of my little sisters, Wanda and Linda, all these years. They were so young when we were separated, they probably don’t remember me, but I never stopped thinking about them. One special thing I remember about Linda was that I gave her a doll and named it Martha, so she would never forget my name.

I was never adopted but grew up in foster care until I aged out of the system.

I don’t want to interrupt your family or cause any harm, but it’s my heart’s desire to meet my sisters at least once before I die. If you feel it in your heart to grant me this one wish, I would be forever grateful. Love, Martha           

One day a social worker called the younger girls’ adoptive mother to tell her about the letter. The mother read the note with tears in her eyes, remembering during the first few weeks after their adoption, Linda kept asking, “Where’s Martha?” Little did she know it wasn’t a baby doll Linda was missing, as she had thought.

It was her older sister, Martha.

Regardless of what names we have been given, or if our names are changed, God not only remembers our name but calls us by our name.

A few days after receiving the letter, the adoptive mother asked her daughters a question she never thought she’d ask.

“Girls, how would you like to meet your sister?”

May we be ready to see what seems like coincidences in our lives as God-winks. God sends messages to us to encourage and reassure us that he indeed hears our prayers.

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

About the author: Linda Summerford is an award winning author of The Glider, a book about her childhood memories as a foster and adopted child. She served on a foster care review board and on a task force promoting legislative foster care and adoption reforms. Linda now lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with her husband Richard. She is the President of Word Weavers, Maggie Valley, NC.

Join the conversation: Have you ever experienced a God-wink? Please share!

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There’s Nothing Stronger Than a Gentle Answer

by A.C. Williams

A gentle answer deflects anger,  but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 NLT

I got mad last week. Without getting into the gory details, a friend of mine asked for guidance in how to deal with a Christian in her life who was acting decidedly unchristian-like. This person’s actions were hurtful and selfish and just wrong, and my friend was paying the price for it.

She needed help, and so my friend asked me how to respond.

And, oh boy, did I have a response. I knew exactly what I would have said in her situation, and I sat down to tell her exactly how to respond. But before I got very far, I felt that little nudge at the back of my mind urging me to do my morning quiet time first. After all, what if God had something I needed to remember before I offered wisdom to my friend?

Yes, I’m sure you can guess what happened. I sat down to do my pre-assigned morning Bible reading and went directly to Proverbs 15:1 and its wisdom about gentle answers.

I felt about an inch tall. My righteous anger cooled almost instantly. Yes, my friend was in the right, and her Christian authority was in the wrong. But my recommended response was going to make it worse. Getting angry in an already-heated situation doesn’t calm tempers; it makes them burn hotter (Proverbs 29:22).

So much for my wisdom. Instead, I advised her to respond with God’s wisdom (James 3:17). Humility. Gentleness. Kindness. Not pointing fingers. Not holding past harms against each other. And a willingness to bear the burdens and shortcomings of those around us for Christ’s sake.

Is it a flashy response? Does it feel empowering? Is it emotionally satisfying? No. It’s not any of those things, but it is a godly response.

Jesus always responded to ill treatment with humility and kindness. Rarely did He ever give voice to His frustrations, although in each of those times it was with His followers (Matthew 17:17) or the religious elite (Matthew 23:33).

Now, don’t misunderstand and start thinking that the only godly response in a given situation is to allow yourself to be treated like a doormat. No, that’s not the case at all, but how many of our daily conflicts truly need major confrontations? How many harmful, divisive conflicts could we stop with a gentle answer instead of an emotionally satisfying one?

It’s not that we shouldn’t call out sin when we see it in another Christian, but if you take pleasure in the humiliation of another Christian for whatever reason, that does not glorify God, either.

Following Jesus is so much more than just reading His Word; it’s doing His Word (James 1:22). It listening for His Voice and choosing to obey, choosing to do things God’s way rather than the way that makes sense to us (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I’ve known that God values gentle answers for most of my life, yet I willfully abandon that truth when I lose my temper, because gentle answers don’t feel strong enough. But let me encourage you: there is nothing stronger than a gentle answer, because that’s where God’s strength shines.

You don’t have to accept mistreatment, but when someone pushes you, don’t push back. That’s not the way to win. Listen for God’s voice and do what He says. You don’t have to be the strong one when the King of the Universe has your back.

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

About the author: A.C. Williams is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks won’t match. An AWSA Golden Scrolls finalist and an editor at Uncommon Universes Press, she believes that God works miracles through stories. Learn more about her coaching services at www.amycwilliams.com and subscribe to her daily devotional emails at www.alwayspeachy.com. Amy is offering a special: the first seven days free, then $5/month. https://acwilliams.substack.com/arisedaily

Join the conversation: Have you ever given a soft answer in a volatile situation? How did that work out?

Beware of High Hopes for Your Children

by Kathy Collard Miller

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9 NIV

Imagine for a moment your two sons are disciples of Jesus. What an honor, for certainly they are followers of the future king of Israel, who will overthrow the Roman tyranny. And what does a king need? Advisors sitting beside him … well … advising him. Wouldn’t any mother think My sons can do that. They’re brilliant.

Yes, we’re using our imagination. And in our imagination, wouldn’t it be possible (as our sons sit on the platform near the king, and we stand on the sidelines of the great hall), we would whisper to the woman next to us, “See those two right there near the king? They are my sons.”

This fictional example is based on the story of Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John. By connecting Matthew 27: 55-56 and Mark 15: 40, we know she is the one referred to in Matthew 20: 20-24. Let’s read the Matthew account.

“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers” (Matthew 20: 20-24 ESV).

Of course, we don’t know Salome’s thoughts, but from the biblical story, it would seem she had high hopes for them. Who could fault Salome’s motives in wanting the best for her precious boys?

Yet Salome’s heart may have impure motives. At least, she has faith to believe Jesus will be king. We don’t know if she envisions an earthly or a heavenly kingdom with Jesus as king. Regardless, she is asking for something seemingly right, yet she doesn’t recognize her heart is muddied by the idea of her sons’ future status and success.

Little does she know what she is asking, as Jesus points out. And little did she anticipate the indignation of the other ten disciples. She most likely hadn’t expected that. Unfortunately, our mixed motives often block out thinking of the potential consequences of our choices.

Thankfully, we know Salome stayed faithful to Jesus and was one of the three women standing together at the cross of Jesus (Matthew 27: 55-56 and Mark 15: 40-41). Even if her hopes of her sons’ status died there, we also know from Mark 16:1-8 Salome was one of three women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. She saw the angel and the empty tomb. How her heart must have leaped with joy. I doubt by then she was thinking of her sons’ status. I’d like to think she could only think of Jesus being glorified.

That’s the challenge for each one of us. To allow the loving Father to bring glory to himself through purifying our hearts. One important way to do that is to realize what we think is best is based on our limited perspective. God knows everything about us and the future. Let’s surrender to His superior plan.

When did you realize God’s plan was better than what you had envisioned?

Kathy Collard Miller is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books and a national and international speaker. She loves to take scriptural truths and apply them to the stories of her walk with God through devotional books, Christian Living books, commentaries and a women’s Bible studies series. In her book, Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory, she passionately explores the connection between desiring a pure heart and God being glorified. Connect with her at: www.KathyCollardMiller.com.

Join the conversation: When did you realize God’s plan was better than what you had envisioned?