Honoring Mothers

by Harriet E. Michael

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28 NIV

Mothers come in every shape and size. They come as biological mothers, adoptive mothers, and women whom others claim as their mother in some way or form, such as spiritual mothers.

I have a sweet friend who grew up in a different kind of home situation. Her biological mother, whom she loved very much, had six children by three different men she never married. My friend did not know her father very well, and she lost contact with many of her siblings who had moved away by the time she got married.

That friend asked me to be one of her bridesmaids along with a few others who were like sisters to her. A former high school teacher stood in for her mother, who had passed away from cancer. My friend teased that, since she didn’t have a real family, she made one out of people who had loved her through the years.

Each May we celebrate mothers, and I have grown to appreciate that this honor is not exclusive to a woman who physically gave birth. A mother is anyone who acts motherly toward those whom God has placed in her life to mentor, shepherd, love, or help.

Jesus displayed this same understanding that family is not exclusively between people related biologically. In a poignant scene, while hanging on the cross close to death, Jesus spoke words to John telling him to take care of Mary—Jesus’ mother—as if she were John’s mother:

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25 – 27 NIV

In Jesus’ day, women did not hold jobs and depended on their husbands or sons to support them. Jesus had honored his mother by providing for her earthly needs, even as he was dying.

Another touching aspect of that scene is the image of Mary standing near the foot of the cross watching her beloved, perfect child being crucified. To some degree, I can put myself in her shoes. I have experienced times when one of my children suffered and I could do nothing but stand by and agonize. This, too, speaks volumes about the sometimes-difficult roles God calls mothers to play.

Families are not always those who share the same genes. So, to all mothers of any kind, happy Mother’s Day to you. For all the time, energy, and effort you have invested in another human being, we honor you.

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, is a unique devotional with opportunities to dig into the meanings of well-known hymns and worship music, and will challenge the reader with lesser-known Bible verses and facts, inspiring readers to grow in their understanding and their relationship with God.

Join the conversation: How will you honor the mothers in your life?

Fire in My Soul

by Fran Sandin

What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 TLB

Have you ever argued with God? Was it about something you wanted or didn’t want? Or did you feel completely inadequate for the task God called you to do?

Yes, yes, and yes.

When the Lord prompted me to write a book, the contention began: “Me? Write a book? But Lord, I am NOT a writer!” His still, quiet voice responded, “I AM.” “But Lord, I don’t know how to write a book.” He replied softly, “I do.”

Despite a already full life: (part-time work as a nurse at my physician-husband’s office, mother of two grade-school children, church organist, volunteer worker, plus other responsibilities), I finally relented and said, “Lord, if You want me to write a book, hold my hand, guide me, and I will try.” With His help, I began.

Our youngest child, Jeffrey, had died suddenly from bacterial meningitis. For two years afterward, the Lord ministered His grace and love according to 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. He comforted, strengthened, and equipped us to encourage others.

After Jeffrey’s death, I had searched in vain for a book that would answer my lingering questions: Does God really answer prayer? Is God punishing me? How can I conquer fear regarding my other children? Will I ever get over this? How could God possibly use our experience for good?

I knew other grieving parents were asking similar questions. Since I didn’t locate such a book, I asked the Lord to be my divine counselor. Then, through deeper Bible study, sermons, radio messages, the words of friends, and lots of prayer, the Lord provided answers that calmed my troubled heart.

Beginning from a simple outline, I set out to write my book with the goal of helping others. I spent one day each week at our nearby lake cabin writing and crying. After four years, I finished the first draft. I checked out a library book on how to submit a manuscript. But without exploring which publishing houses to query, I sent my story out over a period of years, and it was returned every time.

Finally, a friend suggested I attend a Christian writers conference. My husband accompanied me to my first one, where I met an editor at Tyndale House who liked my manuscript and gave me some suggestions. I felt encouraged for the first time and rewrote the account that I then took to the conference the following year.

My devotional reading on the morning I left was Isaiah 46:11 (AMP), “Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, be assured I will do it.” Peace flooded my soul.

I met with that editor again, and the manuscript was accepted. So, after my 27^th submission, eleven years after I began writing, See You Later, Jeffrey, was published by Tyndale House.

Some have asked me, “How could you keep submitting after so many disappointments?” I confessed, “The Lord wouldn’t let me quit. It was like a fire in my soul.”

A few years later, when Tyndale allowed the book to go out of print, I had the copyright and Tyndale’s permission to print additional copies. As a result, a pastor in East Germany, who ministered to Russians, read my book. He requested and received my permission to translate it into Russian.

Years later, in both 2010 and 2012, my husband and I accompanied an evangelistic team to the Ukraine. We had the privilege of handing out a total of 4,000 free copies of my book in Russian—a first or second language for many there. My tears had reached across the ocean to connect with grieving families to share the comfort, joy, and hope we have in Christ.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

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

About the author: Fran Sandin is a retired nurse, organist, mother, and grandmother living in Greenville, Texas. She and her husband, Jim, have traveled to many countries and states. Find out more about Fran at fransandin.com. 

When the plans and promise of a lifetime are shattered…Can enduring hope still be found? Is it strong enough to conquer the overwhelming pain and loss? Fran’s story is an affirmation of God’s abiding peace that is available to us all in the midst of pain and loss.

Join the conversation: Have you ever had a fire in your soul? What did God do to fulfill that desire?

Praying for Our Offender

by Jennifer Slattery

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

When I’m afraid and feel threatened, and especially when I sense those I love are in danger, I’m diligent—fervent!—in prayer. I beg God to intervene.

I certainly don’t want to pray for the offender. But when, by God’s grace, I put aside my will, and, out of obedience, I do pray for those causing myself or my loved ones pain, something happens internally.

My heart softens. The anger lessens. The fear and stress that had me all worked up and distracted are abated. Perhaps that is, in part, how to experience the peace that is beyond anything we can understand (Phil. 4:6-7). In that moment, I become more like Jesus, who, as He hung on the cross, prayed for the very ones who were persecuting Him (Luke 23:34).

We can see this same love in Paul in 1 Timothy chapter 2. Recently released from prison, he told his young friend to pray for their political leaders: those who were persecuting them and the entire Christian community. Paul knew those leaders would never change unless they came to know Christ, and maybe, he remembered that he was once just like them.

Paul and Timothy were living under the authority of Nero, a cruel and insane leader. Each day, as they walked the streets of Roman-ruled land, fears had to arise. Would this be the day they’d be imprisoned? Stoned, flogged, or even executed?

Had I been in that situation, I probably would’ve gone into hiding. I would’ve prayed—a lot! For myself, my protection and safety.

Not Paul. Instead, he focused on others, and not just those he loved, but on all people—the betrayer and betrayed. The oppressor and oppressed. Those who followed Christ and those who didn’t. And he didn’t just ask Timothy to pray for them. He urged him to do so. Can you sense his passion, his love for the lost?

It was this kind of love we see in Jesus when, on the night He was betrayed, He prayed for those closest to Him: the men He’d poured Himself into, day in and day out, who would abandon Him during His darkest hour.

Maybe you’ve been there. I have, and it hurt.

I’d walked beside a woman, prayed with and for her, and had done all I knew to help her grow and succeed. But then she turned against me and the relationship turned ugly. The injustice of it all pricked against my pride. So, I stewed, growing more and more indignant. More and more angry, all the while sensing God’s gentle but persistent tap on my heart: Forgive. Love. Pray.

Still fighting negative thoughts and emotions, I closed my eyes, and out of obedience did what God asked. At first, it felt unnatural, like words forced through gritted teeth. But the more I prayed for this woman, the softer my heart became toward her. I began to see her and the situation differently, not through the lens of my pain but instead, through the lens of hers. I caught a glimpse of the healing and growth God wanted to bring about in her.

Suddenly, I understood—this wasn’t about me. It never had been. It was all about Jesus rescuing and transforming our broken world. Paul understood this, and this understanding gave him the strength to keep pouring himself out for others, so that God’s glory could be seen and lives could be saved. Paul longed for his dear friend, his son in the faith, to have that same focus and passion.

I believe God has the same desire for us.

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

About the author: Jennifer Slattery is a multi-published novelist, speaker, and one of the hosts of the Faith Over Fear Podcast and the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. Visit her at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com to learn more about her.

Join the conversation: Has God ever softened your heart toward someone who caused you hurt? Please share!

A Stone’s Throw from Grace

by Edie Melson

When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.  John 8:7 CSB

Imagine with me the scene that day. A woman has been caught in the act of adultery. In first century Israel, it’s a crime punishable by death—death by stoning. The men and women drag her into the public square. I can hear the voices of her accusers, raised in hatred and condemnation.

• “You’re nothing but filth.”
• “You knew what could happen when you made your choice.”
• “Get rid of her. We can’t have someone like her contaminating our town.”

She’s thrown at the feet of a famous teacher, for him to pronounce the death sentence. Why did they bring her to him? Because he’s known for his compassion. By bringing her crime to his attention they can literally kill two birds with one stone. They can get rid of a sinner and either expose him as a liar, or a lawbreaker.

Instead, Jesus introduces them all to the concept of grace.

And He does it without compromising the law or the heart of compassion he’s known for.

Back in the viewpoint of our sinner, I can imagine her laying there at His feet, covering her head with her arms as she tries to make as small a target as possible. Every muscle is tensed, waiting for the first stone from the angry mob.

As the crowd begins to quiet, instead of the sound of stones whistling through the air, she hears the words of the teacher. His pronouncement takes them all by surprise—even her. And I can imagine that the next sounds she hears are the thumps all around her as the stones drop to the ground as the crowd disperses.

Those in the crowd learned a valuable lesson as did the woman. They learned that they have a choice when it comes to confronting sin. They can be stone-throwers or stone-droppers.

It’s a choice we still have today. Starting today I’m going to make a conscious effort to drop those stones and be an instrument of grace.

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

About the author: Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s addressing parents, military families, readers of fiction or writers. As a leading professional within the publishing industry, Edie travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her top-ranked blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month, and she’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

In addition, as a respected expert in social media, Edie has the proven expertise to teach others how to plug in without sacrificing valuable writing time. Her bestselling eBook on this subject has recently been updated, expanded, and re-released as Connections: Social Media & Networking Techniques for Writers.

Join the conversation. Are you a stone thrower or a stone dropper?

Praise Will Sprout

by Mel Tavares

For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11 ESV

I am an avid gardener. My desire to get outside and start working in my garden increases each time winter temperatures wane and the sun warms the earth. Joy floods my soul when I see daffodils dancing and tulips budding.

As much as my garden is robed in green and adorned with the jewels of spring, I am adorned with garments of salvation and righteousness and jewels in my headdress as the bride of Christ.

Perennial flowers and bulbs need no prompting or special care to cause them to bloom. Seeds sown will sprout year after year, as surely as the earth revolves around the sun. This reminds me of Isaiah 61:11. Just as garden flowers spring forth, righteousness and praise spring forth across the earth as Christians rejoice in the goodness of God and tell others of who He is.

Can you picture yourself clothed in salvation and robed in righteousness, a living epistle for all around you to read? Can you imagine hope sprouting in others’ hearts, as they read the chapters of your life and see that you are firmly grounded in Christ?

As we exalt God and tell of His marvelous works in our life, praise springs forth from our lips. We cannot help but become a display of His splendor. As we bloom where we are planted and use modern tools such as social media, nations witness miraculous growth and new life.

There are many variations in the garden of life, just as in natural gardens. These spiritual blooms include healing, provision, restoration, freedom, and redemption, to name a few.

We are living in a time when those around us are being crushed under the load of cares of this world. They are desperate to have someone plant seeds of hope, love, joy, and peace. As we introduce them to Jesus, and plant and water the seeds, new sprouts of righteousness and praise will spring forth across the nations.

Sounds of rejoicing will be heard, just as songbirds can be heard in our gardens. Hope will spring forth and soon they will be planting seeds of hope in others. In this manner, righteousness and praise will sprout up before all nations.

O Lord, I pray your righteousness and praise would spring forth in my soul today and in the souls of others across the world, that indeed it would sprout across the nations and others would come to know you.

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

About the author: Mel Tavares is an accomplished award winning author, speaker/teacher, and coach and counselor both in ministry and in her career. She has invested decades in equipping women from all walks of life to thrive in the midst of their circumstances.

Mel holds a Doctorate of Ministry, is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach, a Certified QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor, and member of the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors).

In addition to writing for Arise Daily, she authoring books, is a contributing author to several books, writes for multiple ministries, including the Word of Life Global Youth Ministries. She teaches digitally and in person, conducts Facebook Live series, and is a frequent media guest. Mel is a wife, mom to seven, and grandma to ten. You can find her materials and learn more about her ministry at her website: drmeltavares.com

Join the conversation. Have you been in a spiritual season of winter?

God’s Promises Are More Than Words

by A. C. Williams

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4 NLT

When I visited London many years ago, I was the most excited about the museums. I love history, and the U.K. has historical landmarks on every street corner. I’ll never forget walking into one of the upper flowers of the White Tower at the Tower of London and being surrounded by massive display cases loaded with Medieval armors of every shape and size.

It was pretty cool.

I remember standing in front of a suit of armor that had been designed for a woman—probably the queen at the time—thinking that even though it would have been terrible to wear, she wouldn’t have wanted to be on the battlefield without it.

The Bible talks about armor frequently, in many contexts ranging from physical armor that couldn’t protect a wicked king (1 Kings 22:34) to spiritual armor every believer can utilize (Ephesians 6:10-17). But recently I stumbled onto this verse in Psalm 91:4 that talks about armor in a different way.

God’s promises are our armor.

We are all familiar with God’s promises in Scripture. They’re abundant, on almost every page of the Bible. In the Psalms, they’re probably on every other line. God promises to strengthen us (Ephesians 3:14-16). He promises to give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30) and provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19). He promises to answer our prayers (Matthew 7:7) and always be with us (Joshua 1:9). And we know from Scripture that all of God’s promises prove true, that none of them have ever failed (Joshua 21:45).

Nice. Poetic. Articulate. Easy to recite when you need a Sunday school answer. But how can any of those promises protect us from the harsh realities of life? How can those promises change anything?

Life is hard. It’s dark and getting darker. Between inflation on one side and the anxiety concerning global events on the other, we have more reason than ever to live in constant dread. We have every excuse to hunker down and hide in an attempt to protect ourselves from what’s coming.

I guess if you believe that God’s promises are just words, that’s the best life you can hope for. But what if God’s promises are more than words? After all, God’s promises are God’s Words, and God’s Word will never fail (Luke 1:37). God’s Word lights our way in the darkness (Psalm 119:105) and provides everything we need to live a godly life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

If God’s Word can do all of that, why can’t it be our armor? Why can’t it be our protection? Why can’t we rely on it every day to fend off the attacks of the enemy?

All of us face discouragement and anxiety many moments every day. Maybe it comes in the form of financial difficulty. Maybe it’s challenging family situations. Maybe it’s a troubled relationship dynamic or an addiction of some kind. Whatever trial you are facing today, God has made you a promise in His Word to bring you peace, comfort, and strength.

Read God’s Word. Know it. If you don’t know God’s Word, if you haven’t read His promises, you won’t have a means of defending yourself when the enemy attacks. Don’t think you can fend off a spiritual attack with a physical weapon either (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

God’s promises aren’t like the promises people make. We make promises we can try to keep; God makes promises that never fail because He never fails.

God’s promises can be your armor and protection, but if you don’t know them, you won’t have them available to use when you need them.

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: Which of God’s promises mean the most to you?

Freely Given

by Nicki Corinne White

For the poor will not cease to exist in the land; therefore I am commanding you, saying, “You shall fully open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11 NASB

Helping the needy has always been a burden on my heart. Maybe because I grew up in need, or maybe there are just so many needs…everywhere.

I grew up on a small horse ranch in Washington State. We had property and horses and did chores. I don’t think we ever felt that we were in need. But then life changed when I was a young teen. My dad died of a heart attack. It was always feast or famine for us, and this was not a time of plenty. So we sold 28 of our 31 horses to a “friend” of my dad’s, whom we later realized had ripped us off.

Not sure cheating a widow with kids can ever be justified. Thanks to his deception, we had no income other than $90 a month from Social Security.

Because my dad had no will, the judge decided to divide everything between my sister, Mom, and me. This meant my mama could not sell our property for 5 years, when I turned 18. Things were very hard.

The Pastor who was recommended to us for the funeral invited us to his little church. A few months later, all three of us accepted Christ. Good news through trial!

But we were still in need.

There were times when our fridge, stove, or heat did not work. I know God provided through all of it. Our church has a deacons fund. Once a month they give to those they know are in need.

I think living in need has given me an ability to see those needs in others.

We can’t always see what someone needs, if we do not check on people. People all around us are hurting. Their need may not seem to be a big thing. But taking a meal to a family that is struggling, including a box of crayons for the kids or a new kitchen towel for the mom, can make someone’s day.

The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:17 (NIV), “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

We must pray that God would give us hearts of compassion. He will show and direct us in what to do. Listen and obey the Spirit’s prompting. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).

We have such great blessings in Christ. Seek out ways to show God’s love to others, so they can see His great love in you.

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.  Psalm 112:9 NIV

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

About the author: Nicki Corinne White has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. She has led Bible studies and discipled young women for many years. Nicki has a heart for the hurting. She hopes to encourage them with a listening ear, kind word, or a Biblical reminder. She regularly opens her home to others.  Nicki and her husband, Craig, have four children and eight grandchildren.

Join the conversation. What needs of others has God called you to meet?

Spring Cleanup

by Gail Scoates

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1 NIV

One of my favorite things is a daily walk with my dog. Together, we see the beauty of the trees and flowers and hear the birds sing their morning songs. But I’m saddened by the litter alongside the road and on woodland trails. So, I bring a small trash bag to clean up as we walk, doing my part to help keep our walking areas clean.

When we see the world as a gift from God, we desire to take care of it. Cleaning up the environment shows respect for God’s handiwork and allows others to see the beauty of the world He created. When I make the effort to clean up the litter in my local community, I notice less of it. It’s almost as if people respond to the little seeds of cleanup I leave. 

As I’ve picked up litter, I’ve thought about what God has to say about cleaning up. We are to be stewards of all that God created (Genesis 1:27 – 30). To me, this includes cleaning up the environment as well as cleaning up our own lives. The Bible is full of stories about this inner cleanup.

Jesus cleaned up the temple. He interrupted the corrupt system of those making money instead of honoring the temple as a place of worship (Mark 11:15 – 17).

In 2 Samuel 2, the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sins and told him to clean up his life. David knew God would forgive him, but first David needed to come clean and confess his sins before God.

I thought about how the Holy Spirit works to keep me from being tempted by bright and shiny things this world offers. He works to keep my spirit healthy by helping me remove what’s unneeded in my life. Through my daily time with God in prayer, He opens my heart to see what thoughts I have or things I do that cause me to be dirty or hurtful to others.   

When we “spring clean” our lives, we might even discover something important that’s been long forgotten. Like when we clean the basement and find a long-forgotten box, we might find past blessings we had pushed to the back of our hearts.

While I hope we will all do our part to clean up the world around us, let’s also remember to see what “litter control” is needed in our lives.

Isn’t it enough for you to drink clear water for yourselves? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Ezekiel 34:18 NLT.

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

About the author: Gail Scoates is an award-winning author of her first book Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How Therapy Dogs and Faith Healed My Heart. A lady with heart for God and for dogs, her book reminds us how God’s creation can teach us about God’s love. Retired from a long career in nursing, she trains and evaluates teams for therapy dog work, enjoys writing, and traveling. Check out her website: https://pawspurpose.net/.

Join the conversation: How does God reveal something that needs purging in your life?

Are We There Yet?

by Sheri Schofield

The volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, had been silent for over 800 years when it suddenly came to life again on March 19, 2021. Deep cracks began opening across the mountain over the next three years, causing molten lava to shoot up unexpectedly across the land, sometimes with little warning. Towns are being torn apart with the moving earth, and molten lava flows toward some of them. Places which once drew visitors are now unsafe. And there is no end in sight.

Much like those Iceland volcanic eruptions, many countries are experiencing man-made eruptions, where wars are tearing them apart. Missiles shoot into the air from many places around the world, wreaking death and destruction. Mexico, Central America, Russia, Ukraine, China, Myanmar, India, and much of Africa are experiencing violent conflict.

Here in the USA, we are seeing increasing violence in the cities. Europe shares in that conflict.  Around the globe, hundreds of millions of people are experiencing food scarcity or famine. Rivers, lakes, and dams are drying up. Society on earth is growing increasingly violent and hedonistic.

What is happening? I believe we are facing the signs of Christ’s return, for he told us these troubles would precede his coming as King of kings and Lord of Lords (see Revelation 6).

I keep asking God, “Are we there yet?”

We may well be nearing the end of this age. We appear to be experiencing end-time prophecies. How then should we respond to the uncertainty of a world in chaos?

I find comfort in Jesus’ words to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me…. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:1, 27 NIV).

Paul wrote about the battles that Christians of all generations face. He told us our battle is not against humans, but against Satan and his forces (Ephesians 6:12). Verse 13 says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (NIV).

Where is our focus? Are we fighting human enemies? Are we hoping in mere mortals’ power to help us keep our freedom?  Or will we realize we’re the advance team that Jesus, our Captain, has put here on earth to prepare for his return? Our peace is closely connected to our focus and our Lord.

Our King is coming. We are to hold our spiritual ground in preparation, while keeping our eyes on him and living in his peace. Ungodly humans cannot help us. Even the godly can only advise and pray for us.

But the Holy Spirit can empower us to stand in these times. He arms us with truth, grace, love, compassion, mercy, and peace to reach a lost and dying world. He fills us with supernatural spiritual strength.

By keeping our eyes on Jesus, our great God and Savior, we will reach others with the message of salvation. When we demonstrate to others the love and grace of Jesus, some will respond to our message of hope.

I want to be found rescuing the perishing when Jesus returns. Lord, help me to be strong and faithful!

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:27-28 NASB

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 ministry, Faithwind 4 Kids, can be followed on her blog at her website, http://www.sherischofield.com. Questions welcomed!

FREE CHILDREN’S Author/Children’s Bible teacher, Sheri Schofield, offers a free series of video lessons about Jesus and His salvation—for children ages 4 and up. It is available at her website www.sherischofield.com In this video series, Walk-The-Talk Island, Sheri presents her award-winning book The Prince and the Plan, in 24 video lessons for your children, grandchildren and any others with whom you wish to share. In addition, Campfire provides devotions for children.

Join the conversation: How are you building God’s kingdom as we wait for His return?

Desperate in the Desert

by Cindi McMenamin

“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.”   Hosea 2:14 NIV

Do you ever have one of those weeks – or months – when it seems like God isn’t around? When it feels as if He’s gone on vacation while you’ve been hitting rough times?

When my husband voluntarily stepped out of his pastoral job for an unpaid “one year sabbatical” (that was his term for it), I began to wonder if after eight months God had gone on a permanent coffee break.

God, he’s restless to get back into ministry.  Where are You? God, we can’t keep paying for our own health insurance. Aren’t You taking note of this? Lord, we need You to intervene…any time now!

Yet in His wisdom, God wanted to take us to the edge of desperation – where we truly needed Him. It was there He reminded us that He’s been right there with us, all along.  Through the years, I’ve learned that God has a way of drawing us out into the desert of need in order to teach us about Him.

In the early years of my marriage, I learned that my husband couldn’t possibly meet all my emotional expectations. I had to look to God to be my “spiritual husband” (Isaiah 54:5).

At the beginning of my husband’s first ministry, we didn’t have much money, so I learned to depend on God as my Provider and take Him at His Word when He says He will supply all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

While I was parenting a teenager, I had to look to God to be my Wisdom, my Source of Strength, and my Counselor.

And just recently – as I waited for God to move during a time in which my husband and I  seemed to be standing still  financially, emotionally, and in ministry – I had to look to God to be my Future, my Hope, and my Direction.

God knows that if I have everything I want, right when I want it, then I no longer need Him. Without need, I’m not truly desperate for Him.

In the Old Testament book of Hosea, God compared His people to a wife who had betrayed and deserted her husband. God told the prophet about His plans to draw His people back to Him:

“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of  [Trouble] a door of hope. There she will [sing] as in the days of her youth….“In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’….” (Hosea 2:14-16 NIV)

I wonder, sometimes, if God doesn’t take that same strategy with us today. Could He be allowing us to go through a desert (in our marriage, job, or personal life) so He can “speak tenderly” to us and show us a new side of Himself? Could He be allowing you to trek through the wasteland of financial hardships, so you will see Him as your Great Provider? Is He allowing you a journey through parched areas of loss so you will see Him as your Greatest Possession?

When we filter every circumstance of our lives through the grid of His unfailing love, we will see every test and trial, every desert and disappointment, as a loving gesture on His part to draw us closer to Him.

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

About the Author: Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning writer and national speaker who helps women strengthen their relationship with God and others. She is the author of 17 books including When Women Walk Alone (more than 130,000 copies sold) and Twelve Ways to Experience More with Your Husband. For more on her books and ministry, or for free resources to strengthen your marriage, parenting, or walk with God, see her website: StrengthForTheSoul.com.

Join the conversation: When has God drawn you closer to Him through a walk through the desert?