As I was walking out of church yesterday, a friend asked, “What are you and Justin doing this afternoon?” I told her we didn’t have much going on, so we’d probably just relax. A trip to urgent care definitely wasn’t part of our plan.
Shortly after I got home from church, I went into our shed to get birdseed for the little feathered friends who frequently visit our backyard. After filling up their feeder, I went back into the shed to put away the bag of seed. As I walked out and started to shut the door, I felt an intense blow to my right heel, so sharp that I doubled over in pain. My first thought was I’m going to have a massive, ugly black bruise (I bruise easily). I didn’t know what hit me, but I assumed it was one of the garden tools propped up in the corner against a shelf.
Turns out, it was an ax that fell from the wall. As I hobbled into the house, crying, my husband ran toward me to find out what had happened. When he looked at my sliced ankle and saw blood, along with the white of my Achilles tendon, he said, “Sit down! We’re going to the emergency room!”
I suggested driving to urgent care instead because 1) it was closer, and 2) it would probably be much quicker than a five-hour wait in the ER. I’m glad we made that choice because a doctor came to examine me within five minutes of our arrival. Thankfully, the laceration in my ankle wasn’t deep enough to cut the tendon, so surgery wasn’t needed, only six staples and five sutures.
I’m sad that I won’t be able to walk my dog, ride my bike, or go rock climbing for about two weeks. But I’m trusting God to help me. I’m leaning on his strength. Just this morning, I prayed, “Lord, I surrender to you.” I want God to have his way in me (just like our January 2020 Daniel Fast theme). Rather than wallow in self-pity, I’m determined to embrace this down time.
Did God cause my injury? No. Did he allow it? Yes, I believe he did. Sometimes our loving Father permits pain–not as punishment, but to redirect us or to force us to rest. In my case, it’s most likely both.
Maybe you’ve never been attacked by an ax, but I’m positive you’ve blindsided by an unexpected event. You know what it feels like when your plans are interrupted or when the circumstances of your life don’t turn out quite as you’d hoped.
Today, if you’re facing a painful trial–whether physical, relational, financial, or spiritual–I want to encourage you to draw near to God. He’ll give you strength. He’ll provide everything you need. He’ll fill your heart with hope so you don’t fall into despair.
I told my neighbor earlier today, “I’m so glad this pain is temporary.” And it’s true:
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
When hard times come, the only way to experience joy and peace is to look to God and remember his promises. If we focus on him instead of our pain, then we’ll have victory in the unexpected events that come our way.
daniel's fast devotions
Pray for Your Leaders
I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t pray regularly for the leaders of my country. I know I should, but I forget to do so, that is, unless some kind of tragedy occurs or our nation is facing a presidential election.
When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged him to intercede specifically for “kings and those in authority” (1 Tim. 1:1-2a). In fact, the Bible says he urged young Timothy to pray in this way. If it was important for them, it’s important for us as well.
Notice Paul didn’t say, “Pray for your leaders if you like them and agree with their policies.” Sometimes we find ourselves failing to intercede because of this reason. We don’t approve of the leader’s lifestyle, past, decisions, and/or political agenda. Instead of interceding, we grumble and complain.
God is calling us to a higher standard. He wants us to focus on advancing his kingdom by fighting on our knees.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1-2 NLT).
The next two verses explain why this intercession is crucial:
“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4 NLT).
When we pray faithfully for our leaders, we do a good, God-honoring thing. It pleases the Lord because His desire is for all people to experience his salvation and to understand his Word.
If you want revival in your land, pray for your leaders. Thank the Lord for the men and women he has placed in authority over you. Ask God to give them wisdom, strength, and a heart to know him. The Lord will certainly hear your prayer and bless your obedience.
Pray. Wait. Trust.
“I love to wait!” said no one ever.
Just ask the 15-year-old counting down the months until he or she can be a licensed driver. Or the businessman who has been passed over time and time again for a job promotion. Or the pregnant mother eagerly anticipating the baby she has carried for nine months.
Waiting is not a popular past-time, but it’s a big part of our lives. We spend countless hours waiting in traffic jams, in grocery check-out lines, and at the doctor’s office. We wait, and we wait. And we wait.
Every January for the past seven years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast. Each fast has been an incredible time in God’s presence as thousands of believers have joined together in prayer. Since it takes months to prepare materials for the January event, I usually start preparing for it in September. In the past, God has given me a theme, along with a related verse or passage. Then I’ve built the fast around that theme. However, this year has been different.
By late October, I still didn’t have any clear direction on what to do. Although I’d been praying for months about the fast, I wasn’t hearing anything specific from God. But what I did hear was this:
Pray.
Wait.
Trust.
So that’s what I’m doing. I’m continuing to pray about January. I’m waiting on the Lord to make my path clear. I’m choosing to trust in Him to answer at just the right time.
But I know I’m not the only one waiting on God right now. What about you? What are you waiting for?
Whatever it is, take it to the Lord in prayer (yes, just like the old hymn). Talk to God about your need. Maybe it’s something you’ve been praying about for weeks, months, or even years. I know it can be difficult to keep bringing the same request to God, but you can’t give up now! God is at work, and He wants you to trust Him.
One thing I recommend is to rehearse His promises to you. Truth will keep you on track when you get weary in the waiting. Here are a few of my favorite verses:
- “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel” (Phil. 4:6-7 CEV).
- “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
- “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14).
- “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint” (Is. 40:31 BSB).
- “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you” (Ps. 9:10 NLT).
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
Waiting may not be fun, but it’s always a faith-building exercise that makes us stronger in the Lord. Over the past few weeks, I’ve discovered a growing sense of excitement as I patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) wait on God’s plan for January to be revealed. Whatever He has in store for me, it will be worth the wait! The same is true for you. God’s purposes for you are good (Jer. 29:11), and you can trust Him to work everything out. Just remember:
Pray.
Wait.
Trust.
God will take care of the rest.
Get Alone With God
Do you have a special place where you like to read your Bible and pray? Maybe it’s a comfy chair or a designated area of your house. Perhaps you’re like me and you can best hear from the Lord outside among His creation, such as in the mountains or on the beach.
But sometimes life gets hectic. Before we know it,we’ve failed to connect with our heavenly Father for days. Weeks. Sometimes even months.
I say “we” because I’ve been there. Often. So, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
All throughout the month of May, I struggled with being consistent in reading God’s Word. Prayer was often sporadic as well. Although I thought about the Lord, I rarely took the time to commune with Him. Instead, I kept myself busy with other things. With less important things. Soon I missed my Friend. I desperately needed some one-on-one with Him, and I longed to hear His voice.
Last night at our church’s Wednesday night prayer service, I confessed to the Lord how I’d been rebellious and lazy and apathetic. I also thanked God for His mercy and grace and patience. A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders as I expressed my deep desire to grow closer to Him.
Has something similar ever happened to you?
When we feel distant from the Lord, it’s because we have pulled back, not because He has. The best remedy for that kind of situation is to humble ourselves before the Lord and just talk to Him. In those moments, we can be completely honest about our feelings and struggles because He knows our hearts anyway.
God is always ready to meet with us. He’s never too busy. Never distracted. Never inconvenienced. When we make a move toward the Lord, His arms are already open wide, ready to embrace us in unconditional love.
I want to encourage you to get away with the Lord today. Go to your special place where you can be alone with Him. If you don’t have one, ask God to provide. (Also, if you’d like a plan for regular Bible reading, check out my recent blog post, “One Month of Psalms.”)
No matter how you feel right now, after a few moments with the Lord, you’ll be changed. Strengthened. Uplifted. And blessed.
May God fill your heart with great joy as you spend time in His presence today!
{Additional resources for growth in your prayer life: The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast, and Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul.}
New eBook: Lift Up Your Voice
Writing another book wasn’t on my radar for the fall of 2017. But God had other plans. I’m happy to announce the release of my new eBook, Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for Your Daniel Fast (available on Kindle or NOOK).
As I prayed about a theme for the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast, I kept being drawn to the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was informed that a large army was advancing toward his land, he was terrified. But Jehoshaphat didn’t go into hiding or run from the fight. He turned to the Lord and called for a nation-wide fast.
One day when I was hiking and thinking the 2 Chronicles passage, I sensed the Lord prompting me to write a devotional guide about it. The more I thought about the idea, the more excited I became. Later that day, I began working on the book. Less than a month later, Lift Up Your Voice was completed.
Lift Up Your Voice: 21 Daily Devotions for your Daniel Fast takes an in-depth look at 2 Chronicles 20 by studying the chapter verse by verse. Lift Up Your Voice explores how King Jehoshaphat and his people responded to their troublesome trial and how the Lord provided as they sought him wholeheartedly. Each devotion begins with a personal experience from my life, which is then related to the day’s assigned Bible reading. At the end of the 21 days, you’ll learn more about me, more about Jehoshaphat, and more about the Lord and His Word.
If you’re planning on doing the Daniel Fast this January, you’ll want to get Lift Up Your Voice for your Bible study and prayer time. Also, if you’ve done the Daniel Fast in the past and have been using the devotions in The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, you can get a new set of devotions in Lift Up Your Voice!
I’m excited to share this resource with you because it has been a wonderful gift from the Lord. I believe the Lord will use the devotions in Lift Up Your Voice to encourage you, inspire you, challenge you, and strengthen you. Download your copy today!
Lift Up Your Voice (PDF)
Submit payment below using a Paypal account or your credit card. Once payment is received, your copy of the book will be emailed to you.
**Find out more about the January 2018 Online Daniel Fast.**
What Do You Want God to Do?
“In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me” (Ps. 86:7).
A few weeks ago I served as a volunteer at the Designed for Life Women’s Conference at JQH Arena in Springfield, MO. During the three-day conference, hundreds of prayer request cards were filled out by women seeking God’s help in various situations.
When I piled all 400+ cards on the table, I was overwhelmed by the size of the stack. So much pain. So many needs.
But, in the next breath, I remembered that we serve a big God, one who is willing and able to answer! One who responds to the cries of His people!
Let me give you an example from the Bible.
One day when Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, they came across a man who sat by the roadside begging. When the man heard that Jesus was near, he cried out to Him. The Bible says the beggar shouted. His voice was so loud that people told him to be quiet.
But the man didn’t zip his lips. Instead, he shouted all the more!
Then Jesus stopped and asked the beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man replied, probably without hesitation, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
Do you know what happened next? The blind man wasn’t blind anymore! He received his sight. And then he followed Jesus.
God cares about what’s happening in your life. Nothing is too trivial to bring to Him. No situation is too difficult for Him to handle. The Lord wants to help you. He wasn’t too busy to answer the man’s cries. And He isn’t too busy to answer yours.
The Lord sees right where you are. He hears your cries. And He will respond. It may not be immediate as it was for the blind man, but you can be confident God is working.
Today Jesus is asking, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Take your concerns to God in prayer. Just talk to Him about what’s on your mind and heart. Your words don’t have to be fancy or formal. Pour out your heart to the Lord in honest communication. Your heavenly Father is waiting. He loves you so much.
Your Future Starts NOW
This past weekend I attended the Designed for Life Women’s Conference at JQH Arena in Springfield, MO. It was a power-packed event – not just because of the world-class speakers – Robert Madu, Holly Wagner, and Julia A’Bell – but because God spoke.
Each message I heard challenged me, but one in particular stood out from the rest. It was a session with Julia A’Bell (Hillsong Church, Australia) entitled “Your Future is Now.”
When Julia was younger, she wanted to be a successful point guard, so she worked hard to sharpen her skills. Every day after school, Julia practiced dribbling the basketball in her garage – first with her right hand for 30 minutes and then with her left for even longer (because her left hand was weaker). Over time, Julia got good – really good – and was able to achieve her goal.
But in order for Julia to reach her preferred future – being exceptional in her sport instead of average – she had to make a choice. Actually, she had to make a series of choices, day after day. Julia learned to travel the difficult path of discipline. She traded afternoons with friends for hours alone in the garage. Bounced a ball instead of watching television. Pushed forward instead of giving up.
Julia’s story made me think about my goals. What things do I want to see happen in my life? And what choices do I need to make to get there?
I have several goals that I envision to be part of my preferred future, such as more date nights with my husband, for our daughters to love the Lord and His Word, and to travel on more outdoor adventures as a family. But there’s one area of my life that keeps tripping me up – my body.
When I look in the mirror, I don’t recognize the person I see. It’s not me. It doesn’t feel like me, either. No longer do I jump out of bed in the morning, eager to start my day. Now I sort of roll off my mattress and slowly put my feet on the floor. I feel old and sluggish, and I don’t like it. Not one bit. The extra 10 pounds I’m carrying right now feels like 50. My preferred future, which is getting back to my “normal” size, seems like a huge mountain in the distance. I feel as if I’ll never get there.
I exercise regularly and make nutritious food choices (most of the time), but I can’t seem to lose the extra pounds. Even though I’ve never struggled with my weight, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to stay fit as I’ve gotten older. I don’t like the fact that I’m getting fluffy and soft! Some people might blame my new shape on hormones. After all, I’m in my 40s now, and supposedly a female’s body chemistry goes wacko in this season of life. I could use that excuse for my excess baggage, but I won’t. I take full responsibility for my actions.
But I wonder, How did I get here?
The answer is simple: By taking one step at a time . . . in the wrong direction.
Over the past few months, I’ve been slowly sliding into a pit of despair because of this whole weight thing. A thick blanket of shame has covered me. I’ve been crying out to God, desperate for answers. Desperate for change.
During Julia’s session, she shared a simple truth I needed to hear: “God will help you with the changes you need to make now to experience your preferred future!”
Since the conference, the Lord has given me insight into how to reduce the inflammation in my body.
- Stay away from foods that are problematic for me: gluten, corn products, grains, chocolate, sugar, and nuts (especially peanuts).
- Drink six to seven 8-oz glasses of water each day.
- Stop eating a snack after dinner (when I’m not hungry but want something sweet).
- Get back on track with strength training (3-4 times per week).
- Discipline myself to eat slowly and to stop eating when I’m nearly full.
- Recognize the temptation to eat when stressed and choose to do something else instead (like pray!).
What is your preferred future? Maybe you want get healthier and lose a few pounds (or a lot). Or perhaps the extra weight you’re carrying isn’t physical at all. Your marriage is falling apart and you don’t know what to do. Your child is far from God and doesn’t seem interested in spiritual things. You battle an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Whatever your struggle, you need to know that you can break free from patterns of sin. Your situation is not hopeless and not beyond God’s ability to heal.
The transformation you desire begins with one step – a move toward God. When you turn to the Lord, He will show you the way to go. He’ll provide everything you need to pursue the wonderful plans He has for your life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11 NLT).
Today you can turn your back on negative self-talk and listen to what God says about you.
Today you can refuse to be immobilized by discouragement and defeat.
Today you can stop trying to make strides in your own strength and lean on the Lord’s power.
Today you can choose a different path.
Today you can decide to take the steps necessary to achieve your dreams.
So, what are you waiting for? Get moving! Your future starts NOW!
{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}
In Your Anger, Do Not Sin
Last year I saw an interesting road sign at Virginia Beach. I knew I’d use it in a blog post at some point. Well, today is the day. It’s an appropriate visual for what I experienced this afternoon.
After working on the computer for a few hours this morning, I decided to take a break. I went rollerblading. As I started out, I prayed, “Lord, you often speak to me when I’m exercising, so I’m listening.”
Boy, did I get an earful!
At about the four-mile mark, I was passed by a dark gray Acura. The man who was driving yelled, “Are you blankety-blank kidding me?! Get on the blankety-blank sidewalk!”
At first, I was offended. The street was very wide and even had a passing lane. I was practically hugging the shoulder on the right side of the road, so the car had plenty of room.
The man’s nasty words stung, but only for a few seconds. Then I started thinking, What kind of pain does he have in his heart? What’s going on in his life that caused him to scream obscenities like that?
Then it hit me. I’ve done the same thing. I’ve spoken harsh words. I’ve raised my voice for no good reason. I’ve lost my temper with strangers. And family. And friends.
I can’t judge that guy because I am that guy. And, if you’re completely honest with yourself, so are you.
Anger isn’t wrong. It’s a normal, God-given emotion. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Eph. 4:26). How you handle feelings of irritation can be destructive, though. If you spew forth venomous words when you’re upset, that is sin. When the guy in the car screamed at me, he was essentially saying, “You’re in MY way. I’m more important than you are, and I’m going to let you know it!”
Human beings are naturally self-centered. We tend to think of ourselves first in most situations, and when someone threatens our comfort, we tend to get a little miffed. Sometimes a lot miffed.
The only way to respond rightly when angry is to stop thinking about yourself. Turn to God in those heated moments, and rely on His power. He will give you strength to resist the temptation to lash out and teach you to develop self-control.
Think about how you’ve spoken today. Have your words been life giving? Or have they caused deep wounds in the people around you?
Choose to follow God’s standard for your conversations: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 NLT).
You can be angry and not sin. With God’s help, you can.
{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}
God is Proud of You
I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.
I was having lunch with my friends who are missionaries in El Salvador. For about an hour, we shared what the Lord is doing in our lives. Mostly, I just sat and listened, gleaning from their godly wisdom. I soaked in their passion for ministering to hurting people, secretly hoping it would rub off on me. Then, as we said good-bye, my eyebrows raised when I heard, “We’re proud of you.”
What?! I thought. They’re proud of ME? No, no! It’s the other way around!
What I wanted to say was, “It’s your commitment to the poor that touches my heart deeply! It’s your tenacity to share the gospel in one of the most dangerous countries in the world that challenges me! It’s your faithfulness to share the love of Christ that reminds me to reach out to others! I’m so proud of YOU!”
But I didn’t. I was too shocked to speak. As I drove home, I wondered, Were they praising my achievement of being a bestselling author of two books? Patting me on the back for having a successful online Daniel Fast ministry? Applauding my abilities as a speaker?
No, I don’t think so. I doubt that their affirmation was prompted by any accomplishment or accolade. Instead, they wanted to communicate, “We’re proud of who you are. We see the Lord at work in your life, and we thank Him for what He’s doing.”
I thought about those four words several times throughout the day. Such an unexpected gift from my dear friends. Such a priceless treasure I will hold in my heart always. Then I realized that their declaration was God’s message to me as well.
The Lord is proud of me simply because I’m His child. I belong to Him, and He thinks I’m pretty special. My heavenly Father loves me when I’m generous and kind. He loves me when I’m selfish and mean. God doesn’t focus on all the bad stuff when He looks at my life. That sin has been covered by the cross! What He does see is His beloved Son, Jesus, and He is well pleased.
If you’ve been born again – if you’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation – the Lord sees you the same way! Your Father wants you to know that He’s proud of who you are! You’re precious and valuable, not because of anything you’ve done, but because you’re His.
The message the Lord spoke to my heart is also meant for you:
“You are precious and honored in my sight, and…I love you” (Is. 43:4).
Receive those words as God’s gift to you today!
{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}
Do the Work
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” – 1 Chronicles 28:20a, NLT
I sat in front of my computer monitor. Three months, I thought. I have only three months to finish this book. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. My neck was tight, and my shoulders were sagging under the heavy load. I opened up the Word for encouragement and turned to my Bible reading passage for the day – 1 Chronicles 28.
King David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem for an important announcement:
“Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood. Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father (28:2-3, 6, NLT).” Then, in the presence of all the people, David presented Solomon with detailed instructions on the project. “Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord (28:19).”
At this point, David turned to Solomon and said: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly (28:20, NLT).”
The Lord spoke to my heart loudly and clearly through that last verse. I sensed him saying, “Kristen, be strong and courageous. I am with you. I have chosen you to write this book, just as I chose David to be king and Solomon to build the Temple. You can trust me to provide everything you need. I will see to it that the book is written just as I want it to be.”
Are you feeling overwhelmed by what God has called you to do? Don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. Remember, God is with you. Put your trust in him, and remind yourself daily, if necessary: “What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).”
Be strong in the Lord, and do the work. God will take care of the rest.
When God Seems Far Away
Have you ever gone through a hard time and felt abandoned by God? Most of us probably have at one time or another. Maybe you’re there right now. Even though it may seem as if God has left you, He hasn’t. God is with you, whether you feel His presence or not.
Sometimes God can seem very distant when our questions or prayers go unanswered. However, the Bible says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” God’s purposes are beyond our understanding. We can’t begin to wrap our brains around all that He’s doing in our lives. Therefore, in moments of confusion, we need to put our trust in what we do know to be true, verses such as:
1) God’s plans for me are for my good (Jeremiah 29:11).
2) God is faithful in all he does (Psalm 33:4).
3) God will fulfill His purpose for me (Psalm 138:8).
The next time your feelings say God isn’t paying attention to your concerns, tell yourself the truth: God sees, and He cares! In fact, it’s often during the silence that He’s working to bring about the help you need.
Our God is gracious, compassionate, and kind. He is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who put their faith in Him and His Word. Though our emotions may be up and down, the Lord God remains the same. He is constant and steady. Those who put their trust in Him will not be disappointed!
His Words Are Your Life
“These instructions are not empty words – they are your life!” – Deuteronomy 32:47, NLT
I gazed longingly out the airplane window. My mission trip to El Salvador had been a wonderful, life-changing experience, but I was ready to be home. I missed my husband and daughters. I wanted the comfort of my own bed and was eager to get back into my daily routine.
As we approached the outskirts of Springfield, a field below caught my attention, not that there was anything special about it, but because I’d seen it before…about 15 minutes earlier. My heart sank. We weren’t preparing for landing. We were going in circles.
The plane continued to hover as the pilot waited for conditions to improve. After nearly an hour, he announced that we might divert to a nearby airport to refuel before attempting another landing. Tears filled my eyes. After traveling for two days, I was physically exhausted and emotionally drained. I couldn’t believe that we had come this far only to be rerouted. My destination was within reach, but I couldn’t get there. Circumstances beyond my control were keeping me from the joy of being with my family again.
I bowed my head and prayed: “God, You’re in charge of the weather. Please clear the skies so we can land.” Shortly after I finished, I heard the pilot’s voice on the intercom. I took a deep breath and waited for the verdict. As soon as he announced his plan, passengers cheered and applauded. A huge wave of relief swept over me, and I said, “Praise the Lord!” The sound of the landing gear being engaged was like sweet music to my ears. Within minutes, I was on the ground. I’d finally made it home.
Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should be living an extraordinary life – one that’s full of joy, packed with adventure, and characterized by victory. However, many Christians often get stuck in a holding pattern, much like I was that day on that plane. No matter how hard they try, God still seems far away. A deeper connection with their Creator eludes them. Frustrated, they wonder what they’re missing, and their motivation for spiritual growth wanes. Instead of moving forward in their relationship with the Lord, they end up going in circles, chasing contentment in things that don’t satisfy.
The missing ingredient, in most cases, is the Word of God, or, should I say, the commitment to read it on a regular basis. The pages of Scripture are not just nice stories for our occasional entertainment. As Deuteronomy 32:47 says, “They are your life!”
If you want to grow closer to God this year, decide right now to make his Word a priority. Be in the Word every day. By continually reading and meditating on truth, you will develop a greater understanding of who God is and experience the abundant life He has for you.