Review of Dark Design by Nancy Mehl

On October 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780764243370

Publication date:10/21/2025

Series:The Erin Delaney Mysteries , #2

Pages:336

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin’s help to identify a suspect. The FBI’s team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin’s safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever—and Erin’s life hangs in the balance. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

The newest book by Nancy Mehl is an Erin Delaney thriller that had my heart pounding and my head spinning with the fast-paced action and the surprising twists. I have read most of the author’s books and I just have to say that this book is her best one ever! I could not put it down except to eat and catch a few hours of sleep. I was totally invested in the story, in what would happen to Erin, in who the serial killer was and in how Kaely and Erin would be able to find the killer before he killed again. The plot is terrifyingly brilliant and includes the signature and much appreciated faith foundation of the author. The story is edgy and includes a strong message of hope as well as plenty of skillful misdirection. I was captivated by the characters and their God-given intuition that helped them make wise choices while chasing down a determined and intelligent villain. This book was a page turner, with dynamic characters who are realistically flawed and believable. The good guys are easy to cheer for and the killer is one that is complex and satisfyingly revealed. I loved every minute that I spent devouring this well-crafted book and I am already looking forward to the author’s new Erin Delaney book next year. If I could give this book more than five stars, I certainly would because it is amazing in its clever twists and relentless tension.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for description of victims’ manners of death; Christian fiction with no bad language or violent scenes

About the Author

Nancy Mehl is the bestselling author of 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her on her blog, the SuspenseSisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

Purchase Links

Praise Report

On October 23, 2025 By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, testimony6 Comments

I have such a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and power to share today! I went to see my orthopedist on Tuesday, the doctor who told me that in all likelihood, my foot fracture would never heal because of various other health conditions. He came jubilantly into the room yesterday after viewing my new x-rays and told me and my husband that my foot is healing…on its own, without surgery. It is growing new bone!

That, my friends, I will count as a miracle and an answer to prayer! He said it will take about a year to heal completely, but I can transition out of the boot and start wearing my regular shoes all the time in about a month. Just so everyone knows, I give all the glory to God and thank all of you who prayed for me. God is good…all the time!

Believe

On October 22, 2025October 20, 2025 By vickleaIn Characteristics of God, God’s blessings, Scripture1 Comment

The word “believe” is an action verb that means (according the the New Oxford American Dictionary) to accept something as true. I believe that the sky is blue and look up and can see that it is, at least when it isn’t raining. It is easier to believe in things we see, touch, and can hear. But what about the spiritual things? How do we get to the place where we can believe without doubting?

When Jairus came to Jesus for healing for his daughter, others came and told Jairus not to keep bothering Jesus since she had already died. Jesus’s reply was to “just have faith.”

An important part of believing in the Lord and His promises is to have faith. In the world where everything is instantly provided, or so it seems, we don’t like to wait. And faith is a hard thing sometimes when we persistently ask God for an answer and we haven’t seen one yet after weeks, months, even years. So, what do we do when we don’t get the answer we want when we want it? We continue to believe.

How do we do that? I don’t know what works in your life, but for me, I reflect on all that God has already done and keep repeating his promises. I remind myself that God doesn’t lie and if He said it, He will do it. It’s hard sometimes to stop whining and start praising, but that is exactly what we need to do. It builds our own faith and helps others to see Jesus in us. Instead of talking to God about what you don’t have yet, thank Him for what He has already done for you. Remember the song “Count Your Blessings” and do that!

We haven’t seen death yet and don’t know what happens when we die. Yet we who are Christians believe in life after death. Why do we believe in what we cannot see? Because God said it, He promised it and He fulfills His promises. In our lifetime, we see many changes, some good and some bad. Life is like a roller coaster ride of curves, twists and hills to climb. But God is right there with us, knowing that we can make it to the end of our race because He and the heavenly host are cheering us on. They believe in us…so we should also believe in the Father to do exactly as He has said. Again, how do we believe? And again, I say, count the promises that God has made to you in your life and already brought to pass. Build your faith on the firm foundation of His Word and His actions for you in the past. Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life.” He didn’t say that He was the resurrection for former believers, the heroes of the faith only and then stopped reaching out to people. No, He uses the present tense. Every day, we are saved from our sins. We were saved (when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior), we are being saved (as we walk with Him daily and believe His promises) and one day we will be saved to a new life, to live with Him eternally. Promises made, promises kept! (Politicians use this slogan to point out how good they are to the people, but the only One good who has kept all of His promises is God.)

Do you let God speak to you daily from His word? That’s where His promises are and that’s what helps you to believe. You can feed your faith by centering yourself on God’s word or you can feed your doubt by looking around at your world and all that is not right with it. Notice that the person in this scripture says he believes. What does he do just after his proclamation of belief? He worships. We need to spend time just adoring God for who He is, not just thanking Him for all He has done for us. He is the Creator of the Universe, yet He considered each of us important enough to send His Son to die for us. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, powerful and holy. Spend some time thinking about who God is…and believe that He wants what is best for you.

Little children believe in Santa and are sad to find out that he isn’t real. Some believe in false gods and one day will face the real God who will judge them for their folly. We have the greatest gift of all…God’s love, His gift of salvation and all of His promises. So, let’s believe together that God will do what He says. He may not answer our prayer with a “yes” but He will answer with what is best for us because He is our Father who loves us. Only believe!

Review of WASTED by Jerusha Agen

On October 21, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956683479

Publisher:Sdg Words, LLC

Publication date:10/23/2025

Series:Windy City Westons , #2

Pages:422

Victoria Weston encounters tough things as a home health physical therapist, but this is a first-a dead body. The police call the patient’s death accidental. Victoria knows that can’t be true. Her efforts to convince the police they’re dealing with a murder get her labeled a troublemaker by all but one man-the troubler of her youth.

When Cillian Doherty returns to right the wrongs of the past, he finds his high school flame in a different kind of danger than he expected. As a social worker, he’s in the perfect position to corroborate her cry of murder or give her what she wanted-to handle her problems without his help.

But someone wants to silence Victoria. When lies escalate to violence and threaten more lives, the Weston siblings join the battle to save their sister.

Yet it will take a God more powerful than all of them for Cillian and Victoria to make peace with their past and catch the killer. Before the killer catches them. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved Victoria’s story! There are so many hidden facets of her character that are revealed as the story moves along, revealing her past and her present circumstances. Victoria has always been a buffer between her father and her siblings and the pressure is always on her to perform. The plot thickens when one of her clients is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. It is made even more complex when Cillian, her high school boyfriend, reappears and has a new job where she is employed. He is her self-appointed protector and is determined to find out who really killed Mr. Briscoe so that Victoria can get on with her life, hopefully one that includes him. I enjoyed seeing all of the family at the dinners and how they generally supported each other. The plot was fast-paced and relentlessly filled with tension as Victoria is targeted by the police and by some kind of stalker. Cillian has a tough job keeping her safe as she continues to reach out to help others, most notably an unwed teen named Sydney whom Victoria welcomes into her home. There are a lot of threads to this complex tapestry, and the author does a fantastic job of weaving them all together into a cohesive and brilliantly written romantic suspense. Note that although this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG, Christian fiction with some intense scenes

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: http://www.JerushaAgen.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jerushaagen/
BOOK BUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jerusha-agen-fd78bc82-831e-41c0-81d6-d02a6ddade0e
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7281400.Jerusha_Agen
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP: https://jerushaagen.com/newsletter-and-blog-subscription/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SDGwords

Purchase Links

Accept and Share

On October 20, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

The Best News (Daily Refresh, 10-20-25)

Have you ever done something significant, but someone else stole your praise? You served behind the scenes, voiced an important idea, or crafted something wonderful—but somebody else swept in and demanded full credit?

It’s not exactly the same (because we’re not nearly as awesome as Him), but we must be cautious not to steal credit from God.

The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, said:

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

On a foundational level, we wouldn’t even be here without our Creator and Sustainer.

We wouldn’t exist without the universe and body in which we live—a universe and body that we did not make ourselves. We wouldn’t be able to breathe without the oxygen in our lungs or the oxygen that hovers right above our planet. We wouldn’t think or see or hear or talk without the minds, eyes, ears, and mouths He’s given us.

But on top of creating us, God is the only One who can save us.

The story of God and the story of us is that He pursued us when we didn’t deserve it—He saved us when we were lost and hopeless. We are not capable of saving ourselves. We are not capable of being the solution. We are not capable of being our own saviors…

…and that’s good news! The best news, actually.

God saved us by His grace, and that’s a gift. Salvation isn’t something that can be earned, but a mercy that is given.

We can’t think we’re better than anyone else. We don’t get to decide who’s deserving of His love and who isn’t—because none of us are.

Yet, in His great mercy, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us at this particular time in history—because He loves us. He initiated salvation when we couldn’t save ourselves. And He has invited us to join Him in the greatest story on earth.

Are you in? Will you accept and share this great gift?

My Thoughts

We all like to receive gifts-birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, all kinds of occasions. God gave us a special gift that is always there for us to claim, the salvation that is ours in Christ Jesus. We accept gladly and are so happy to have the knowledge that we are saved.

But the gift doesn’t stop there. I know you have all heard of “the gift that keeps on giving.” Jesus is that gift, but He keeps on giving because we keep on sharing. We don’t hide the gift of His love and salvation and hope that no one finds out about it. God wants us to share. The more people in His family, the better! I like what this devotional says about no one deserves it. Sometimes it is hard to pray for certain people to be saved. But, I was once that person, and so were you. I was the one who liked getting the praise and the attention and all of the kudos. In the case of salvation’s free gift, it is for everyone and God deserves all the credit. He created us and carried out His plan of salvation. Now He calls on each of us to spread the good news to others who are just as needy of His love as we are. Accepting is the first step. Sharing is next. With whom will you share God’s grace today?

Review of THE CHRISTMAS RING by Karen Kingsbury

On October 19, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400354764

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:10/21/2025

Pages:208

While searching for her family’s long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they’ve found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter’s return from college. But Vanessa hasn’t told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn’t anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.

Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa’s ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa’s ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

This book is a mixture of genres and all pure and wholesome entertainment! It mixes historical fiction with romance and a little mystery, too. The historical part is how Vanessa’s great-grandfather found the special ring during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. The heirloom ring is a special treasure for Vanessa and she is devastated when she accidentally loses it on a Colorado ski trip with her daughter. Having already suffered the loss of her beloved husband, Vanessa sets out on a quest to find her ring again by visiting various antique stores and spreading the word about what it looks like. When her daughter Sadie goes to college, Vanessa is at a loss about how to continue courageously with her life, without her husband or her daughter. I loved how she threw herself into serving other military families and used her organizational talents to raise money for them. The way she meets the antique dealer named Ben was while she was looking for her ring. Their romance develops slowly because both have suffered a loss and neither is really ready for more than friendship. The dynamics between Vanessa and Sadie was perfect, a wonderful combination of respect and realization that independence is a part of life. The story is the perfect pace for the story being told, with poignant scenes between Sadie and Vanessa and between Vanessa and Ben as well as Ben and his dad Howard. There are several sub-plots that are beautifully woven together by a master storyteller into a memorable and lovely story with a theme of moving forward towards a promising future.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed my own.

About the Author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Karen Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren. Website: karenkingsbury.com

Social Media

Purchase Links

Karen Kingsbury Bookstore

The movie version of the book, produced by Karen Kingsbury’s production company, releases on November 6th. Follow this link to see the trailer and to get your tickets!

Movie Trailer and Tickets

Fighting for Us

On October 18, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, promises, Scripture, worship1 Comment

Let’s be honest with each other. There are some days when we feel as though we are on the front lines of a great battle and we are all alone. Now let me tell you why that is a lie from the pits of hell.

Satan wants to isolate us, to make us feel that we are alone in the battle against sin (in ourselves and in the world). If we think we are alone, then we give up, walk away, let sin win. We give in to Satan’s plan without even consulting God or leaning into His Word.

But we are never alone. God is always fighting for us. He sent His advocate, the Holy Spirit, to remind us of everything He has taught us in His Word and one of the most important things we can remember is that the victory belongs to the Lord. We are foot soldiers, a whole army of them, and we are never alone. We have His Word and all of the armor of God if we just take time to put it on before we march out into the daily grind of our life.

Finally, for me, songs of worship and praise direct my attention to where it should be. I just discovered a song by Hillsong that could be a theme song for each of us as we face the daily challenges of life. We battle but we are not alone, nor are we the losing side. We are on the winning side of God’s army, and He is always fighting for us!

Fighting for Us-Hillsong

Have a blessed day!

Prayer Is Talking to God

On October 17, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, prayer, Scripture6 Comments

Do you communicate with anyone in your life? Of course, you do? Your spouse, your children, siblings, people you meet at the store and others, just to name a few. How do you communicate with them? Do you duck your head, avert your eyes, cross the street and keep on going? Of course not! That is not the definition of communication in any society that I know of. You communicate by thinking of words and then saying them. (Hopefully, you think before you speak.)

When we pray, we are communicating with God. Some people think that in order to pray, they have to be in a certain posture, like prostrate or kneeling. I used to kneel frequently to pray, but my current age and the condition of my knees won’t allow that. So, I don’t worry about the position of my body. I am more concerned about talking with God, with reverence, awe and love.

Many years ago one of my Sunday school students asked why we pray when God already knows everything. I had to tell her that I would get back to her with an answer. The short answer to her was that we pray in order to just talk to God. We aren’t doing it for Him, but in order to establish communication with our Creator. To use today’s lingo, we cannot “ghost” God and then expect Him to follow us around begging us to communicate with Him. Think about it. He created everyone in the world and if you are the one remaining silent before Him, He doesn’t like it but He won’t force you to talk to Him.

Some of my best times of reflection about myself happen when I am taking with God. Prayer helps me to be honest with God and with myself, even when I think that I am hiding things well.

I have learned through decades of knowing God as my Father that when I start my day with prayer, I don’t just stop there with a hearty “amen” and move on. I open the door to communicate all day. I talk to God as we travel down the road to another medical appointment, as I work on making dinner or even when I am in the shower. He is always right there with me, ready and willing to listen if I will just speak to Him.

I like what Nicky and Pippa Gumbel had in their One Year Bible devotional today about prayer. Here is the quotation:

Prayer is the most important activity of your life. It is the main way in which you develop a relationship with your Father in heaven. If you love someone, naturally you will want to spend time in their presence communicating with them. Like any relationship, communication can take many different forms. Lancelot Andrewes (1555–1626), was one of the great theologians and preachers of his day. After he died, his private notebook on prayer was discovered and published. In it he had written two lists: First, he wrote a list of *times* of prayer in the Bible: ‘Always… Without ceasing… At all times… Three times a day… Evening, and morning, and at noon… Seven times a day… In the morning, a great while before day… At daybreak… The third hour of the day… About the sixth hour… The hour of prayer, the ninth… The evening… By night… At midnight…’ Next, he wrote a list of *places* of prayer in the Bible: ‘In the assembly… and in the congregation… Your closet… An upper room… A housetop… The temple… On the shore… A garden… On their beds… A desert place… In every place…’ There is no limit to the times, places and different ways in which you can pray.

Read that last sentence again. There is NO LIMIT to the times, places and ways you can pray. Don’t limit yourself to a certain time, a certain place or a certain way you have to pray. Just talk to your Heavenly Father.

I use ACTS when I pray, which means I start with Adoration for who God is, not what He has done for me. Then I confess my sins to Him. He already knows them, but I need to tell Him what I have done and ask for forgiveness. I know that if I omit anything or forget something, He forgives regardless, but confession is good for me and releases me to get closer to the Father. Then, I thank God for all He has done in my life and the lives of those I love or have been praying for. Finally, I lay my requests before God. The “s” is for supplication. I tell God honestly what I need and ask that His will be done in the situation(s). You don’t have to use this formula but it is helpful to me to make sure that I don’t jump right in and start with a list of demands that I want God to meet. I have found that if I do things in this order, by the time I get to my supplications, I am calm and at peace with whatever God wants to do, so my list is not a “wish list” that I want Him to fulfill but rather a heartfelt cry for His help in various challenges I am facing.

So, that’s it. Prayer is communication with God, just talking to Him as if He is seated next to you on a bench or a sofa or wherever you find yourself. It is a necessary part of our relationship with God, not because He needs it, but because we do. When you pray, don’t forget to listen. Don’t spend so much time rushing through your talk with God that you don’t give Him time to talk to you. Communication is always a two-way street. You don’t monopolize the conversation. It’s not all about you! It’s all about a relationship with God, so stop and be quiet and listen. That’s the hardest part for me, but I have to take the time to listen in order to let my heart know that God is right there with me throughout the day.

I am going to ask you a question, but I don’t expect you to answer me. I just want to know: Do you pray daily? Reflect on the answer to that as you read this blog post again. And think seriously about how important prayer is to your relationship with God.

Sweet Hour of Prayer-The Vagle Brothers

We Are All Needy

On October 16, 2025 By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Needy by Default (YouVersion Daily Refresh, 10-16–25)

Jesus healed people who were sick and fed people who were hungry. Because of that, great crowds were following Him. But He wanted them to know that who He was was greater than what He had to offer…

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God could have hardwired us to need nothing. But instead, He made us dependent on things like food, water, oxygen, sleep, sunlight—and Him. He designed this world intentionally, with specific needs and certain limitations.

We are needy by default.

Just as food and water are essential for human life, everyday realities point us to spiritual truths…

We need Jesus even more than we need the essentials of life.

We can search for fulfillment in our work and relationships, as well as in money, fame, power, sex, achievement, and adventure. But it all results in emptiness—like chasing after the wind.

So let’s not follow Jesus merely for what He has to offer, but for who He is. Let’s realize that this world will never satisfy, but we already have access to true nourishment.

We can come to Him to be filled because He is the bread of life!

My Thoughts

About a decade ago, I had a hernia surgery that included rebuilding my esophagus. As a result, for about three months after the surgery, I was on a liquid diet since swallowing was difficult for me. Then, the next step was to take medication to numb my esophagus and help me to swallow better. I had difficulty swallowing bread. Yes, bread! So, the surgeon told me to always toast my bread and that would make it easier to go down my esophagus. It worked! I still sometimes have difficulty with the whole swallowing mechanism and when that happens, I know that it is time to quit eating .

The fact that Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life means a lot to me since I have trouble swallowing real bread. I never have any difficulty taking in Jesus and reading and learning from His Word. I am thankful every day that he took care of me during that long ordeal before and after the surgery. But more than that, I am thankful for who He is, that He is always there, always reliable and never stops feeding us and leading us closer to the knowledge of Him. No matter what the world offers, it will never be able to draw me away from the truth and the light and the bread that is Jesus. I hope that you have found this saving grace in your life and that you realize that Jesus is more than what He offers. He is God, come in the flesh to show us how to live an abundant life.

Purpose in Pain

On October 15, 2025 By vickleaIn Admonition, praise, promises, Scripture3 Comments

This morning during my online devotional reading, I was drawn to the devotional with this title. I read it through several times. The focus was on Paul. You know him, I’m sure, the one who was shipwrecked, beaten, tortured and imprisoned. But he also kept preaching the gospel.

Paul’s answer to his suffering is told throughout the many letters he wrote that are included in the New Testament. The focus of this devotional was on Philippians. According to the author of the devotional, Shawn Johnson, Paul says sixteen times in this book to rejoice.

Not once does Paul say to rejoice when all is going right and your world is just as it should be. He just says to rejoice in spite of challenges and difficulties, or actually, in the middle of them.

Like the author of the devotional, I tend to throw myself pity-parties. Then, when no one attends with me, I am disappointed, pull myself out of my funk for a little while until time to throw another party. Paul didn’t throw a single pity party. Instead, he exhorted anyone who would listen to rejoice, not to whine and complain about suffering. Paul knew more about suffering than I have ever known and yet he did not moan about it. In fact, do you remember that while he was in prison one time, he and Silas were singing praises? What a model for us!

Paul knew that his suffering had a purpose and set out to fulfill it.

He clearly states that the gospel has been advanced and that his suffering has helped to promote the spread of the truth about Jesus. Notice that Paul is not boasting here. He is stating facts that all of the palace guards and “everyone else” knows that he is imprisoned for Christ. He doesn’t say all of them have believed, but he does say “most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord…” And even more that they are not afraid to proclaim the gospel because they have seen Paul’s boldness. Now, my friends, that is boldness with a purpose!

I read all of this and pondered it, coming up with this blog post as I considered my “affliction” with my foot. I threw a pity party and no one came. I railed at God and I am sure He listened with compassion, but the injury is still there. Now, I am to the point that I want to know the purpose of this whole thing. God brings good from everything according to Romans, so although I don’t know what good purpose could come from a broken foot, I am willing to have God show me and use me. That is the best that I can do right now. But for me, I think that is enough. I have surrendered my desire to be completely healed to God’s will to use the injury for a bigger purpose. I hope you will join my in prayer that He will show me what that purpose is and give me the strength and grace to fulfill it. I am no Paul but I am a willing servant of the Lord, broken but not forsaken. And in that I am rejoicing!

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Month: October 2025

Praise Report

Believe

Review of THE CHRISTMAS RING by Karen Kingsbury

About the Book

My Thoughts

About the Author

Social Media

Purchase Links

The movie version of the book, produced by Karen Kingsbury’s production company, releases on November 6th. Follow this link to see the trailer and to get your tickets!

Fighting for Us

Prayer Is Talking to God

We Are All Needy

Purpose in Pain