Tag: Daily Refresh

Compelling Love

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Love Compelled Him (Daily Refresh 6-17)

Jesus said a lot of powerful, enlightening, and important things. But there’s one command that sums it all up…

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It sounds simple, right? But when we look at Jesus’ life, how did He love? And how can we strive to love like He did?

Love compelled Jesus to give up His privileges. As Creator and Lord, Jesus can do whatever He pleases. But instead, the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)—temporarily relinquishing His rights so that we could be right with God.

Love compelled Jesus to prioritize people. The woman at the well. The man with leprosy. A Roman officer. A blind beggar. Peter’s mother-in-law. The widow’s son. A despised tax collector. Even the thief hanging next to Him on the cross. Jesus didn’t see problems—He saw and loved people.

Love compelled Jesus to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet, pursued the marginalized, had compassion on the sick, weary, and broken. In the end, He gave His own life for us.

Love compelled Jesus to value truth and grace. In a world where many elevate grace while others only magnify truth, Jesus valued both. He was passionate about God’s ways and God’s Word while also showing great compassion to those who needed it most.

If we’re ever unsure about how to love others, let’s look to Jesus as the ultimate example. He lived selflessly, prioritized other people, served to the point of death, and valued both truth and grace.

And as we love like Jesus, we will become more like Him.

My Thoughts

Loving like Jesus is not just good advice or an empty platitude. It’s an expectation that God placed on us once we decided to follow His Son. How do we love like Jesus? The video that goes with this devotional makes a good point. We aren’t supposed to be a ☕️ to hold the love that the Savior gives us. We are supposed to be a funnel. Love in…love out, all the time. Not when we feel like it or have some extra time on our hands so we might as well use it to show love to someone. We are a funnel of God’s love all the time. We are supposed to love on people, not our electronics that are a pseudo-representation of the people with whom we communicate. Each person whose life crosses ours today deserves to know that God loves them and we do, too. Loving selflessly is hard, but Jesus showed us the example to follow. We are COMPELLED to love just as Jesus was and still does. Each time we make a choice to love, we are becoming more like Jesus. And the Father smiles.

Waiting for God to Act

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

Waiting Well (Daily Refresh, 6-10-26)

Waiting can be hard. 

Most of us would prefer quick, efficient, and—when possible—instant results and answers. 

But waiting is a part of life. 

We must wait for seeds to grow into food, for one season to fade into the next, for babies to mature into adults, and for trees to stand tall enough to finally offer shade.

Like it or not, waiting takes patience.

We can wait days, months, years, or even decades for a prayer to be answered, for an overdue apology, for the timing to be right, or for a dream to finally come to pass.

Waiting requires courage.

King David lived nearly 3,000 years ago, but he knew what it meant to wait for God’s timing, to wait to be king, to wait to be rescued from his enemies. He wrote:

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If David thought waiting on God was important enough to write it twice in one verse, we should probably pay attention. But waiting patiently for the Lord isn’t an excuse to do nothing. 

We can proactively wait on God by staying in communication with Him, by looking for His fingerprints in ordinary moments, by reading about His story and His plans in His Word, by worshiping Him no matter what’s happening across the globe, by serving the people both inside and outside of our circles, and by thanking Him for the gifts He’s already given us.

Just because a specific door isn’t opening, or a particular opportunity isn’t available at this moment doesn’t mean that God isn’t moving.

Even when we are waiting—God is working. 

Noah spent decades building an ark as he waited for God to do what He’d said. Ruth journeyed with her mother-in-law and worked in the grain fields while trusting in God’s provision after her husband’s death. Joseph stayed faithful in prison for several years before his promotion to second-in-command of Egypt. John trusted God’s ultimate will for his life, and wrote several books of the New Testament while sentenced to exile on the island of Patmos. 

So, no matter what you’re facing today, you can ask God for patience and trust that He is in control of your future. No matter what uncertainty lies before you, when you rely on the Lord, you can be someone who waits well.

My Thoughts

I will be honest and confess here that I don’t wait well. I don’t necessarily expect instant answers from God, but I don’t like saying the same prayers over and over and not really seeing any change. Two examples come to mind immediately: my health issues and a job for our grandson Isaac.

I pray for my health. Others join me in prayer. Yet, I don’t improve. Or not yet, anyway. I saw my pulmonologist yesterday and she said that the steroids I am taking should have kicked in and I should be breathing better, but I’m not. So, what to do? More steroids at a higher dose. Back to waiting with the added prayer that the meds will work or God will just take over and release my breath.

I pray for Isaac daily, sometimes several times a day. He graduated last year with a degree in computer science and mathematics. The economy has been in a mess because of the government delays on passing a budget, so that caused waiting. Now, it seems that AI is interfering with Isaac’s ability to get a job since AI can do a lot of what he is trained to do. Isaac is discouraged but still plugging away with applications and an interview occasionally. I try to encourage him about waiting for the job that God wants Him to have, but inside, I am having difficulty waiting myself. I am frustrated that this sweet grandson who has had surgery for cancer, has to have scans every few months because it’s so aggressive, and now he has problems finding a job. God keeps whispering to me, “In my time.” Yet I continue to ask, “When, God?”

So, waiting is hard, but it is necessary. I love the paragraph in this devotional about being proactive while you wait. I put that part in bold, so go back and read again what we should be doing while we wait. Most important to me is communication with God, continuing to worship and being thankful.

God is good all the time… and He is not on my timetable. So, I wait and pray.

Are you waiting on something from God? How can I pray for you today?

Connect Hopelessness to Hope

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

Songs in the Dark (Daily Refresh, 6-01-26)

Even in life’s hardest and most depressing seasons, God is with us and is listening to us. 

One purpose of a song of lament, or lament psalm, is to be honest with God. It’s about expressing vulnerability by telling God exactly how we feel. We should never be afraid of God or how we speak to Him, because He is able to handle our deepest emotions and complaints. And lament psalms are our model in Scripture on how we can be honest with Him.

Psalm 42 is a lament psalm. It is a song about the hopelessness of the writer’s current condition. It speaks to deep sorrow and grief that is experienced in life. The writer of Psalm 42 does not know why he is depressed. He’s not sure why certain things are happening to him. And so he goes to God in prayer and song, expressing the deepest parts of his soul.

Another purpose of lament is to connect the hopelessness of life with the hope that God gives. Laments act as a bridge between our present situation and the promises we’re waiting on. 

The writer of this Psalm speaks to his own soul and encourages himself to continue to hope in God. He knows that no season lasts forever, and there will come a time when joy returns to him.

We will all go through seasons of sadness and grief. And we will have Psalms as a guide. The first step is to come before God and honestly express yourself to Him. Tell Him exactly how you feel.

Next, remember the promises that He has given you in His Word. Recount how much He loves you and cares for you.

And lastly, encourage yourself to put your hope in God. Move towards songs of praise in spite of your current circumstances.

My Thoughts

Today’s devotional was perfect for me, and I pray that it will speak to your heart, too. You see, I have been awake since 2:30 a.m. I wish I could say I was earnestly praying or praising or anything besides what I was doing. I spent four hours coughing, using my inhaler, pacing and trying to get my breath as I spoke to God about how awful it felt to have difficulty breathing. I finally got up at 6, fed our cat, used my morning meds which included my inhaler again as well as other asthma meds, and called my pulmonologist at seven, when the office opens. I now have a Telemed appointment this afternoon since my meds are not kicking in as they should.

Am I discouraged? A little, but mostly, this devotional spoke to me because I am hopeful that God’s answer is on the way. After all, torn rotator cuff, spinal issues and now asthma flare, too. Instead of complaining to God, I am choosing to praise Him and know that He is helping me through this time of my life. In the middle of the night, when the coughing was so bad that it rattled my already unstable bones, I knew that God was hearing me even when I could not take a breath to speak a prayer.

God is not just the God of the mountaintop experiences, although we would all like to stay there and just look down into the valley. He is there with us in the valleys, too. I think that He is especially close in the valley times because it is quiet and there are no interruptions to distract us from our time with God there. We may choose to let things distract us, but I think that is a wrong choice. We need the quiet so we can hear His voice gently whispering His peace and loving words to our troubled body and spirit.

God may seem distant, but He isn’t. Even as I struggled to catch my breath, I knew that He is the One who gave me the breath of life and He will be the One with me when I take my last breath. If He wants me to continue to live, He will provide the strength, healing and hope that I need to face each new day.

I hope that you find peace in the Lord today and that He gives you a reason to praise Him. My being alive is enough reason for me. What’s leading you to praise the King of Glory today?

Not An Exclusive Club

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

Calling Out for Rescue (Daily Refresh, 5-07-26)

Do you remember a moment—maybe dramatic, maybe quiet—when you realized you needed help? Not just a little assistance, but rescue?

Romans 10:13 gives us this promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

These words were written by the apostle Paul to the people in Rome, explaining how anyone can begin a relationship with God. Just before this verse, Paul describes trusting in Jesus—believing in Him and calling out to Him. There are no prerequisites, no religious background, no good behavior, nothing else required. It is about turning to God and asking Him to save.

At its heart, this verse is about calling out for help—admitting a deep need, a need you cannot solve yourself. And it’s about trusting that God hears and responds.

This promise is for every person.

In God’s eyes, there are no insiders or outsiders, and no one is too far gone. There is a Rescuer available to all—and His name is Jesus.

Maybe you can look back and see a time in your life when you called out to God, and He answered. But so often, there is more to the story. God loves to use people to accomplish His will. Did someone share God’s hope with you, or encourage you? Did someone show you kindness or point the way forward?

There are so many who don’t yet know about this wonderful promise of God. They don’t know that there is a Rescuer, offering salvation and new life.

This message of hope is meant to be shared. You can be the one to share it. And it can be as simple as saying: There is someone who cares and is able to save you. This promise is real. And it is for you.

Who in your life might be one step away from calling out for help? Will you take a step of faith today and share the hope you’ve found in Jesus?

My Thoughts

I used to think that being a Christian was an exclusive club for those who were “good enough” to be accepted by God. Then, my neighbor shared with me the truth of the gospel message, gave me a NLT Bible to read and shortly after reading the book of John, I prayed and gave my life to the Lord. I remember being on the floor in the bedroom of my small apartment. I didn’t know what to say or how to talk to God, but I just told Him that I needed Him in my life and wanted to accept His free gift of salvation. The next morning when I saw Verna (my neighbor), I shared with her what had happened. She hugged me, prayed with me and invited me to church. Thus began a lifetime of praying and talking to my Heavenly Father.

But life with God is a journey and a commitment. When I accepted His mercy and grace, I also committed to be a soldier on the battlefield of life, to help others to recognize the truth that I had found. I try every day to share a word from God on my social media pages. I give encouragement and tell others that God is in control. I don’t think I am doing enough, but I am doing something.

I would love for you to share your testimony with me, the person or people who introduced you to Jesus as your Savior, whatever you want to share. In addition, please think of several people with whom you can share that testimony personally and make a difference in how they see God. Someone cared enough about you to sow a seed in your life. May you go forth in joy sowing seeds in the lives of others. Being a Christian isn’t an exclusive club…it’s for everyone!

A New Heart

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

A New Heart (Daily Refresh, 5-02-26)

When someone needs a physical heart transplant, it’s desperately serious. Their heart is failing and, left on their own, that person will physically die. 

But there is hope—the possibility of a new heart. However, in order to get a new heart, a good and capable surgeon is essential. More importantly, in order for that person to live, somebody else must die. The failing heart is then replaced with a thriving heart, and abundant life is once again possible.

In the same way, when someone needs a spiritual heart transplant, it’s desperately serious. The heart is failing and, left on their own, that person will spiritually die. 

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”
Ezekiel 36:26 NLT

God is our good surgeon, and Jesus gave His life for yours. He takes your insufficient efforts and replaces them with something better. But to receive His abundant life, you must humbly ask for His help. You must allow Him to do surgery on your heart. You must surrender what is dying and trust Him with your life.  

Maybe the thing that needs to die is a habit that’s impacting your life. Maybe it’s an unhealthy relationship, or guilt and regret over your past. Maybe it’s an attitude of pride or insecurity. 

Whatever it is, Jesus wants to take the broken and failing parts of your heart and replace them with something completely new and life-giving.

As you process today’s verse and what God is capable of doing, ask yourself:

Do I trust Him—really trust Him—with the details of my life? Am I willing to let Him do “surgery” on my heart and show me a better way to live?

My Thoughts

Several years ago when I had to change to a new nephrologist because my former doctor retired, I met with the doctor for the first time and he was very kind, telling me the CKD stage I was in (3A) and telling me that we might have to talk about dialysis and a transplant sometime “down the road.” I told him then and I have the same opinion now. I don’t want to go on the transplant list because I am elderly and I have lived a good life, so I want someone young with a lot of years ahead of them to receive an organ that becomes available.

Then I read today’s devotional and I am happy to report that God is the surgeon for ALL who desire a transplant of a new heart. There is no list, no waiting, and the One who died for us already offered that sacrifice for everyone who trusts Him and accepts it. God did surgery on my heart many years ago. He continues to work on me, opening a valve up here and there that has been closed off because of my stubbornness or unwillingness to change. He wants me to be whole, with a new heart and a peace and trust in Him that never waivers. God’s transplant is for everyone, just as John 3:16-17 says.

I am thankful that there is no list and God doesn’t pick and choose who will be saved. The invitation is for everyone. Everyone…including you!

Holy Week: The Lamb of God

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

The Lamb of God

Have you ever waited a really long time for something important? Maybe you spent weeks waiting to see an old friend, for news about a medical diagnosis, or for someone to respond to a message you sent them.

In the first century, the people of God had waited hundreds and hundreds of years for the coming of a Savior. John the Baptist was sent to be the forerunner of that coming Savior. God planned for John to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival, and call them back to repentance.

John waited his whole life for Jesus. He spent his days in eager anticipation of the coming of a Savior who would save his people. And on that day when Jesus did arrive, John the Baptist cried out in excitement.

John calls Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. In the old covenant, lambs were sacrificed on behalf of the sins of the people. Their sacrifices were a temporary means to restore a person’s relationship with God.

But Jesus’ coming heralds a new covenant between God and His people.

Jesus’ death is a sacrifice on our behalf, but one that’s permanent and complete. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection pave a path for us to enjoy a restored relationship with God, and to live in freedom from sin. This is the new covenant that John the Baptist is describing when He says that Jesus takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Take a moment this morning to thank God for the amazing gift that Jesus offers to each and every one of us. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness, we can walk in new life and enjoy a restored relationship with God. 

Think of one small step you can take to share this good news with someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus. This free gift is great news for every single person, and we are given the privilege of sharing it with everyone.

My Thoughts

We all wait for something: a phone call, an email, a letter, a package, a visit from a loved one, and ultimately an answer from God about something we have been praying for. I have prayed almost a year for a job for our grandson Isaac. No answer yet, but I am sure that God is preparing just the right job for him, one in which he can thrive physically, emotionally and spiritually. So, I wait, sometimes anxiously, sometimes almost demanding in my prayer time, but always with the same answer from God: wait.

I cannot imagine John’s excitement when he sees Jesus walking toward him and knows that this is the Lamb of God for whom he has been waiting. His whole purpose in life is to be a forerunner, a prophet of Jesus. And here He is! John doesn’t run and hide or say, “Look at me! Now my purpose in life is fulfilled.” No, he says, “Behold, the lamb of God!”

So often when God sends the answer, as He did when He sent Jesus as the final sacrifice for our sins, we don’t recognize that the answer is right there in front of us. Since it isn’t the answer we were expecting, we continue to look for another one. May the Lord make us aware of the answer when it comes so that, like John, we recognize it and give God the glory.

Whom Do You Imitate?

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Be Imitators (Daily Refresh, 2-27-26)

Children learn to function in real life by imitating those around them.

They learn to speak by listening to their family’s words and copying what they hear. They learn to interact with others by observing how their loved ones interact with others. They learn what’s culturally and socially appropriate by watching and imitating.

They learn how to eat, play, read, pray, cook, fish, braid, draw, garden, build, worship, invest, and navigate relationships by noticing and mimicking those around them.

And it doesn’t stop with children. People will often reflect those closest to them, as well as their environment.

Perhaps that’s why, while writing from the confines of a Roman prison, the apostle Paul gave the believers in Ephesus a heartfelt charge:

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul knew that loving and reflecting God was foundational. What we observe will get repeated and, eventually, passed along. The fancy word for this concept is discipleship—where we learn from those we trust and teach others what we’ve learned.

Regardless of where we’re at in life, we’re all being discipled by something. That’s why we should carefully consider who we are listening to and following.

It is vital to build our lives on Truth.

It’s already in our God-given makeup to reflect God. But as humans, we still have to intentionally remember who and whose we are, which is the first step in becoming more like Christ.

My Thoughts

If you don’t believe that people are natural imitators, just step into a high school for a day and watch the interactions between the students. One student pokes fun at another and a group joins in. Another student quietly works and those around that student do the same. It works the same in most large groups, particularly when people are just “going along to get along.”

As an introvert, I am not really a joiner, but I am a watcher. And watchers, too, are a group of imitators, but just not overtly. In high school, many decades ago, I joined the groups that were more academically inclined like the newspaper, the yearbook, the literary magazine. Those were my people, the ones I learned from and followed.

In college, I followed the example of peers who were studious because that was part of who I was. My identity had been formed by those I hung around with in high school, so I continued with that pattern in college.

After college, I was feeling kind of lost. I didn’t have any assignments to study or a group to be with. I was a new teacher in an old school, filled with students who were in my classes but who were not friends, not even really acquaintances. The other teachers had been there for a while, knew each other and were jovial colleagues. Thus, I found myself lonely and feeling isolated. That is when I met Verna, the next-door neighbor in my apartment building. She befriended me, told me about Jesus and gave me a new outlook on life in general. I began to follow the example of Christians that I was around in church groups. I discovered that I could be around others who did not swear, smoke or drink a lot of alcohol and feel comfortable and like I fit in. In short, I found a new family in Christ.

I started reading my Bible regularly and from that point on, I wanted to be more like Jesus and less like those in the world. As a new Christian, I didn’t know a lot, but I quickly learned that there were some things I should not do because Jesus would not approve. Around that time and afterwards, there was a movement called WWJD (what would Jesus do). I thought that was a great idea and subconsciously used that mantra to check out my actions, words and relationships. Harry and I were engaged at the time and he really wanted to go to bed together. I told him “no” and avoided those kinds of situations, persuading him that the sexual part of our relationship was for after marriage. So, in a surprising turn of events for our parents, we compromised and got married just three months after we became Christians. We had planned to wait, but Harry didn’t want to wait any longer and I was amenable to that. I kind of, sort of followed my WWJD guidelines there as well as talking to trusted friends and our pastor about where our relationship was headed and what we should do about it.

I am saying all of this to encourage my readers to check out who your friends are, what you watch, what you listen to, even what you read. The people and things you bring into your life are the ones that will influence you. GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) isn’t just for computers, is it? Choosing examples in your life wisely is a way to look for God in them and then to follow His example.

I don’t think any of us has “arrived” yet; that is, no one that I know is a perfect imitator of the Lord. But if we realize that we are all in this life together, all on the same path to the same eternity (with God, hopefully), then we can encourage each other to live according to things that would please our Father and make us indeed His “dear children.”

Perseverance Is A Challenge

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Perseverance Brings a Harvest (Daily Refresh, 2-29-26)

Have you ever started something new, but gave up after a few tries? Maybe you tried to create a new morning routine or a Bible reading habit, only to give up after a few weeks. It can be hard to build enough discipline to start something new—or to change.

It can also be challenging to receive discipline from someone. Maybe you remember being disciplined as a kid by your parent. Or maybe you’ve faced discipline at work for a mistake you made.

In either case, discipline is hard and takes a lot of work.

Scripture says that for those who endure discipline, and persevere, there is a harvest of righteousness and peace waiting for them. However, it doesn’t happen easily and often makes us uncomfortable. We have to be trained through discipline to create godly habits that will then produce righteousness and peace in our lives.

Take some time today to consider: Where can you allow the Holy Spirit to build discipline in your life? What daily habits should you begin working on today? 

Building discipline into your life is worth it—with the results being peace and a desire for righteousness.

My Thoughts

I am thankful that the Lord loves me enough to discipline me. I recall disciplining my children who are now all adults with their own families. Discipline was not a “once and done” thing. It seemed that I was reminding them constantly of the rules and the consequences. Most of the time, I was alone, since my military husband was not at home but regularly deployed. I remember that sometimes I was so tired of the whole routine of disciplining, but I knew that it was training them for life, so I persisted.

I am thankful that the Lord never tires of disciplining me. He doesn’t just throw up His hands and say, “I give up! You are just not going to change!” Instead, He lovingly and consistently disciplines me, prodding me to go in the right direction and showing me when I got off the track and how to get back on it. God’s discipline is not always welcomed by me. I don’t always want to have to repent and apologize, but He wants me to be in a right relationship with Him, so His Spirit keeps prompting me to do the right thing. I don’t think that persevering in our discipline is a challenge or a chore for God as it seemed to me for me at times. His love for us is so great that from that abundance of love, He chooses to discipline us. I remember telling my children that I was disciplining them because I love them. It does my heart good to watch and hear my children tell their children the same thing. Discipline is love in action and it brings a harvest that we don’t even realize at the time.

My word to you today is to persevere. Choose to allow the Lord to discipline you and accept that we are sinners saved by grace. We aren’t perfect but we are a work in progress, and God loves us so much that He wants us to strive to be more like Him.

God Gives Strength

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Strength in Every Season (Daily Refresh, 2-12-26)

Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on coffee mugs, social media, or even cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.

Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a football game or having the courage to do something daring.

Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.

In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with abundant food and resources.

Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.

Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.

So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He’s given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.

If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.

My Thoughts

I needed this devotional today to remind me that God is not finished with me yet and I have not completed His purpose for me here on earth. My health problems are not diminishing, but neither is my faith in God. In my meeting yesterday with my orthopedist, I was told that I do have a torn rotator cuff and he wants me to endure the pain for as long as possible without surgery. (The surgery is a real bear!) The next step is to have a bone scan which I need to schedule. I confess that the news didn’t surprise me since my shoulder has been in pain since early December, but I also confess that it upset me. I keep feeling as though I am taking two steps forward and three steps back. But God reminds me repeatedly that He is moving forward, with me. I am here to complete my purpose, so in spite of the circumstances, I can still be a witness for Him to the caretakers I keep meeting at hospitals and doctors’ offices. I am trying to be a little beacon of light and spread hope and cheerfulness to others. I may not feel like doing that, but God gives me strength and the words to say as well as nudging me towards the people I need to encourage. Thus, I am resolved not to have a Pity Party and sit in ashes as Job did but rather to keep moving and keep doing. Jesus didn’t stop ministering to people, even as He was dying. He encouraged the thief on the cross next to Him, He told John to take care of His mother, and He implored His Father to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Since I want to be like Jesus, I am strengthened by His example and soldiering on to the next medical test, the next diagnosis and my next opportunity to tell someone about God’s love, mercy, peace and grace.

Perseverance and Trust

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Joy in Hard Times (Daily Refresh, 2-10-26)

Nobody enjoys suffering. It’s hard to find joy in the midst of trials or difficult seasons—it’s much easier to feel sadness or misery.

That’s why Paul’s encouragement in Romans 5 may sound contradictory. Paul was writing this to the church in Rome experiencing suffering from ungodly rulers, and yet he encourages them to rejoice in their suffering. 

It wasn’t enough to just endure suffering—he tells them to have joy. Paul knew that it wasn’t natural to be joyful in hard times, but through the work of Jesus, Christians have peace with God and access to faith (Romans 5:1-2). Faith allows us to hold onto the hope that suffering isn’t the end of our story. 

Because we know that God works within our difficult situations, we can have patience and perseverance for God to complete His work. Perseverance refines our character. As we wait on God, we become people who look more like Jesus, and our trust in God grows stronger. This increases hope within us. 

It’s not easy to have hope when you’re suffering. But as we trust in God, we are strengthened to continue to endure. When we look at suffering from God’s perspective, we begin to realize that He is working to bring glory to Himself in every situation.

God has shown us through the Holy Spirit that He loves us. He suffered and gave Himself for us so that we could have a relationship with Him, and He will continue to give us everything we need to live a life that honors Him.

So consider how God is working in your life, even through difficult seasons. Think about the ways God has poured His love into you through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for strength to persevere, and let that perseverance develop into a strong character that hopes and trusts in God even in hard times. And when persevering gets difficult, hold onto this truth: God has given everything for you, and He will never leave your side.

My Thoughts

Hallelujah! The last word in my life, the only one that matters is from God! That last sentence means so much to me. Persevering has been difficult; a broken foot in September and wearing a heavy boot until mid-November; shoulder pain starting in December; a poor report from my rheumatologist; and generally fatigued from constant lack of sleep. I am not complaining, my friends, but I am laying out the facts of what I have been dealing with for the last six months. But…God! I am holding onto God’s truth with everything I have. He has already given it all, and He promised to me right there with me. There’s a hymn I would like you to look up and listen to that the Holy Spirit just reminded me of as I was typing. It’s called “Through it All.” We used to sing this song in a small church in South Carolina. At the time, I am sure that I just sang along, thankful that my “all” hadn’t been so bad so far. Now, I can say that even when it is bad, I “have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God.” He is my hope, my stay and the reason that I can persevere.

This is another week of medical appointments, with physical therapy twice, my kidney doctor today and ortho tomorrow. My sweet husband takes me to all of my appointments, waits for me outside or, in the case of ortho, goes in with me to hear what is happening with my shoulder. Please keep him in your prayers, too, as he faithfully walks through these trials with me. I appreciate your prayers, but I know that no matter what the test results show and the diagnosis/prognosis is, God is in control. He has never left me in the 50+ years since He came into my life and I am confident that He never will.

Whatever you are going through, please take time to rest in His presence and soak in His love. That will help you, as it helps me, to get through the next thing. Nothing, not one thing, can separate us from the Father’s love! And that is where the joy is!