Last week, as I was heading to assist with a meeting for work, I used my talk-to-text feature to dictate thoughts I had begun to ponder. The topic weighing heavily on my mind was truth. Scripture presents truth as grounded in God and revealed in His Word, while the world often treats truth as something each person determines. According to John 17:17, Jesus asked the Father to sanctify us in the truth which is His Word. Yet, in a worldly aspect, once someone decides that a thought or feeling is “my truth,” it can quickly be declared an unquestionable fact. For some, that claim may sound like, “I am _____,” and the surrounding world is then interpreted through that self-defined identity.

I consider, for instance, the fact that a decade ago I had cancer. The diagnosis was real and overwhelming, but in that moment I was viewing it only through the circumstances before me and was losing sight of the truth of God’s Word. I did not need to deny the seriousness of the illness; I needed to remember that God was present, faithful, and at work even when I could not see His purposes. Likewise, someone may say, “My GPA has dropped drastically. I’m failing again.” The decline in grades may be a fact, but the truth of the person is not that they are failing. They may simply be struggling in their human abilities for a mere season. The grade expresses a present circumstance, but it cannot measure their worth, nor does it deem them a failure. Scripture is truth, and it does not define us by a grade, a score, or any other human measurement. It reveals us as His beloved, adopted children (Romans 8:15–17).

As I continued my dictation, my thoughts were deeply focused on fact versus truth. To many, they are one and the same. However, I believe that while facts may invoke fear and anxiety in difficult circumstances, biblical truth reveals His presence; thus, while the two may be related, the facts alone do not define the matter. Although truth does not erase painful facts, we are better equipped by truth to recognize His promises, knowing that hope and provision are found in Christ alone, who helps us interpret facts in the light of His Word. A fact may be that I am brokenhearted because I’ve lost a loved one, yet biblical truth reminds me that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). The loss remains real, but so does His presence in the midst of it. A fact may be that one is losing an earthly possession; biblical truth reminds us that God remains present and faithful as our provider.

When we focus solely on painful circumstances, such facts may cause us to get lost in dismay, struggling to lift our head, battling to hold back an endless flow of tears or remorse, pain, or frustration. Whereas, when we center ourselves around the truth of God’s Word, we will correctly recognize that there is always hope in Him, even while we face the emotions. No, it does not mean that the emotions will magically disappear, but it does mean that in our grief we have the joyful reminder that we can rest in His presence because He alone has the final say. Remember, His truth in II Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us that our troubles are real, but not eternal, therefore, we should fix our eyes on that which we cannot yet see.

We live in a world where many seem to feel that everything they do should result in some form of payment. A friend asks for help moving, and somehow the assistance comes with an expectation of compensation rather than from a heart willing to give and simply be present for those God has placed in our lives. Yet Scripture reminds us, “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8, KJV). Galatians 6:10 adds, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” To me, that sounds like a call to recognize the opportunities God places before us and respond with a willing heart.

I have found that few people seem willing to act without expecting something in return, and as I began to meditate on this, I wondered what that means for us as believers. God has given us a clear calling to go into the world and share the gospel. When we obey that call, should our first thought be of monetary or tangible reward, or should we recognize the eternal value of a life pointed toward Christ?

Please do not misunderstand me. I know there are ministry roles that require a person’s full devotion of time and are rightly paid: pastors, nonprofit mission workers, evangelists, and teachers. Scripture itself says, “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:18, KJV).

But what happens when you walk into a store and the Lord urges you to pray with someone passing by? What happens when you are walking down a city street and hear that still, small voice calling you to share the gospel with the person sitting on the corner? My hope is that we would respond promptly, expecting nothing in return.

The reward of obedience is worth far more than any earthly possession. Paul wrote, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6, KJV). Our responsibility is to be faithful; the outcome and the reward belong to God. Hebrews 13:16 gives another simple reminder: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Sometimes the act itself may feel small, but when it is done from a sincere heart, God sees it.

Yet here we are on platforms where we share the Word of God, the expressions He has placed on our hearts, and the subjects He has led us to study deeply. I have noticed that, for some, a person must purchase a subscription before being permitted to read those words. This has happened to me frequently lately, and I believe it troubles me because the cost of posting an article is often minimal compared with the eternal value of making the message available. Paul asked, “What is my reward then?” and answered that, in preaching, he might “make the gospel of Christ without charge” (1 Corinthians 9:18, KJV). That verse causes me to pause and consider whether the way we share the message makes room for those who may need it most.

Yes, writing takes time, electricity, and internet service. But what if the person who most needs the words God has provided cannot afford a subscription? In that moment, have we placed a barrier where God intended an open door? Have we, perhaps, quenched the Spirit? I believe this is something each of us should bring honestly before the Lord in prayer. Are we truly being called to request payment for what He has placed on our hearts, or have we simply assumed that every gift must become a source of income? The answer may not be the same for everyone, but we should be willing to let God examine our motives. If He has called us to receive support, then we can move forward in obedience and trust Him to provide. But if the pursuit of payment keeps someone from receiving the message He intended for them, we should prayerfully consider whether we may be resisting—or even quenching—the work of the Spirit.

I would absolutely love for writing or ministry to become my career, but that is not the season to which God has called me, at least at this point He has not opened the door that permits me to move forward with this desire of my heart. Nevertheless, if that season ever comes, I trust that He will provide the way—perhaps through a book people choose to purchase or through another opportunity He opens to me. Until then, I will not knowingly put a barrier between the words He gives and the person who needs to receive them. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV).

As believers, I believe we should prayerfully consider the difference between making paid support available and making spiritual encouragement inaccessible without it. There is nothing wrong with giving readers an opportunity to subscribe or support a ministry. The concern begins when a person cannot be fed unless they pay first. For some, writing has become a full-time calling, and I respect that.

Still, I cannot help but wonder: if your pastor refused to minister to you unless you gave a specific amount, would you continue attending that church? Would such a requirement reflect the heart of Christ—or would it distort the message we have been freely given to carry?

Crisis is certain to affect the lives of people around us. Consequently, as Christians, we should prepare ourselves with knowledge and a biblical foundation, seeking to be present in one’s time of need. Studies in Psychology have offered valuable insights, yet these are not enough of a support when seeking to stand with one facing a crisis. Scripture reveals that God is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), and it instructs His children to consider those who are vulnerable and suffering (Psalm 41:1). Without the truth of Scripture, human knowledge alone will never provide the soul’s deepest need for healing, hope, and peace for these are found in Christ alone.

The way in which one responds to crisis may differ greatly from the response of another; therefore, the manner in which we provide compassionate support will also vary. Whether a person has experienced abuse, death, or another crisis, focusing on individualized support is essential. The one seeking to provide care must not attempt to hurry the sufferer past their pain, but should walk patiently beside that person through it, which is a clear reflection of our Lord who is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). One beautiful aspect of suffering is that as God comforts His children in tribulation, they become better equipped to comfort others with the same ease they have received (II Corinthians 1:3-4). Through such compassionate presence, the sufferer may obtain a deeper awareness of God’s abiding presence.

As crisis is considered, it is important to understand that in some situations, one may be deeply impacted, resulting in posttraumatic stress, while for another the same matter may not create the same distress. Likewise, a loss that leads to complicated grief in one individual may be processed differently by someone else. Nevertheless, the same God who you serve, desires to sustain each person through suffering, which is another truth that Scripture reveals. Psalm 34:17-20 expresses that when we cry out, He hears and delivers us. Therefore, as a support, we should seek God’s Word, obey His timing, and speak with humility, trusting the Lord’s promise to be present and to give us strength-- “Fear thou not; for I am with thee...I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10).

Furthermore, when we consider both crisis and God’s purposes, we must give careful attention to what the sufferer needs. At first, you may need to stand back and observe emotional and behavioral patterns, seeking to understand the person’s cognitive state, as you seek to identify immediate risks, and determine what personal, spiritual, and practical resources are available for them. Such assessment should be done with compassion rather than judgment. The biblical call to consider those in need reaffirms the need to be deliberate in offering care that is attentive rather than hurried with a uniform response (Psalm 41:1). Thus, prayerful discernment is essential, for the Lord promises to direct the path of those who trust Him rather than relying solely on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

When observing behavioral functioning, one may consider whether or not the sufferer’s social responses remain appropriate, whether daily responsibilities have been impeded, and how they respond when concerning topics are addressed. Additionally, you may attempt to understand how they have regained stability after a similar experience in the past, while seeking to know if they are remaining involved in their usual social activities, and what coping strategies do they already have in place. These details can help determine the level of assistance that is necessary while permitting the preservation of the sufferers’ dignity and individuality. Throughout this process, one can offer calm reassurance that God remains present and able to uphold those who feel weak (Isaiah 41:10).

Furthermore, it is essential to understand if the individual has an established support system or whether you, for the moment, are the primary source of support. If you are the primary support, when the timing is appropriate, you should seek to engage family, the church, and fellow believers. However, early on you should seek the support of qualified community resources, which can greatly reduce the emotional burden carried by both the sufferer and the helper. Scripture commands us as believers to “bear ye one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), and it teaches that two are better than one because each can lift the other when one falls (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). In this, community helps counter the effects of isolation and permits others to speak hope, life, and biblical truth into circumstances that might feel unbearable in the moment.

We must know that the Lord desires His children to come together to support the brokenhearted, no matter the circumstance and especially when one is facing an interpersonal trauma or a loss that seems unbearable. One realistic part of this care might involve helping the individual to become grounded in the present moment by noticing surroundings, engaging in their senses, and reconnecting with immediate safety. For some, such as myself, time in nature can direct attention toward God’s creation and provide a setting for calm reflection; for others, a different environment or strategy may be required. This is not intended to suppress the distressing factor but is intended to reduce overwhelming thoughts just enough for the person to more openly receive support, consider truth, and regain stability. In this process, we should remind the sufferer that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those of a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18).

Mindful awareness may also be beneficial when it helps a person notice present sensations and thoughts without becoming consumed by them. Within a Christian framework, this awareness can be joined with prayer, thanksgiving, and meditation on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:6-8). Rather than treating emotions as evidence of spiritual failure, one can acknowledge them as legitimate responses that need to be approached honestly and compassionately. This opens the door to allowing the one in pain to then be encouraged to cast every care upon God, trusting that He cares for His children (1 Peter 5:7), while also taking appropriate practical steps toward recovery.

Ultimately, the support offered by one who holds a biblical worldview is beneficial because such a helper recognizes both the responsibility to tend to those in need and the necessity of depending upon God. A victim who recognizes the support of caring people on earth and the Father above may draw strength from knowing that the Lord hears the cries of His children and delivers them from trouble (Psalm 34:17-20). Therefore, as a supporter, one can encourage people to bring anxieties before God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, trusting that His peace can guard the heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). As Christians bear one another’s burdens and strengthen one another, the care becomes a tangible expression of God’s comfort. Therefore, through careful assessment of needs, appropriate practical support, faithful community, and dependence on Christ, a Christian seeking to support one in crisis to reestablish equilibrium in mind, body, and soul while trusting the Lord for continuing healing can find strength from the Holy Spirit as they heed to His call.

Recently, I have found myself examining the many faith-based nonprofits in the United States. Some focus on serving locally, while others work across many nations. When I see ministries or hear believers use the word “neighbor” or a related term, I begin to wonder: When people speak of serving their neighbor, how exactly do they define who that neighbor is?

For decades, I have heard that we need to care for our own—whether family, community, or nation—and that idea has frustrated me throughout my life. Focusing only on those within reach has never sat well with my soul, even before I understood Scripture. Yet as I consider how greatly these ministries differ in whom they serve, I do not seek to belittle either approach. People nearby may face struggles beyond what you can fathom, struggles you may have experienced before or may even be facing now. By no means would I say that we should neglect them. Nevertheless, in my heart I feel certain that when we are called to spread the Gospel to all the nations (Mark 16:15), this is also reflective of our call to love our neighbor (Mark 12:31).

So I ask: Who is your neighbor? Is it only the person next door, someone within walking distance, or anyone in your community? Now let us go a step further. Rather than asking only whom you consider your neighbor, ask whom God calls your neighbor. Before settling on an answer, consider another question: Who is your sister or brother? Do you limit that relationship to those with whom you share parents and DNA, or do you understand it biblically? Society may define brothers and sisters one way, while the Lord defines them differently. The same is true of your neighbor.

In Matthew 12:50 the truth is revealed about what makes one your brother or sister, ^“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Just as brotherhood and sisterhood is not limited by closeness or bloodline, neither is neighbor defined by proximity. Which is revealed in Scripture as well, in Luke 10:36–37 it is asked “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

In the Greek text, the word used is plēsion, meaning “one who is near” or “a close one.” In Luke 10:36, however, Jesus frames the question in terms of who became a neighbor to the wounded man. Neighborliness is therefore not merely a passive status based on proximity; it is expressed by drawing near to another person in mercy, love, and grace. Leviticus 19:34 further expands this call: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” This is the verse I wish I had known as I was growing up, when people insisted that “we should care for our own.”

As I continue along this path of thought, I am reminded that loving your neighbor is not limited by geography. You are not forced to choose between serving the person next door and tending to someone in a nation across the ocean. We are called to care for all people in need, treating them with the love and mercy we ourselves have received. We are called to embrace every opportunity to do good to others (Galatians 6:10), and we should pray that our love will increase and overflow toward all (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

As ambassadors of Christ, we must tear down the artificial borders we have constructed around the word “neighbor. We must recognize the call of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, which instructs us to “go ye therefore, and teach all of the nations,” which proves our call is not limited by geographical boundaries. Whether one be across the street or oceans away, we should not withhold good “from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27). Neighborliness is not a boundary to limit us, it is not a term that we are to define but is a mandate we are called to fulfill. Therefore, let us no longer “love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (I John 3:18). Now is the time to look beyond your immediate reach, open up your heart to the global community, and actively draw near to a world that is lost in darkness and pain, providing mercy, love, and grace, which we have been freely given.

Making a difference means acting when it matters most for what is later to come. Yesterday, I shared my desire to impact the lives of others and the call to care for the fatherless, the widow, the poor, and the needy. James 1:27 describes this service plainly: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” While adults certainly need care, I began reflecting on a truth studied in college and reinforced throughout Scripture: children are impressionable. They can be shaped to believe that they lack value or that they possess immeasurable worth; they can be led toward destruction or guided into a profitable path. Jesus revealed His tenderness toward them when He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Thus, when we consider serving, we must ask: How can I serve little ones?

Child-development research identifies the first five years of life as especially formative, with the period from birth to age three representing a critical window of rapid brain development. This profound season aligns with the biblical command, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). In these early years, children absorb the words, conduct, and emotional patterns presented around them. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 therefore instructs adults to keep God’s words in their hearts and to “teach them diligently unto thy children,” speaking of them throughout the paths of daily life. Scripture also shares that, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right” (Proverbs 20:11). Through constant, responsive care, parents fulfill the call to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), while those who are consistently present reinforce that foundation by the example, protection, and prayer. It is through the early investments of nurtue in a childs life that trust and security are enhanced in this crucial period. These investments reveal that a child is not an interruption in life and they are not merely an afterthought; they are a sacred treasure, for “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).

As we consider the excessive privilege we are given to be present in a child’s life, we recognize the immense responsibility that we have been handed, whether the child is our own or one with whom we have the blessing to engage with in other areas of life. God does not simply give the parents the sole responsibility of helping a child to be lifted up, He gives the responsibility to all who interact with the child, as we are ordered to speak life, wisdom, and truth into these precious little ones. Psalm 78:4 directs us not to hide God’s works from our children, but to show “to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.” Our shared commitment holds an eternal significance given that receiving and protecting children was a matter that Jesus held in high esteem. He declared, “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” (Matthew 18:5), and warned against causing one of these little ones to stumble (Matthew 18:6).

Therefore, we must not forget the little ones, as we continue in our call to build His Kingdom, we must know that this requires us to encourage and love the children of this world. If we are to adhere to His desires, doing what is in the best interest of His Creation, we will not loose sight of the need to protect and guide these children according to His Word as we share the truth of Scripture and set before them a godly example that will bless them for the entirety of life. In this, I simply remind you of the urging in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.”

This morning I awoke to Bible verses surfing through the waves of my mind, one after another. The Holy Spirit asked, “whom do I call you to serve?” Initially, my response was, “You, Lord.” Yet, the question took new shape: “Who are you called to serve in my name?”

I began thinking about what it is to truly serve others, remembering the words of Scripture: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). In life, I seek to remind others that we must choose to remain present and make a difference in their lives because this is near and dear to my heart. I have stated here and on other platforms that I do not share with the thought that I will change the hearts of the multitude. I write and share for the one who is willing to seek understanding, the person willing to make a shift in behavior that can positively impact the lives of others. It is a modern way of looking for the one stray lamb, much like He taught us: “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” (Luke 15:4).

In my professional career, my role involves sales, yet I choose to operate according to a greater call. I seek to make a difference, minding the instruction: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). I do not look at those in front of me and try to determine what sale I can make. Instead, I ask myself in every action, “What difference can I make?”

I seek to understand how I can bring hope into what seems a chaotic circumstance. I desire to help others recognize that their position in the moment is not where they must remain. So, as I consider whom I can serve in His name, I recognize the truth of Scripture. I am called to be present for the ones in need, for “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). I choose to be a positive presence in the midst of affliction, pain, fear, and struggles of many sorts.

As we pursue our day-to-day lives, I wonder: with whom do we communicate? Who do we choose to be present for? To serve another, we need to be present, sharing words of encouragement and helping to find a path that will lead to hope. I fear, though, that too often we surround ourselves only with those who are like us or who may profit us in some way. We risk forgetting the gentle warning of Christ: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46).

We live in a culture that constantly pressures us to manage up, network strategically, and position ourselves near power and influence. It is a subtle temptation to convince ourselves that we are doing good by climbing higher, yet the Gospel constantly calls us downward. When we look at those in front of us merely to gauge what sale we can make or what leverage we can gain, we miss the divine assignment altogether. Again, Christ’s sharp warning reminds us that loving only those who love us or who can profit us yields no eternal reward (Matthew 5:46). If our presence is reserved only for those who wear gold rings and hold high positions, we have compromised the message of the cross for worldly convenience.

Yet, when we have a true desire to serve for the glory of the Lord, we recognize that true service requires us to look past the professional armor people wear and see their chaotic circumstances. The fatherless, the widow, the poor, and the hurting are rarely found at the center of spotlighted networks; they are often hidden in the margins, quietly drowning in anxiety or despair and hiding in darkness where they fear they are endlessly bound. To live out the greater call from our Lord, we must be willing to step into their affliction (James 1:27). This means stopping the rush of our daily business to look someone in the eye, listen to the undertone of their words, and ask ourselves, “What difference can I make here?” Bringing hope to a broken situation is not about executing a corporate strategy; it is about offering the unconditional, unhurried presence of Christ to someone who feels completely invisible.

The truth is, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of brokenness in our world, but the Holy Spirit does not demand that we fix the multitude. Our calling is to be faithful to the specific person God places in our path at any given moment, whether we are walking along the street, shopping in a store, sitting in a classroom, or working at a desk. Operating “heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23) means treating the single, struggling soul in front of us as if that person is the only one who matters. When we shift our behavior to seek the one lost, wandering sheep rather than cater to the comfortable ninety-nine (Luke 15:4), we align our hearts with the Good Shepherd. Our professional platforms and daily routines are not meant to build our kingdoms, but to serve as modern-day paths where we can share encouragement and guide weary travelers back to hope.

This same calling gives us a clear pattern for serving the poor and needy. The world tells us to invest our time where we can get a return, urging us to rub shoulders with the wealthy and the well-connected. Yet, God’s Word commands an entirely different focus, placing a strict value on how we treat the impoverished and the destitute. We are explicitly ordered to open our hands and our lives to those who cannot advance our social or professional standing. Scripture leaves no room for hesitation, declaring in Deuteronomy 15:11, “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” When we look past the high positions of this world and actively choose to be present for the poor, we are not just doing a good deed; we are honoring the Creator Himself. As Proverbs 14:31 reminds us, “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.”

That open-handed service must also extend to the widow and the fatherless. In our daily business, it is incredibly easy to overlook those who have lost their earthly protectors and providers. The fatherless and the widow rarely occupy positions of worldly influence, making them invisible to a society obsessed with networking and profit. However, God identifies Himself intimately with their defense, and He demands that His people do the same. Psalm 68:5 reveals His heart, calling Him “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” If we claim to serve Him, our schedules and our platforms must reflect this same devotion. We cannot claim to walk in His steps while ignoring the vulnerable. Isaiah 1:17 commands us to change our behavior and our focus: “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” True service breaks away from elite circles to provide a refuge for those who are left alone.

This refuge must reach beyond material need to those who are hurting and broken. Too often, the world has little patience for the wounded, preferring those who are strong, energetic, and capable of producing immediate results. But the Holy Spirit constantly draws our attention to the heavy-hearted and the broken in spirit who are drowning in chaotic circumstances. We are called to step into their pain with words of encouragement and a restoring presence. Psalm 34:18 reassures us of God’s proximity to suffering: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” As His hands and feet, we cannot distance ourselves from the hurting just to keep our lives comfortable or profitable. We must heed the instruction of Isaiah 35:3: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.” True kingdom impact happens when we stop trying to impress the powerful and start binding up the wounds of the broken.

Serving the broken also requires us to search faithfully for the lost. It is comforting to surround ourselves only with those who already understand us, think like us, and share our exact values. Yet, staying within the safety of the ninety-nine leaves the wandering soul abandoned to the dark. Christ’s entire mission was defined by an intentional, relentless pursuit of the straying and the undone, establishing a pattern that every believer is expected to follow. As Ezekiel 34:16 powerfully declares of God’s own heart, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” If we are operating by a greater call, we must be willing to leave our comfort zones to find the one who has lost the way. Our daily routines and professional platforms are divine opportunities to seek the confused and the searching, guiding their feet back to a path of hope. So, I wonder: if asked whom you choose to serve, what would your answer be? Would it align with His Word or with this world?

Your presence is the ultimate expression of Christ’s love, transitioning from loving “in word” to loving “in deed and in truth.” When you ask what greater gift can be given other than your presence, or what simple actions reveal the depth of compassion we hold, the answer is found in your conscious choice to give the gift of empathy. Choosing to reach out and hold the hand of one who cries in grief, or wrapping your arms around another who struggles with feeling desolate in this world, as this truly mirrors the posture of Christ, who is intimately acquainted with our griefs. Scripture beautifully commands this level of deep, shared emotion in Romans 12:15, which instructs us to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

By stepping into these painful spaces, you actively fulfill the biblical mandate found in Galatians 6:2 to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” No matter what storm is brewing, your fierce determination to support through comfort, while simultaneously celebrating chapters of joy, transforms ordinary human interaction into holy ground. This steadfastness reflects the profound truth of II Corinthians 1:4, which reveals a God “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

To maintain this radical level of empathy, there is a vital need to daily choose to remain in the moment rather than be caught up in what has yet to come. Anxiety about the future is a thief that steals our ability to be present, yet your daily choice to stay grounded honors God’s design for our focus. This aligns perfectly with the wisdom of Matthew 6:34, which counsels, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” By rejecting the pull of tomorrow, you open your heart to receive the promise of Lamentations 3:22-23, recognizing that “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Remaining in the present ensures that you do not miss the quiet cries for help happening right in front of you today.

True compassion requires us to step out of our anxious anticipation of tomorrow and firmly plant ourselves in the brokenness of today. Your determination to celebrate chapters of joy and support through desolate storms transforms ordinary human interaction into holy ground. Do not let the fast-paced worries of this world dull your sensitivity to the grieving souls around you. Commit today to put away the distractions of what has yet to come, look intently into the eyes of someone who is struggling, and extend your hands to be the comfort they desperately need.

The valleys of life—these we are certain to stumble upon. Yet, we know that “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).

While in the midst of such valleys, storms may rise, leaving our hearts and minds in shambles. We find ourselves crying out, “Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul” (Psalm 69:1). We are left wondering if the sun still shines upon the mountain top, and if so, how do we find our way back to that place.

Too often, as the valley is covered by the overshadow of the mountains that surround it, we lose ourselves in self-pity. We begin to believe there is no way through the storm that has caused mudslides to block the path we thought was ahead. Yet, even there, God remains present. He does not merely reside on the mountain; He promises to remain through it all. We must remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

If we will recall His Words and listen for His whisper, we will see that the path we had planned to take was the very one that could cause us to break. For we know that “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). He is our protector. Thus, in the chaos, He still seeks to have us hear His whispers amongst the winds and rains. He speaks not always in the tempest, but as a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

He calls us to look away from what we thought was to be. It is in the moment that we do, His light we will see. Even in the clouds of darkness, His light penetrates through. “The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5). He provides this light because He wishes for you to understand what He is asking you to do, promising, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8).

Therefore, let us no longer tarry in the valley of despair or lean unto our own understanding. Lift up your eyes unto the hills from whence cometh your help, and make a conscious decision today to surrender your broken plans to the Almighty. If you are currently facing a storm, take five minutes right now to sit in absolute silence, tune out the chaos, and actively listen for His still small voice. Open your Bible to the promises of Scripture, dust off the mud of self-pity, and take the very next step that He illuminates before you. The path ahead may not be the one you originally chose, but it is the only one guaranteed to lead you safely out of the darkness and back into His marvelous light.

As I reflect on some difficult situations I have faced, I am reminded of a heavy question my husband recently asked me about someone who deeply hurt me: “Do you ever wish they were dead?” Because he loves me, he still carries a deep rage over the pain I had to release to God—a release that was incredibly difficult and certainly did not happen overnight. It helps to understand that my husband processes the world a bit differently; he is an amazingly special man with ASD. In his world, things are often black and white, with no in-between. Because of this, he is still learning how to let God carry the weight of certain burdens and pains. In that moment, I tried my best to explain why I can sincerely say I have chosen to release this person to the Lord.

So, let me share some of what I tried to explain to him.

When we are met with crises that generate deep emotional wounds, we must remember that revenge does not belong in human hands. We are called to entrust our pain and the wrongs we have endured to the Lord. As Romans 12:19 and Romans 2:5 remind us, He alone will express righteous wrath when His final judgment is revealed. I gently reminded my husband of the weight of God’s justice. The Bible tells us it would be better for an abuser to have a millstone tied around their neck and be drowned in the sea than to face the Almighty, for what is done to His children is ultimately done to Him (Matthew 18:6; Matthew 25:40).

While I know God will have the final say, I also recognize that moving past trauma requires us to acknowledge that humans are deeply flawed—and, in some cases, downright evil. In situations of horrific abuse, I believe these individuals have been given over to the reprobate minds they chose to entertain (Romans 1:28). However, our healing does not come from trying to justify or understand their actions. Instead, it comes from anchoring ourselves in the immense love of our Father. Victims of abuse are never less loved by Him. He desires for every hurting soul to know that He alone is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

As a child, I went through brief counseling, but it honestly did not provide the help I needed. Instead, I was left with decades of mental turmoil. For most of my life, I endured relentless nightmares, waking multiple times a night, while doctors simply tried to prescribe pills to cure my “depression.” It wasn’t until a few years ago that a psychiatrist finally looked deeper and diagnosed me with PTSD. By that time, after studying Psychology for four years at a Christian college, I had already recognized what should have been obvious to the professionals long ago: there are no pills that can chase away those kinds of dreams. Ultimately, while counselors and interventionists are placed here to tend to His children, the work was never going to be complete until I was ready to allow God to work within me.

Over the years, my search for therapy often left me deeply frustrated. I vividly recall one psychologist asking me, “What do the voices in your head tell you about eating?” in reference to my eating disorder. I was so annoyed by his question. There were no voices. It was simply my desperate need to have control over something in my life, and food was the one thing nobody could force me to partake in. Having felt as though I had no say in anything and no freedom to choose for myself, I refused to give up that one piece of control.

The turning point came about three years ago. As I looked back at how my own traumas had impacted my children, I realized I could not continue down a path that would eventually affect my relationship with my grandchildren, too. I connected with a therapist who respected my faith and allowed God to be an active part of our conversations. I knew the journey would not be easy—and honestly, it isn’t over—but as we progressed, I began reading a book that helped me walk this path with a biblical understanding.

That is when real healing began to take place.

What used to be multiple nightmares every single night slowly began to dwindle. The adult who had been terrified of the dark could suddenly walk to the bathroom without needing to turn on every single light in the house. I will never forget the day I realized I had gone from keeping one eye open in the shower to actually closing both eyes as I washed my hair. It wasn’t the work of therapy alone, nor was it a book of magical suggestions. These shifts were the literal hand of God, carrying the weight of what once had me bound. His Word gave me exactly what was needed to heal. Yes, I still have nightmares sometimes—last night being one of them—but I no longer wake up paralyzed by fear. I no longer feel the desperate need to scramble to the middle of the bed and grasp onto my husband just to feel safe.

Not only do I refuse to carry a heart of revenge, but Satan no longer holds the upper hand of generating endless fear and anxiety in my life. Ultimately, all the glory belongs to the Father above (Matthew 5:14-16). It is through Him that victims of trauma are able to find true peace, freeing them from their troubles. Because of His infinite love, we can rest assured that His work in us will be completed (John 14:27; Philippians 1:6).

I am a work in progress, but I am His daughter—greatly loved, adorned, and cherished. In this identity, He assures me that He will never leave me nor forsake me. Even in my darkest moments, He was right there. He waited for me patiently to release the heavy traumas I was carrying, gently urging me to cast them at the foot of the cross. It wasn’t until I finally let go that healing could begin.

So today, I ask you: What are you carrying? On whom do you contemplate revenge? Are you ready to let God begin His beautiful work in you? I assure you, it is a journey worth taking. It truly is the pathway to the other side.

Oops... I guess now you know where I came up with the name for my profile! It only took nine months for that to finally come out.

One of the blessings of genuinely finding appreciation in God’s creation is the discovery that His peace can meet us wherever we may be. He is present in the middle of farmland and along the mountainside, for, as Colossians 1:16 reminds us, all things were created through Him and for Him. As the sun rises along the coast and my eyes rest on the ocean waves, peace waters my soul. It does not matter if I am in the midst of the woods; even there, there is sweet peace. As I embrace the serenity of birds singing in the marshlands or stand in the vastness of a desert, I am reminded that stillness itself can become a gift from God.

Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Creation is not silent. It speaks of His greatness, His care, and His nearness. When we slow down long enough to notice the beauty around us, we are not escaping life; we are returning our attention to the One who holds life together. In the quiet of what He has made, we can remember the promise of Isaiah 26:3, that He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him.

I wonder, am I alone in this? Are you able to stand in the midst of nature and sense God’s presence? Is your spirit able to absorb the glory of all He has created? Can you look up at the skies and find yourself humbled by their splendor? Whether in daylight, with birds soaring by, or in the quiet of night when the clouds have cleared and the stars begin to twinkle, creation invites us to sit back and sincerely give praise to the God above. As Romans 1:20 teaches, God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen through what He has made. Every molecule of existence still seems to whisper that it was fashioned in love.

Jesus also invites the weary heart to come close and receive rest. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” There are times when creation helps us obey that invitation. A quiet walk, a sunrise, the sound of water, or the hush of evening can become a place where our hurried thoughts settle, and our hearts remember that peace is found in Him.

Recently, as I walked out my back door, I could hear the babbling of an infant, and in that tender sound I was reminded that this too is one of the most precious gifts of creation. Without God, it would not be possible, for Psalm 139:14 says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. These moments of life are far too brief, especially the ones we often overlook when we move too quickly. Embracing creation is not merely something we do with our eyes. We must learn to remain still, allowing our ears to hear and our bodies to feel what surrounds us: warmth, brisk air, dryness in the atmosphere, birdsong, silence, and breath. These simple gifts remind us of the creativity of our Lord. In them, we see that His design did not merely create differences in scenery, but also uniqueness in each of us, shaped according to His purpose.

As we step back into the rhythm of our daily lives, let us not leave this sacred stillness behind. The Creator of the universe invites us not just to admire His work from a distance, but to actively be present in His presence. Every sunrise, every rustling leaf, and every quiet night sky is an ongoing invitation to draw near to the One who fashioned them all. In a world full of noise, we can find anchoring rest in the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” By slowing down and opening our hearts, we move beyond mere appreciation of nature and step into a deeper, life-giving connection with the Lord. Let us carry this peace with us, choosing each day to quiet our minds, look upward, and rest securely in the hands of the Creator of all that is.

As we move from surrender, trust, and love, we now come to a phrase that can either carry deep compassion or become little more than a familiar response: “I’ll pray for you.” These words can be among the most loving things a believer can say, but they should never become something we speak casually and forget quickly. Prayer is not a small gesture. It is not merely a kind response when we do not know what else to say. Prayer is an invitation to bring a person, a burden, a need, or a situation before the living God. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” If we say we will pray, then love calls us to actually carry that request before the Lord.

James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This reminds us that prayer is powerful when it is sincere, faithful, and rooted in righteousness. When we pray for others, we are not simply thinking good thoughts toward them, nor are we offering words that sound spiritual but remain empty. We are standing with them in faith and asking God to move according to His will.

Scripture calls believers to intercede for others. First Timothy 2:1 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” This means prayer should stretch beyond our own needs. We are called to pray for family, friends, leaders, enemies, the hurting, the lost, the sick, the discouraged, and even those who have wronged us. Jesus Himself taught, “Love your enemies...pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, KJV). If Christian love is to move beyond words, then prayer must become one of the ways we actively bear one another’s burdens before the Lord.

As we consider these truths, I wonder how often we allow the words, “I’ll pray for you,” to come from our lips without putting them into action. I will be the first to admit that I myself have been guilty of such lip service. Yet in this moment, as I reflect on the error of my own ways, I urge us to be intentional. If we tell someone we will pray for them, may we make it a practice to pray as soon as possible. Pray with them in the moment if appropriate. If not, write their name down, set a reminder, or include them in your daily prayer time. Ask specifically how you can pray. Instead of only saying, “Lord, bless them,” pray for their healing, wisdom, peace, protection, salvation, strength, provision, or obedience according to what they are facing. Colossians 4:2 reminds us, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Prayer requires attention, faithfulness, and a willingness to remember what we have promised before God and others.

We should also remember that sometimes we do not know how to pray. Romans 8:26 gives comfort: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us.” God is not limited by our lack of words, knowledge, or understanding. Even when our prayers feel weak, simple, or tearful, the Holy Spirit helps us and carries what we cannot fully express. Because of this, we do not have to avoid prayer simply because we do not know exactly what to say. We can come humbly, trusting that God hears the heart that seeks Him.

Prayer also requires perseverance. First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” Luke 18:1 likewise reminds us “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” This does not mean we spend every moment with our eyes closed, but that we live with a heart continually turned toward God. Some prayers are answered quickly, some slowly, and some in ways we do not expect. Yet we continue praying because we trust God’s heart, His timing, and His wisdom.

So when we say, “I’ll pray for you,” let us mean it. Let our words become worship, intercession, and faithful action. Let us carry one another’s burdens before the Lord, believing that He hears, He cares, and He is able. Prayer may seem unseen, but in the hands of God, it is never insignificant. First John 5:14 reminds us, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” If we truly believe that He hears us, then may our commitment to pray become more than a phrase; may it become an act of love and obedience.

As we conclude this final piece, I pray that we begin by surrendering to God, continue by trusting Him with what we cannot explain, learn to love others with truth and grace, and commit to carrying people before the Lord in prayer. Christian faith is not meant to remain in phrases; it is meant to become a life of obedient devotion lived out in daily action.

Series Conclusion: A Call to Live What We Say

These familiar Christian phrases can be meaningful, but only when they are rooted in Scripture and reflected in our lives. “Let go and let God” calls us to surrender. “Everything happens for a reason” calls us to trust God’s wisdom even when we do not understand. “Hate the sin, love the sinner” calls us to walk in both truth and compassion. “I’ll pray for you” calls us to faithful intercession, not empty words. Each phrase challenges us to move beyond speech and into obedience.

James 1:22 reminds us, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” The Christian life is not measured merely by what we know, quote, post, or say. It is revealed by how we trust God, how we respond to suffering, how we treat people, how we pray, love, and obey. Our words should point to Christ, but our lives should confirm that we belong to Him.

Therefore, let every believer examine their heart before the Lord. Are we surrendering what we tell others to surrender? Are we trusting God in the painful places where we cannot yet see His purpose? Are we loving people with the same mercy Christ has shown us? Are we praying when we say we will pray? If our answer brings conviction, let us not turn away discouraged. Let us repent, receive grace, and take the next faithful step.

Here is the final call to action: Christians, let us live the gospel we proclaim. Let us surrender our burdens to God, trust Him in uncertainty, love others with holiness and humility, and pray with sincerity and perseverance. Let our faith be visible in our homes, churches, workplaces, conversations, and private moments with the Lord. May we not be Christians of phrases only, but Christians of active faith, obedience, compassion, and prayer.

Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). May our words carry truth, our actions display love, and our lives bring glory to God. Amen.

From surrender and trust, we now move to the call to love others as Christ has graciously loved us. This phrase may feel harder to live out because we often face circumstances in society that conflict with what we know to be true according to the infallible Word of God. Yet in that same Word, we are sincerely called to consider how this next phrase should be displayed: “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” We hear it proclaimed quite often, but it is less often carefully and biblically lived. Before there is pushback, I recognize that the exact wording is not found in Scripture; nevertheless, the principle can be seen in the life and teaching of Christ. John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...full of grace and truth.” Jesus never treated sin lightly, but He also never treated people as though they were beyond mercy. He came full of grace and truth, and as His followers, we are called to walk in that same balance.

Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse should humble every believer. Before we were cleaned up, corrected, or made new, Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. That kind of love does not approve of sin, but it reaches toward the sinner with redemption in mind. It does not demand its own way, nor does it forget that growth often comes through conviction, surrender, and continued discipleship. II Peter 4:8 reminds us, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” If we forget how much grace we have received, we may begin to correct others with pride instead of compassion.

Jesus modeled holy love when He encountered the woman caught in adultery. He did not join the crowd in condemnation, but neither did He excuse the sin. He was sincerely merciful, yet He also told her, “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11, KJV). In that moment, grace did not erase truth, and truth did not cancel grace. Christ showed us that holy love can confront sin without crushing the person caught in it. Still, we must remember that His command came from One who is perfect. Therefore, while we are called to encourage growth, repentance, and obedience, we must do so humbly, never in a boastful manner that exalts ourselves above another.

Considering our call to love those whom God created while refusing to embrace the sins in which they, or even we ourselves, partake, we must remember that before addressing another person’s sin, we should examine our own hearts. Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1, KJV), and He warned us to first cast the beam out of our own eye before trying to cast the mote out of our brother’s eye. This does not mean believers should ignore sin, but it does mean correction must come from humility, not hypocrisy. The goal should never be to win an argument, shame someone, or prove spiritual superiority. The goal should be restoration and redemption through Christ.

Galatians 6:1 gives clear instruction: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Restoration requires meekness. It requires remembering that we are not the Savior; we are witnesses and ambassadors of the Savior. We do not change hearts, and harshness will not soften the ground where He may desire to use us to plant a seed. Instead, our role is to point hearts to the One who can transform them, while showing grace and mercy as freely as we ourselves have received it.

Loving the sinner also means refusing to compromise truth. Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Biblical love is not silent agreement with whatever harms the soul. Real love desires freedom, healing, repentance, and life in Christ. But that love must be patient, prayerful, and sincere. We must speak truth in love, as Ephesians 4:15 teaches, seeking to “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Colossians 4:6 also gives a helpful guard for our speech, reminding us, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” When we speak into another person’s pain, struggle, or sin, our words should carry both truth and tenderness, reflecting the character of Christ rather than the convenience of a familiar phrase.

So when we say, “Hate the sin, love the sinner,” let us say it with fear of the Lord and tenderness toward people. Let us hate sin because it destroys, deceives, separates, and wounds. But let us love people because they are made in the image of God and are never beyond the reach of His grace. May our lives show the world that holiness and compassion are not enemies. In Christ, they meet perfectly, and through His Spirit, they should be reflected in us.

As we move forward into what I expect to be the last piece of the series, we move from inward surrender and trust to outward love, and then deeper into His call for us. If God has shown us mercy in our weakness, then we must treat others with humility, truth, and compassion. But love must not stop with words or correction. True Christian love carries people before God, which leads naturally into the final piece, focusing on the call to pray when we say we will pray.

As Believers, we can find ourselves frustrated when doubt sneaks in. Some may question how their faith seems to have been shaken, while others may wonder if the doubt reveals that they never truly believed at all. Nevertheless, it is because of God’s mercy that we need not fear in such moments. Even when the disciples had doubt, Christ loved them still. John 20:27–29 shows this through Thomas, when Jesus invited him to see and believe, rather than turning him away, saying, “Be not faithless, but believing.”

In our human understanding, there will be moments that we are left with questions, yet the beauty is that our Father in Heaven is fully equipped to handle these moments of weakness. He is not angered or even shocked by our feelings. He knows the innermost emotions, thoughts, and even those hidden actions, and in them, He desires to be our source of strength. As Mark 9:24 reminds us, we can come before Him honestly and say, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Lamentations 3:22–24 also reminds us, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”

Still it is true, when we feel doubt, it can be unsettling, especially when it appears in moments where we have sincerely devoted our paths to His plans. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Understand that the questions that arise within do not mean we have lost our faith, nor should we assume that God has cast us away. Instead, these moments may simply be a season of drawing nearer through searching His Word and allowing ourselves to be honest with the Father. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Our connection to the Lord can increase as we recognize that He is patient in our times of lack, that He whispers gently to our soul when it is stirred with confusion, and that He remains present in our struggles. Like Peter in Matthew 14:30–31, we may begin to sink when fear becomes loud, yet Jesus is still near enough to reach out His hand, as Scripture says, “immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him.”

When doubt is connected to pain, Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” When fear rises, Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.” Even in weakness, the Lord says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Psalm 73:26 adds, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Therefore, faith does not require that we see everything clearly, but as Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

So when doubt sneaks in, let it not drive you away from the Lord, but closer to Him. Bring Him the questions, the fear, the confusion, and even the weakness you do not know how to explain. The same Savior who reached for Peter, welcomed Thomas, and heard the cry, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief,” is still able to meet the Believer with mercy and truth. His grace remains sufficient, His compassion fails not, and His presence is still near to the brokenhearted. Therefore, be encouraged: doubt does not have to be the place where faith ends; it can become the place where faith learns to rest more deeply in Him.

In this, I encourage you to pray when doubt sneaks in: Lord, I bring You my questions, fears, and uncertainty. Help me to seek you rather than to hide while my faith feels fragile. Teach me to trust Your character, remember Your promises, and take the next step of faith with You. Strengthen what is weak in me and remind me that You are eternally nigh. Amen.

We have spoken about the commonly used phrase, “Let go, let God,” which leads us into another phrase often offered in difficult moments: “Everything happens for a reason.” These words are often spoken in seasons of grief, disappointment, confusion, or loss. I sincerely believe the sentiment is not usually ill-intended; yet, when spoken too quickly, it can leave those in pain feeling as though their suffering is being explained away rather than compassionately acknowledged. When we consider the Word of God, we are not asked to pretend that suffering is easy, nor are we asked to call every struggle good in itself. Sorrow, injustice, betrayal, sickness, and loss are real trials that can bring sincere feelings of dismay. Nevertheless, Scripture reminds us that there is no battle beyond the reach of God’s grace, nor is there any circumstance outside of His authority.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” However, this promise does not teach that all things begin as good. Rather, it points us to the faithful hand of God, who is able to work even through what is painful, unfair, confusing, and deeply broken. His goodness is not measured by the ease of the trial, but by His power to redeem, restore, strengthen, and draw His children nearer to Himself. Because our Lord is a good Father, He does not waste pain. He can use trials to shape character, deepen faith, expose places where healing is needed, and teach us to trust Him even when understanding has not yet come.

Joseph’s life gives us a powerful example. His brothers betrayed him, sold him into slavery, and caused years of suffering. Yet later Joseph was able to say, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20, KJV). Joseph did not call evil good. He recognized that God was greater than the evil done to him. What people intended for harm, God used as part of a greater purpose. In the same way, when we walk alongside those facing trials, we must be careful not to rush them toward a conclusion, but to gently point them toward the God who remains faithful even when the reason is not yet revealed.

So, when we are confronted by circumstances we do not understand, whether in our own lives or in the life of another, may we resist the urge to provide a quick explanation. Instead of immediately saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” may we respond with humility, compassion, and prayerful wisdom. Lamenting is not a lack of faith; it is the soul crying out in faith to the Creator, to whom every step of life can be entrusted. Whether for ourselves or another, we can ask the Lord, “What do You want to teach me? Where do You want to heal me? How do You want me to respond?” James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” In seasons where the reason is not clear, we can still seek wisdom for the next faithful step.

We may not always know the reason, but we can know the Redeemer. We may not always see the whole picture, but we can trust the One who holds it. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Lamentations 3:25–26 also says, “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Even in the waiting, Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” The believer’s confidence is not in understanding every detail, but in trusting the heart, wisdom, nearness, and faithfulness of God.

As we walk alongside another in struggle, may we be slow to say, “Everything happens for a reason.” If the Lord leads us to share those words, let us speak them with humility, compassion, and biblical truth. Let us not use them to silence tears or rush someone through grief. Instead, let our words point to the God who is present in suffering, faithful in uncertainty, and powerful enough to bring purpose out of pain. II Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” When we do not understand the reason, we can still choose to trust the Lord, wait on Him, and believe that He is able to work beyond what we can presently see.

Considering that this topic has built upon the surrender shared in the previous piece, I urge you to continue following into the next one. Once we have placed our burdens in God’s hands, we must learn to trust Him with the parts of our story that we do not yet understand. This kind of trust shapes how we see people, pain, and purpose, leading us into the next part of this series: loving others with the same grace and truth we have received from Christ.

This short series invites Christians to look beyond familiar phrases and examine whether our words are truly being lived through faith, obedience, love, and prayer. This is an opportunity to consider not merely what is said, but whether it is genuinely put into action. Many sayings sound spiritual, but Scripture calls us to something deeper than repetition. It calls us to surrender what we cannot control, trust God when we do not understand, love people with both truth and compassion, and pray with sincerity rather than habit. Each article builds upon the one before it, leading us from personal surrender to purposeful trust, from gracious love to faithful intercession.

Today we will begin with surrender because every faithful Christian life starts by releasing control to God. As we move forward, we will reflect on trust, relationships, and prayer. Together, these short writings seek to remind us as Believers of the need to not merely speak words that seem encouraging, but to live them out. James 1:22 reminds believers, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” My goal is not simply to correct Christian sayings, but to let Scripture shape Christian living.

May this series lead every reader to ask honestly: Am I only saying these things, or am I living them before the Lord?

Let Go, Let God

Too often as we ourselves, or those around us, face trials, the advice offered seems simple: “Let go, Let God.” Yet even the most seasoned Christian would admit that it is not always as simple as that. When a mother’s child is called home too soon, when the diagnosis of a life-altering illness is given, or when a family is looking down a path of potential homelessness, this saying can seem dismissive of the pain being endured. While one’s heart may be in the right place when making this off-the-cuff recommendation, it may not bring the comfort that the Lord desires His children to experience. So the question is this: do we merely share these four words and move on, or are we seeking to support others through biblical wisdom? Are we operating according to His mercy and grace, or simply seeking to move on as though the one before us should now be able to move forward in the peace of the Lord?

Letting go requires more than speaking the words; it requires relinquishing control to God. It is choosing to place the burden, the outcome, the unanswered question, and even the pain into His hands. Yet in the midst of a storm, this is not always easy. Yes, I Peter 5:7 instructs us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you,” and Psalm 55:22 reminds us, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” However, how helpful are these few words to one who is paralyzed by the fears of the what-ifs? As we seek to provide such advice, we must understand the call. Casting our cares does not mean expressing them to God only to pick them back up again; it means handing them over in faith, trusting that He is able to carry what was never meant to rest on our shoulders.

In this, I wonder, as followers of Christ, are we willing to walk alongside those who are struggling and help provide direction? If we are going to put our faith into action, then we cannot merely offer advice in a few short words. We must instead be obedient to His call to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). In this, may we take an approach that reflects our willingness to act as we help others through their storms. We can support the struggling by helping them identify what they desire to control that is not within their power and by encouraging them to confess it truthfully, humbly, and boldly to God. He can handle every emotion attached to their words of expression; there is no need to sugarcoat it for Him. After all, in His strength and love, He bore the weight of the entire world upon the cross. Secondly, we can express the need to not merely name the burden, but to surrender it to the Lord in prayer. In every moment they feel the need to pick it back up and carry it alone, they can call out to Him again and surrender. This may not happen as quickly for some as it does for others, but it is in the willingness to continuously surrender that peace may begin to abound. Consequently, we should remind those facing trials that surrender is not a one-step program. Encourage them to seek the wisdom of God, ask where they need to take action, and wait no matter how hard obedience may seem, seeking peace even when understanding is not yet at hand. Remind the struggling that we are to bring everything to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, that “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, KJV).

Second Corinthians 1:3–4 also reminds us, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,” that we may comfort others with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Therefore, when we walk with someone through suffering, our words should not be empty phrases, but an extension of the mercy God has shown us.

Letting go does not mean doing nothing. It means obeying God without trying to be God. It means taking the next faithful step while trusting Him with the results. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness is not weakness; it is worship that operates as a reminder that the Lord is present, powerful, and trustworthy.

This first piece begins our journey by calling believers to surrender. Before we can trust God with what happens, love others rightly, or pray faithfully, we too must release our grip and acknowledge that God is Lord over every burden, outcome, and all of the unknown. Surrender prepares the heart for the next step: trusting God when life does not make sense.

At times, we feel as though we have been left standing alone in the wilderness of life’s stress, slowly withering beneath the weight of worry, weariness, and unanswered questions. Yet even a small amount of nourishment can revive what appears to be fading. Often, that nourishment begins when we turn our hearts toward the Lord and ask Him for what our souls truly need. Jesus reminds us, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7, KJV).

Yesterday, as I walked out my back door, I noticed the leaves on my basil plant had completely wilted. Some were brown, dry, and seemingly lifeless. Although the plant could not ask me for anything, I told my husband it seemed beyond saving but I watered it anyway. This morning, as I let the dogs out, I looked again and saw that same plant standing vibrant and full of life. What looked dead had been revived by the very thing it needed most.

How often are we the same? We may feel depleted, dried up, or beyond restoration, but the beauty of our Lord is that even a drop of His peace can sustain us. His Word reminds us that He is the source of living water. Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14, KJV). When we allow Him to pour into us, His presence begins to refresh the places within us that have grown weary, dry, or seemingly dead.

As I consider the ways in which His presence is nourishment for the desires of the soul, I wonder how often we attempt to overcome in our own strength, only to further starve the place within us that needs Him most. Yet the Lord does not ask us to be strong apart from Him. He says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). May we learn to come to Him daily, not only when we feel completely withered, but as those who know our strength, peace, and restoration are found in Him alone. For the Lord promises, “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not” (Isaiah 58:11, KJV).

Seeking wise counsel is not a reflection of one’s inability to think for self, nor does it reveal weakness. When faced with choices, there are essential steps one should take to safeguard against being led astray from God’s great plan. Yes, we should pray, but we should also seek the counsel of wise leaders who serve under God’s authority and help shepherd the flock with care. In this, we are better equipped to see things from a clearer view, a varied perspective, which could open a door to opportunity for growth that we had not yet recognized as a need.

Throughout Scripture, wise counsel is not presented as optional support for the uncertain, but as a gracious provision from God for those who desire to walk carefully, faithfully, and with discernment. We were not called to be a people who stand alone in the wilderness, seeking our own path through life; we were called to unite as children of the King, receiving wise support that helps us fulfill the great works He has planned. The wisdom literature consistently ties counsel to safety, maturity, and success, reminding us that God often strengthens our steps through the faithful voices He has placed around us.

To seek counsel, then, is not to diminish prayer, but to honor the ways God may answer it. Prayer keeps the heart submitted before the Lord, while trusted spiritual guidance helps bring clarity, accountability, and protection as one discerns the path ahead. Proverbs reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14), and again, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). These truths reveal the danger of isolation, for when one makes decisions alone, personal bias can begin to sound like certainty, and emotion can be mistaken for direction.

Within the body of Christ, God has placed shepherds to watch, guide, correct, and encourage, and their counsel can offer a grounded perspective when our own vision becomes clouded. When we are left in a place of questioning, lacking certainty about His perfect will in our walk, receiving the guidance of those He has entrusted with spiritual care becomes essential to the discernment He desires us to faithfully pursue. Hebrews instructs believers, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17), while Proverbs reminds us that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). In this way, wise counsel becomes both protection and refinement, guarding the heart from impulsive decisions while allowing another trusted voice to help reveal what may be hidden by fear, emotion, or limited understanding.

Yet not every voice should carry the same weight. Counsel must be received with humility and evaluated against Scripture, because no guidance is truly wise if it draws the heart away from the revealed truth of God’s Word. Acts records, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11), and John warns, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). The fruit of the one offering counsel should also be considered, looking for humility, faithfulness, and a life that reflects Christ-like character, for Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15–20).

Even as counsel is received, the heart must remain prayerful and teachable, sensitive to the Lord rather than placing human wisdom above divine leading, for Scripture says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5), and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

There is grace in receiving instruction, even when it first feels uncomfortable. Proverbs teaches, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20), and also reminds us, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). What may feel like correction can become cultivation, and what appears to be a difficult conversation may become the very place where growth, maturity, and opportunity begin to take root.

In this way, the counsel of Scripture does not merely support the idea of seeking guidance; it invites the believer into a posture of humility, prayerfulness, accountability, and trust. Submission is not giving another human control over our lives; it is a reflection of the trust we have placed in the Lord to provide wise voices in our walk, that we may walk according to His purpose. Wise counsel becomes one of the means by which God protects His people, sharpens their discernment, and opens their eyes to growth they may not have seen on their own.

For those who proclaim faith, it is essential that we not merely offer lip service, but a life of deep faith lived out in practice in every area. Faith is not meant to be spoken from the mouth while absent from the walk. The Word is very clear that, as believers, we are called to lift one another up and to carry one another’s burdens, for “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). Sadly, when our lives do not reflect what we profess, others are left to question whether there is truly a difference between salvation and worldliness, whether this is even a journey worth taking.

Christ has called us to be salt and light in a darkened world, yet too often believers find themselves quarreling amongst each other while a lost world watches. In this, I strongly believe there is accountability before our Lord. Scripture reminds us, “Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Romans 14:13, KJV). Still, at times we do not merely place a stone that trips another up; we build a complete mountain before them and in this, there will be reaping for the builder.

Unity is not merely a request or a suggestion; it is the expectation given to believers, that the world may see, know, and taste of His glory. If we are “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV), then we must ask ourselves honestly: are we providing sustenance and quenching the thirst of those watching, or are we leaving others parched and dehydrated?

As we seek to walk as ambassadors for the Heavenly Father, we must not be a stumbling block, but an example of the truth. We must not leave non-believers to wonder whether the name of Christ makes any difference in the lives of those who claim Him. For if we say we are His, then our walk should bear witness to Him, because Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV).

If we are called to unite, to gather, to support, and to lift up, how would we explain division amongst believers to the lost, when Scripture says, “Now I beseech you, brethren... that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, KJV)? It is evident in the Word that we truly called to unite as children of God, therefore we cannot simply walk on our own and let others do the same? The Word answers with weight: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Romans 12:5, KJV). Therefore, let our faith be more than words. Let it be a witness, a help, a light, and a testimony that points others not to confusion, but to Christ.

My prayer is that today we may each examine our own walk before the Lord and ask whether our lives are drawing others closer to Him or causing them to stumble along the way. If our words proclaim Christ, then our actions must also reflect Him, for “let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18, KJV). Let us therefore choose unity over division, humility over pride, and love over strife, so that our testimony may be pleasing unto God and useful in the eyes of those still searching for the truth.

A few months ago, while traveling on an overnight business trip, I was walking through the lobby of my hotel while texting my husband. My attention was fixed downward on my phone. As I approached the elevator, a man made an inappropriate comment, suggesting that because my focus was directed downward, I was placing myself at risk of falling into a moment of sin with him. While his statement was unwelcome, the imagery of looking down versus looking up remained with me.

Then, this other morning during church, one of the elders shared an experience of his own. He explained how, while walking around the back of a truck, he failed to look up and struck his head on a ladder. He used the incident as an illustration of a much deeper spiritual truth: as believers, we need to spend more time looking up than looking down.

The truth is, there is danger as the world constantly pulls our attention downward. Phones, schedules, worries, social media, and countless distractions demand our focus. While many of these things are not inherently wrong, they can easily consume our attention and keep us from recognizing what God is doing around us. Scripture implores us to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

When our eyes remain fixed solely on earthly concerns, we can become blind to God’s presence, His guidance, and His opportunities for ministry. Satan delights in distraction. If he can keep us preoccupied, he can diminish our awareness of God’s blessings and weaken our connection to the people and purposes God has placed before us.

The apostle Peter offers a vivid example. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water. The moment he focused on the wind and waves around him; he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30). The lesson is clear: where we direct our gaze often determines the direction of our faith.

When we are continually looking down, we risk missing the wonders of God’s creation. We hurry through life without noticing the beauty He has carefully placed around us—the colors of a sunrise, the majesty of mountains, the song of birds, or the simple peace found in a quiet moment in nature. David understood this truth and expressed that “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1) Creation serves as a continual testimony to God’s power, creativity, and faithfulness. Yet if our attention remains consumed by distractions, we may fail to see the countless reminders of His presence surrounding us each day.

However, looking down does more than disconnect us from creation; it also disconnects us from people, our mission field. Jesus continually noticed those who were overlooked—the blind man by the road, the woman at the well, Zacchaeus in the tree, and countless others in need of compassion and truth. He was never too distracted to see and care about people. In Scripture, we are clearly instructed to care for others not merely think of self. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4). When our attention is fixed inwardly on our own concerns, we risk missing the opportunities that God provides for us to encourage the struggling, help one in need, or share the hope of Christ with someone who desperately needs it. God often places ministry opportunities directly in our path, but we must be attentive enough to recognize them.

When we consider how distraction can hinder our walk in life, we must remember that constant distraction can steal the childlike curiosity that allows us to continually grow. Children naturally look all around, well at least those who are not simply distracted with technology. They marvel at the stars, ask questions about everything, and find wonder in the smallest details. Jesus recognized the value of being childlike, as he expressed “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4). Thus, if we intentionally slow down and look up, we too can embrace the childlike awe in what surrounds us. It is in this, that we are better able to see God’s fingerprints on and around our lives, which can help us to appreciate His goodness and his mysteries that surround us.

Looking up is not merely the action of lifting our heads, it is lifting our hearts and minds towards the call of Christ as we recognize Him as the “author and finisher of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). In this we are better equipped to focus on the eternal, on our purpose which is far more important than any distractor. It is in this focus that we are reminded that we are created to bring glory to God, loving others, and being a part of His Kingdom Builders.

As I consider all that I have shared and the experiences in the hotel lobby and the church service, I recognize how they may seem simple to some yet for me these are profound reminders. Whether distracted by a phone, consumed by responsibilities, or burdened by life’s concerns, it is easy to spend our days looking down and missing what should bring glory to His Kingdom. Yet, when we look up, we see creation, ministry opportunities, and the needs that Christ desire us to help in as we keep our eyes on Him.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

As believers, let us choose to look up—not only with our eyes, but with our hearts—so that we do not miss the blessings, beauty, and purpose God has placed directly before us.

Too often in life, we are faced with struggles that create within us a response that can paralyze us, we are bound by the chains of a fear rooted in the possibilities. What-ifs seem to be all that our mind can process and we are overwhelmed by an inability to trust because of the traumas we have endured. At the depth of our souls we know that this is not the path to which we are called, understanding that His plans were never to leave us stranded amongst the thought of impending doom, for He has said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God” (Isaiah 41:10). Yet it is here that we stay trapped, even at the whisper of faith bidding us, “Trust in thee.”

In such places, many have condemned others, expressed how they just need to let go of the past and move on to a better future. However, it was not their journey that was highjacked by sin, it was not their heart that was trampled on, thus, it is much easier for them to simply prescribe what has come so easily for them or then again, has it? The truth is, at some point in every believer’s life, faith will be a struggle, whether admittedly or not, because we are human, we are not perfect, we are not God, and we are weak, though He can make us strong. His Word reminds us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7), so why should me remain here?

Do you find yourself in this place today? Are you battling within to move forward, to pursue a call to which you know at the depth of your soul He has placed before you? And if so, do you understand the truth of His Word, the directions He has laid before you amongst the Scriptures? In this moment, are you willing to tell Satan to “get behind me,” and choose to let the paralyzing fear be cast at the foot of the cross? “When I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3), must become more than words we read, it must become the posture of a heart that refuses to let fear speak louder than the Father above.

If we are to overcome such a battle, we must be willing to first admit that we are in its midst, rather than denying the trial we are enduring. We must acknowledge that it is not a small feat that we are warring against, as our flesh is torn and our spirit is weary. Thus, we have to come before the Creator in humility and sincerely cast “all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). It is in this not so simple action that fear loses its power, not because we suddenly have some superhuman power imparted upon us, but because what was hidden in the darkness, lurking in the corners of our minds has been brought to light and now in the warmth of the Son, the faith within that has been shadowed can start to grow. In this moment our stature can become upright, because the weight of our burdens no longer weigh solely upon our shoulders.

After we have cast the burden down, acknowledged our struggle and the sin of attempting to control it all in our weak human power, we can entrust the Lord to walk us through a continuation of surrender. It is not going to be the easiest thing to do, it may leave us more uneasy than we were in the state of being paralyzed. However, it is essential that we willingly release the need to know every detail of His plan, for He never promised that He would lay out every step of the path, He simply assured us that He would be the light the guided us along it, for “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). This is the part where obedience meets faith, where the potential of pain is quenched by the faith that even should we endure another storm, the Lord will be faithful to be present and see us through the chaos it brings. Surrendering our need to have every detail is where we show whether we are truly willing to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). It is not sinful to fear placing trust in people, yet we must be willing to trust the One who knew us before we were born, created us with purpose, and ensures that He is willing to complete the works which He began.

As our faith is increased through the release of the heavy burden that He is clearly able and willing to bear for us, our minds can begin to reflect deeper on His truth. Remember, as humans, we are likely to allow the fear to replay every possible scenario at some point, thus, we need to be equipped with the truth in which we have placed our faith, to allow these lies to be overcome with His promises. Fear will simply not fade if we allow ourselves to remain overwhelmed as we sit in silence or rest in bed with anxious thoughts of what could occur. Therefore, being prepared for this battle of the mind with countering Scripture is essential, and in this, we allow the Holy Spirit to remind us that we are to “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” and then His peace, not our control, will guard the heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). For even when the mind feels overtaken, we can remember, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

All of this may seem overwhelming, so much loss of control, so much trust which is the very thing that allowed us to reach this point of being paralyzed in the first place, trust that resulted in pain, trauma, and the destruction of our faith. Yet, because we are His children, even with our knees shaking, our hearts trembling, in faith, we must move forward, we must respond in obedience even in the lack of knowing what comes next. Thus, we have to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). And remember, Satan will seek to bring doubt into the picture, in moments of fear he will tell you that you are failing at this journey, yet, faith is not simply the absence of fear, it is the willingness to move forward in spite of the presence of it. Faith is proclaiming that “though I may fear, I will move forward in faith, knowing that the God of all that is and ever shall be, has a greater plan for me.” For the Lord has already spoken, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

Overcoming fear with faith is not a simple step program, it is not a once and done conquering, for fear will reappear along our journey. Yet, as we lean on Him and bring to the surface those pains that we have buried and allowed to feed the fear within, we allow God to restore that which He desired from the beginning of time, rather than allow trauma to overpower us and continue its growth. When we release to Him, Satan trembles because he hears the angles in Heaven proclaiming, “God is working it all out.” In His restoration process, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Therefore, overcoming fear is not a single moment where we never feel afraid again, but a daily surrender, a daily taking up of faith, a daily choosing to believe that the God who called us will also equip us, sustain us, and lead us into the fullness of His plan, because “perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).