Keep Praying

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NRSV

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NRSV

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11b KJV

Though I prayed (often) about the difficult situation confronting me, I must be honest and confess that at times, my faith was just a thin veneer of hope so. Hope so, that He is. Hope so, that He’s listening. Hope so, that He is able. Hope so, that He cares. While such honesty is uncomfortable, I am only putting to print what many of us wrestle with at times. But wrestle it out we must. Let’s not allow the enemy to take a victory lap just because life gets a little (or a lot) tough.

God has promised that if we seek Him, He will be found by us, when we seek Him with all our heart. And there’s nothing like an impossible situation, a trial beyond our strength, or pain beyond our ability to endure, to cause us to do just that. Fall to our knees and call out to the only One who is able to do the impossible in our impossible situations.

He has also promised that our prayers are powerful and effective. Recently, I heard the analogy of a sledge hammer hitting a wall, one swing, one hit at a time. Eventually, maybe the 35th swing (?), a crack appeared and then finally, the wall came down. It wasn’t that the 35th swing carried such a punch, but that each preceding swing had done its work. And so it is with our prayers. We show up, present your requests to the Lord and then walk away with His peace. Repeat, and repeat again. Often. Trust that no matter what it looks like, He is faithful, He is good, He is able and He is at work.

The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel. 

– Thomas Watson

Allow the pain of your trial or the hopelessness of your situation, to drive you to your knees … to Him. Trust that however He answers is ultimately for your best and His glory.

One last thought, perhaps the most challenging of all. Do not give in to the temptation to give up and stop praying. We serve the God of all hope.

Enable us to trust You with what we’ve placed in Your hands, knowing that You are at work in the situations because we’ve asked You to be. Not because of what we see with our eyes, but because of what we see in Your Word.

Becky White

Father, enable us to have the kind of faith in You (not in faith) that allows us to sleep on the boat while storms are raging around us. Grant us the supernatural ability to sit still in peace, knowing that You will either calm the storm or calm Your children in the storm. Enable us to trust You with what we’ve placed in Your hands, knowing that You are at work in the situations because we’ve asked You to be. Not because of what we see with our eyes, but because of what we see in Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Stony Paths, learning to trust Him as we walk the stony paths of real life

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The weight of real-world pain

I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me. Psalm 57:2 NKJV

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 NASB 1995

Stepping out of the elevator and walking down the long corridor, her stomach-ache grew as she neared the hospital room entrance. What would she find? Could she bear the sight she expected to see? Thoughts of the years long journey of watching layers of painful choices and dashed hopes, that have once again culminated in a rock-bottom experience, for someone she dearly loved, flooded her thoughts. Just before stepping into the room, she whispered a cry of “help”, to the only One able to give what was needed to walk through this emotional upheaval. The only One who understands every ache, every question, every tear still lodged in our throat. And with that silent cry to God Most High, came the soul deep answer.

“My peace I give you…”

While you may not have experienced the exact circumstance described above, I bet there are challenges that have left you speechless in prayer (with the exception of a whispered cry of “help.”) Trials that have caused you, or someone you love, to cry to God Most High. Who alone understands, and who alone can do the impossible.

Notice in the hospital-room trial, that God provided a way to walk through the emotional minefield. Not a way to avoid it. And not a promise to remove it with a wave of His divine hand. A promise of His Peace in the midst of. And by implication; His very presence in the midst of.

Gathering courage founded on His peace and assured presence, she pulled back the curtain and stepped into the hospital room. The pain and emotional ache were as she expected and more. Even as His promised peace washed over her. A palatable peace that gave the ability to stand tall in the midst of the raw reality of that hospital room. Sustaining and flooding her with a peace that passes all understanding.

Truth that can bear the weight of real-world pain.

Yes, tragedies of life do occur and must be faced. But never alone. Never apart from His promises Promises that we can stand on and lean into. These are not just memes to be shared, but Truth that can bear the weight of real-world pain.

“My peace I give you…”

Father, Your peace literally sustains us. Every moment, with every trial we face. From the mundane to the horrific challenges of real-life. Thank You for Your gift of peace. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

To help you on your journey, click here for a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths, learning to trust Him as we walk along the Stony Paths of real life, or to purchase a hard copy.

A Testimony of “Through”

Following You is no guarantee of a problem-free life.  Yes, I realize that’s an obvious point. But a point that I need reminded of, now and then. What you have promised is that You’ll stand beside me, that you’ll never leave me … never forsake me. And use all I walk through for Your glory.

This morning, as I was working out at the gym and listening to a Spotify playlist, some of the challenges that may soon cross my path flooded my mind. Immediately an old song I’d never heard before started to play… The words, you will stand by me… penetrated my heart as it described the inevitable challenges of life. Through all the seasons of life. Rightly concluding, we can rest in Him and His Presence with us. We are never alone.

Thank You, Father for standing with us and never leaving us to face life alone.

Now, let’s read this rerun devo “A Testimony of through.”

*(Stand by Me)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5  ESV

It is so encouraging to hear testimonies of God’s miraculous intervention into someone’s life circumstance. In fact, to encourage others, I have a few of my own that I regularly share. Maybe you do too. But there’s another kind of testimony that doesn’t get the credit it deserves, those of God’s miraculous power to walk us through our trials. Let’s face it, aren’t those the kind of testimonies that most of us can relate to, and need to hear?

But this kind of story doesn’t come easy, it can only be gained by walking through the fire. Not around or over, but through. While there are many reasons God may allow His people to suffer, one of them includes enabling us to be living examples to other hurting folks. A picture of what it looks like when God chooses not to remove our difficulties, but of His power to sustain and even strengthen us in the midst of them.

There are hurting people all around us, with no hope of a miracle around the corner of their circumstances. The cancer is terminal. The divorce papers have been signed. The nursery remains empty. The pink slip has arrived. It’s then, that folks need to see authentic hope displayed in how we suffer. As we cry the same hot tears, enduring the same heartaches and pain, but with an assurance that no matter what things look like, He is good, He can be trusted and He is faithful. Yes, we grapple with questions and cry out in our pain, but in the end, we rest our head on the pillow of His sovereignty and goodness. Reminding ourselves that if He loved us so much that He did not spare His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us all, surely, we can trust Him with “this.”

Be assured, that whatever test you’re walking through today, He can, and will, use it as a testimony to a watching world. Whether that testimony is of His miraculous intervention or of His sustaining power – be assured that He will use every second of it, and every detail of it, for your good and His glory. Author, Kay Arthur puts it best, “He lets you hurt as others hurt, knowing that the way in which you handle it will be a testimony, and your response will show others that there’s something awesomely different about you.” And that difference, is our relationship with Jesus Christ. In all we face, He is the difference maker.

The strength of the vessel can be demonstrated only by the hurricane, and the power of the Gospel can be fully shown only when the Christian is subjected to some fiery trial. If God would make manifest the fact that “He giveth songs in the night,” He must first make it night.

—William Taylor

Father, Please use all we walk through, and all that touches our lives, for Your glory and as a display of Your faithfulness to those around us. Infuse us with Your strength and grant us Your perspective. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus and His glory

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You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Dealt Cards

I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord, I said You are my God, my times are in Your hands.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy and the God of all comfort,  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.

Psalm 31:14b-15a & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMPC

 “That’s just the hand I was dealt” says the person that endured a crummy childhood or was born into poverty or family disfunction. Or when life throws a few curve balls such as a spouse walking out or a child rebelling or coping with the pain of infertility or dealing with a prolonged illness. That’s when we would love the chance to say, “Re-deal”, I have a crappy hand!”

Recently, over lunch with a friend, we talked about some of our own “dealt cards” such as childhood trauma, relationship betrayal, death of children, life-threatening illnesses, financial difficulties and some cards that are too sensitive to bring out into the light. On the drive home, after our lunch discussion of dealt cards, I mentally opened my hand, fanning out my life’s cards. I was stunned at the Lord’s perfect wisdom and providence in His dealings (no pun intended) with me. Though I would have passed on several of the cards or traded if I had been given a choice, I clearly see that each has its purpose. Through “the hand I was dealt”, The Lord has provided me a platform authenticated by suffering – to minister to others in a way that would have been impossible without those cards of difficulty.

You see, I can pull out my card of betrayal and share authentically with someone going through divorce or desertion. I can pull out my card of grief at having buried two children as I listen (and hug) the one burying a spouse or child. I can pull from the deck my card of illness after walking through a near-death sudden illness, as I listen to their fears or “what ifs.” The Lord has graciously given me the opportunity to say with authenticity, “I’ve been there, I know what that feels like… and He has faithfully walked me through it… come, let me show you.”

If we are to be good comforters, we must first need comforted.

Anonymous

Now it’s your turn, what cards have you been dealt? Fan out your hand, look closely at the cards you’re holding. Take in every line, every color, every sharp edge. Ask yourself, and then the Holy Spirit … “How can I leverage this “card” for Your glory and another’s good? Help me use all the cards I’ve been dealt.”

Precious Lord, God of all comfort – thank You for showing Yourself strong on my behalf as You simultaneously comfort me and enable me to comfort others with the comfort I’ve received from You. I stand amazed at Your faithfulness and goodness toward me! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the glory of Lord Jesus

Reviews

So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

1 Peter 2:9b    Psalm 66:16    Psalm 34:8 NASB

Reviews. I’m sure we’ve all either used them or at least seen one. Whether we’re buying a new phone or checking out a new restaurant, we like to know what others are saying about the product. So, reading the reviews, we get first-hand insight into the product or service. And just to be sure of the authenticity of the review, there’s often a sidenote that tells us that it’s a confirmed user.  As followers of Christ, we have the great privilege of “offering a review” as we share what He has done in our lives. I love how the apostle Peter puts it, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Recently, as I surveyed the landscape of my life, I offered this “review” back to the Lord as a prayer and now I offer it to you … “Come, let me tell you what He has done for my soul …”

Father, when I step back and reflect on where You have brought me from, I am astounded. Literally, in awe.

Walking back in time to nearly 44 years ago; I was a rebellious, addicted, self-centered and angry teenager, going from bad to worse seamlessly. At 15, I slammed head first into the brick wall of watching my 3-day old daughter die and then facing the agony of making her funeral arrangements … emotional, financial and relational ruin crashed in waves over me. Because of that tragedy, I surrendered my hot- mess-of-a-life to You in a hospital room at Children’s Hospital. Though hopelessness, despair and self-pity literally permeated me … You walked me through that impossible season of life. Your grace sustained me.

Later, I grappled with learning to live in the freedom You purchased for me, all the while, You continued to love and lead me, even as I walked through years of rollercoaster living. Often making decisions rooted in poor-me thinking and fear rather than faith in You, yet You never gave up on me. You and I walked through the stinging pain of delivering a still-born son and later, relational betrayal. At one point along this journey, tragedy and emotional pain nearly engulfed me, eclipsing the beauty of the life You’d given me.  But just when all hoped seemed lost, You turned the tide, opening the windows of heaven and pouring out blessings I could never have imagined. Not in my wildest dreams. You extended mercy and gave me new life.

Decades have now passed, and a quiet, luxurious peace fills my home.  I have a husband that loves You and is self-less in his tender care toward me, we have a beautiful (and sometimes crazy!) family of seven grown children, nine grandchildren,  two great-grandchildren. As a bonus, I have the blessing of Your healing of my physical heart, and the I-can-hardly-believe-it privilege of a writing ministry to encourage others in their walk with You, or serving ladies in a local women’s prison or serving folks living on the land.

So, today, as I look back at the history of our walk together, I am once again in awe. Sitting at our kitchen table, sipping coffee, my eyes lingering on the open Bible in front of me, contemplating the blessings You’ve lavished on me. Quiet stillness, only broken by the hum of the (full) refrigerator, soothingly reminds me of Your great goodness. Not to remove the difficulties that have dotted my life, but to walk me through them. Even when some of the challenges were of my own making. My faith and love for You have only grown through it all. Even the “why?” trials of life have drawn me closer to You. Thank You Father.

Contemplate deeply what He has done for your soul

Becky White

So, there’s my review of walking with Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. The good, the bad and the ugly. What about you? If someone were to ask to offer a “review,” what would you say? Let’s contemplate deeply what He has done for us. And then honor Him by sharing our story with others.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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If you don’t yet have a story, and you’re thinking, what is she talking about? My life hurts, there’s nothing to share but pain. May I gently place your hand in the Savior’s and lead you in a prayer? He loves you so.

These aren’t magic words, they have no power in and of themselves. But if offered as an authentic cry for help to the Lord Jesus Christ, He will adopt you as His own. Today.

God, I admit I need You. I have sinned against You. I now turn from my old way of life to You. Here I am, all of me. I surrender to You. I receive Your gift of forgiveness and a new heart. In Jesus’ name Amen.

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What’s the Goal?

Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Isaiah 43:7 ESV 1,  Corinthians 10:31

While serving and chatting with friends, my raspy, and newly baritone voice, gave evidence to the cold I’d been fighting all week. Amidst the, “I’ll pray for you” and, “Oh, you sound awful,” came something along these lines. “I pray that stuff away, it can’t come on me.” The words were pregnant with the implied idea that sicknesses (or any “difficult” thing) are always something that we ought to/should be able to pray away.

The poor guy had no idea what puddle he’d just stepped into.

Thus began my short, but penetrating theological dive into the value of life’s thorns and struggles. My main point to him was this; our life is for one purpose. To bring Him glory. Sometimes, that is best achieved through a miraculous healing or intervention, but much more often, God’s glory is manifested in how He walks us through life’s inevitable challenges. As those around us see His peace in the midst of our pain, His comfort as we grieve, or His strength as we handle years-long trials … He receives glory and we are provided with a unique opportunity to testify of His faithfulness, not to always remove our difficulties, but to walk us through them. And that speaks volumes to a hurting world.

I don’t say this lightly, because I know from experience that trials can be severe. And painful. And gut wrenching. Maybe you do too. Much more so than fighting my trivial cold. But the goal is always, the same – His glory. Not a particular outcome, not our happiness or even the happiness of someone we love. Whatever it takes, with whatever instrument He chooses, may His glory be displayed in our lives.

True, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray or ask for specific outcomes, but it does mean that the specific-outcome-request, should end with, “Whatever will bring You the most glory, Lord. That’s my goal, to honor You.”

Let’s be challenged to look our trials full in the face, and ask ourselves, “Am I allowing God to use this circumstance for His glory or am I focused solely on praying my way out of it?” And in the process, getting angry, or feeling neglected, or impatient as weeks drag into months or years? Hey, no judgement call here, I’ve been there a time or two or ten. But we must not allow ourselves to camp there. We lay our request in His sovereign and all-knowing hands and trust that He will work it all out for our good and His glory. Even death. Even a prison sentence. Even betrayal. Even dashed expectations. And yes, even the sniffles.

“I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.”

Corrie Ten Boom

Father God, I am so very thankful, so very grateful for Your mercy and grace. Though I definitely prefer a problem-free life, it’s an honor for the challenges swirling around me, to be used to bring glory to Your name. Thank You precious Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*For in-depth study on this topic, check out 1 Peter 3 and 4 and James 1. As well as the real-life Biblical stories of Job, and most importantly, of our Lord Himself. For a modern-day example, investigate the true story of Pastor Andrew Brunson.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Iron Gate of Difficulty

And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

 When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself…

Acts 12:7, 10 NASB

King Herod had James, the brother of John, executed for proclaiming the Name of Jesus, and then seeing how popular that made him with the locals, he decided to arrest and execute Peter as well. Once seized, Peter was guarded by four squads of four soldiers each, Herod didn’t want to take any chances on this guy getting away! According to Scripture, “the very night” Herod was to have him executed, Peter lay in a guarded cell, between two soldiers, fastened with chains. All this behind an iron gate. I can’t imagine a more there’s-no-way-out-of-this scenario in my life. If the 16 soldiers weren’t enough, the chains and iron gate would have sealed the deal. “This is without hope.” And that’s right where the enemy wants us. Wants you. Without hope.

I want you to think about Peter’s real-life situation for a moment. How utterly impossible it seemed – and compare it to your own iron-gate circumstance. Do you have one? A relationship issue, a family problem, a job challenge or a financial melt-down? Depression. Heartache. Divorce. Death. Illness. Betrayal. Loneliness. An aching hopelessness. Let’s face it. Life can be tough. Impossible situations occur. But, O beloved, we are never without hope. Never. Trust Him.

Iron gates of difficulty. Impossible situations. Without hope circumstances. These can be God’s opportunity to show Himself strong on our behalf. Our Father God will open the iron gate and either free you from the circumstance or provide all you need in the midst of the circumstance. I don’t know what you’re facing at this very moment, this very night… But rest assured, beloved, God sees. He is aware. He has no favorites. Cry out to Him. He is the Lord, the God of all flesh, is there anything too difficult for Him?

We do not fully grasp the nearness of our God.

Becky White

Father, When I look at the “iron gate” in front of me, I gasp at the impossible-ness of it all. But this I know, You love me, and You are more than able to open this gate of difficulty on my behalf. I trust You, Lord Jesus to accomplish Your good pleasure in my life. Bring glory to Your name through my iron gate circumstance. I love You! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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OG Devo – What are you Thinking?

Recently, while “cleaning up” old files that were saved on my computer, I came across the original 20 year-old manuscript of Devotions For Difficult Days. As I’ve read through the OG devos, the memories of His faithfulness in the midst of pain,
come rushing back to my heart. I so clearly see the grace and mercy of God on my life and His ability to walk us through trials. Not necessarily removing the painful events, but giving us His wisdom and grace to walk through them. It’s also a real-life example of Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 1:11 which says in part, He is “working all things according to the counsel of His will.” And His promise to bring good from all we face – If we put our lives in His hands.

I have decided to share a few of these OG devos from years past, in their original form for the most part. You may notice a few grammar issues or strange sentence structure. Please try to look past that, and land on the lesson He was teaching me
at the time, and maybe even use it to remind/or teach you as well.
For His glory and your encouragement,

Becky White

What are You Thinking?


Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8


Fix our minds on things above not on things of the earth.
Colossians 2:2


What do you spend your metal energy on? Do you rehearse the events of your day, replaying every word spoken… every slight incurred? Do you mentally rehash abuses suffered in your past or dwell on the what if’s of life? Do you dwell on all those aches and pains we get as we age? Or have you disciplined your thought life to dwell on only what is positive and edifying?


I wish I could say I always have a tight reign on my thought life, but the truth is, I struggle in this area. Allowing my mind to wander into the land of doubt, self-pity, negative thinking, discouraging thoughts or mulling over insults and injuries of long ago (or not-so-long-ago). God constantly reminds me to “Fix my eyes on Him (Jesus), the author and finisher of my faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” Hebrews 12:2 Encouraging me to get my focus off all that’s wrong and back onto all that is right in my life.


God also has this to say about our thinking; As a man thinks in his heart, so he is. Proverbs 23:7 If we spend our day dwelling on all that’s wrong in our life or the world or the economy or the political system or…you name the issue…it will effect who and what we become…physically and spiritually. For this reason the Lord admonishes us to fix our mind on good and godly things, things that are “lovely”. For me, that meant not dwelling on the circumstances of my life. For you it might mean letting go of the past or forgiving a wrong or trusting God for your future. Stop and think about what you’re thinking!


Father,
Help us to notice when our thoughts are going astray to temporal things, unimportant-in-the-long-run kind of thinking. To notice and change thinking that tears down instead of building up. Enable us to discipline our thinking, so we are not enslaved by any and every thought that comes our way. In Jesus’ name…Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

*I’m not simply promoting, “the power of positive thinking”, but rather, the power of mediating on God’s Word. His Word will sustain, infuse us with strength and hope and has the power to set us free.

For a free download of the Original Devotions for Difficult Days devo or to purchase a hard copy, click here.

Leverage your Pain

I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1b

…So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9b AMPC

As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 Berean Standard Bible

Recently, a  *friend and I were discussing life, with all its ups and downs, when mid-sentence, she stopped talking and put both hands to her mouth. Then gingerly reaching out with one hand, she gently touched my very obvious, now 3-year-old scar, from emergency open-heart surgery. Though having academically known about the event that nearly took my life, it became incredibly real to her at this moment. She hugged me and we talked of God’s faithfulness, even through trials. We continued on discussing some of those trials in more detail. I ended by sharing something I often say to the folks we have the privilege of serving through various urban ministries; let God leverage your pain for His glory.

We all have pain, don’t we? Pain from what’s been done to us, pain from the regret of what we’ve done, or a combination of the two. We experience pain by the sheer reality of living in this fallen world. Death, despair, loneliness, loss, illness, betrayal… I could go on. And when pain comes (not if, but when), we have a choice to make. Will we let it go to waste by indulging in self-pity or bitterness or destructive thought patterns of why me? As followers of Christ, the choice is clear, we turn to God for help and then ask ourselves, how do we leverage this pain for His glory?

We leverage pain by allowing God to use it. All of it. Waste nothing. Tell others what He’s walked you through. Remind them that because of Him, they are not alone. Be real about your sleepless nights or your tears or the heartache or your questions of why or dashed expectations and hurt. Take the weapon of pain out of the enemy’s hand and let God use it for His glory.

“He uses our problems for His miracles. This was my first lesson in learning to trust Him completely…”

– Corrie Ten Boom

It’s our choice.

So, what’s your story? Where has pain had the last word? What has nearly drowned you in self-pity or depression or bitterness? Will you be willing, to be willing, to hand Him your pain and leverage it? Pray with me – Father God, I hand you my pain and heartache. All that I’ve walked through. All my pain and all my regrets. Would You use it? Leverage it? For Your glory? I am humbled that You are willing to use me and my life to impact others for Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

*Thank you Mary Jane! You, sister, are a great blessing!

My Story for His glory

Has God said?

Did God really say…?   Genesis 3:1  

Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

How does one know where to land their feet on the solid foundation of what Truth actually is? In our culture and world, we are daily saturated with “my truth” and “their truth” and “relative” truth. All the while our senses are bombarded with evil portrayed as good, and good described as evil.

Today’s “devotional” is born from my own wrestling with the enemy of our soul, as I daily make the deliberate choice to speak out the Truth to counteract the enemy’s lies and half-truths. It’s up to me. Up to you. What we do with those lies dropping like pigeon poo into our minds. The enemy has not changed his tactics from that first garden conversation as he questioned the clarity/certainty, and then legitimacy, of God’s clear word. “Did God really say…?”

So let’s remind ourselves of what God has indeed said…

Has God not said that He will never leave or forsake us? Yes, He has. Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5

Has God not said that He is near the brokenhearted?  Yes, He has. Psalm 34:18

Has God not said that He who began a good work in us will complete it? Yes, He has. Philippians 1:6

Has God not said that He will cause all things to work together, and are fitting into a plan for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose?  Yes, He has. Romans 8:28

Has God not said that He sits as King over all that floods our lives? Yes, He has. Psalm 29:10

Has God not said that He is a Father to the fatherless? Yes, He has.  Psalm 68:5

Has God not said, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest”? Yes, He has. Matthew 11:28

Has God not said that although we walked through the darkest valleys, we have nothing to fear because He is with us? Yes, He has.  Psalm 23:4 NIV

Has God not said that we are to take up the full armor of God? Yes, He has. Ephesians 6:11-18

Has God not said that He hears us when we call? Yes, He has.  Psalm 34:17

Has God not said, “He who formed the ear, does He not hear? And He who formed the eye, does He not see?” Yes, He has. Psalm 94:9

Did God not say that He made them male and female? Yes, He has. Genesis 5:2

Has God not said that though the enemy comes in like a flood He will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight?  Yes, He has. Isaiah 59:19

Has God not said that there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? Yes, He has. Romans 8:1

Has God not said that though we walk through deep waters we will not drown? Yes, He has.  Isaiah 43:2

Has God not said that when we walk through fiery trials that we will not be burned? Yes, He has.  Isaiah 43:2

Has God not said, “fear not”?  Yes, He has. Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 44:8 and MANY other instances!

Has God not said, “be anxious for nothing but pray about everything”? Yes, He has.  Philippians 4:6

Has God not said that His Word is tested and tried?  Yes, He has. Psalm 18:30

Has God not said that what the enemy meant for evil that He means for good?  Yes, He has. Genesis 50:20

Has God not said that My servant shall live by faith in every Word of God? Yes, He has. Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38, Romans 1:17

Has God not said that if He is for us who, or what can be against us?  Yes, He has. Romans 8:31,

Has God not said that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against us in judgement we shall show to be wrong? Yes, He has. Isaiah 54:17

Has God not said that it is impossible for Him ever to prove false or deceive us? Yes, He has.  Hebrews 6:18 AMPC

Has God not said that the devil is a liar and the father of lies? Yes, He has. John 8:44

Has God not said that our enemy prowls about like a roaring lion looking for someone to seize upon and devour? Yes, He has. 1 Peter 5:8

Has God not said that if we to submit to Him and resist the devil, that he will flee from us? Yes, He has.  James 4:7

Has God not said that our own hearts are desperately wicked? Yes, He has. Jeremiah 17:9

Now comes the question, who/what are we going to trust?  Are we going to take God at His Word? Or are we going to believe (or dangerously entertain) the lies and half-truths of the enemy, the father of lies? Are we going to trust our own flawed perceptions rather than His Word?

Let’s take our stand. Speak The Truth. Resist the enemy by putting on the hard-hat of His word and keep those pigeon-droppings of lies from our mind!

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus