Devotions for Difficult Days

Promise Boxes

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19 NKJV

Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12 NRSV

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Remember those old fashioned “promise boxes?” Sometimes shaped like miniature loaves of bread, and containing strips of paper with Bible verses. The carefully chosen scriptures were most often what I call, “cotton-candy” verses. Verses or sometimes, half-verses that carried a “positive” message intended to encourage the reader, but in the process, sometimes inadvertently gave a false expectation of real-world challenges.

Gracing my kitchen window, (and not nearly as fancy) I have my own homemade version made out of a spiral index card booklet. Flipping through the dishwater-stained cards, I am reminded that God will never leave me, or I recall that He actually hears when I pray to Him. I also have other “promises” that probably won’t make its way into the commercialized version.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 BSB

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials. 1 Peter 1:6

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

See what I mean?

Am I the only one who needs to be assured that suffering and trials are often part of our calling as Believers in Christ? I need reminded, straight from God’s Word, that trials happen. I shouldn’t be shocked. I should be prepared. I should also consider it an honor to serve Him through the difficulties that come my way. What I should not do, is expect that the whole of our Christian experience be boiled down to a promise box “life is rosy, if you just follow Jesus” Scripture reference pulled out of context. Even as I reread my words, I realize I may sound a bit harsh, but that’s only true for those who have never walked the stony path of suffering and heartache. God’s Word (the Bible, from cover to cover) doesn’t sugar-coat our challenges, while also providing authentic hope in the midst of them.

Am I the only one who needs to be assured that suffering and trials are often part of our calling as Believers in Christ?
Becky White

Allow me to challenge you. Search the Scriptures, talk to the Lord and then create your own windowsill promise box. As you face the inevitable challenges of real-life, it will be a comfortable, and strength-building place for your eyes and soul to land.

Father, I am in awe of Your Word and its ability to breathe life, encouragement and strength into me as I face the difficulties of real life. Enable me to rest on the Truth of Your Word. Thank You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

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.

All Who Are Weary…

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…”

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge.

Matthew 11:28 NASB 1977 Matthew 11:29 NKJV Psalm 73:28

Come. Don’t sit down in your pain. Don’t try to walk through it alone. Hear His call …. Come.

To Me. First. Before the counselor or friend. Before searching the latest blog post or listening to an online influencer. Not leaning on a “force” or thinking good thoughts, No. Hear His call …. Come to Me.

All. Not just the so-called religious or “good” folk (as if that were a thing). Not just pastors or whoever else you think “deserves” His help. All mankind is invited. Hear His call … All.

Who are weary. Has the sheer length of your trial or dashed hopes (yet again) caused you to grow weary? Has the no-miracle-in-sight reality in front of you brought weariness to your soul? Then you qualify. All who are weary…

And heavy-laden. Has bitter disappointment or pain or loss or emotional ache become a heavy burden you carry with you? Causing you to bend low with the weight of it all? Though you probably wouldn’t have raised your hand as a volunteer, once again, you qualify. Hear His call to Come, all you who are weary and heavy-laden…

And I will give you rest. He provides the rest. In spite of our circumstances. Not by necessarily removing our difficulties, but by walking us through them. No magic wands, just His strength infused within us by His Spirit. He offers a soul-deep rest that calms our spirit with His peace …. I will give you rest.

I have found by experience that though the pain was great and the ache unrelenting, as I turned to Him, His peace sustained me. And continues to. I assure you, that I would not have volunteered for the trials that have touched my life, ( I’m sure you wouldn’t have either) but as I have walked through them, I have found Him entirely faithful.

Notice with me that this promise is not for those who think they are “all that and a bag of chips”. Nor for those who regard realizing our own brokenness and need for Jesus Christ, as a “crutch” for the weak. It takes humility to admit our need (in whatever form it takes) and then coming to the Saviour.

I don’t know what trial has smacked you between the eyes, or what circumstance has become too heavy to bear… but He does. And His promise for you stands. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…”

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
Elisabeth Elliot

Father, When I am weary and burdened by the trials of this life, remind me of Your nearness and Your call to simply… come. To You. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, 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.

Wrapped in a Bow

God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB 1995

To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 KJV

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB 1995

I strategically placed a bright yellow stuffed chick, peanut butter and chocolate eggs, and candy filled, pastel colored plastic eggs in a basket. All surrounded by handfuls of fruit-flavored jelly beans, nestled in neon colored “grass.” Smiling, I stood back to admire the grandkid’s Easter baskets, knowing how excited they will be to tear into the carefully crafted baskets. The only thing missing was a bow.

Real life comes with lots of missing-bow scenarios.

Wouldn’t it be nice if life always came wrapped in a bow, complete with wrapped-in-a-bow endings? But that’s not reality, is it? Even for followers of Jesus Christ, if you’ve lived longer than ten minutes, you understand that no one is exempt from the pain of life. Because of sin, life often comes to us with the somebody-forgot-the-bow and “cracked eggs” of childhood challenges, addiction, abuse, regret, rejection, depression, fear, disappointments or (you fill in the blank). Wrapped in a bow, it’s not.

But even in the midst of that reality, our God is so good. So faithful. He uses the cracked eggs of bitter disappointment and regret, or the somebody-forgot-the-bow pain of addiction, despair and hopelessness. Giving us beauty for ashes as He causes all things to work together for our good and His glory. Offering us not just a new beginning, but a new birth. A new life. And this was all made possible by the no-bow-anywhere-in-sight crucifixion of our Lord. The great exchange. Taking on Himself our sin and offering us His righteousness. But just like the Easter basket gift, we must reach out and take the gift offered us.

I would love to tell you, that accepting this gift will wrap every life circumstance in a bow, but we both know that isn’t true. What this gift will provide is eternal life … along with strength, wisdom, soul-deep peace, and authentic hope as you walk through the challenges of real life. And when the time comes for you to breath your last breath here, you will experience your first breath in His Presence. I’m sure He’ll have lots of bows!

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’”
Billy Graham

Lord Jesus, Please give us eyes to see You, even in the no-bow-in-sight situations of real life. Enable us to trust You, even when all around us are cracked-eggs difficulties or I-don’t-understand trials. Thank You for taking our sin and giving us Your Righteousness. We are so thankful, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

Click here for FREE pdf of Stony Paths devotional or to view our products page

Holy Week

We have arrived. The most important week in all of human history. Holy week. A time to reflect on Jesus Christ, the very Lamb of God, who gave His life as a ransom for you and I. Nailed to a wooden Cross for our sins, willingly dying a torturous physical death and then rising again, three days later. Let us never lose the awe of that fact.

While I am not into religiosity, or the trappings of customs for custom’s sake, I am into celebrating, honoring and worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ and doing whatever it takes to purposefully call to mind His gracious gift to a sinner like me. Like you. With that in mind, Anne Graham Lotz’s ministry has graciously given permission to share her Holy Week Scripture readings. This is not a religious exercise, but rather an opportunity to soberly remind ourselves of what He accomplished on our behalf, through listening to His Word being read by Anne.

By all means, enjoy the chocolate bunnies, peanut butter concoctions and pastel-colored eggs, but let’s not forget the reason for our celebration. Click here and join me as we celebrate Holy Week together!

Holy Week Scripture Readings

Release the Weight

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).

Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Psalm 55:22 AMPC and 1 Peter 5:7 NASB 1977

Whatever you’re walking through today (or someone you love), I am so sorry for your pain. Your loss. Your dashed hopes. Your sense of hopelessness. Or anxious thoughts that torment you. Take a deep breath. Get level set. If you’re able, grab a cup of coffee and sit down a moment. Now, open your Bible or Bible app to Psalm 55:22 AMPC. Trace your finger across the words. These are the very words of God to you dear one. Read them out loud.

He acknowledges, that yes, you do have a burden. It hurts. It’s heavy. It’s not your imagination. Feel the pain of that raw reality. Feel the questions bubbling up in your spirit. Feel the ache. Then cast that burden upon Him. Release the weight of it into His strong arms. He’s waiting for you, to lay your burden down and leave it there.

Now, turn to 1 Peter 5:7 and do the same. Notice the reason our Lord wants us to cast our burdens and anxieties into His hands … He cares for us. For you. Astounding. We don’t pray because we’re “supposed to” or because He’ll be angry if we don’t. No. He cares for us. He knows the weight of our struggle. He knows the hopelessness we feel. Hand. It. To. Him.

Yet, even as I type the words, I am reminded of my own “casting” prayers … More times than I like to admit, I cast my burden into His hands, thank Him for taking care of it for me, and then promptly pick the burden back up. My suitcase-of-difficulty tucked neatly under my arm as I walk away with the same burden I came to release. The same burden that I cast onto Him moments before. You laugh!

Whatever your pain or the pain of someone you love, acknowledge the burden of it and then cast it into His arms, as you walk away. Leave it with Him. Knowing, “He’s got this.” Whatever the outcome, He’ll make a way. He will be faithful; He is always good. Trust Him with your pain.

“Heartache forces us to embrace God out of desperate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching.”
– Joni Eareckson Tada

Father God, when I’m confronted with inevitable burdens of life, enable me to release the weight of those burdens into Your arms. Thank You that You care for me. For what affects me… Astounding. Thank You in advance for moving on my behalf. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Free Devotional – Stony Paths

Learning to Trust Him as we walk along STONY PATHS – 09.24.2021 Download

Stony Paths – Learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

Recently, a friend asked what drew me to write a book on the topic of trusting God. The answer came immediately….

Let me share with you what I told him that day … I was confronted with emergency open heart surgery with no time to think through the seriousness of the situation. The doctors explained that with a near total blockage in what is often referred to as the “widow maker”, I had no time to spare … this was life and death … surgery was needed immediately. While I am no spring chicken and would never be confused for an athlete, I am in decent physical condition, try to eat healthy and exercise, so this news came as a complete shock to my husband and I. Understanding what must be done, we held hands and prayed together, thanking our heavenly Father for His flawless timing and protection on my behalf (and asking Him to help the surgeons of course!).

Days later, as I became fully aware of what had actually happened and how close I came to dying, I was overcome with thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord. So excited to share with nurses, friends, housekeeping staff … anyone who would listen, about how the Lord spared my life. Of how good God is. How loving and faithful. But then it hit me … like being smacked across the face. What if He had said “no” to our prayers of healing? What if God had not caused the blockage to become known and I had died suddenly? What if my husband was planning my funeral rather than planning my home therapy sessions? And what about the people who heard me gush about my near-fatal experience? What if they had a family member who faced the same scenario but their mother or wife or friend had died instead of the miraculous intervention I had experienced?

This question reverberated in my heart – Is God still good and is He still worthy of trust, even when the answer is No? Is my trust in Him total and complete or is it only for particular outcomes?

We trust Him for finances or safety. We trust Him for basic necessities. We trust Him for healing. And we should. But there is a still deeper level of trust that our Father God is calling us to. A trust that stands alone – separate from our hoped-for outcome. To simply trust Him, no matter the outcome. A trust in the goodness of God based on His word that tells us that if He was willing to give the life of His Son for us, is there anything He will withhold? You see, if we look at the Cross of Christ as our backdrop, then we can look the rawest reality in the face with the knowledge that if He has allowed it, I can trust that He has a plan, a purpose and that He knows what is ultimately best for me.

“If God Sends Us On Stony Paths He Provides Strong Shoes.”
Corrie ten Boom

I still share with anyone willing to listen to what the Lord did for me … but I always bring it around to this point: Even if He had called me home that day, He is still good, He is still faithful and I trust Him.

Even when we don’t understand. He is worthy of our trust.

Though I must admit that I have cheated a bit on this whole trusting the Lord thing, you see, He’s given me lots of practice. Maybe He’s done the same for you too. I’ve buried two children; I’ve walked through betrayal as well as financial collapse and as with many folks, childhood brought its own set of challenges. And if that weren’t enough, I made plenty of messes that caused great distress for me and others. Through it all, I have learned by experience that our Father God can be trusted – no matter the outcome and no matter the reason for our mess.

As you read through the devotions in this book, it is my prayer that the Lord will enable you to look your darkest challenge in the face and know with certainty that He loves you. That your Father God is trustworthy. No matter the outcome. He will walk you through this. You are not alone. He loved you enough to send His Son to die for you. With that as your life’s backdrop, be intentional about viewing all you walk through as filtered through His fingers. He’s got this. Let’s trust Him as we walk the stony paths of life.

To purchase a hard copy of Stony Paths, visit the products page or visit Lulu Publishing. It may also be purchased on Amazon.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Remember?

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did. 4:3

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children. 4:9

Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. 5:15

Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 6:12 Deuteronomy, chapters 4, 5 and 6 BSB

“Remember what your eyes have seen the Lord do.” In reading through this Old Testament book, those words grabbed my attention. “Remember what your eyes have seen.” Reading further, I noticed that theme repeated several times. In context we’re reading about the ancient Israelites, but as always, we must apply His Word to our own lives as well. So, I asked myself; “What have my eyes seen the Lord do, what was my “land of Egypt” that required deliverance and am I remembering?” The question caused my thoughts to tumble back in time to a church service, some 42 years ago.

Pushing the yellow polka-dot stroller as I walked along High Street in the Short North area of Columbus, I arrived at the store-front church that was adorned with a large bygone-era lighted cross. The old country-style church embedded in an ultra-urban setting, was affectionately called, Old Time Religion Hall. Once inside, I pushed the stroller, and my now awake young son, down the narrow hardwood-floor aisle, lined on both sides with bare wooden pews. Also, from a bygone era. Adjusting the stroller to fit snuggly beside me, I slipped into the pew and exhaled even as I breathed in a still unfamiliar, but an amazing and soul-deep peace. His peace.

Rising to my feet with the rest of the small, mostly elderly congregation, we sang songs like Amazing Grace, Peace in the Valley, and Old Rugged Cross. Songs that were unfamiliar to me, but with words that clearly articulated what had happened in my life just a year earlier. So new to this “new” life, I was stunned that someone had penned the words of my own heart, not realizing that millions had gone before me as new creations in Christ.

I was also, utterly unconcerned at being the lone teenager in the gray-haired crowd, or who might hear my very off-key singing. Loudly and with great enthusiasm, I belted out the words, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.” Tears were a common occurrence as I took in the reality of the miraculous deliverance from a life of rebellion, heartache, and anything but peace. A gift that Jesus Christ had purchased for me with His Blood. So undeserved.

Remembering what my eyes have seen … not to necessarily remove my difficulties, but to walk me through them. Of His great and utter faithfulness over the years.

What do you need to call to mind, what can you purposefully remember? What has the Lord done that your eyes have seen? Remember … thank Him, and then share it!

Precious Lord and Savior, though words can never adequately express our profound gratitude, we simply bow in worship and say, “Thank You.” We love You, Lord. Be gloried in and through our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus.

How to Study the Bible

Free pdf download on the topic of personal Bible study.

I know there are many resources available to you on this topic, I hope you find this resource helpful in your pursuit. My aim is to simplify what often seems daunting or dry. And to encourage you while stirring a longing to hear afresh the words of God found in His inspired, inherent word – the Bible.

For those interested, my personal choice is a parallel translation with New American Standard and Amplified Classic. I also recommend New King James, ESV, and for ease of reading, some may prefer the New Living Translation.

How to Study the Bible Download

Insufficient Funds

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day …”

“…to give His life a ransom for many.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NASB Mark 10:45

To my embarrassment, the grocery-bill total was greater than what my wallet contained. Hoping no one noticed the exchange taking place, I quietly pointed out which items to remove from my grocery order, items we could live without until my next paycheck. Though this happened several decades ago (a few times), it’s still recalled with a twinge of embarrassment and shame.

As we near Good Friday, and I think deeply of what Jesus Christ did for me, for you, this decades old grocery exchange came to mind. Having insufficient funds to pay for bread, peanut butter and a few boxes of mac and cheese is nothing compared to being unable to pay the staggering price to redeem our soul. The price so high and the debt so great that we are left entirely helpless and even worse – hopeless. That is our state.

And yet… And yet God so loved the world (that’s you and I) that He gave His One and only Son, that whosoever believes (trusts) in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.

This giving of His Son for us is not a pretty, pastel-colored Spring scene. It is a blood spattered, spit dripping, whiskers pulled, muscles contracting and torn – scene of the great exchange taking place. On that first Good Friday, the only begotten Son of God ransomed me. Ransomed you, with His very life. From the Greek, He literally, paid the slave price for us. He exchanged His righteousness for our sin so that we can stand before God sinless. The debt beyond our ability to pay has been paid for us. We add nothing but a grateful, thankful heart for what He has done.

Back to my grocery dilemma. Suppose a stranger overheard my situation and offered to pay what I could not, but out of compounded embarrassment, I said, “No thank you” or simply ignored the offer. Though the offer was made, it would do me no good if I were unwilling to swallow my pride and accept the gift. But if I were willing to admit my need, and accepted the payment offered to me, I could leave the store with all my groceries, debt free. The choice is mine.

We add nothing but a grateful, thankful heart for what He has done.
Becky White

Unlike my grocery bill, which only caused embarrassment, having insufficient funds to pay for our sin debt has eternal consequences. Either we pay the debt ourselves by an eternity separated from Him or we humbly reach out and take the gift of payment graciously offered on our behalf. The choice is ours.

I pray that He enables each of us to grasp even a thin thread of what He has done, of what He has provided for us through the ransom paid those many years ago. To Him be the glory, great things He has done!

Father, I am speechless at Your mercy and grace toward me. As Your word says, I am privileged to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light.” In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

For a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths, click the products page

Learning to Trust Him as we walk along STONY PATHS – 09.24.2021 Download

Poor, or Just Broke?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NKJV

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV

The daffodils are blooming, tulips are sprouting and the fresh scent of spring fills the air, that means that Good Friday and then Easter, are just around the corner. I admit, I love seeing the little ones get dressed up for Easter, I enjoy the beautiful pastels of the season and I definitely eat my share of peanut butter filled “eggs!” But I know that’s not what Easter is really about. It’s a Holy Season, set apart to remember what our Savior accomplished for us, over two millennia ago. This year, as I thought deeply of my own hot-mess, brokenness, and what Jesus did for me, the following story came rushing back to my memory. A story shared years ago at a ministry meeting.

Teaching on the topic of poverty, and with a heart-felt effort to connect with the kids in the urban ministry youth-group, the leader shared his family’s financial challenges due to recent employment struggles. Curious, one of the young men spoke up and asked the leader if “he had his lights or gas turned off, or if they were on food stamps”.

Shaking his head, the leader replied, “No.”

The young man sat back in his chair, cocked his head, and said “You ain’t po’, you just broke.”

“You ain’t po’, you just broke.” Such profound wisdom from such a young man.

There is a world of difference between being poor and being broke. To be broke is a temporary condition. It implies we just need a few bucks to get by, just a little help to make it through the month. To be poor is interwoven into every aspect of life. How we think, how we dress, where we live, what we eat and even, where we sleep. Poverty is a way of life.

The Lord Jesus calls us to recognize that we are poor in spirit. Not broke. Poor. Busted. Lint-lined, inside-out pockets. We don’t just need His help to get through a crisis, we need Him to give us new life. Or as Christ Himself put it, we “must be born again” (John 3:7). I know from experience that He often leverages the crises of our lives to lay bare our own poverty, not to shame us, but to heal us. He longs for us to recognize what He already knows; we are poor. Yet all too often, we stubbornly cling to the “few bucks” of goodness we have. Protesting that we aren’t as bad as the other guy, we just need a little help to get back on track. Telling Him in essence, “I’m not poor, I’m just broke.” Trouble is, He only saves the “poor in spirit”, not the broke.

Which are you?

He often leverages the crises of our lives to lay bare our own poverty, not to shame us, but to heal us.
Becky White

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. – C. S. Lewis

Father God, I am so thankful for Your tender-goodness towards me. You revealed my poverty and then caught me in Your arms as I fell to my knees in awareness of how poor I really was/am. I surrender my life to You anew (for some, it may be the first time) this Holy season, I need You. I receive new life through Your shed Blood. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus, thank You …

Click here for a FREE pdf of Stony Paths, a gritty, real-world devotional to encourage you as you walk the Stony Paths of real life. You may also purchase a hard copy by following the link.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: