Free Devotional – Stony Paths

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

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

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.

Has God Really 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. Add to that, our own mental barrage of lies masquerading as truth. Painful thought patterns and outright demonic lies vying for attention. It can leave us with an emotional ache layered with spiritual confusion.

Today’s “devotional” is born from my own wrestling with such painful thoughts. Confronting the lies and replacing them with the Truth is the only answer to such attacks. 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 the 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 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, also known as the father of lies?

Let’s take our stand. Speak The Truth (as found in the Bible), over ourselves and our mind and spirit, over our circumstances, and over our families. Resist the enemy and his lies 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

A Testimony of “Through”

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

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.

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

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

Light and Momentary?

For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17 NASB

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 ESV

You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. Genesis 50:20a ESV

We all need a “Linda” in our life. Let me explain. In what now seems a lifetime ago, I walked through several simultaneous and horrific, as well as long lasting trials. Though I didn’t know “Linda” very well, I was desperate to share my struggles, so I asked her to pray for me. That began a lifetime of friendship that often included the above scene repeated over and over. She could have very easily felt sorry for me (she may have) and thus invited me to a pity party, or help me put on a badge of victimhood. She did neither. She may have reasoned, “This is a complete mess, how could I possibly help her?” Looking back, I’m sure I secretly wanted pity more than a Scripture reference. But true friends will not offer pity or haphazardly slap a Scripture band-aide on an open wound.

What my “Linda” did do was listen. Maybe she was really thinking about her shopping list, I don’t know, but she offered me a listening ear, rather than advice. She also purposefully found ways to encourage and offer practical help. The most important thing, the thing I found most difficult to hear is where I want to land. She spoke hard truth to me. Knowing that real answers to life’s hard questions are only found in God’s Word, that’s where she carefully, and stealthily pointed me. In fact, I have her name scrawled in my Bible next to the verses she so often spoke. One found in Romans and the other, in 2 Corinthians.

For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

With no magic wands in her back pocket, and unwilling to offer bumper sticker answers, she simply spoke His truth to me. Truth that reminded me that in His hands, there is purpose to my pain, and there is an end that will far outweigh the suffering. Admittedly, I would not have described my challenges as light or momentary. But that Biblical description helped me put pain in perspective. God’s perspective. And the knowledge that He was indeed using the pain to produce something in me, gave purpose to what seemed purposeless.

And so, I offer the same to you… no magic wands, just the Truth of His Word. Stand on it, trust in it and lean on Him as He walks with you through to the other side of whatever trial you’re facing. I am sorry for your pain, but I also know first-hand that He is able to make all things new and use the vilest circumstance for our good and His glory.

“The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not.”

C.S. Lewis

Father, help me have Your perspective on all that comes my way. I praise You Lord for Your great faithfulness, regardless of what circumstances bring. I know You are at work. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

P.S. Thank you Linda.

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

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.

He illumines our Darkness

Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. Psalm 23:4 AMP

Even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You. Psalm 139:12 ESV

The LORD my God illumines my darkness. Psalm 18:28 NASB 1995

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy ladened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 BSB

As instructed, I flipped all the lights off before locking up. No big deal. I just had to walk from the church kitchen and across the gymnasium, to reach the push-bar door on the other side of the expansive room. But with the lights now off, the windowless gym room carried with it a palatable darkness.  I seemed to lose depth perception, and even felt I might lose my balance as I made my way to the other side of the room, and reached for the door. Once open, light rays revealed that though I had not felt or sensed progress, I had walked the length of the room. I knew my legs were moving. I knew I must be inching closer to my goal, but I had zero awareness of the reality of making any headway. 

Have you ever faced a trial that caused such a palatable darkness?

In its great depth of pain

In its sheer length of duration

In the panic-laced thoughts of what-if

Or the felt hopelessness of expectations shredded

If you’re human, I bet you have, or you know someone who has. Or you are there right now.

I’ve been there too. Not just in my great gym crossing, but in the darkness of painful trials that eclipsed any semblance of progress or hope. Causing thoughts of what-if, to shout louder than the promises I read in His Word. When pain and simple emotional exhaustion were as blinding as that dark gymnasium. Death and divorce. Rejection and regret. Addiction and abuse. Prison cells – created by cement blocks or past trauma.

Would you allow me to speak His Word into your darkness?

First, I must admit that there are no trial-free passes handed out to followers of Jesus Christ. If there were, I would be first in line to ask for a family package. Yet, right there, smack in the middle of our valleys of darkness, His Word declares, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Read that again, out loud.

Whether the darkness you’re facing is something as unimportant as crossing a gymnasium, or something as tender and uniquely painful as grief – His promise is the same. We do not have to fear, because He is with us. Assured of His Presence in the blackness of our trials. Assured that His rod and staff will protect and guide, as He leads us through the valley.  It is enough to know that HE can see in the darkness and will bring us to His desired destination. Jesus reminds us to come to Him when we are weary and overwhelmed by life, and He will provide rest for our soul. His is a promise of rest, even in the darkness of our trials.

Father, I don’t like groping in the darkness, I much prefer to see every step (ahead of time). Please enable me to trust that although I can’t see my way clear, You can. And You are with me. I love You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

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.

Red Sea Scenarios

“The Egyptians chased after them (the Israelites) with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea…” Exodus 14:9a

“As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD.”  Exodus 14:10 NASB

“Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 NASB

While reading the Old Testament account of God literally parting the sea for His people, (found in Exodus 14) I wondered how I might overlay that specific crisis onto our modern lives. While there are many lessons to be drawn from the entire story, let’s see how their, between-a-rock and a-hard-place crisis can speak to us, as we face our own version of armies and impassable seas.

As I mulled over the Red Sea miracle, or more accurately, the crisis that preceded the miracle, I thought, how fearful the Israelites must have been and even confused. They were where they were, when they were, at God’s command and leading. Yet the Egyptian army was closing in from behind and the Red Sea lay before them. While we know the end of the story, they had no idea that the same God whose mighty hand had just brought them out of bondage, was about to part the Sea in front of them.

Most of us have never experienced the hot breath of literal soldiers chasing us, but we have felt the hot breath of past trauma, past regret and past heartache breathing down on us. We may not have faced impassable waters, but we have front-faced the reality of impossible-to-cross seas of the unknown or the deep waters of dashed expectations mingled with hopelessness. And sometimes, we experience both at the same time. Hemmed in by the pain of the past and the fear of an unknown future. It’s then that we must call to mind the God who brought us “out of bondage,” through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ. And remember what He can do with what appears impossible.

There are no trial-free passes handed out to followers of Jesus Christ. If there were, I would be first in line to ask for a family package. While He doesn’t always remove the difficulty, He is always faithful to make a way through it. Parting the waters of pain, heartache and fear of tomorrow, by the miraculously dry path of His presence, His Word, His peace, His grace and His Sovereignty over all. And He grants the added blessing of using all we have/are walking through, for His glory. Providing purpose to the pain of our Red Sea experiences.

Whatever Red Sea scenario you’re facing today, allow it to cause you to look up and cry to the Most-High. Watch Him make a way through the Sea on your behalf.

“Things which sound like platitudes become vital, living and powerful when you have to learn them in dark tunnels.”

John Wesley

Father, I can so easily become fearful and lose courage when I see the “invading armies” all around me. Enable me to look to You and not the sea of difficulty, “until these calamities pass by.” In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

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.

Sausage Scenarios

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Some of the challenges we face in life can be compared to making sausage. A plump, grilled bratwurst tastes delicious, but you definitely don’t want to watch the creation process! Just trust that the maker knows what He’s doing as you wait for the end result.

But if you’re anything like me, when I’m faced with difficulties, I often make the mistake of “watching the process” a bit too close. I notice all the ingredients, all the prep work, all the grinding, and the pressing into the casing sleeve…and then the heat of the fire… And I begin to lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

Recently, as my mind lingered long on a particular sausage-making trial, I said a quick prayer of, “O Father…You know what they need, please help.”  Looking down,  my eye caught a worn and stained post-it note taped to my desk with these words, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  And “Do not grow weary in doing good…”

O, Father! How I needed to be reminded of that Truth! Help me trust You and not give up.

That little post-it note Scripture enabled me to snap back to a Christ-centered, God-is-bigger-than anything-we-face reality. A reality that doesn’t ignore life’s trials but rather, puts them in perspective. The truth is, we all have trials to walk through, but if we stare too long at the “process”, we will lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

What is your sausage scenario? Have you stared long at…

Your pain

Your health

Your loneliness

Your children, or your lack of children

Your spouse, or your lack of a spouse

Your career challenges

Your disappointment

Your list of what if’s

Your loss

Your grief…?

It’s okay. Admit it. But don’t stay there. Look up from your sausage-trial and back to your God. Ask Him to help you refocus, to snap back to a Christ-centered reality rather than staring at your sausage scenario.     He is at work. He is faithful. His Word is true.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

Corrie ten Boom

Father, Please help me to refocus onto You rather than the impossibility in front of me. Even as I do all I can – praying and serving, enable me to rest and trust You and Your word more than what I see and feel.  Thank you Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

One of “Those” Days

The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15b AMPC

He knows the way that I take. Job 23:10

Have you ever had one of THOSE DAYS?  You know, the kind of day layered with lost keys, spilled coffee and a cancer diagnosis? A day layered with running late, slow traffic and a drug-addicted adult child?

Recently, I encountered just such a day layered with small set backs,  painful realities and emotional bankruptcy, mingled with running late and the inconsequentialness of returning packages. Layers of real-world challenges that could easily be described as “a great multitude” coming against me. Have you ever been there?

In today’s Scripture reading, King  Jehoshaphat is having one of THOSE days. He was presented with the reality of invading armies (from all sides) layered with instant fear of what-if, mingled with sheer panic. But before fear had a chance to get a foothold into his thinking, the king turned immediately to the Lord, as his vital need (see AMPC). The great multitude of trial caused his eyes to look up and uniquely prepped his heart to obey whatever the Lord commanded. Trials have a way of doing that, don’t they?

Through the Lord’s prophet, the king was given the message, “Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s…take your position, stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord…For the Lord is with you.” The Spirit of God affirmed the reality of a great multitude,  yet encouraged the man of God/king to resist the urge to fear. And to remember Who is walking with him. God Himself.

At this, the king “fell down before the Lord, worshipping Him.” When others saw his response, they sang to the Lord in a “very loud voice.” Take note with me, nothing had yet changed in their circumstances, only in their response to it.

Back to my day of days, once home and alone… even as my heart ached and the tears fell, I bowed before the Lord and acknowledged His goodness, His faithfullness and His Sovereign control over all things. Including this crazy day of difficulty. Though it was still one of THOSE days, He strengthened my inner-man with the knowledge that it was His battle to fight and my job to pray, trust and obey.

Whatever this day brings you, multitudes of challenge or multitudes of “blessings” – fear not. Be not dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you. He will fight for you. Trust Him.

When they think Him least near, He is often the nearest. – Macduff

Father God, I am in awe of Your ability to offer comfort and peace, even as the “multitude” swirls around. I will stand still and refuse to fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus