But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]. Job 23:10

The eyes of the LORD are in every place. Proverbs 15:3a NASB

For You, O God, have proved us; You have tried us as silver is tried, refined, and purified. Psalm 66:10

You are behind me and before me and You lay Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7

Sitting at my computer I asked the LORD to “fill my pen” with words of life that might encourage and bring renewed hope to those feeling hope-less. As I typed and then hit the backspace button more times than I can count, I poured another cup of coffee and talked to the Holy Spirit for a while.  Try as I might to write a neatly packaged devotion, what I “hear” from our Father God is this – “Remind them I love them and am aware of what they’re going through. Though trials abound I am no less aware and in control.  My plans for them have not changed.”

Some of us are facing trials that have gone on for decades, others of us are walking through “minor” day to day struggles that have drained us of all joy, and others are facing the assault of temptations as they’ve never known. “Remind them I love them and am aware of what they’re going through. Though trials abound I am no less aware and in control.  My plans for them have not changed.”

An invisible virus or the accompanying fear surrounding it. Death and the grief embedded within it. Trials that drain our stamina, or challenges that call us to a deeper walk … even blessings that call us to a greater responsibility … we are to call to mind the truth if His sovereign control over all things. While this does not diminish our responsibility, yet as Spurgeon has rightly said, “His sovereignty is the pillow on which we lay our head.”

My Father God, Thank You for the reminder that you are aware of all we face. You are truly the God of all comfort whose compassion fails not. We fall face to the floor in surrender and worship of You! In Jesus’ name, amen

Written for Jesus by Becky White 

The following devotion was originally written during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey (2019). Today, as we survey another literal hurricane, as well as the hurricane of events flooding our world and perhaps those in our sphere, I am compelled to bring His Word of hope and encouragement. While words alone do not change the reality of trials, the Living Word of God will enable us to walk through them, as C.S. Lewis has said, “Not without pain, but without stain.” May you find His strength infused into your soul this day.

He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

Isaiah 40:29 NASB and Psalm 57:1 AMPC

Devastating. Horrific. Apocalyptic. These are just a few words being used to describe the recent flooding in the state of Texas. My heart aches… my heart breaks, as I watch those nearly numb as they survey what once was their home, their town, their life. And the thought occurred to me, where do the hurting stop for a moment and sit down long enough for a cup of coffee and a chance to contemplate the staggering loss? Where do they find a literal dry place without the stench of mold and the ache of what their eyes see? And even deeper, on what emotional and spiritual “dry spot” do the devastated land to absorb the staggering reality of their loss? Where does their soul find refuge?

Though I have never endured such a trial as the men and women in Texas or Louisiana or Tennessee, in my lifetime I have suffered the loss of two of my children and sustained the loss of nearly all my belongings. It’s because of that reality, that while I promise to avoid trite religious phrases, I extend my words as a “dry spot” of His comfort to those hurting and nearly devastated by circumstances of life. Maybe yours isn’t a physical flood but a flood of challenges and dashed expectations that have left you feeling just as overwhelmed and dare I say, hopeless. I boldly proclaim to you His great mercy, compassion and faithfulness. He is The Rock of Ages, the Mighty God, the King who sits over the flood. Though He allows great difficulty, He has not abandoned you. O dear one, bury your head in His chest and cry tears of pain or anger or simple weariness.

I can’t tell you the why of it all and I am so sorry you are enduring such trial and tragedy. But this I know, He is with you, He has not forsaken you. Call out to Him. He is listening. Allow Him to be your mighty Rock of Refuge until these calamities have passed by.

“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

My Father and my God, I am so thankful that You decipher our tears and heart cries because there are times when the only prayer I can utter is “Help!” Though I do not understand the why, I choose to rest and trust in You until the flood waters of life recede. Be our dry spot Oh Lord… In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen

 Written by Becky White for Jesus

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

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Berean Study Bible   Psalm 55:22 NASB

Because He cares for you.

Familiarity breeds contempt. The extraordinary becoming ordinary. In the era of social media, the Truth of Scripture can be lost on us as we scroll past another artfully crafted meme with a feel-good phrase. Even when that phrase is God’s Word.

That nearly happened to me recently as I read my “verse for the day” pocket calendar and quickly recognized this often-quoted and meme enhanced Scripture. Thinking “Oh, I know that verse…” yawn… (I’m being authentic with you here.) But this time, as I read the verse, the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks as the words Because He cares for you leapt off the page and washed over my heart.  I read and reread those words… Holding them up to take in each facet of meaning.

He could have ended the prayer directive with, “because I said so.”  …But He didn’t.

It struck me so strongly and so emotionally. What a tender phrase added to the instruction of casting all our anxieties on Him. On Him to carry. On Him to handle. On Him to work out the myriad of beyond-our-ability-details. Yet He wasn’t just academically providing direction on what we ought to do with a religious, legalistic pattern to follow.  He wants us to know the why… Because He cares for us. Such love and tender compassion embodied in that phrase. The Amplified Bible reads, He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His.

Becky white

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His. He longs for us to bring our every need, our every concern, our every question, our every fear, our every what-if and even our every “why?” and cast them onto the One who cares for us.

Oh Father, It is face-to-the-floor astounding how You tenderly care for what concerns my heart. I lay my anxieties and burdens in Your strong hands and rest in Your sovereign care and control over all that grazes my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 GNT

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

You are near, O Lord [nearer to me than my foes] Psalm 119:51a AMPC

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62: 8 NASB

Wiping away coffee stains and donut crumbs from the outdoor serving tables as she mingled with the guests, it was just another day of urban ministry. A team of volunteers had prepared scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage, for those without a brick-and-mortar address and some who were just in need of a meal and a caring face – all sprinkled with conversation, prayer and a hug or two.

But on this day… the woman served a guest that she never expected to cross her path in this setting… mingled among the diners who carried all they owned in a knapsack was… Her grown daughter.

Her heart broke at the sight of her “child.” Engulfing her in a momma bear embrace, she listened as her daughter shared details of the past few months. Her momma’s heart ached at the painful scene confronting her. Yet thankful for the foundational knowledge that her daughter was still alive. For another day.

After the meal, she watched as her daughter rolled away and toward the busy city street in the worn-from-use wheel chair, her heart aching at the scene before her.  Though the need for a wheelchair was relatively recent, her daughter’s hands now expertly moved the side wheels while her exposed left foot pushed the chair along the concrete sidewalk. The scene pierced the momma’s heart as her eyes were captured by the sight of the bare, calloused and dirt-stained foot, pushing methodically along. Instantly, she was transported back in time. Hot tears welling as she envisioned her daughter’s tiny, sweet smelling, baby-girl feet with pink satin booties and a delicate ribbon carefully tied in a bow. So perfect. So beautiful.

Lowering her gaze, the momma turned away in emotional ache as the rawness of the scene washed over her…Her daughter… her “baby girl” … now nearing 40, missing a leg, addicted and “contentedly” homeless.

This true story reminds us that being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t exempt us from pain. The momma ached; the daughter struggled with addiction. For some, your reality is the death of a child. For others, depression or despair are threating to engulf you as one who has “lost all hope.” We do not live the Christian life in a snow-globe – always beautiful and delicately protected from adversity. Though no one has been given an exemption-card from the trials of life, He has promised us His very presence as we walk through them…. even as He asks us to trust Him with what we do not understand.

Trace again the words of scripture. Put your finger on each word and speak them out loud. “The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. He is near the brokenhearted.” While I have no magic words to wipe away your pain, allow me to lead you to the One Scripture calls “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. (Isaiah 53:3) Lean into Him as you walk through your own version of a shattered snow-globe situation. He is nearer than all you face.

“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.”

Corrie ten Boom

Father, Your word says that You are the God of all comfort and a Refuge for us. While I admit I would much prefer an exemption-card from difficulty, I realize it’s through trials that I learn to trust You, and Your grace, to carry me. I love You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

For You have been a Stronghold…and a Shelter from the storm.

When you pass through the waters (of difficulty) I will be with you.

Isaiah 25:4a   Isaiah 43:2a AMP

I wish it wasn’t so. But it is. Storms of life are inevitable. While the depth and breadth and severity may differ from one person to another, we can all count on them showing up at our door. That’s just real life, isn’t it?

Beloved, I promise not to slap a plastic “Praise the Lord” bumper sticker phrase across the pain of your heart, even as I gently prod you to step back, exhale a moment and seek to discover His hand, His very presence with you in your storm.

I have found, and maybe you have too, that while God has seldom prevented storms from whipping up all around me – sometimes with waves crashing so hard that I literally gasped for breath – He has never failed to shelter me in the Storm.

With the umbrella of His Presence.

With the umbrella of His Peace.

With the umbrella of His Comfort.

And with the strong umbrella of His Sovereign control over all that grazes my life. (Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20)

Whatever our storm – Divorce or Death. Addiction or Abuse. Discouragement or Disease. Hopelessness or Hostility. Fear or Failure. Uncertainty or What if’s… Our God is mighty and able to shelter us while these storms pass by. (Psalm 57:1) There will come a day when the rain stops…Every trial has a beginning and an ending.

Oh, dear one, will you take His hand as He not only shelters from the storm, but walks you through it?

Sheltering in Him may look like, opening our Bible to Psalm 46, (cup of coffee nearby, of course) and reading His word out loud.

There will come a day when the rain stops.

Becky White

It is talking to Him, wrestling through our fears and pain and what if’s. It is prayer that eludes words…simply “being” with Him… It is listening to worship music, and being intentional about what we allow our minds to dwell on. It is calling/texting a friend who loves Jesus and being authentic about what we’re walking through.

There will come a day when the rain stops…Until then, (and even then) rest in the shelter of the Most High.

Lean hard on Me my child, and I will be your peace.

Francis J. Roberts

Father, sometimes the wind and waves of this storm cause me to feel overwhelmed, angry or fearful. Forgive me. I release myself and my difficulties into Your hands. Please envelop me in Your peace and renewed hope. Grant me Your perspective in this storm. I choose to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Becky White for the Lord Jesus