#why – Page 7 – Devotions for Difficult Days

Poke the Pain

“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.” Hosea 6:1 ESV For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Job 5:18 BSB For you know that when your faithContinue reading “Poke the Pain”

No Sugar-Coatings

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.Continue reading “No Sugar-Coatings”

Salsa and Life

“Lord, do You not care…?” Luke 10:40 ESV (38-42 for entire story) “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15 NKJV This year, our daughter’s small backyard garden produced a bumper tomato crop, so with great anticipation, we set aside an entire day for me to show her the finer points ofContinue reading “Salsa and Life”

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 weContinue reading “A Testimony of “Through””

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 evidenceContinue reading “What’s the Goal?”

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—toContinue reading “Leverage your Pain”

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),Continue reading “Dealt Cards”

Glory to God?

Recently, I came across this years-old devotional I’d written, and couldn’t help but think of those walking through knee-deep trials right now. Pain that lays us bare and can cause even the strongest and God-honoring to cry “uncle”, this is too hard! If that’s you – I am so sorry for what you’re walking through.Continue reading “Glory to God?”

Prodigals (and those who love them)

Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wildContinue reading “Prodigals (and those who love them)”

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 treesContinue reading “Wrapped in a Bow”