Archive for June 2021

“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.” – John 20:24, NIV

Henry had been a pastor for over twenty years. He loved the little church he ministered over and delighted in serving them. He watched children grow up to become adults who brought their littles on to the Sunday services.

But when his own daughter returned from college questioning her faith, Henry felt like a failure. He searched and searched, trying to understand what he’d done wrong. He was terrified to share his daughter’s questions with the congregation. 

He finally reached out to a mentor. The older man listened to him as Henry poured out his heart, uncertain of how he should respond to his daughter. Finally, his mentor said, “Do you know what Jesus did with Doubting Thomas? He let him touch his scars. Jesus doesn’t shoo away doubters, rather he invites them closer.”

When loved ones doubt their faith or question God, it can be upsetting. We worry that we’ve failed and we wonder how to show them love in the middle of their doubts. Follow Jesus as your example—invite them to bring out their doubts. Let them wrestle through this season. You never know what Jesus will reveal to them.

Jesus, I pray for (name). I think they’re doubting their faith and that scares me. Oh, show up in my loved one’s life! Reveal Your gentle touch…show them Your scars and let them know they can trust you. In Your name, Amen.

3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength. -Isa. 26:3-4 NKJV

Katie had a normal pregnancy. When she went into labor, she called her husband who met her at the hospital. They had prayed over and anticipated the arrival of their first son for months. 

But as soon as he was born, doctors ushered the newborn away from his parents. That’s when Katie knew something was wrong. The doctor returned a few minutes later to explain that their child was born with deformities and would need a series of surgeries as he grew.

It was months before Katie was able to take her son home. Even then, he had many medical needs and was a sickly child. On the evening before one of his surgeries, she was terrified something would go wrong.

She managed to sleep for a few hours and when she woke the morning of the surgery, she felt a deep peace in her soul. She knew whatever happened that her son was safe in God’s hands. 

It wasn’t until after she checked her voicemail messages later that day she understood why. Her friends had organized a prayer vigil and spent the entire night in prayer over her son.

If someone you know is going through a difficult time, you can pray that they would be held in perfect peace. Peace is not the absence of pain but the assurance of God’s presence in the middle of it all.

God, I pray for (name) that they would feel Your presence today. Grant them peace. Send worry, doubt, and pain far from them. Guard their heart so they would know that You are watching over them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven-Nehemiah 1:4, NASB

Nehemiah was an Israelite living in Persia. When his brothers came to visit him, they reported that the remaining Israelites were in deep distress. Not only were they weary and discouraged, but the wall surrounding Jerusalem had also been broken down. The once magnificent wall had protected the city for years and stood as a testament to the faithfulness of God.

So when Nehemiah learned it had fallen into disrepair, he was deeply troubled. He wept over the destruction, confessing the sin of his nation.

Shortly after that, Nehemiah was serving the king of Persia. When the king noticed Nehemiah’s distress, he asked what was bothering him.

Nehemiah prayed in the moment and explained the situation. The king granted him permission to leave and repair the city’s walls. 

God caused the heart of the king to be responsive and kind to Nehemiah’s request. He was not only given permission to go but he was also granted protection and provision, too.

“And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.” (Nehemiah 1:8)

Is there a situation where you or a friend needs God’s protection and provision? Take heart in the story of Nehemiah. God can and does provide for His children when they’re walking in His will.

God, thank You for dealing so graciously with me! I have need of (request) and I’m coming to You because I know You are the good Father. You always provide for Your children and bless us. So thank You for what You’re about to do! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Now, in the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words .” – Romans 8:26, NASB

Cheryl was about to head into her next college class when she got a text message from her mom asking her to call. Stepping outside the door, Cheryl quickly dialed her mom’s number and waited.

Her mom answered and she told Cheryl that her little sister had just been diagnosed with leukemia. Her sister had been a surprise baby, born late to Cheryl’s parents. Cheryl was sixteen and often cared for her little sister like she was her own.

The two had formed a strong bond that hadn’t faded when she’d gone away to college. She still regularly Skyped with her little sister and sent her notes home. 

When Cheryl heard the news, her stomach did a funny flip and she felt like she couldn’t think. She was overwhelmed with pain and didn’t know how to process her mom’s words.

Sometimes, there are moments in our life when the pain we feel is so deep that there are no words. Maybe your family member was seriously injured in a car collision or a dear friend lost her husband in a work accident. 

In these moments, know the Spirit is praying for you and your loved ones. The Holy Spirit intercedes on your behalf constantly, so you’re always in God’s presence. 

God, help! The pain is so big and so deep, it’s threatening to consume me. I can’t see anything and I’m scared. Please be with me. Let me feel Your presence today! In Jesus’ name, Amen.