As we face trials of various kinds in this world, Scripture gives us a wealth of reassurance, helping us understand both God’s general purposes in our suffering, as some specific truths we can hold onto when we don’t understand what’s going on. James tells us that we should consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of any kind, because trials are essential to our growth in Christ. Without...
I’m a big U2 fan. I’ve followed the band for years and have been to many concerts, singing out from the front row with all the other exuberant fans. Once I even got to meet Bono, the band’s lead singer. It was a quick interaction that entailed a signature on my sweatshirt and an “Enjoy the show,” with that unmistakable Northern Irish accent. Afterward, I told my husband I wished I had more...
Many of us have this deep-down feeling: “If they only knew who I really am inside, then they wouldn’t accept me.” So often our lives feel like a performance in front of an audience that can’t handle flaws in others. This sense is only amplified in ministry leaders like pastors, elders, deacons, and teachers, whose lives and work are constantly on display. Impostor syndrome can take root in church...
We’ve all felt the sting of disappointment, unmet expectations, and even grief. Sometimes it seems like we should just give up hope on things getting better. While we live in a culture that tells us to look for happiness and fulfillment in ourselves, there is only one path to true contentment and satisfaction—walking with Jesus. In You Are Satisfied: Devotions for Your Longing Heart, Joanna...
The short story: There was a rabbit in my dryer, and my pastor had something to say about it. The longer story: The dogs chased a rabbit into my dryer vent. Not a stuffed rabbit. Not a toy. A real rabbit. As you can imagine, this story did not end well for the rabbit or the dryer. What followed involved power tools, frustration, and more than a few tears. What should have been an unfortunate...
