Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 October 28, 2013

When You're Not Sure You Belong
Suzie Eller


"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:16 (NIV)

The moment we found out a beautiful gift might be coming to our family will forever be etched on my heart. My daughter and son-in-law were about to receive something they had desired for over three years.

We'll never forget the day they heard they'd been chosen by a birth mother to receive the gift of her child. A whirlwind erupted as we all came together to create a nursery and buy the necessities. Five days later a perfect little baby boy was born, and Josh and Melissa brought their long awaited, beautiful miracle home.

Walking with them through the adoption process made me treasure even more these words in Romans 8:15: "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father" (NKJV).

Initially, we didn't know the baby's name, what he might look like, or even his ethnicity. We didn't know how old he would be, or whether he would be a bubbly little boy or a sweet baby girl. All we knew is that long before my daughter and son-in-law held him in their arms, we loved him.

Now that the gift of this precious baby being adopted into our family is a reality, his parents are changing diapers and slogging through sleep-deprived nights. It's not easy, but he is worth every bit of sacrifice they're making.

No matter how exhausted they are, Luke is still wanted. Still treasured. Still loved. Still a miracle in every way.

Sometimes we may look at God and wonder if we are a bother. After all, we're a work in progress. We get busy and forget to treasure our times with Him. We promise ourselves we'll grow spiritually and then lose our temper with a loved one. Why would God choose to love us, even when we mess things up?

The answer appears in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Perhaps today you struggle with accepting God's love. You don't have to fear rejection, because you are adopted. God loves you just like Josh and Melissa love their son Luke, but in a God-like measure.

Romans 8:14-16 promises that God's love for you is irrevocable. You are signed, sealed, and officially His child. Today, as His adopted child, ask the Holy Spirit to gently remind you one more time of Whose you are and how very loved you are by Him!

Dear Lord, You are my Abba Father! Today I place all fear aside and place my trust in You. I walk into Your arms where I am welcome. Thank you for adopting me. Help me to rest in the assurance of knowing I am Your child Amen.

Related Resources:
Has unforgiveness kept you from a relationship with your family? Find freedom from past hurts in Suzie Eller's new book, The Unburdened Heart.

Visit Suzie's blog for more encouragement.

Encouragement for Today: Devotions for Everyday Life is filled with truth that reminds you of how much God loves you.

Reflect and Respond:
Write down Romans 8:14-16 and place it where you can see it every day. Read it out loud until it becomes anchored in your spirit.

If Abba Father says you are His, that's the final word. How does that change the way you view your relationship with God?

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 6:18, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (NIV)

Galatians 3:26, "So in Jesus Christ you are all children of God through faith."  (NIV)

© 2013 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

October 29, 2013

The Bitter Root
Wendy Blight


"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12:15 NIV)

How dare she ask this of me?

I reread her email, which only fueled my fury. Rather than reply immediately, I decided to forward the note to my husband for his advice. Any words I would've written to her at that moment would not have been kind.

Bitterness took root as I typed a note to my husband, spewing out my frustration. When I finished, I reviewed my message with great satisfaction. I'd expressed myself well to a safe person. Then I pressed send.

In that moment, I glanced at the "to" box. I was horrified when I realized I'd hit "reply" instead of "forward." My heart sank. All my hurtful words and anger were now en route to her, not my husband.

I felt sick. What should I do? I picked up the phone and called my husband at work. We both agreed I needed to email her, explain what happened, and ask forgiveness. It was the hardest email I've ever written.

Her gracious response astounded me. She thanked me for my apology and closed her response with these words, "I forgive you, so let's just put this behind us." Her words of forgiveness melted the bitterness that had consumed my heart just an hour before. I'm sure she was hurt. My words were harsh. Yet she chose to overlook and pardon my offense.

It's easy to forget that we have choices when we're offended. We can surrender our hurt or hold on to our hurt. We can extend grace or harbor bitterness.

Bitterness is like poison that infects our lives. The author of Hebrews compares bitterness to a root that overtakes our hearts and causes trouble in many other areas of our lives (Hebrews 12:15). Although our feelings of bitterness, anger, and resentment may seem justified, they are not. Instead, they're hurtful and destructive—to ourselves as well as to the person who hurt us.

God's Word teaches us to forgive and instructs us not to let the sun go down while we're angry. When we do, we give the devil a place to work in our hearts and relationships. Instead of allowing the enemy room to plant relational weeds between us, my friend chose forgiveness, extended grace, and prevented a bitter root from taking hold.

She became a living example of the apostle Paul's words to the believers at Ephesus: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Her wise example helped me move beyond my anger. My friend's gracious decision modeled humility. Her choice to forgive salvaged our friendship and changed how I react toward others who offend me. From that day forward, I've prayed that God's grace would flow through me, leaving no room for bitter roots.

Dear Lord, search my heart. See if there is any bitterness in me. Lead me to forgiveness. Enable me through the power of Your Holy Spirit to let go of all bitterness and to extend Your amazing grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Resources
Spending time with God isn't something we just mark off our checklist. It's a time to understand Scripture and become more like Him, so when we get harsh emails, we are prepared to answer with grace. Our team has compiled 100 devotions to help you keep God's perspective throughout the day in our brand new book, Encouragement for Today: Devotions for Everyday Living.

You may notice the different format below. Today's devotion is a sample pulled directly from Encouragement for Today. Click here to pick up your copy.

Visit Wendy Blight's blog to sign up for her newest Online Bible Study on the names of God, Who is God and Why Should I Care? It begins October 30th.

Remember
Choosing forgiveness is the only way to prevent a bitter root from taking root in your heart and growing.

Reflect
Is there someone against whom you harbor unforgiveness? What is it that keeps you from being able to forgive this person?

Respond
Review the verses shared in this devotion. Prayerfully ask God what your next step is with this person. Ask Him to equip you to take that first step, and then take it.

Power Verses
Colossians 3:13; Romans 12:9

[Judy Harder]

October 30, 2013

Accepting Forgiveness
Wendy Pope


"Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:2 (NIV 1984)

Many years were spent regretting sins from my past. These sins had hurt others and me. Day after day I would replay my decisions. Two decades later, the sting of past sin still had a hold on me.

God had forgiven me; I'd told Him about my sin and asked Him to pardon me. So why couldn't I accept the freedom of His forgiveness?

I wanted so badly to believe I was the person David mentions in Psalm 32:2, "Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit."Yet I struggled with accepting that God's grace could erase my sin, wiping it away as if it never happened.

This can be a hard thing to accept for many of us. It sounds all well and good, but in reality, the weight of sin makes it difficult to believe a perfect God can forgive us.

Yet, His Word assures us that God does not count our sin against us. So how can we live in this truth?

The first step is to acknowledge our sin: to ourselves and to God. This opens up the door for honest conversations with the Lord and helps us stop hiding from the fear of being found out.

The next step is to fill our hearts and minds with truth. Throughout the Bible, God teaches how an unaccepting heart can be changed and softened to accept His forgiveness. The following verses are truth from a loving God who longs to transform our lives through the grace of His forgiveness.

My God doesn't condemn. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)

My master is grace, not sin. "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Romans 6:14 (NIV 1984)

My Savior Jesus has set me free, therefore I am free. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 (NIV)

My old is gone; because of Jesus Christ I am new. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV 1984)

Are you lugging a load of sin that God has already forgiven? Are you ready to stop living in shame, shackled by regret? Life is too short to exchange the freedom of grace for the bondage of unbelief.

Today, allow God to wash the hurt and regret from past sins away with the transforming power of His truth. And let's pray for an accepting heart that lives in the freedom of God's grace and forgiveness.

Dear Lord, by faith I accept Your forgiveness and refuse to be a slave to sin You've already forgiven. Today, I confess and move on! I commit to believe Your transforming truths to live fully and freely in Your grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Wendy Pope's blog to watch a video message about living out the transforming truths shared in today's devotion. Is it easy? No. Is it possible? Yes. Talk about it with Wendy today!

Is your life shaped by the shame from your past? Wendy has encouragement for you to accept and live in the freedom of God's forgiveness on Living Free in Christ (CD).

Reflect and Respond:
"Do you struggle accepting God's forgiveness? Spend time talking with God and ask for help to accept His forgiveness.

Use index cards to make several copies of the transforming truths above. Place a copy in your purse, car, Bible, desk, and other places you often go. Read them as long as it takes to experience the blessed life David speaks of in Psalm 32:2.

Power Verses:
Isaiah 1:18. "'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" (NIV 1984)

Isaiah 43:25, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (NIV 1984)

Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV)

© 2013 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

October 31, 2013

I Know How to Manipulate
Lysa TerKeurst


"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)

Just because something great happens doesn't mean it is from God. I know this is true because I know how to manipulate and make great things happen.

Honestly, I hate that word—manipulate. It rubs something rough and grainy into the softer places of my heart.

But there it is. And I know it. Because sometimes I do it. I manipulate.

I know how to sell an idea.

I know how to go the extra mile.

I know how to strategize to make my plan seem like a wonderful strategy.

And not that any of this is intrinsically bad. Some of these things are qualities God can certainly use in good ways.

But what if I use these skills and talents outside God's will? To push past God's timing, God's direction, God's plan to teach me stuff in the process?

Sometimes I think He lets us push past His better plan to experience the consequences of our headstrong attitude. Boy, do I know all about that. I've jumped headfirst into something I thought I wanted, only to find extreme stress, fear, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of regret.

It's great to know how to sell an idea. But it's not great to do it outside God's will.

It's great to go the extra mile. But it's not great to do it out of a desire to secure what I want—rather than out of a desire to serve another.

It's great to strategize and have a plan. But it's not great if that plan stretches me so I seek my desires more than God's desires.

I am learning to not always push so hard. Or run so fast. Or allow my personal desires to overtake waiting on God.

Recently I had the opportunity to be considered for something huge. And I knew how to secure it.

I knew the words I could use to sell my idea. I knew I could go the extra mile with my pitch and look impressive. I knew a strategy that could be implemented and the plan to propose.

But what I didn't know is if this was God's plan or my desire.

If I knew for sure it was God's plan, all my efforts wouldn't be manipulation—they'd be smart. But I didn't know.

Therefore, all my pushing and plotting were manipulation. So, I stopped, backed off, and stepped aside.

I waited.

And then I doubted. It was hard to watch the opportunity slip away. But I reminded myself that this was a place where my trust in God had to step in. This was one of those times a deeper faith could be found. And so I trusted in the truth of Isaiah 58:11, "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

Now, I can rest in the assurance that if something is to be, it isn't up to me. It's up to God. It's not that I just sit back and don't pursue things. I do. But, I give what I can give without manipulation. And then wait for God to give what only He can give. So, if He makes it happen without all my chaotic self-effort, then I will know it is His best.

And if it doesn't happen, I will thank Him for saving me from myself.

Dear Lord, I am so grateful for Your everlasting love and vision for my life. Help me to embrace the fact that Your plans are greater than mine. Humble my heart in the moments when I try to maintain control so that I can fully serve You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Sometimes it's easier to follow our gut-response, rather than wait on God's direction. In her book Unglued, Lysa TerKeurst shares great wisdom on embracing God's ways, not ours. Click here to purchase a copy.

Why not gather some friends and study Unglued together with the DVD and Participant's Guide?

Reflect and Respond:
Do you ever catch yourself manipulating past God's plans to secure your own desire?

God wants you to give up your own agenda and trust in His plans for your life! Set aside some time every day to reflect on Bible verses dedicated to this particular issue. Having this daily reminder of God's sovereignty will help you to recognize when your own desires are taking precedence over His will.

Power Verses:
Psalm 9:10, "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." (NIV)

Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)

© 2013 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

November 1, 2013

God is Not Worried
Karen Ehman


"You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security." Proverbs 3:24-26a (NLT)

As a little girl I loved being outdoors. I could often be found playing kickball with the neighborhood kids or riding my bike around the block. I liked to splash in puddles and jump in piles of leaves. There was one aspect, however, about being outside that I didn't particularly care for: the critters.

Spiders were scary ... dogs terrifying. And I couldn't even bear the thought of snakes. My intense fear of these creatures often kept me from fully engaging in play.

Unfortunately, even when I didn't encounter creepy-crawlies outdoors, they occasionally wound up in my dreams at night. I would have the same reoccurring nightmare of snakes slithering toward me while I stood frozen, unable to run away. When I would wake up, I would be in a panic, heart wildly beating, palms sweating. I never thought my fears would go away until the one summer when I had no other choice.

The summer I turned 20, I took a job at a nature center teaching four-year-olds. It didn't cross my mind that keeping company with critters would be a part of my duties.

I had to capture insects to examine and release, scoop tadpoles to study pond life, and even hold the snakes that were kept in glass tanks in the main building.

Although everything in me wanted to run away, there were little eyes on me. So, I whispered a prayer for strength, pushed past my fears, and made those kids think I was a critter-lovin' instructor whose calm demeanor (and lack of screaming!) showed them there was nothing to fear. If their teacher wasn't freaking out, why should they?

Even though I worked through my fear that summer, as an adult now, I'm still tempted to "freak out" with fear. My imagination concocts all sorts of scenarios peppered with dread and doom. Sometimes I can't shake fear as I try to fall asleep.

But I have come to trust this perspective-shifting truth: God is not worried. He's not in heaven wringing His hands, wondering just how everything will eventually turn out. He is in control. He is loving.

God longs to use the circumstances of our lives to mold our mind, craft our character, and chase away the fears that threaten to slither in, paralyzing us and rendering us ineffective. Ever the patient and wise teacher, if He isn't freaking out, why should we?

Proverbs 3:24-26a is a sweet promise to us, "You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security" (NLT).

Now that passage doesn't promise that we won't ever encounter sudden disasters in life. But it does reassure us that we have no need to fear them. Why? Because the Lord—our gracious and wise teacher—is our security. He will be there to comfort and to guide as He teaches us the lessons we need to learn.

With God as our security, we can have calm in our present. With God as our security, we can face the future without fear. And we can share this confidence we gain to inspire others, helping to keep them from unnecessary fret and worry.

Why it even helps me deal with little critters that get inside my house without squirming. Well . . . without squirming too much.

Dear Lord, help me place my fears in Your hands, knowing You alone are my security, both now and in the future. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources
Need more encouragement to face your present fears and trust God with your future? Check out Karen Ehman's latest book LET. IT.GO. How to Stop Running the Show & Start Walking in Faith.

For five fear-fighting ways to turn your greatest worries into your deepest prayers, visit Karen's blog.

Read more comforting verses that will arm you to face your fears in the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women, filled with 366 devotions written by the Proverbs 31 Ministries team!

Reflect and Respond:
What is your greatest reoccurring fear?

Turn it into a prayer by asking God to be your security in the midst of uncertainty.

Power Verse:
Psalm 112:7, "They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD." (NIV)

© 2013 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

November 4, 2013

When Nobody Notices Your Work
Glynnis Whitwer


"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

After finishing a big project at work, I was pretty proud of myself. Although most of my part had been behind the scenes, I hoped someone had noticed. The next few days, I checked and rechecked my emails and texts, waiting for an "atta girl" or "well done" message. But none came.

I wasn't really bothered by the lack of acknowledgment until another person completed one small task as part of my bigger project. Then I was copied in a round of emails where that person was praised effusively.

While I joined my thanks in the responses, my heart got a little dent in it when my name wasn't mentioned.

The lack of notice hurt more than it should have. And over the next few weeks, my feelings got hurt with increased intensity each time my work wasn't noticed. Shoes on the floor that I picked up, dirty dishes I washed that weren't mine, the dinner I cooked after a long day. The original hurt was growing.

When I finally broke down in tears one quiet Friday afternoon, I realized something had gotten mixed up. Somewhere over the past few months, my heart had gotten bent out of shape when I didn't receive praise from others.

Jesus talked about this very topic in Matthew 6  He specifically taught about our motives when doing good deeds and cut right to the core issue in verse one: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1 NIV). Jesus knew our hearts can get twisted. Even the right behaviors can start with wrong motives and end with harmful outcomes.

In those days, many religious leaders made a big show of their good deeds in order to garner the respect and admiration of others. Jesus called these people "hypocrites" and taught how doing great things, like giving to the poor and praying, can go awry when motives are bent out of shape.

Rather than leave off with a stern warning, Jesus gave them, and us, instructions on how to do right things in the right way.

In secret.

Verse 6 says, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Jesus wasn't saying don't ever pray out loud; He was giving the key to break our desperate need for approval. According to Jesus, we receive God's approval when we fly under the radar of others and don't parade our deeds in front of them.

While working on that big project, my time alone with God had been almost non-existent. I managed to read a few Bible verses before bed and whisper a few prayers during the day. But the truth was, I'd neglected time with God. I'd exchanged His whispers of approval for the inconsistent and unfulfilling applause from people.

I needed to get alone with God, and quiet my desire for the world's feedback, so I could hear His voice.

One word from God is worth more than a hundred atta-girls from others.

The next time disappointment creeps up when I'm overlooked, or I think "Why not me?" ... I'll see it as a little warning. It's my reminder to spend time with God in secret.

That's where I'll get the only approval my heart really needs.

Heavenly Father, thank You for seeing what I really need and want. The approval of people never satisfies. Help me to see it as a poor substitute for Your approval – which brings me true joy and meaning. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you need time in secret with God? Our latest devotional book Encouragement for Today is portable and can go wherever you go.

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God? by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Glynnis Whitwer's blog for more encouragement.

Reflect and Respond:
Why is the approval of people often more important than God's esteem of our work?

What is one thing you can do in secret this week to try and break the addiction to applause from others?

Power Verse:
Romans 8:5, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (NIV)

© 2013 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 5, 2013

What Can God Do with Difficult Circumstances?
Samantha Evilsizer


"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2 (ESV)

This past year, people I love have had to grapple with some very difficult things—home foreclosures, loss of businesses, empty cupboards, and dry gas tanks. Family and friends have endured marital affairs, children sentenced to jail, another year of unemployment, cars breaking down, churches falling apart.

In the midst of such hardships, it's easy to doubt God can redeem the pain, recover what's lost, heal all that's broken. Can He truly fit the pieces of our suffering into a hopeful future?

If we rely on what our circumstances imply, we may believe the Lord isn't able to make something good come from our hardships. Or that He won't. But the truth is, God can and does change our circumstances.

Whether or not God alters our current situation, His power to give a future and hope never changes! We know this based on His Word that stays the same. That's why it's important to take action when difficulties weave doubt in to our faith in God's authority. How do we do this?

For me, refocusing on the truth found in Job 42:1-2 makes a big difference, "Then Job answered the LORD and said: 'I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."

Reading accounts of God's faithfulness bolsters us up when all that is around us is crumbling down. When we focus on what God did for others, it reminds us He is able to work on our behalf as well. Take a look at God's redeeming plans for some of His people throughout the Bible...

While Job's family, home, crops and health were demolished, God was preparing to give him double of what was killed, stolen, lost and damaged. (Job 1 and 2; Job 42:10)

While Joseph was a slave and prisoner, God was planning for him to be second in command over Egypt. (Genesis 39:19-21 and 41:41)

When Ruth was a homeless, childless widow, God was creating a home in Boaz's heart for her to be his wife. God also knew she'd one day be a mother and years later a great, great, great-grandmother to Jesus. (Ruth 1:4-5 and 4:13-17)

When David lay down in adultery, God was laying the groundwork for him to rise up and repent. (2 Samuel 2:4; Psalm 51)

When Peter lost faith and denied Christ, God knew Peter would be instrumental in growing the Christian church by proclaiming Christ to thousands. (Mark 14:66-72; Acts 2:38-41)

While Mary watched Jesus dying on the cross, God had full knowledge of Jesus being resurrected and seated on His heavenly throne! (John 19:25-30; Revelation 3:21)

No matter what the dire, dreary circumstances, God turned each into a hopeful future.

God can reverse, restore, revive, and renew. Be on the lookout for His plans that are already in motion right now, even in the midst of your difficult time. Trust Him. He can take any circumstance and use it for your good and His glory.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness shown to every generation, and for recording these stories where You turned dreary pasts into hopeful futures. I ask that You do the same for mine. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Scripture has many more redemption stories! Discover them for yourself in the pages of the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women, filled with 366 devotions written by the Proverbs 31 Ministries team.

Hop over to Samantha Evilsizer's blog for examples of prayers from Scripture that are related to difficult circumstances.

Reflect and Respond:
Today, take a moment to find and reflect on the Lord's faithfulness to you during hard circumstances.

Write those instances down and spend time giving thanks to Him.

Power Verses:
Genesis 50:19b-20a, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." (NIV)

Psalm 40:5  "Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare." (NIV)

© 2013 by Samantha Evilsizer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

November 6, 2013

Reunited
Micca Campbell


"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV)

When my husband died, a part of me died too. Pain and fear surrounded me during those dark days. I ached inside and felt so lost, empty, and alone. I missed him terribly.

At times, my need for his comforting touch was so strong it would play tricks on my mind. Once, I saw a man who resembled my husband driving a red truck just like Porter's. I followed that truck for miles. As my heart pounded with hope, nothing else mattered more in that moment than catching up to the truck. I was willing to drive to the ends of the earth if necessary.

When I finally caught up with him at a red light and our eyes met, my fantasy ended with a devastating halt. It was as if a cruel joke had been played on me. Weakened by the truth, I pulled into a nearby parking lot, lay across the seat of my car, and wept. As the sun set, the temperature inside the car cooled. Sitting up, I wiped my face, zipped up my coat, and headed for home—without my husband.

There was a great sense of loss, thinking I'd never see Porter again. Maybe you can relate and have experienced grief too? If so, you may be encouraged by this truth: for those who love and know the Lord, parting is only temporary. It's not really goodbye, but see-you-later.

The apostle Paul assured the Thessalonians of this truth.

"The dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17 NIV).

That assurance is for us too. There are three words in Paul's statement that provide hope, comfort, and assurance for the brokenhearted: we, together, and them.

We (people on earth) who are still alive will be caught up together (two parties meeting) with them (those who are in heaven).

These words of reunion indicate that God's children never have to experience permanent separation. That's good news! One day you and I will be reunited with our loved ones who believed in Jesus while on Earth. What a glorious day that will be.

Once I really took hold of this truth, my heart settled. Though I still walked through days of missing my husband, the firm grip sadness had on me lost its strangling hold.

Now, grief no longer burdens my heart. I have hope in God's promise that one day I'll be reunited with Porter, my two grandmothers, and my grandfathers. Holding on to that hope has eased death's sting and filled my heart with anticipation.

Even in grief there is hope. For those who accept the Lord as their Savior, death is not goodbye. It's simply see-you-later.

Dear Lord, thank You for communicating to us words of a glorious reunion one day. Thank You that death is not the end. When my grief runs deep, remind my heart to hope in Your truth. I will see my loved ones again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Micca Campbell's blog for a giveaway of her book An Untroubled Heart and to read the rest of her story.

Discover more about Jesus in the NIV Real-Life Devotional for Women Bible.

For more daily encouragement, visit our Facebook page by clicking here.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Do You Know Jesus?

Who can you share this good news with today who needs comfort?

Power Verses:
John 14:2-3, "There are many rooms in my Father's house. If this were not true, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. If I go and do that, I will come back. And I will take you to be with me. Then you will also be where I am." (NIRV)

© 2013 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 7, 2013

When Aggravations Accumulate
Lysa TerKeurst


"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:26-27 (NASB)

I opened the front door and smiled at the delivery man, "Four large pizzas, right?"

The look on the pizza guy's face told me the teenagers in my backyard were about to be disappointed.

"Ummm, well, actually there are only two. Let me check your ticket ... oh, yeah you're supposed to have four. Give me 20 minutes and I'll be back with the other two." I took the two he had and said, "No problem. The kids can start on these and have round two when you get back."

As I walked into the kitchen, my husband Art gave me a funny look. "I thought you ordered four pizzas."

"Yeah, the delivery guy forgot two but will be back in a few minutes. No big deal," I quipped with a shoulder shrug.

Art tilted his head. "You didn't even ask for a discount or coupons?"

"I felt bad for the guy. It's not a big deal to ask the kids to wait a few minutes," I replied with a smile.

Remembering the way I'd reacted earlier during a little "growth opportunity" we'd had, Art said, "Wow. I'd like to receive that kind of grace."

Ouch. His point was well made. I'd gotten aggravated with something Art had done and let him know.

Why is it I'm so quick to give a gentle answer to a stranger but spew on those I love? Perhaps it's because of accumulated impact.

This was the only time I'd ever seen the pizza guy. My emotions toward him were completely neutral. When he made a mistake, I was able to let it go.

But I have a history with Art. We do life together. If I let aggravations collect, my emotions ratchet up, creating more and more tension. Then, when something happens, I find it much harder to brush off the offense and offer grace.

Accumulated aggravations equal accumulated impact.

Therefore, it's crucial I don't collect aggravations. I've heard many times: "Do not let the sun go down on your anger ..." (Ephesians 4:26 NASB) I know it. But honestly, sometimes I ignore it. I collect aggravations because I'm too tired to talk. Or, I don't want to deal with it. Or, I try to convince myself it's no big deal to go to bed mad.

But when I keep reading one more verse, Ephesians 4:27, I understand why I should deal with little aggravations while they are still little. They might not stay little long. Why? Because verse 27 finishes with a strong warning, "... and do not give the devil an opportunity" (NASB)

Yikes.

The devil is just waiting for an opportunity. I picture him hissing, "Go to bed mad ... and give me an opportunity." That just sends shivers down my spine.

I love my husband. I get aggravated with him. But I love him. So, I certainly don't want to open the door of opportunity for the devil to turn little aggravations into big ones.

I put down the pizzas and kissed Art's cheek. "I love you and I'm sorry I didn't give you that kind of grace."

To which he replied back with a big smile, "I still think we should have asked for a discount or coupons."

Like I said, I love my husband!

Dear Lord, I really want to follow Your example and live a life full of grace. Sometimes it is so hard to show grace to those closest to me. Help me. I don't want to give the devil any opportunities in my marriage, my relationships with my children, or in my friendships. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you want to stop accumulating aggravations and start showing more grace? Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst shares wonderful wisdom to lead you in making those changes. Click here to order your copy!

The accompanying Unglued Bible Study is a great resource to get us into the Word of God and help us choose better reactions. To order your copy, click here.

Reflect and Respond:
Think about the equation, accumulated aggravation = accumulated impact. Choose one relationship in your life. In what ways has allowing yourself to accumulate aggravations resulted in a lack of grace?

What actions can you take to safeguard your relationships against the devil's attempts to create conflict and separation?

Power Verses:
Colossians 4:6, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (NIV)

1 Peter 5:8  "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV)

© 2013 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 8, 2013

The Struggle
Lynn Cowell


"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NIV)

"Why can't we just get past this?"

The agitation in my voice revealed the frustration in my heart. I just wanted to fix this relationship problem and move on to happy. My mind and heart were weary from the extended battle.

I'm a fixer at heart, especially when it comes to my kids. When I see one of them hurting or needing help, I want to make it better. Forget your cleats? I'll run them to school. Overwhelmed by a test? Let me help you study. Don't understand the instructions? We can figure them out together.

Since I don't like to see my children struggle, I imagine God as our heavenly parent feeling the same way about us. Unlike me, rather than trying to help us avoid struggles, God understands they are often for our good. As James 1:2-4 says, trials can be precisely the thing that makes us grow into maturity.

Too often when it comes to my kids, it initially seems kinder to step in and relieve the pressure. Yet more than once I have overstepped my bounds and done more harm than good. My help stunted them from gaining a new skill or needed attribute.

As hard as it is, as my children are growing up, I'm standing back when they wrestle a bit in order to allow them to fully mature. Handling troubles with teachers, working out schedules, and doing their own laundry have been areas where my kids have learned responsibility on their own.

Their struggle reminds me of the butterfly, wiggling this way and that until it is able to shed its cocoon. The fight allows the butterfly to gain the strength it needs to eventually spread its wings and soar once free of the cocoon. If the cocoon is split by hand, the emerging butterfly won't survive long.

Jesus, in His wisdom, knows we need the strength that can be gained from struggles we face as adults as well. Struggles to display love in our relationships, to trust Him with our kids' futures, or His provision when finances are tight. Our part during life's battles is to lean into these struggles, getting every ounce of learning and maturing we can. We may think of maturing as a stage a teen goes through. But in the original Greek this passage was written, maturing means "perfect or finished" and complete means "whole."

God uses difficult times to mold us to become more like Him. When life flows smoothly, it's tempting to go at it on our own. But when it is difficult, it is our reminder to run to the One who has the power we need to respond to life His way. As we do, our faith and level of perseverance will increase, which prepares us for the next struggle. All the while, we are becoming more like Him.

Scripture strengthens our resolve and fills in the overwhelming places as we trust God for the strength we need. Instead of begging to be let out of the trial, we can pray to grow in the trial.

Recently, I felt misunderstood and frustrated with someone I love. Opening my Bible, I asked the Lord to help me know how to respond like Him when I wanted to react in anger. The first verse I read after that prayer was Ephesians 5:1, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (NIV 1984) He could not have been more clear!

Scripture tells us when we look at our trials as instruments of training and learn from them, we will come out mature and complete. We'll be stronger than we were before—ready for all that God has ahead for us.

Jesus, I feel anything but joy in the middle of this trial. Open my eyes to help me see these hard times as tools to strengthen me and bring me to a new level of maturity. Help me see them as preparation to take me even further in You. Amen.

Related Resources:
Join Lynn Cowell on her blog today where she's sharing tips on how to go to God's Word and pray through our struggles and she's having a great giveaway!

His Revolutionary Love and Devotions for a Revolutionary Year by Lynn help to prepare teen girls for their time of flying from our nest. Click here for more information.

Stressed-Less Living by Tracie Miles

Reflect and Respond:
What area in your life feels like a fight? How could you partner with God to grow in both your faith and perseverance in this area?

Power Verse:
Romans 5:3, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance." (NIV)

© 2013 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.