You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else.  This phrase is used to support the importance of self care and me time, but this often becomes an ideology completely centered around self. If we wait until all areas of our life are perfectly overflowing. We will never experience the beauty of relying upon God's grace - Emily Rose Massey

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You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of someone else.  This phrase is used to support the importance of self care and me time, but this often becomes an ideology completely centered around self. If we wait until all areas of our life are perfectly overflowing. We will never experience the beauty of relying upon God's grace - Emily Rose Massey
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

God Uses Empty Cups

Spiritual sensitivity often comes down to one simple question: are we truly paying attention to what God is doing around us? Acts 3:2–4 shows Peter and John pausing long enough to see a person in need—and that moment of attention became an opportunity for God’s power to move. When we tune into the Holy Spirit, ordinary moments can turn into divine appointments.

In daily life, distractions, routines, and personal agendas can easily drown out God’s promptings. But Scripture consistently shows that God often works through interruptions, not just planned moments. Learning to slow down, notice people, and respond with obedience can open the door for encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth—both for others and for us.

Highlights
God often speaks through interruptions and unexpected moments
Spiritual distraction can cause us to miss meaningful opportunities
Peter and John noticed the man and responded with presence and compassion
God uses ordinary obedience to create extraordinary impact
Discernment requires slowing down and staying spiritually attentive
Faith is not just routine—it’s responsive to the Spirit’s leading
Small moments of obedience can have lasting spiritual influence

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Full Transcript Below:

Tune Into His Spirit
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.  Peter looked straight at him, as did John.” - Acts 3:2-4

As a writer, I have the privilege of working from home. But sometimes the TV screen or other distractions can keep me from getting my work done. Sometimes I go to a coffee shop to get it done. Once I get there, I settle into a booth, put in my AirPods, and focus on my work. Most of the time, I'm super productive and get my tasks done for the day.

A few years ago, however, I bumped into a friend. It was a woman who had been attending our church for a little while. Although she'd been raised in the faith, she was hesitant about God. I saw her from across the room, unsure what I should do. Should I stop what I was doing, take out my AirPods, and have a conversation centered on God, or should I stay focused, knowing I could get my work done? 

Although headphones can be a great way to filter out the world's noise and focus on an immediate task, sometimes we crowd out not only God's voice but also the voices of those who need our help. In that situation, I kept my AirPods in, focused on my task, and ignored the opportunity God had placed before me. The woman soon left, and I felt bad. I should have initiated a conversation that could have helped her take a step forward in her spiritual growth. Instead, I focused on the menial tasks I had to get done for the day. 

Discerning God's voice is never easy. It can be downright difficult to discern God's voice from the world's voices. Even when it is difficult for us to discern what God has for us, it was no different for the disciples. In the passage above, Peter and John were on their way to the temple. They were out to do a good thing—go to church and worship God.

But God had other plans for them that day. Because they took time out of their busy day, God chose to show up in a big way in both their lives and the beggar's. The beggar received a great gift that day—healing from God. 

Although the text does not specify whether the person was a believer, it stands to reason that, given the miraculous power the Holy Spirit showed in that moment, the man was brought one step closer to knowing God more intimately. Because Peter and John took time to look him in the eye, give him dignity and worth, and meet his deepest needs, that man grew closer to God because of it.

Do we go through the motions of our faith? Do we put our heads down, tuck our Bibles under our arms, and walk into church each week, hearing great sermons and worshipping to great music, only to leave and focus on the menial tasks of the week? Do we make time to listen for how God might be speaking to us?

Take a moment and write down people whom you know God has placed in your path with whom you could have a spiritual conversation this week. It could be an email, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation. Regardless of the way you choose to meet, choose to obey God and see what God wants to do with the people he has placed in your path. Lay aside your agenda and the menial tasks of the week and focus on the good opportunities he may lay before you.

Not only will God honor you for honoring him in that way, but you may find you not only witness but perform greater miracles than any of the disciples ever experienced during their ministry on earth.

Father, let us be in tune with your spirit. Let us see with your eyes who may be looking to know you better. Let us be the example you call us to be. Let us truly be disciples, sharing our faith so others may be equipped to do the same. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is one step you can take to share your faith with someone who doesn’t know God? Can you pray and ask God to reveal a person to you today?

Further Reading:
John 10:27-28

Spiritual sensitivity often comes down to one simple question: are we truly paying attention to what God is doing around us? Acts 3:2&ndash;4 shows Peter and John pausing long enough to see a person in need&mdash;and that moment of attention became an opportunity for God&rsquo;s power to move. When we tune into the Holy Spirit, ordinary moments can turn into divine appointments.
In daily life, distractions, routines, and personal agendas can easily drown out God&rsquo;s promptings. But Scripture consistently shows that God often works through interruptions, not just planned moments. Learning to slow down, notice people, and respond with obedience can open the door for encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth&mdash;both for others and for us.
<hr data-start="742" data-end="745">
Highlights
<ul data-start="763" data-end="1251">
<li data-section-id="7hlo9z" data-start="763" data-end="828">God often speaks through interruptions and unexpected moments</li>
<li data-section-id="zrtnsw" data-start="829" data-end="900">Spiritual distraction can cause us to miss meaningful opportunities</li>
<li data-section-id="968xq8" data-start="901" data-end="978">Peter and John noticed the man and responded with presence and compassion</li>
<li data-section-id="bjjn7f" data-start="979" data-end="1041">God uses ordinary obedience to create extraordinary impact</li>
<li data-section-id="gqzyy5" data-start="1042" data-end="1113">Discernment requires slowing down and staying spiritually attentive</li>
<li data-section-id="103k7yl" data-start="1114" data-end="1183">Faith is not just routine&mdash;it&rsquo;s responsive to the Spirit&rsquo;s leading</li>
<li data-section-id="1f1y481" data-start="1184" data-end="1251">Small moments of obedience can have lasting spiritual influence</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Tune Into His Spirit By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Now a man who was lame from birth&nbsp;was being carried to the temple gate&nbsp;called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg&nbsp;from those going into the temple courts.&nbsp;When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peter looked straight at him, as did John.&rdquo; - Acts 3:2-4
As a writer, I have the privilege of working from home. But sometimes the TV screen or other distractions can keep me from getting my work done. Sometimes I go to a coffee shop to get it done. Once I get there, I settle into a booth, put in my AirPods, and focus on my work. Most of the time, I'm super productive and get my tasks done for the day.
A few years ago, however, I bumped into a friend. It was a woman who had been attending our church for a little while. Although she'd been raised in the faith, she was hesitant about God. I saw her from across the room, unsure what I should do. Should I stop what I was doing, take out my AirPods, and have a conversation centered on God, or should I stay focused, knowing I could get my work done?&nbsp;
Although headphones can be a great way to filter out the world's noise and focus on an immediate task, sometimes we crowd out not only God's voice but also the voices of those who need our help. In that situation, I kept my AirPods in, focused on my task, and ignored the opportunity God had placed before me. The woman soon left, and I felt bad. I should have initiated a conversation that could have helped her take a step forward in her spiritual growth. Instead, I focused on the menial tasks I had to get done for the day.&nbsp;
Discerning God's voice is never easy. It can be downright difficult to discern God's voice from the world's voices. Even when it is difficult for us to discern what God has for us, it was no different for the disciples. In the passage above, Peter and John were on their way to the temple. They were out to do a good thing&mdash;go to church and worship God.
But God had other plans for them that day. Because they took time out of their busy day, God chose to show up in a big way in both their lives and the beggar's. The beggar received a great gift that day&mdash;healing from God.&nbsp;
Although the text does not specify whether the person was a believer, it stands to reason that, given the miraculous power the Holy Spirit showed in that moment, the man was brought one step closer to knowing God more intimately. Because Peter and John took time to look him in the eye, give him dignity and worth, and meet his deepest needs, that man grew closer to God because of it.
Do we go through the motions of our faith? Do we put our heads down, tuck our Bibles under our arms, and walk into church each week, hearing great sermons and worshipping to great music, only to leave and focus on the menial tasks of the week? Do we make time to listen for how God might be speaking to us?
Take a moment and write down people whom you know God has placed in your path with whom you could have a spiritual conversation this week. It could be an email, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation. Regardless of the way you choose to meet, choose to obey God and see what God wants to do with the people he has placed in your path. Lay aside your agenda and the menial tasks of the week and focus on the good opportunities he may lay before you.
Not only will God honor you for honoring him in that way, but you may find you not only witness but perform greater miracles than any of the disciples ever experienced during their ministry on earth.
Father, let us be in tune with your spirit. Let us see with your eyes who may be looking to know you better. Let us be the example you call us to be. Let us truly be disciples, sharing our faith so others may be equipped to do the same. Amen.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What is one step you can take to share your faith with someone who doesn&rsquo;t know God? Can you pray and ask God to reveal a person to you today?
Further Reading: John 10:27-28

Tune into His Spirit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/802a65ea-8b44-4352-8694-b43200e1f5ee/transcript

Worry often builds quietly over time—through life experiences, disappointments, and the growing awareness that not everything is in our control. But Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of a powerful truth: God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. When we truly understand both His power and His deep love for us, it begins to shift how we carry our worries.

The real turning point comes when we stop asking if God will show up for us and start trusting that He both can and wants to. Worry loses its grip when we root ourselves in the truth of God’s character—His goodness, His care, and His capability. As we continually return to His Word and surrender our fears, we begin to trade anxiety for peace and control for trust.

Highlights
Worry often develops gradually through life experiences and uncertainty
Even strong believers wrestle with worry—it’s a shared human struggle
Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is both willing and able to do more than we imagine
Understanding God’s love is key to releasing fear and anxiety
Worry is often rooted in fear and a desire for control
God’s Word is a powerful tool to combat anxious thoughts
Trusting God fully opens the door to greater peace and freedom

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Give Your Worries to the God Who Gives So Much More
By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20) 

I was once quite the worrier. I’m not sure exactly what the trigger was. But it likely began during my youth as life started to get more real. As I slowly lost the innocent beliefs that everyone is nice, parents always stay married, only old people die, and you don’t get in trouble unless you’re actually guilty. And one life disappointment at a time, I observed mean kids making fun, moms and dads splitting up, classmates getting in fatal car crashes, and people getting punished for things they didn’t do. Hurt happened, heartbreaks began to haunt me, until, without notice, I began living in such a way to protect myself from any pain. Worry was brewing, and I hardly noticed. 

And sadly, as the years progressed through my teens and early adulthood, so did my life experience. And so did my reality that there was more wrong in the world than my younger years could fathom. And so did the worry. 

Have you seen worry develop in your life? Have you ever considered yourself a worrier? Or maybe your worry is masked as a tendency to control too much sometimes? Or it might look like becoming consumed with a decision, an upcoming situation or event, or just the unknowns of the future? Or maybe you’ve been an avoider of something or someone, an over-thinker, over-analyzer, or just wondered “what if” too many times. All of this, believe it or not, has worry wrapped all around it. 

The truth is, we all worry. Even the strongest Christians. But what’s also true: no one wants to worry. The effects of it are awful and are the exact opposite of what we long for most in this life, like peace, joy, and, did I say peace? So how do we stop worrying and find the peace of God we want to hold on to and not let go of? How do we release the unease we feel in our circumstances, the unsettled sense of the undone to-dos, the uncertainty of every decision concerning our families, finances, jobs, and all the unknowns of our futures? How do we release the worry that keeps returning?

Regardless of my growing faith, I still struggle with worry. And with the ebbs and flows of life, this is likely you, too. So, to stand strong against the lying enemy of fear—which is no doubt at the root of every worry—I’ve learned the necessity of arming ourselves with the sword of the spirit—the Word of God. And I’ve learned the value of pouring over and over God’s truths. 

For the longest time, one of my favorite verses has been Ephesians 3:20. I’ve always cherished the truth that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. I’m sure we all do—it’s gloriously wonderful. And yes, God can do more than all we ask or imagine, and yes, we do want him to do just that on our behalf. However, how do we know he wants to? Maybe we can get on board with trusting he can, but how do we know he will? What if he doesn’t want to do something greater than I can imagine in my case? Have you ever wondered this, as I have?

Well, I made a beautiful observation that opened my eyes to the truth of this contemplation. I found it in the preceding verses of Ephesians 3:17-19, which say, And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. WhatI was reading in these verses was how much God loves us. And then, I dove directly into the truth of how much he’s capable of. And these familiar verses swallowed me in the most comforting way. God wants to, and God can. God wants to give us so much because of his boundless love for us. And God can, because of his infinite power in and around us. And once we understand this, in terms of our worry, it should change everything. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What we need to do is trust and believe that God loves us and that God is able. Because it’s true. And we need to trust that with our whole hearts. Just imagine for a minute. If you believed with all that you are that God loves you, and that God, not you, in his sovereign power, is able to do so much more than all you could ask or imagine. If you truly believed this, what in the world would you have to worry about?   

If you truly trusted this, what would you let go of? The fears, the anxiety, the control, the stress. Imagine the peace. And what would you do? Where might you feel free to go? Imagine the joy. Imagine a life with less worry. Imagine a life where you believed and rested deeply in the truth that you are a child of a good, good God. Who will always adore you, help you, care for you, and forever bless you. This is who God is; this is what God does. So you can give all your worries to him. Our good God who will give you so much more than you can possibly imagine.

If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!

Worry often builds quietly over time&mdash;through life experiences, disappointments, and the growing awareness that not everything is in our control. But Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of a powerful truth: God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. When we truly understand both His power and His deep love for us, it begins to shift how we carry our worries.
The real turning point comes when we stop asking if God will show up for us and start trusting that He both can and wants to. Worry loses its grip when we root ourselves in the truth of God&rsquo;s character&mdash;His goodness, His care, and His capability. As we continually return to His Word and surrender our fears, we begin to trade anxiety for peace and control for trust.
<hr data-start="760" data-end="763">
Highlights
<ul data-start="781" data-end="1274">
<li data-section-id="14i4ce3" data-start="781" data-end="856">Worry often develops gradually through life experiences and uncertainty</li>
<li data-section-id="mw53za" data-start="857" data-end="930">Even strong believers wrestle with worry&mdash;it&rsquo;s a shared human struggle</li>
<li data-section-id="16w4nok" data-start="931" data-end="1021">Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is both willing and able to do more than we imagine</li>
<li data-section-id="726arx" data-start="1022" data-end="1087">Understanding God&rsquo;s love is key to releasing fear and anxiety</li>
<li data-section-id="xemsj3" data-start="1088" data-end="1146">Worry is often rooted in fear and a desire for control</li>
<li data-section-id="1jlf8gn" data-start="1147" data-end="1207">God&rsquo;s Word is a powerful tool to combat anxious thoughts</li>
<li data-section-id="nklxio" data-start="1208" data-end="1274">Trusting God fully opens the door to greater peace and freedom</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Give Your Worries to the God Who Gives So Much More By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)&nbsp;
I was once quite the worrier. I&rsquo;m not sure exactly what the trigger was. But it likely began during my youth as life started to get more real. As I slowly lost the innocent beliefs that everyone is nice, parents always stay married, only old people die, and you don&rsquo;t get in trouble unless you&rsquo;re actually guilty. And one life disappointment at a time, I observed mean kids making fun, moms and dads splitting up, classmates getting in fatal car crashes, and people getting punished for things they didn&rsquo;t do. Hurt happened, heartbreaks began to haunt me, until, without notice, I began living in such a way to protect myself from any pain. Worry was brewing, and I hardly noticed.&nbsp;
And sadly, as the years progressed through my teens and early adulthood, so did my life experience. And so did my reality that there was more wrong in the world than my younger years could fathom. And so did the worry.&nbsp;
Have you seen worry develop in your life? Have you ever considered yourself a worrier? Or maybe your worry is masked as a tendency to control too much sometimes? Or it might look like becoming consumed with a decision, an upcoming situation or event, or just the unknowns of the future? Or maybe you&rsquo;ve been an avoider of something or someone, an over-thinker, over-analyzer, or just wondered &ldquo;what if&rdquo; too many times. All of this, believe it or not, has worry wrapped all around it.&nbsp;
The truth is, we all worry. Even the strongest Christians. But what&rsquo;s also true: no one wants to worry. The effects of it are awful and are the exact opposite of what we long for most in this life, like peace, joy, and, did I say peace? So how do we stop worrying and find the peace of God we want to hold on to and not let go of? How do we release the unease we feel in our circumstances, the unsettled sense of the undone to-dos, the uncertainty of every decision concerning our families, finances, jobs, and all the unknowns of our futures? How do we release the worry that keeps returning?
Regardless of my growing faith, I still struggle with worry. And with the ebbs and flows of life, this is likely you, too. So, to stand strong against the lying enemy of fear&mdash;which is no doubt at the root of every worry&mdash;I&rsquo;ve learned the necessity of arming ourselves with the sword of the spirit&mdash;the Word of God. And I&rsquo;ve learned the value of pouring over and over God&rsquo;s truths.&nbsp;
For the longest time, one of my favorite verses has been Ephesians 3:20. I&rsquo;ve always cherished the truth that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. I&rsquo;m sure we all do&mdash;it&rsquo;s gloriously wonderful. And yes, God can do more than all we ask or imagine, and yes, we do want him to do just that on our behalf. However, how do we know he wants to? Maybe we can get on board with trusting he can, but how do we know he will? What if he doesn&rsquo;t want to do something greater than I can imagine in my case? Have you ever wondered this, as I have?
Well, I made a beautiful observation that opened my eyes to the truth of this contemplation. I found it in the preceding verses of Ephesians 3:17-19, which say, And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord&rsquo;s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. What I was reading in these verses was how much God loves us. And then, I dove directly into the truth of how much he&rsquo;s capable of. And these familiar verses swallowed me in the most comforting way. God wants to, and God can. God wants to give us so much because of his boundless love for us. And God can, because of his infinite power in and around us. And once we understand this, in terms of our worry, it should change everything.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What we need to do is trust and believe that God loves us and that God is able. Because it&rsquo;s true. And we need to trust that with our whole hearts. Just imagine for a minute. If you believed with all that you are that God loves you, and that God, not you, in his sovereign power, is able to do so much more than all you could ask or imagine. If you truly believed this, what in the world would you have to worry about?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
If you truly trusted this, what would you let go of? The fears, the anxiety, the control, the stress. Imagine the peace. And what would you do? Where might you feel free to go? Imagine the joy. Imagine a life with less worry. Imagine a life where you believed and rested deeply in the truth that you are a child of a good, good God. Who will always adore you, help you, care for you, and forever bless you. This is who God is; this is what God does. So you can give all your worries to him. Our good God who will give you so much more than you can possibly imagine.
If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, <a href="https://a.co/d/058wHte">Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes</a>. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!

Give Your Worries to the God Who Gives So Much More

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/17b946f7-7390-46d5-833c-b43200e1f1ac/transcript

Weakness isn’t something we naturally celebrate—but Scripture flips that idea on its head. In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, we’re reminded that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, meaning the very areas we try to hide can become the places where His strength is most clearly seen. What feels like a limitation may actually be the beginning of a powerful testimony.

Instead of striving to appear strong or self-sufficient, God invites us to depend on Him. Weakness exposes our need—and that’s exactly where grace steps in. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a diagnosis, or an ongoing battle, God can work through it in ways that not only transform us but also encourage others. When we stop resisting our weakness and start surrendering it, we create space for God’s power to move.

Highlights
Weakness is not a disqualifier—it’s an opportunity for God’s power
God’s strength is most visible in areas where we feel insufficient
Personal struggles can become meaningful testimonies
Dependence on God replaces the pressure to “figure it all out”
Paul’s “thorn” reminds us that not every struggle is removed—but it can be redeemed
Sharing our journey through weakness can encourage and impact others

Do you want to listen ad-free?

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Full Transcript Below:

Your Weakness May Be Your Testimony

By Lauren Fletcher

Bible Reading:

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I never thought positively about my weaknesses. They were always something I tried diligently to hide, especially as a teenager. As an adult, I’ve had times of embracing them, amongst grace-filled friends. I’ve also had times where I didn’t quite want to mention them (job interview, anyone?) 

When I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, it hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I was emotional and self-conscious. Severe?, I thought. Though these diagnoses were what my counselors and I suspected, when I had the official word, it took me some time to process. I thought about my life and wondered, what does this mean for my future? It all felt very heavy.

I talked with my friends for some support. They said things like, this is just a snapshot of what my symptoms were like at the time of testing, and that in the future, the severity might change. Many of them also said, “That’s not who you are,” and that who I am is who I am in Christ. I am trying to hold onto their words and perspective as I move forward.

In light of the diagnoses, what helped me was realizing that God can work in and through my weaknesses, that my weaknesses can become my testimony. I imagined my future and how one day, I could share with others, Yes, I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, but look at what God has done through my life. I finally had hope for the future.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about his weakness: “…So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b-8)

Paul was dealing with something uncomfortable, something he didn’t want, so much so that he brought it before the Lord. Paul continues, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

This morning, I was struggling and questioned why the Lord called me to do something that would require His help. It’s as if He helped me to understand—to overcome the difficulty of OCD in my life, I need God’s help. I need to let Him help me, and I need to accept the help He gives me through my counselor. I thought I was supposed to figure it out and try hard.

The thing about weaknesses is that we need God. It’s insufficiency in ourselves and finding what we need in Him. We all do and will continue to have weaknesses. What Paul is talking about in this scripture is actually delighting in his weaknesses. Why? Because it’s in our weaknesses that the Lord shows his power. That’s something to rejoice in.

Have you ever had a circumstance that was difficult, a weakness that was uncomfortable or you didn’t understand? Have you seen any evidence of God working through it? Invite Him into these spaces. Ask Him to show You how His “power works best in" your own weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When we share about what God has done in our lives through our weaknesses or in the midst of difficult circumstances, we share our testimony with others. God can be glorified through it, through us.

Further Reading:

1 Peter 4:19

Romans 8:28

Weakness isn&rsquo;t something we naturally celebrate&mdash;but Scripture flips that idea on its head. In 2 Corinthians 12:9&ndash;10, we&rsquo;re reminded that God&rsquo;s power is made perfect in weakness, meaning the very areas we try to hide can become the places where His strength is most clearly seen. What feels like a limitation may actually be the beginning of a powerful testimony.
Instead of striving to appear strong or self-sufficient, God invites us to depend on Him. Weakness exposes our need&mdash;and that&rsquo;s exactly where grace steps in. Whether it&rsquo;s a personal struggle, a diagnosis, or an ongoing battle, God can work through it in ways that not only transform us but also encourage others. When we stop resisting our weakness and start surrendering it, we create space for God&rsquo;s power to move.
<hr data-start="795" data-end="798">
Highlights
<ul data-start="816" data-end="1301">
<li data-section-id="11srk5g" data-start="816" data-end="886">Weakness is not a disqualifier&mdash;it&rsquo;s an opportunity for God&rsquo;s power</li>
<li data-section-id="1t5qs4x" data-start="887" data-end="957">God&rsquo;s strength is most visible in areas where we feel insufficient</li>
<li data-section-id="1be5qb5" data-start="958" data-end="1014">Personal struggles can become meaningful testimonies</li>
<li data-section-id="1ik9tw7" data-start="1015" data-end="1081">Dependence on God replaces the pressure to &ldquo;figure it all out&rdquo;</li>
<li data-section-id="17d1x46" data-start="1082" data-end="1169">Paul&rsquo;s &ldquo;thorn&rdquo; reminds us that not every struggle is removed&mdash;but it can be redeemed</li>
<li data-section-id="1eeglep" data-start="1170" data-end="1242">Sharing our journey through weakness can encourage and impact others</li>
</ul>
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Full Transcript Below:
Your Weakness May Be Your Testimony
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;Each time he said, &ldquo;My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.&rdquo; So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That&rsquo;s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.&rdquo; - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I never thought positively about my weaknesses. They were always something I tried diligently to hide, especially as a teenager. As an adult, I&rsquo;ve had times of embracing them, amongst grace-filled friends. I&rsquo;ve also had times where I didn&rsquo;t quite want to mention them (job interview, anyone?)&nbsp;
When I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, it hit me in a way I didn&rsquo;t expect. I was emotional and self-conscious. Severe?, I thought. Though these diagnoses were what my counselors and I suspected, when I had the official word, it took me some time to process. I thought about my life and wondered, what does this mean for my future? It all felt very heavy.
I talked with my friends for some support. They said things like, this is just a snapshot of what my symptoms were like at the time of testing, and that in the future, the severity might change. Many of them also said, &ldquo;That&rsquo;s not who you are,&rdquo; and that who I am is who I am in Christ. I am trying to hold onto their words and perspective as I move forward.
In light of the diagnoses, what helped me was realizing that God can work in and through my weaknesses, that my weaknesses can become my testimony. I imagined my future and how one day, I could share with others, Yes, I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, but look at what God has done through my life. I finally had hope for the future.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about his weakness: &ldquo;&hellip;So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.&rdquo; (2 Corinthians 12:7b-8)
Paul was dealing with something uncomfortable, something he didn&rsquo;t want, so much so that he brought it before the Lord. Paul continues, &ldquo;Each time he said, &lsquo;My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.&rsquo; So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That&rsquo;s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong&rdquo; (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
This morning, I was struggling and questioned why the Lord called me to do something that would require His help. It&rsquo;s as if He helped me to understand&mdash;to overcome the difficulty of OCD in my life, I need God&rsquo;s help. I need to let Him help me, and I need to accept the help He gives me through my counselor. I thought I was supposed to figure it out and try hard.
The thing about weaknesses is that we need God. It&rsquo;s insufficiency in ourselves and finding what we need in Him. We all do and will continue to have weaknesses. What Paul is talking about in this scripture is actually delighting in his weaknesses. Why? Because it&rsquo;s in our weaknesses that the Lord shows his power. That&rsquo;s something to rejoice in.
Have you ever had a circumstance that was difficult, a weakness that was uncomfortable or you didn&rsquo;t understand? Have you seen any evidence of God working through it? Invite Him into these spaces. Ask Him to show You how His &ldquo;power works best in" your own weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we share about what God has done in our lives through our weaknesses or in the midst of difficult circumstances, we share our testimony with others. God can be glorified through it, through us.
Further Reading:
1 Peter 4:19
Romans 8:28

Your Weakness May Be Your Testimony

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God Uses Empty Cups

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