Join us as we reflect on how trusting in God during our suffering can ultimately lead to greater spiritual growth, strengthened faith, and a deeper understanding of His unfailing love.

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Join us as we reflect on how trusting in God during our suffering can ultimately lead to greater spiritual growth, strengthened faith, and a deeper understanding of His unfailing love.
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

Trusting God to Bring Good From Our Suffering

Do you tend to be seasoned with grace and salt in your words with others or do you need help in this area? How can you be prayerful and Spirit-led in your discussions with unbelievers? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with peace as you share the love of Jesus with those who do not know Him. 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Full of Grace, Seasoned with Salt
Written By: Emma Danzey

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians is a beautiful letter in the Bible written by Paul while he was in prison to the church of Colossae. As he concludes his letter to the people, he makes a point to be devoted to prayer and make the most of every opportunity with outsiders. (unbelievers) His advice is found in verse 6. As we break it down today, may we do so remembering those around us on the outside of the kingdom of God.  

“Let your Conversation be Always Full of Grace”

First of all, the fact that a conversation is being had with unbelievers should remind us that we are to be in relationship and regularly around those who do not know Jesus. This is part of God’s plan for us to shine in the darkness of the world for Him. We are not just to walk past those who do not love Jesus, we are to converse with them, get to know them, ask them questions, and genuinely care about them. 

I confess this can be a challenge in my own life. I do not always want to, “make time” for people who do not know Jesus. It can be awkward and it can feel like a lot of pouring out compared to others relationships in my life. However, this is the call of a believer to go and share the gospel. Jesus spent a significant amount of time with people who did not know God, so He could reveal Himself to them. We are called and commanded to go and make disciples just like He did.

Paul teaches that we are to always be full of grace. This is huge because unbelievers will attack our faith in Christ, the world hates Jesus and His Word. However, as we live out grace in our conversations, it reveals the deep love that the Lord has for us and for them. We know that it is by grace we have been saved, so when we model that grace in our conversations with unbelievers, it gives them a view of the love of Jesus. No matter what they are saying to us, we can respond in ways that they do not deserve, grace is a gift from God that is significant in the witness of a follower of Christ.

“Seasoned with Salt,”

This is not the only time in the Bible when salt is mentioned in regard to the life of a Christian. Old Testament believers were to season their offerings to God with salt (Leviticus 2:13), King David had a covenant of salt with the Lord (2 Chronicles 13:5), we are told that we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), and salt is referred to being at peace with others. (Mark 9:50)

As we reflect on all of these purposes of salt, we can remember that salt adds flavor, it preserves, and it is part of an offering of worship to God. We can add spiritual conversation that causes unbelievers to crave more of Jesus. We can speak in ways that preserve relationships with those who do not have relationships with Jesus. We can worship the Lord by the ways we speak to the people that He has created in His image.

“So that you May Know How to Answer Everyone”

It is difficult to know how to answer questions of unbelievers sometimes, but God has given us clarity in how we can answer everyone. When we focus on being full of grace and seasoned with salt through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence in our responses. There is peace in knowing that this is only possible with the help of God. One of the fruits of the Spirit is peace. We can be people who know how to answer in peaceful ways even if the answers are challenging or different from the world’s. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Do you tend to be seasoned with grace and salt in your words with others or do you need help in this area? How can you be prayerful and Spirit-led in your discussions with unbelievers? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with peace as you share the love of Jesus with those who do not know Him. 

Further Reading:
Matthew 5:13
Mark 9:50
Ephesians 2:8

Do you tend to be seasoned with grace and salt in your words with others or do you need help in this area? How can you be prayerful and Spirit-led in your discussions with unbelievers? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with peace as you share the love of Jesus with those who do not know Him. 
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>
Full Transcript Below:
Full of Grace, Seasoned with Salt Written By: Emma Danzey
Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians is a beautiful letter in the Bible written by Paul while he was in prison to the church of Colossae. As he concludes his letter to the people, he makes a point to be devoted to prayer and make the most of every opportunity with outsiders. (unbelievers) His advice is found in verse 6. As we break it down today, may we do so remembering those around us on the outside of the kingdom of God.  
“Let your Conversation be Always Full of Grace”
First of all, the fact that a conversation is being had with unbelievers should remind us that we are to be in relationship and regularly around those who do not know Jesus. This is part of God’s plan for us to shine in the darkness of the world for Him. We are not just to walk past those who do not love Jesus, we are to converse with them, get to know them, ask them questions, and genuinely care about them. 
I confess this can be a challenge in my own life. I do not always want to, “make time” for people who do not know Jesus. It can be awkward and it can feel like a lot of pouring out compared to others relationships in my life. However, this is the call of a believer to go and share the gospel. Jesus spent a significant amount of time with people who did not know God, so He could reveal Himself to them. We are called and commanded to go and make disciples just like He did.
Paul teaches that we are to always be full of grace. This is huge because unbelievers will attack our faith in Christ, the world hates Jesus and His Word. However, as we live out grace in our conversations, it reveals the deep love that the Lord has for us and for them. We know that it is by grace we have been saved, so when we model that grace in our conversations with unbelievers, it gives them a view of the love of Jesus. No matter what they are saying to us, we can respond in ways that they do not deserve, grace is a gift from God that is significant in the witness of a follower of Christ.
“Seasoned with Salt,”
This is not the only time in the Bible when salt is mentioned in regard to the life of a Christian. Old Testament believers were to season their offerings to God with salt (Leviticus 2:13), King David had a covenant of salt with the Lord (2 Chronicles 13:5), we are told that we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), and salt is referred to being at peace with others. (Mark 9:50)
As we reflect on all of these purposes of salt, we can remember that salt adds flavor, it preserves, and it is part of an offering of worship to God. We can add spiritual conversation that causes unbelievers to crave more of Jesus. We can speak in ways that preserve relationships with those who do not have relationships with Jesus. We can worship the Lord by the ways we speak to the people that He has created in His image.
“So that you May Know How to Answer Everyone”
It is difficult to know how to answer questions of unbelievers sometimes, but God has given us clarity in how we can answer everyone. When we focus on being full of grace and seasoned with salt through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence in our responses. There is peace in knowing that this is only possible with the help of God. One of the fruits of the Spirit is peace. We can be people who know how to answer in peaceful ways even if the answers are challenging or different from the world’s. 
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Do you tend to be seasoned with grace and salt in your words with others or do you need help in this area? How can you be prayerful and Spirit-led in your discussions with unbelievers? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with peace as you share the love of Jesus with those who do not know Him. 
Further Reading:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Matthew 5:13</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mark 9:50</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ephesians 2:8</li>
</ul>

Full of Grace, Seasoned with Salt

In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Wisdom Begins with Awe

By: Whitney Hopler

“Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7, CEB 

Sitting in the sanctuary of the Washington National Cathedral, I enjoyed a powerful experience of sound and light. Majestic organ music reverberated off the cathedral’s stone walls so strongly that I could feel the vibrations. Sunlight streamed in through the colorful stained-glass windows around me. As the sound and light washed over me and directed my attention to God, I felt a sense of awe. Everything that had distracted me earlier – such as my to-do list and stories I’d read in the news that day – cleared out of my mind so I could focus on God. I learned more of God’s wisdom that day, as awe helped me pay attention to the Creator of all sound and light. Awe enlarged my perspective, giving me reverence for God and inspiring me to seek God’s wisdom. 

In Proverbs 1:7, the Bible reveals that wisdom starts with fearing God. In our modern context, the word “fear” often has negative connotations. It usually refers to something scary. However, in the biblical sense, fearing God isn’t about being afraid of him. Instead, it’s about feeling awe for God. It’s recognizing that God is perfectly loving, holy, and powerful – and letting that inspire a deep sense of reverence for God in our souls. “The fear of the LORD” refers to being in awe of who God is. It means recognizing God’s greatness and seeking God’s guidance for our lives because we know that God truly knows what’s best for us. 

This awe of God is the foundation of wisdom because it reorients our entire perspective. When we live in awe of God, we understand that God is the source of all truth and knowledge. We realize that our human understanding is limited, and we need God’s guidance to make the best decisions in life. This humility before God is where true wisdom begins. It leads us to practice discernment, which helps us learn which choices are truly the best ones to make day by day.

The second part of Proverbs 1:7 contrasts the wise with those who are foolish: “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Fools, according to the Bible, are people who reject God’s ways, believing they know better. They refuse to be taught, preferring their own ideas and desires over the wisdom that comes from God. In essence, they live without regard for God’s authority, and as a result, their lives are full of confusion and stress. 

Seeking wisdom, on the other hand, is not just about intellectual knowledge. It’s about living in harmony with God’s will and purposes. When we fear the Lord, we begin to see life from God’s perspective. We start to value what God values and desire to live according to his ways. This kind of wisdom is practical, and comes from our relationships with God. We find the inspiration we need to seek wisdom by discovering and appreciating the wonder of God’s work in our lives. The more we experience God’s wonder and feel awe, the more inspired we become to grow closer to God and learn from his wisdom. We respect our Creator’s ultimate authority and recognize him as the source of all that is good and true. We trust God knows what’s best for us, even when we don’t fully understand his ways. This kind of trust requires us to let go of our pride and open ourselves up to God’s work in every part of our lives. 

When we are in awe of the Lord, we welcome wisdom into our lives. This doesn’t mean we will never face challenges or make mistakes. But it does mean that our lives will be grounded in the truth of who God is. We will be guided by God’s wisdom, which will always lead us to what’s best. 

In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. 

So, let’s embrace this reverent awe of the Lord every day. As we do, we will find that God’s wisdom is not only accessible but abundantly available to us! 

Intersecting Faith and Life

As you consider how wisdom begins with awe, reflect on these questions: 
When have you recently felt a deep sense of reverent awe for God? How did that experience inspire you to seek God’s wisdom? 
In what ways does experiencing awe for God give you a fresh perspective so you can make important decisions with wisdom? 
What practical steps can you take to experience more of God’s wonder and develop more awe for God? 

Further Reading

Proverbs 9:10

Psalm 111:10

James 1:5

Job 28:28

Ecclesiastes 12:13

In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. 
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>
Full Transcript Below:
Wisdom Begins with Awe
By: Whitney Hopler 
“Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7, CEB 
Sitting in the sanctuary of the Washington National Cathedral, I enjoyed a powerful experience of sound and light. Majestic organ music reverberated off the cathedral’s stone walls so strongly that I could feel the vibrations. Sunlight streamed in through the colorful stained-glass windows around me. As the sound and light washed over me and directed my attention to God, I felt a sense of awe. Everything that had distracted me earlier – such as my to-do list and stories I’d read in the news that day – cleared out of my mind so I could focus on God. I learned more of God’s wisdom that day, as awe helped me pay attention to the Creator of all sound and light. Awe enlarged my perspective,<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-the-bible-means-when-it-says-the-fear-of-the-lord-is-the-beginning-of-wisdom.html"> giving me reverence for God and inspiring me to seek God’s wisdom</a>. 
In Proverbs 1:7, the Bible reveals that wisdom starts with fearing God. In our modern context, the word “fear” often has negative connotations. It usually refers to something scary. However, in the biblical sense, fearing God isn’t about being afraid of him. Instead, it’s about feeling awe for God. It’s recognizing that God is perfectly loving, holy, and powerful – and letting that inspire a deep sense of reverence for God in our souls. “The fear of the LORD” refers to being in awe of who God is. It means recognizing God’s greatness and seeking God’s guidance for our lives because we know that God truly knows what’s best for us. 
This awe of God is the foundation of wisdom because it reorients our entire perspective. When we live in awe of God, we understand that God is the source of all truth and knowledge. We realize that our human understanding is limited, and we need God’s guidance to make the best decisions in life. This humility before God is where true wisdom begins. It leads us to<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/things-i-learned-about-discernment.html"> practice discernment</a>, which helps us learn which choices are truly the best ones to make day by day.
The second part of Proverbs 1:7 contrasts the wise with those who are foolish: “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Fools, according to the Bible, are people who reject God’s ways, believing they know better. They refuse to be taught, preferring their own ideas and desires over the wisdom that comes from God. In essence, they live without regard for God’s authority, and as a result, their lives are full of confusion and stress. 
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-are-the-seven-pillars-of-wisdom.html">Seeking wisdom</a>, on the other hand, is not just about intellectual knowledge. It’s about living in harmony with God’s will and purposes. When we fear the Lord, we begin to see life from God’s perspective. We start to value what God values and desire to live according to his ways. This kind of wisdom is practical, and comes from our relationships with God. We find the inspiration we need to seek wisdom by<a href="https://amzn.to/2Ghj2kp"> discovering and appreciating the wonder of God’s work in our lives</a>. The more we experience God’s wonder and feel awe, the more inspired we become to grow closer to God and learn from his wisdom. We respect our Creator’s ultimate authority and recognize him as the source of all that is good and true. We trust God knows what’s best for us, even when we don’t fully understand his ways. This kind of trust requires us to let go of our pride and open ourselves up to God’s work in every part of our lives. 
When we are in awe of the Lord, we welcome wisdom into our lives. This doesn’t mean we will never face challenges or make mistakes. But it does mean that our lives will be grounded in the truth of who God is. We will be guided by God’s wisdom, which will always lead us to what’s best. 
In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. 
So, let’s embrace this reverent awe of the Lord every day. As we do, we will find that God’s wisdom is not only accessible but abundantly available to us! 
Intersecting Faith and Life 
As you consider how wisdom begins with awe, reflect on these questions: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">When have you recently felt a deep sense of reverent awe for God? How did that experience inspire you to seek God’s wisdom? </li>
<li aria-level="1">In what ways does experiencing awe for God give you a fresh perspective so you can make important decisions with wisdom? </li>
<li aria-level="1">What practical steps can you take to experience more of God’s wonder and develop more awe for God? </li>
</ul>
Further Reading
Proverbs 9:10
Psalm 111:10
James 1:5
Job 28:28
Ecclesiastes 12:13

Wisdom Begins with Awe

Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God.

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Finding Hope in God after a Distressing Diagnosis

By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 

Recently, I have been in and out of doctor’s appointments nonstop. Due to persistent pain and flu-like symptoms, I went to the doctor to try to get help and later had to go to the hospital. With all the symptoms I’m having and the tests that have been run, my doctors have come to the conclusion that I have an incurable diagnosis. What I first thought was a virus turned out to be my body attacking itself in a faulty autoimmune response. 

Sadly, this diagnosis will stay with me for the rest of my life as there is no cure. Thankfully there are medicines to alleviate pain and symptoms. Throughout the course of this illness and the long process of my diagnosis, I have had periods where my trust in God deepens as well as I have had times where I question His goodness. Sometimes we have to experience both of these things before we emerge on the other side. 

At first, my walk with God suffered due to my intense symptoms. I felt as though God had left me to the wolves and my lot in life was to suffer. During an intense episode of symptoms, I thought I might die of the pain and I reasoned with myself that I was ready to go. There have also been times where I prayed for God just to take my life because I was in so much pain and I wanted the pain to just end. 

As time has progressed, I have seen God in my pain. While He did not cause the pain, I know He is helping me through it. My symptoms have gotten better at times and this shows me God is working through the situation. Through continued prayers and petitions, I have acknowledged my dependence on Him. Even though He will not take me out of this situation, He will walk with me through this valley of death (Psalm 23). 

Most of the time we think about how much an incurable diagnosis has taken from us, but I try to think about the things it has given me. The things it has given me is a renewed love for things I once enjoyed and the opportunity to appreciate the little things in life. My incurable diagnosis has filled my life with new changes and sometimes I am too tired to even get to talk walks—something I once used to enjoy. 

However, on the days I feel good, these little blessings are all the greater. Being able to take an hour walk and feel good is a true blessing. I used to see exercise as a punishment to my body, but now I see it as a gift. Feeling good enough to go out for a walk, go for a hike, or run through a field are all gifts from the Lord.

It is funny how we take these things for granted when we are feeling well, yet we crave them when we are ill. When we face an incurable diagnosis, we start being thankful for these little things and these mighty wonders. What might be an everyday task for someone could be a blessing in disguise for someone with an incurable diagnosis. 

Each day is a gift, but sometimes our joy has to be taken away before we truly see its beauty. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Apostle Paul tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). As Paul says here, God is the God of all hope, and He will fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him. All of this will ensure our hearts overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Whenever our incurable diagnosis has us feeling down, we need to turn to God. He can fill us with hope as we trust in Him. It can be hard to trust God with hard things, such as an incurable diagnosis, but we need to trust Him with all things. Although God doesn’t normally heal people supernaturally in the present day, there is no reason to believe that He won’t help us go into remission and fight our illnesses.

Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God.

Challenge Questions:
Is it hard for you to find hope in God during difficult times?
Are you facing an incurable diagnosis? How might you find hope in Him today?
Whether you have an incurable diagnosis or not, you can still take time to thank God for the little things. What might you thank Him for today?

“Dear God, coping with this incurable diagnosis has been very hard. Looking ahead, I only see pain, tears, and bitterness. I’m giving all of these fears over to You. I don’t know what will happen to me, but I trust in You. Please heal me and give my soul lasting peace. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”  

Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God.
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>
Full Transcript Below:
Finding Hope in God after a Distressing Diagnosis
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 
Recently, I have been in and out of doctor’s appointments nonstop. Due to persistent pain and flu-like symptoms, I went to the doctor to try to get help and later had to go to the hospital. With all the symptoms I’m having and the tests that have been run, my doctors have come to the conclusion that I have an incurable diagnosis. What I first thought was a virus turned out to be my body attacking itself in a faulty autoimmune response. 
Sadly, this diagnosis will stay with me for the rest of my life as there is no cure. Thankfully there are medicines to alleviate pain and symptoms. Throughout the course of this illness and the long process of my diagnosis, I have had periods where my trust in God deepens as well as I have had times where I question His goodness. Sometimes we have to experience both of these things before we emerge on the other side. 
At first, my walk with God suffered due to my intense symptoms. I felt as though God had left me to the wolves and my lot in life was to suffer. During an intense episode of symptoms, I thought I might die of the pain and I reasoned with myself that I was ready to go. There have also been times where I prayed for God just to take my life because I was in so much pain and I wanted the pain to just end. 
As time has progressed, I have seen God in my pain. While He did not cause the pain, I know He is helping me through it. My symptoms have gotten better at times and this shows me God is working through the situation. Through continued prayers and petitions, I have acknowledged my dependence on Him. Even though He will not take me out of this situation, He will walk with me through this valley of death (Psalm 23). 
Most of the time we think about how much an incurable diagnosis has taken from us, but I try to think about the things it has given me. The things it has given me is a renewed love for things I once enjoyed and the opportunity to appreciate the little things in life. My incurable diagnosis has filled my life with new changes and sometimes I am too tired to even get to talk walks—something I once used to enjoy. 
However, on the days I feel good, these little blessings are all the greater. Being able to take an hour walk and feel good is a true blessing. I used to see exercise as a punishment to my body, but now I see it as a gift. Feeling good enough to go out for a walk, go for a hike, or run through a field are all gifts from the Lord.
It is funny how we take these things for granted when we are feeling well, yet we crave them when we are ill. When we face an incurable diagnosis, we start being thankful for these little things and these mighty wonders. What might be an everyday task for someone could be a blessing in disguise for someone with an incurable diagnosis. 
Each day is a gift, but sometimes our joy has to be taken away before we truly see its beauty. 
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
The Apostle Paul tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). As Paul says here, God is the God of all hope, and He will fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him. All of this will ensure our hearts overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Whenever our incurable diagnosis has us feeling down, we need to turn to God. He can fill us with hope as we trust in Him. It can be hard to trust God with hard things, such as an incurable diagnosis, but we need to trust Him with all things. Although God doesn’t normally heal people supernaturally in the present day, there is no reason to believe that He won’t help us go into remission and fight our illnesses.
Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God.
Challenge Questions:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Is it hard for you to find hope in God during difficult times?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Are you facing an incurable diagnosis? How might you find hope in Him today?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Whether you have an incurable diagnosis or not, you can still take time to thank God for the little things. What might you thank Him for today?</li>
</ul>
“Dear God, coping with this incurable diagnosis has been very hard. Looking ahead, I only see pain, tears, and bitterness. I’m giving all of these fears over to You. I don’t know what will happen to me, but I trust in You. Please heal me and give my soul lasting peace. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”

Trusting God to Bring Good From Our Suffering

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