Worry has a way of igniting a series of “what-ifs.” These thoughts trickle down from our heads to our hearts with a lit fuse ready to detonate an explosion of fear. Yet, sure-footed in God’s Truth, we can stomp out these sparks quickly and rest in His peace instead. - Megan Evans

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/

Worry has a way of igniting a series of “what-ifs.” These thoughts trickle down from our heads to our hearts with a lit fuse ready to detonate an explosion of fear. Yet, sure-footed in God’s Truth, we can stomp out these sparks quickly and rest in His peace instead. - Megan Evans
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

What to Do with Our What Ifs

When was the last time you were overwhelmed with wonder?

In Mark 9, the crowd didn’t hesitate when they saw Jesus. They ran toward Him — filled with awe. No overthinking. No self-conscious restraint. Just pure wonder.

Somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities, and routines, it’s easy to lose that sense of awe. Life shrinks to the size of a to-do list. Faith becomes familiar. And wonder quietly fades into the background.

But Jesus hasn’t stopped working.

In this episode, we rediscover how slowing down, paying attention, and expecting Jesus to move can awaken a fresh sense of wonder in our everyday lives.

What We Discuss


How busyness dulls spiritual awareness


Why wonder is not a luxury — it’s fuel for faith


The difference between dramatic miracles and everyday miracles


How expectation shapes what we notice


Practical habits that help us stay spiritually attentive


Why wonder naturally draws us closer to Jesus

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Let Jesus Overwhelm You with Wonder
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” - Mark 9:15, NIV 

When you really look at Jesus, you see the wonder of God’s work in this world. In Mark 9:15, people caught a glimpse of Jesus, and they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. They didn’t hesitate or worry about what others might say about their enthusiastic response. They simply let themselves be inspired with awe when they encountered Jesus. 

It’s easy to lose a sense of wonder when you’re dealing with the stress of living in this fallen world. Responsibilities pile up and demand your attention. You get used to going through your routine, doing what needs to be done. You may be working so hard that you start to think about enjoying wonder as a luxury you can’t afford with your busy schedule. If so, your life will shrink down to the level of your to-do list. You’ll miss the greater perspective of the wonderful work Jesus is doing around you. 

Don’t let that happen to you! Jesus hasn’t stopped working in amazing ways, just like he did during biblical times. Jesus is still inspiring people with awe on a regular basis. The question is: are you looking for him? 

Wonder doesn’t always appear with dramatic miracles. Often, wonder happens through everyday miracles. You can find wonder in quiet yet powerful ways, like through a colorful sunset, someone’s act of kindness, or a sense of peace God gives you during a challenging situation. 

Jesus is already doing wonderful work in your life. You just have to slow down long enough to notice. 

When the crowd in Mark chapter 9 saw Jesus, they recognized him because they were paying attention. They had focused minds and open hearts that helped them expect the best from Jesus. The process of discovering wonder often starts with expecting Jesus to do something wonderful in your life. 

Imagine walking into each day with your eyes wide open, asking Jesus to show you what he wants to show you. If you start doing that, you’ll start noticing all sorts of wonder in your life that you’d previously overlooked. Then, you’ll wake up to the wonder of who Jesus really is. You’ll realize that Jesus is so amazing that you can’t help but be inspired to worship him. The more you notice Jesus and let him overwhelm you with wonder, the more you’ll want to run to him, just like the people in Mark 9:15 did. 

Wonder draws you close to Jesus! 

So, give yourself the time and attention you need to really look for the wonder of Jesus’ work in your life every day. Make your relationship with Jesus a top priority in your daily schedule. Stay connected to Jesus throughout each day by checking in with him regularly through prayer. Ask Jesus to help you notice what he’s doing in every single part of your life – including areas where you haven’t expected him to show up much before. Pray for Jesus to give you a fresh perspective, so your senses aren’t dulled by routine or weighed down by busyness. 

When you do see Jesus at work, let yourself enjoy it. Take the time to really reflect on it, and celebrate it! Let your encounters with Jesus’ wonder strengthen your faith. 

Wonder doesn’t just make you feel good; it draws you deeper into a relationship with Jesus. It reminds you that Jesus is with you right here and now, working in your life in ways that accomplish good purposes for you.

This day – this ordinary day, with all of its stressful situations – is still full of opportunities to see Jesus. You just have to look. The more you look, the more you’ll realize that Jesus has been there all along. 

Let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder again. When you do, you’ll find yourself wanting to run toward him! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder, reflect on these questions: 
When was the last time you felt truly overwhelmed with wonder at what Jesus was doing in your life? 
What daily habits can help you slow down, pay attention more, and notice Jesus more often? 
Are there any areas of your life where you’ve stopped expecting Jesus to show up? If so, how can you start expecting the best instead of the worst in those areas? 
How would your perspective change if you started each day by asking Jesus to help you be more aware of his presence with you throughout your day? 

Further Reading:
Psalm 65:8
Psalm 77:14
Psalm 145:5
Job 37:14
Jeremiah 29:13

When was the last time you were overwhelmed with wonder?
In Mark 9, the crowd didn&rsquo;t hesitate when they saw Jesus. They ran toward Him &mdash; filled with awe. No overthinking. No self-conscious restraint. Just pure wonder.
Somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities, and routines, it&rsquo;s easy to lose that sense of awe. Life shrinks to the size of a to-do list. Faith becomes familiar. And wonder quietly fades into the background.
But Jesus hasn&rsquo;t stopped working.
In this episode, we rediscover how slowing down, paying attention, and expecting Jesus to move can awaken a fresh sense of wonder in our everyday lives.
<hr data-start="934" data-end="937">
What We Discuss
<ul data-start="959" data-end="1274">
<li data-start="959" data-end="1001">
How busyness dulls spiritual awareness
</li>
<li data-start="1002" data-end="1054">
Why wonder is not a luxury &mdash; it&rsquo;s fuel for faith
</li>
<li data-start="1055" data-end="1121">
The difference between dramatic miracles and everyday miracles
</li>
<li data-start="1122" data-end="1163">
How expectation shapes what we notice
</li>
<li data-start="1164" data-end="1224">
Practical habits that help us stay spiritually attentive
</li>
<li data-start="1225" data-end="1274">
Why wonder naturally draws us closer to Jesus
</li>
</ul>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Let Jesus Overwhelm You with Wonder By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading: &ldquo;As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.&rdquo; - Mark 9:15, NIV&nbsp;
When you really look at Jesus, you see the wonder of God&rsquo;s work in this world. In Mark 9:15, people caught a glimpse of Jesus, and they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. They didn&rsquo;t hesitate or worry about what others might say about their enthusiastic response. They simply let themselves be inspired with awe when they encountered Jesus.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s easy to lose a sense of wonder when you&rsquo;re dealing with the stress of living in this fallen world. Responsibilities pile up and demand your attention. You get used to going through your routine, doing what needs to be done. You may be working so hard that you start to think about enjoying wonder as a luxury you can&rsquo;t afford with your busy schedule. If so, your life will shrink down to the level of your to-do list. You&rsquo;ll miss the greater perspective of the wonderful work Jesus is doing around you.&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t let that happen to you! Jesus hasn&rsquo;t stopped working in amazing ways, just like he did during biblical times. Jesus is still inspiring people with awe on a regular basis. The question is: are you looking for him?&nbsp;
Wonder doesn&rsquo;t always appear with dramatic miracles. Often, wonder happens through<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/miracles-that-cannot-be-counted-the-crosswalk-devotional.html"> everyday miracles</a>. You can find wonder in quiet yet powerful ways, like through a colorful sunset, someone&rsquo;s act of kindness, or a sense of peace God gives you during a challenging situation.&nbsp;
Jesus is already doing wonderful work in your life. You just have to slow down long enough to notice.&nbsp;
When the crowd in Mark chapter 9 saw Jesus, they recognized him because they were paying attention. They had focused minds and open hearts that helped them<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/expect-the-best-from-god-the-crosswalk-devotional.html"> expect the best from Jesus</a>. The process of discovering wonder often starts with expecting Jesus to do something wonderful in your life.&nbsp;
Imagine walking into each day with your eyes wide open, asking Jesus to show you what he wants to show you. If you start doing that, you&rsquo;ll start noticing all sorts of wonder in your life that you&rsquo;d previously overlooked. Then, you&rsquo;ll wake up to the wonder of who Jesus really is. You&rsquo;ll realize that Jesus is so amazing that you can&rsquo;t help but be inspired to worship him. The more you notice Jesus and let him overwhelm you with wonder, the more you&rsquo;ll want to run to him, just like the people in Mark 9:15 did.&nbsp;
Wonder draws you close to Jesus!&nbsp;
So, give yourself the time and attention you need to really<a href="https://amzn.to/4fbNBmU"> look for the wonder of Jesus&rsquo; work in your life every day</a>. Make your relationship with Jesus a top priority in your daily schedule. Stay connected to Jesus throughout each day by checking in with him regularly through prayer. Ask Jesus to help you notice what he&rsquo;s doing in every single part of your life &ndash; including areas where you haven&rsquo;t expected him to show up much before. Pray for Jesus to give you a fresh perspective, so your senses aren&rsquo;t dulled by routine or weighed down by busyness.&nbsp;
When you do see Jesus at work, let yourself enjoy it. Take the time to really reflect on it, and celebrate it! Let your encounters with Jesus&rsquo; wonder strengthen your faith.&nbsp;
Wonder doesn&rsquo;t just make you feel good; it draws you deeper into a relationship with Jesus. It reminds you that Jesus is with you right here and now, working in your life in ways that accomplish good purposes for you.
This day &ndash; this ordinary day, with all of its stressful situations &ndash; is still full of opportunities to see Jesus. You just have to look. The more you look, the more you&rsquo;ll realize that Jesus has been there all along.&nbsp;
Let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder again. When you do, you&rsquo;ll find yourself wanting to run toward him!&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
As you consider how to let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder, reflect on these questions:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">When was the last time you felt truly overwhelmed with wonder at what Jesus was doing in your life?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">What daily habits can help you slow down, pay attention more, and notice Jesus more often?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Are there any areas of your life where you&rsquo;ve stopped expecting Jesus to show up? If so, how can you start expecting the best instead of the worst in those areas?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">How would your perspective change if you started each day by asking Jesus to help you<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-notice-god-with-you-throughout-your-day.html"> be more aware of his presence with you throughout your day</a>?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Further Reading: Psalm 65:8 Psalm 77:14 Psalm 145:5 Job 37:14 Jeremiah 29:13

Let Jesus Overwhelm You with Wonder

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/22601e4b-fda7-4d0d-9532-b3fa012595e0/transcript

Winter eventually gives way to spring. The sun always returns — even if it takes longer than we’d like. Life works the same way.

In this episode, we talk about walking through spiritual winters — the long seasons of hardship, disappointment, or discouragement where change feels painfully slow. What do we do when prayers seem unanswered? When circumstances don’t shift? When the valley stretches on?

Psalm 23 reminds us of something powerful: even in the darkest valley, we are not alone.

The sun may feel hidden — but God is not absent.

What We Discuss


Why difficult seasons are part of the Christian life


The danger of obsessing over our problems


How self-focus can unintentionally magnify hardship


Practical ways to stay encouraged during long valleys


Learning contentment when God says “not yet”


Paul’s example of trusting grace in weakness


Preparing spiritually before the next hard season arrives

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Waiting for the Sun to Shine Again

By: Aaron D’Anthony Brown

Bible Reading:

“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, CSB)

I was one of the many waiting for the sun to shine again after a long, cold winter. Eventually it does return, albeit more slowly than we might wish. Life can be like that sometimes, where tough situations are slow to change and improve.

When you find yourself feeling down and out, how do you respond? Do you turn to God and patiently wait for the bad times to pass? Do you develop a bad attitude to match the circumstances? Or do you just go with the flow?

As Christians, we pray to God with anticipation and hope for the good times of life. There are many of them. However, again, as Christians, we also know that God doesn’t solely promise us good times. The bad times are, in fact, a part of this miracle we call life. And they’re just as important.

In effect, life is an alternating sequence of seasons in which we experience highs and lows. Those upbeat moments are much easier to handle and appreciate. The difficulties, on the other hand, can leave us scratching our heads, wondering when God will step in to rescue us.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Everyone at some point will be waiting for the sun to shine again.

Don’t focus on your problems.

One major mistake people often make when struggling in life is harping on their misfortunes. They pray about it, think about it, and talk about it a lot. Not only that, but our culture promotes ideas such as self-love and affirmation so often that people think good vibes will cast away their problems. Life’s not so simple. In fact, focusing on yourself often makes the problem seem bigger than it is.

So, what’s the solution? Think less about yourself and more about others. Rather than dwell on the bad things happening, spend some time thinking about the good. Go out and do good in the world. What you will discover is that sometimes the problems go away, and even if they don’t, when your mind is set on other things, the problems were never as bad as you originally thought.

Find ways to stay encouraged.

Choosing not to focus on your problems doesn’t magically make you feel better. Hard times can still leave us feeling sad, angry, and worse, suicidal. That’s why it’s important that we know how to find encouragement. Your specific ways may look different from mine, but what’s important is that we have a reliable game plan. The bad times will come. That’s a certainty. And when they do, wisdom calls for us to be prepared.

Take some time to consider where you currently find encouragement and where else you ought to go. Some helpful solutions include prayer, church, loved ones, a gratitude journal, exercise, producing art, and so much more.

Learn contentment.

Sometimes God says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. The latter can be difficult to understand, especially when you feel so justified in your pleas to the Lord. However, God is God. He’s not going to change a circumstance every time we ask. There could be a lesson for us to learn, or maybe we’re feeling the effects of sin, or both.

As Paul learned to be satisfied with God’s grace as he struggled with a thorn in the flesh, so too must we. Based on how he lived, the formula for contentment is probably something like faith plus patience plus gratitude.

Obviously, that’s contrary to our human nature and won’t come naturally. Yet, God is able to supply all of our needs and desires to see us grow. We have to do our part to seek that growth. The valleys of life will come and come again. That’s a fact. Yet, we can also be well-prepared to handle.

Waiting for the sun to shine again is not easy, but you know that it’s coming. Take hope today.

Further Reading (and Listening):

Psalm 13

Romans 8:18

John 16:33

“I Smile” by Kirk Franklin

“NO LONGER BOUND” by Forrest Frank & Hulvey

Winter eventually gives way to spring. The sun always returns &mdash; even if it takes longer than we&rsquo;d like.&nbsp;Life works the same way.
In this episode, we talk about walking through spiritual winters &mdash; the long seasons of hardship, disappointment, or discouragement where change feels painfully slow. What do we do when prayers seem unanswered? When circumstances don&rsquo;t shift? When the valley stretches on?
Psalm 23 reminds us of something powerful: even in the darkest valley, we are not alone.
The sun may feel hidden &mdash; but God is not absent.
<hr data-start="894" data-end="897">
What We Discuss
<ul data-start="919" data-end="1295">
<li data-start="919" data-end="975">
Why difficult seasons are part of the Christian life
</li>
<li data-start="976" data-end="1021">
The danger of obsessing over our problems
</li>
<li data-start="1022" data-end="1077">
How self-focus can unintentionally magnify hardship
</li>
<li data-start="1078" data-end="1135">
Practical ways to stay encouraged during long valleys
</li>
<li data-start="1136" data-end="1184">
Learning contentment when God says &ldquo;not yet&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="1185" data-end="1233">
Paul&rsquo;s example of trusting grace in weakness
</li>
<li data-start="1234" data-end="1295">
Preparing spiritually before the next hard season arrives
</li>
</ul>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Waiting for the Sun to Shine Again
By: Aaron D&rsquo;Anthony Brown Bible Reading:
&ldquo;Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff&mdash;they comfort me.&rdquo; (Psalm 23:4, CSB)
I was one of the many waiting for the sun to shine again after a long, cold winter. Eventually it does return, albeit more slowly than we might wish. Life can be like that sometimes, where tough situations are slow to change and improve.
When you find yourself feeling down and out, how do you respond? Do you turn to God and patiently wait for the bad times to pass? Do you develop a bad attitude to match the circumstances? Or do you just go with the flow?
As Christians, we pray to God with anticipation and hope for the good times of life. There are many of them. However, again, as Christians, we also know that God doesn&rsquo;t solely promise us good times. The bad times are, in fact, a part of this miracle we call life. And they&rsquo;re just as important.
In effect, life is an alternating sequence of seasons in which we experience highs and lows. Those upbeat moments are much easier to handle and appreciate. The difficulties, on the other hand, can leave us scratching our heads, wondering when God will step in to rescue us.
If this sounds like you, you&rsquo;re not alone. Everyone at some point will be waiting for the sun to shine again.
Don&rsquo;t focus on your problems.
One major mistake people often make when struggling in life is harping on their misfortunes. They pray about it, think about it, and talk about it a lot. Not only that, but our culture promotes ideas such as self-love and affirmation so often that people think good vibes will cast away their problems. Life&rsquo;s not so simple. In fact, focusing on yourself often makes the problem seem bigger than it is.
So, what&rsquo;s the solution? Think less about yourself and more about others. Rather than dwell on the bad things happening, spend some time thinking about the good. Go out and do good in the world. What you will discover is that sometimes the problems go away, and even if they don&rsquo;t, when your mind is set on other things, the problems were never as bad as you originally thought.
Find ways to stay encouraged.
Choosing not to focus on your problems doesn&rsquo;t magically make you feel better. Hard times can still leave us feeling sad, angry, and worse, suicidal. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important that we know how to find encouragement. Your specific ways may look different from mine, but what&rsquo;s important is that we have a reliable game plan. The bad times will come. That&rsquo;s a certainty. And when they do, wisdom calls for us to be prepared.
Take some time to consider where you currently find encouragement and where else you ought to go. Some helpful solutions include prayer, church, loved ones, a gratitude journal, exercise, producing art, and so much more.
Learn contentment.
Sometimes God says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. The latter can be difficult to understand, especially when you feel so justified in your pleas to the Lord. However, God is God. He&rsquo;s not going to change a circumstance every time we ask. There could be a lesson for us to learn, or maybe we&rsquo;re feeling the effects of sin, or both.
As Paul learned to be satisfied with God&rsquo;s grace as he struggled with a thorn in the flesh, so too must we. Based on how he lived, the formula for contentment is probably something like faith plus patience plus gratitude.
Obviously, that&rsquo;s contrary to our human nature and won&rsquo;t come naturally. Yet, God is able to supply all of our needs and desires to see us grow. We have to do our part to seek that growth. The valleys of life will come and come again. That&rsquo;s a fact. Yet, we can also be well-prepared to handle.
Waiting for the sun to shine again is not easy, but you know that it&rsquo;s coming. Take hope today.
Further Reading (and Listening):
Psalm 13
Romans 8:18
John 16:33
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8SPwT3nQZ8">&ldquo;I Smile&rdquo; by Kirk Franklin</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zweTWjGa3rM">&ldquo;NO LONGER BOUND&rdquo; by Forrest Frank &amp; Hulvey</a>

Waiting for The Sun to Shine Again

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/007b0e97-bf04-438f-a117-b3fa01244f68/transcript

What happens when obedience to God feels risky?

In this episode, we explore the tension between love and fear — especially when someone we care about senses a calling that could cost them comfort, security, or even safety. It’s one thing to say we trust God. It’s another to release someone we love into His hands.

Looking at Paul’s final encouragement to Timothy, written from a prison cell under Emperor Nero’s brutal reign, we see something remarkable: Paul doesn’t urge caution. He doesn’t prioritize survival. Instead, he tells Timothy to fan into flame the very gift that could invite persecution.

So what gave Paul that kind of courage? And how do we cultivate it today?

What We Discuss


The internal conflict between protection and obedience


Why fear often disguises itself as wisdom


Paul’s deep relationship with Timothy — and his even deeper trust in Christ


The historical reality of persecution under Nero


What it means to “fan into flame” your spiritual gifts


How eternal perspective fuels present-day courage


Why intimacy with Christ produces boldness instead of timidity

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Fanning the Flame in Our Souls
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:5-7, NIV

Years ago, my extended family experienced a period of panic after my younger brother told us that he was praying about trying to get a job in North Korea so that he could share the gospel. I don’t remember if the country was open to this at the time, but he hoped to teach English and use his role to build relationships that could allow for spiritual conversations. My mind immediately flooded with thoughts of him in a North Korean prison, tortured for his faith–if not executed. 

I wanted to tell him all the reasons this was a terrible idea. By God’s grace, however, I stayed silent, knowing the greater danger was in encouraging him to deny God’s voice and choose self-protection over obedience. To our relief, he ultimately sensed the Lord leading him in a different direction. But that season really challenged me to investigate the depths of my belief, trust in Christ, and commitment to His mission. 

I wonder if Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote the book from which today’s passage came, ever wrestled with this inner conflict. He cared for Timothy, his mentee, deeply, and appeared to be closer to this young man than anyone else with whom he worshiped or served. He even referred to him as his “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2, NASB). Therefore, there must have been a part of him, perhaps a large part, that wanted to keep Timothy safe. 

Keep in mind, this was during the time of Nero, one of the cruelest emperors in Roman history, responsible for the horrific death of numerous Christians. Paul understood persecution. He’d been stoned, flogged, beaten with rods, and imprisoned on numerous occasions. He’d also lost relationships with many people he’d once held dear. Plus, he wrote from a dark, damp prison cell, also known as a dungeon, awaiting a likely execution. 

Considering all that, reflect on Paul’s words in verse 6 again:

“For this reason–” pointing back to his sincere faith, his rock-solid foundation in Christ. “For this reason,” he wrote, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV).

Had I been Paul, I suspect my letter to Timothy would’ve looked quite different, likely filled with all the ways he could survive the evil invading the ancient world. Perhaps, had he come to me as my brother had, I would’ve remained silent (as I did regarding North Korea), but I’m not sure I would’ve had the courage and strength to tell him to actively feed the very thing that could, and more likely than not would, result in death. (According to tradition, he was in fact martyred in 80 AD, presumably fifteen years after Paul’s execution.

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Reading Paul’s possible last words to his beloved friend and spiritual son, and reflecting on my typical reactions when those I love suffer, I’m left with an important question: What enabled Paul to respond to their intensely hostile circumstances with such faith? We discover the answer when we read his other letters. He maintained a close relationship with Christ and experienced such fulfillment from that relationship that he was able to say, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NIV).

His ongoing connection with the Lord and his practice of praying constantly also provided clarity and guidance for His most difficult circumstances and positioned him to receive God’s comfort. In his letter to the Philippians, he emphasized maintaining an eternal perspective, which extends beyond living missionally. This also means reading about and reflecting on all that awaits us in heaven. 

According to Hebrews 12:2, that was also what sustained Christ through His horrific death and all the brutality He experienced preceding it. That verse tells us to fix, as in fasten unwaveringly, our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

This tells me, the more I reflect on all the blessings I have in Christ and through Christ, today and through eternity, the greater my faith and strength to endure today’s challenges and the easier it becomes to encourage those I love to prioritize obedience to Him above all, even if that means losing all. 

Thankfully, I’m not alone in my pursuit. Jesus, the One who died that I might live throughout eternity with Him, will grow my faith, decrease my anxiety and fear, and help me to be a source of inspiration, not hindrance, to those I care about most.

He will do the same for you–if you’ll let Him.

Further Reading:
Matthew 16:24-26
Hebrews 10:24
Mark 10:43-45

What happens when obedience to God feels risky?
In this episode, we explore the tension between love and fear &mdash; especially when someone we care about senses a calling that could cost them comfort, security, or even safety. It&rsquo;s one thing to say we trust God. It&rsquo;s another to release someone we love into His hands.
Looking at Paul&rsquo;s final encouragement to Timothy, written from a prison cell under Emperor Nero&rsquo;s brutal reign, we see something remarkable: Paul doesn&rsquo;t urge caution. He doesn&rsquo;t prioritize survival. Instead, he tells Timothy to fan into flame the very gift that could invite persecution.
So what gave Paul that kind of courage? And how do we cultivate it today?
<hr data-start="1096" data-end="1099">
What We Discuss
<ul data-start="1121" data-end="1571">
<li data-start="1121" data-end="1179">
The internal conflict between protection and obedience
</li>
<li data-start="1180" data-end="1225">
Why fear often disguises itself as wisdom
</li>
<li data-start="1226" data-end="1305">
Paul&rsquo;s deep relationship with Timothy &mdash; and his even deeper trust in Christ
</li>
<li data-start="1306" data-end="1391">
The historical reality of persecution under Nero
</li>
<li data-start="1392" data-end="1450">
What it means to &ldquo;fan into flame&rdquo; your spiritual gifts
</li>
<li data-start="1451" data-end="1504">
How eternal perspective fuels present-day courage
</li>
<li data-start="1505" data-end="1571">
Why intimacy with Christ produces boldness instead of timidity
</li>
</ul>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
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<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Fanning the Flame in Our Souls By: Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading: I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:5-7, NIV
Years ago, my extended family experienced a period of panic after my younger brother told us that he was praying about trying to get a job in North Korea so that he could share the gospel. I don&rsquo;t remember if the country was open to this at the time, but he hoped to teach English and use his role to build relationships that could allow for spiritual conversations. My mind immediately flooded with thoughts of him in a North Korean prison, tortured for his faith&ndash;if not executed.&nbsp;
I wanted to tell him all the reasons this was a terrible idea. By God&rsquo;s grace, however, I stayed silent, knowing the greater danger was in encouraging him to deny God&rsquo;s voice and choose self-protection over obedience. To our relief, he ultimately sensed the Lord leading him in a different direction. But that season really challenged me to investigate the depths of my belief, trust in Christ, and commitment to His mission.&nbsp;
I wonder if Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote the book from which today&rsquo;s passage came, ever wrestled with this inner conflict. He cared for Timothy, his mentee, deeply, and appeared to be closer to this young man than anyone else with whom he worshiped or served. He even referred to him as his &ldquo;true child in the faith&rdquo; (1 Timothy 1:2, NASB). Therefore, there must have been a part of him, perhaps a large part, that wanted to keep Timothy safe.&nbsp;
Keep in mind, this was during the time of Nero, one of the cruelest emperors in Roman history, responsible for the horrific death of numerous Christians. Paul understood persecution. He&rsquo;d been stoned, flogged, beaten with rods, and imprisoned on numerous occasions. He&rsquo;d also lost relationships with many people he&rsquo;d once held dear. Plus, he wrote from a dark, damp prison cell, also known as a dungeon, awaiting a likely execution.&nbsp;
Considering all that, reflect on Paul&rsquo;s words in verse 6 again:
&ldquo;For this reason&ndash;&rdquo; pointing back to his sincere faith, his rock-solid foundation in Christ. &ldquo;For this reason,&rdquo; he wrote, &ldquo;I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands&rdquo; (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV).
Had I been Paul, I suspect my letter to Timothy would&rsquo;ve looked quite different, likely filled with all the ways he could survive the evil invading the ancient world. Perhaps, had he come to me as my brother had, I would&rsquo;ve remained silent (as I did regarding North Korea), but I&rsquo;m not sure I would&rsquo;ve had the courage and strength to tell him to actively feed the very thing that could, and more likely than not would, result in death. (According to tradition, he was in fact martyred in 80 AD, presumably fifteen years after Paul&rsquo;s execution.
Intersecting Life &amp; Faith:
Reading Paul&rsquo;s possible last words to his beloved friend and spiritual son, and reflecting on my typical reactions when those I love suffer, I&rsquo;m left with an important question: What enabled Paul to respond to their intensely hostile circumstances with such faith? We discover the answer when we read his other letters. He maintained a close relationship with Christ and experienced such fulfillment from that relationship that he was able to say, &ldquo;For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain&rdquo; (Philippians 1:21, NIV).
His ongoing connection with the Lord and his practice of praying constantly also provided clarity and guidance for His most difficult circumstances and positioned him to receive God&rsquo;s comfort. In his letter to the Philippians, he emphasized maintaining an eternal perspective, which extends beyond living missionally. This also means reading about and reflecting on all that awaits us in heaven.&nbsp;
According to Hebrews 12:2, that was also what sustained Christ through His horrific death and all the brutality He experienced preceding it. That verse tells us to fix, as in fasten unwaveringly, our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
This tells me, the more I reflect on all the blessings I have in Christ and through Christ, today and through eternity, the greater my faith and strength to endure today&rsquo;s challenges and the easier it becomes to encourage those I love to prioritize obedience to Him above all, even if that means losing all.&nbsp;
Thankfully, I&rsquo;m not alone in my pursuit. Jesus, the One who died that I might live throughout eternity with Him, will grow my faith, decrease my anxiety and fear, and help me to be a source of inspiration, not hindrance, to those I care about most.
He will do the same for you&ndash;if you&rsquo;ll let Him.
Further Reading: Matthew 16:24-26 Hebrews 10:24 Mark 10:43-45

Fanning the Flame in Our Souls

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ded2827c-4d0a-4c4e-b08a-b3f600fdf1c5/transcript

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