Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

People are experiencing difficulties all around us. These are often the times they begin searching for answers. As God’s children we can point these suffering ones to Jesus. We just need to be ready and have an effective, God-focused strategy for witnessing.

Each morning a new day breaks upon us and we roll out of bed to discover what the future holds. Sometimes  exciting opportunities surprise us. Other times we go about our business as usual. And still other times we are sideswiped by a wave of unexpected difficulties. The ebb and flow of life can either allow us to ride the waves or it will pull us out to sea.

The school year is winding down and I know your schedules are starting to fill up with deadlines and tests. April and May were always anxious months for me when I was in school. I wanted to do well, but wondered if I had what it took to succeed. I was tired and ready to be done, but what lay ahead seemed like a huge uphill battle.

Tuesday afternoon high-speed winds raced through our area uprooting trees, demolishing barns, and flinging roof shingles in the air like clay pigeons for target practice. Numerous friends and family are now grappling with the aftermath while trying to move forward with the daily grind of life.

The past few days have been somewhat miserable. Gray and rainy weather has tempered everything from frizzy hair, to muddy paw prints in the kitchen, to a sagging spirit. Moping around while getting ready for work this morning a melody from my childhood popped into my head, and it brought some joy back into my heart. Eliza Hewitt, a 19th century hymn writer wrote this cheery song after recovering from a severe back injury.

Everywhere we go there are warnings directing us of upcoming danger or consequences. A stop sign warns a driver of oncoming traffic. A bell reminds a student that class is about to start. A growl alerts a prowler that a potential target home has a protective watchdog. And a closed barrier warns of an open or rising drawbridge.