Jennifer Slattery's Blog

(Note: This first posted on August 12, 2021).

In my early years in ministry, I often exhausted myself trying to manage everything. Though I knew with certainty my assignment came directly from God, I routinely behaved as if He expected me to carry the load alone. As if results came through sheer grit rather than the works of His hands.

When one of my team members forgot or failed to complete a task, I felt responsible to step in and catch every ball that happened to get dropped. Though I talked a great deal about faith-filled, surrendered living, I routinely behaved as if our results depended on me. Unfortunately, my attitude trickled down to everyone else, turning roles that should’ve brought us great joy, fulfillment, and ever-deepening connections with our Savior into tiresome, anxiety-producing chores.

I knew, intellectually, I wasn’t living or leading as God desired but lacked the courage to slow my hustle. I felt like if I did, we’d fail. When it was my very fear of failure that steadily and rapidly led me in that direction by decreasing my reliance on Christ, my source of wisdom and strength. While, sadly, proclaiming the power of surrender, demonstrating perhaps my heart didn’t believe what my mouth proclaimed.

Then, one spring, life hit many of my team members hard. Hurricanes threw some off balance. Family illnesses left others struggling to think straight let alone write or create. At first, I tried to work harder and faster but this only led to burnout with little visible growth.

My inspiration and vision squashed, I wanted to quit. And so, for a time, I basically did. We all did, in fact, for nearly six months. I expected to see all that we’d worked for begin to fade until our organization died completely, like so many others I’d seen pop up then disappear over the years.

Instead, we grew. And when the Coronavirus forced us to cancel a year’s worth of events, and therefore a year’s worth of funding, we grew again in terms of readership, impact, and volunteers. Through this, God reminded me of something, in all my running, I’d seemed to have forgotten. The God who formed, redeemed, molded, and empowers me doesn’t need me to perform or to strive. Instead, He invites me to yield and to trust. Or rather, to shift my trust—off of myself and place it where it belongs, on Him.

Isaiah 30:15a says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (NIV).  God spoke these words to ancient Israel when the Assyrian army was coming against them. Grossly overpowered from a human perspective, they were terrified. In their desperation, they turned to Egypt, with its iron chariots and well-trained army, placing more faith in the might of man than God Almighty. They thought they were aligning themselves with strength. But by distancing themselves from the God who loved them, they were actually increasing their weakness.

God beckoned them to return to Him, the One who had proven His faithfulness again and again, but they refused to listen. And while I can recognize the foolishness of their actions when reading the historical account from the comfort of my bedroom, I much too frequently behave like them when I feel under attack. I soon realize, however, how insufficient my most fervent efforts and greatest allies truly are, when formed apart from Christ. But the moment I turn back to Him in faith, however, God fights on my behalf, makes up for my lack, and gives me everything I need to do all He’s asked, just as He did for ancient Israel when King Hezekiah humbled himself and turned to God.

Then, his soul was quieted and at peace, not panicked, rushed or confused.

Though choosing surrender, especially when the stakes seem high, can feel incredibly frightening, doing so places us in a position of power and strength. I’m reminding myself of this truth now as I am about to enter into a busy season, returning to school while writing, speaking, leading a ministry … When people ask how I’ll manage it all, I smile and say that I have an amazing team. And I do, but even more than that, we serve an amazing God. I know He will carry everything He wants to thrive. Therefore, whatever areas fall short must not be from Him, because He is big enough and strong enough to perfect all that concerns us.

All that concerns you as well.   

Let’s talk about this! What or who are you tempted to place your trust in? What might it look like for you to fully rely on Christ? Share your comments, thoughts, and examples with us in the comments below because we can all learn from and encourage one another.

Before you go (or listen to one of the podcast episodes embedded below) I have fun news. My latest Bible reading plan, Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity, is now available on the YouVersion Bible reading app.

From the plan’s description:

You’re not insufficient, overlooked, unimportant or unseen. In Christ, you are loved, chosen, called, redeemed, empowered and held close by the One who crafted your every cell, knows your every flaw, sees your potential. Unfortunately, wounds from our past can challenge our ability to view ourselves as the Lord’s beloved. May this 30-day plan remind you of who you are to Christ and in Christ, helping you live with increased confidence and joy.

Access it for free HERE. And, keep an eye out for more fun news that I’ll share in the near future!

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/trusting-our-good-shepherd-jehovah-raah-to-lead-us-ep-66

Sadly, I’ve hurt a lot of people in the name of Christ. More accurately, when I claim I’m furthering His mission but later discovered, when my thinking brain re-engaged, that I was actually working against His mission. And I’m in a strange place where I recognize the ugliness displayed by many Christ-followers while seeing myself in them. This happened again just the other day. While out to dinner with non-religious friends, they shared strong emotions related to a social media clip they’d watched in which an evangelist verbally wounded a college-aged rape victim.

Not wanting to receive second-hand information as fact, I went home and searched for the video. I never found it, but I did discover another, similar video that seemed to support our friend’s claims. Initially, I felt angry and indignant. Not long after, I felt convicted as the Lord reminded me of all the times my pride caused me to prioritize winning a discussion over protecting a relationship and my fear provoked defensiveness that prevented me from hearing the other person’s heart.

And sometimes still does. Each time a situation or conversation provokes a gut-reaction, I walk away with shame and regret. I suspect many of the Christ-followers I see fighting with others on social media feel the same. The Holy Spirit, our supernatural source of peace and love, resides within us, after all, inviting us to more consistently demonstrate the heart and mission of Christ who chose to die for the very people raising their fists against Him.

Jesus regularly demonstrated how to apply all of 1 Peter 3:15, which states,

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV).

As a faith-based communicator, I’m comfortable sharing reasons for my faith. But as a recent Faith Over Fear guest so wisely stated the other day, how we share is equally important. And like I indicated at the beginning of this post, this is an area in which I want, and need, to grow.

Here’s how I’m working on this.

Practicing “the pause.”

You may remember this phrase from the graphics that circulated social media a year or so ago. I’ve combined this idea with what I’ve learned regarding neural plasticity. I’m practicing pausing for three seconds before responding in typical, low-stakes, conversations to dismantle the neural pathways in my brain that trigger reactivity while creating new, gentler channels more aligned with my core values.

The more I practice this in peaceful conversations, the easier it will feel to do the same when I feel more emotionally charged.  

Evaluating My Emotions

For years, I’d react first and process how I felt and why later. Obviously, this didn’t help me change my behavior. I’m learning, however, to recognize physical signs, like increased body temperature, an accelerated pulse, and a tight stomach, that indicate something evoked within me anxiety and fear. This allows me to seek God’s insight regarding the reason for my inner angst. Sometimes the root surprises me.

For example, a while ago an extended family member engaged me in a debate on religion. This person identifies as naturalistic atheist. Initially, the conversation felt pleasant and intellectually stimulating. Soon, however, my loved one became animated. Not hostile or rude but passionate. Unfortunately, the alarm center in my brain connected this with childhood wounds where caretakers became explosive and rejected me when I expressed a viewpoint contradictory to theirs.

Although I didn’t see the connection in the moment, once I prayerfully processed the situation, I understood my reaction came from past experiences, not the debate. I was then able to use this Spirit-led insight in future scenarios that threatened my subconscious.

Informing my emotions with relevant truth.

This is the Sunday school answer many of us learned in church. We’re taught to take our thoughts captive, to not let our feelings drive us, and to instead fix our minds on truth. But we want to focus on relevant truth. We need to understand our inner world, the lie stirring things up, and how it arose to refute it accurately and effectively. This includes more than reflecting on verses to consider evidence that contradicts our fear, such as the depth of our relationship with the person and their character and heart.

I want to be a peacemaker who accurately reflects my Savior and, through a perfect blend of love truth and grace, show just how good life with Him is. I recognize I still have much room for growth in this area. Thankfully, the Lord gave our brains the ability to change and fills our souls with the power to do so. I’m encouraged to know that the more I take in Christ’s love, the more His love will naturally flow from me, and the more I practice applying all of 1 Peter 3:15, the more natural it will feel to do so in the future.    

What do you find most helpful in regard to regulating your emotions and more consistently responding to uncomfortable discussions and events with love and grace? Share in the comments!

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/the-dragon-prophesy-increasing-faith-through-biblical-prophesy

I first wrote the below for the Crosswalk Devotional. I’m sharing it here with permission.

As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I’m intrigued by the phrasing of Colossians 3:15, which reads:

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

I find it interesting that Scripture doesn’t say “gain” or “discover” the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace.  

Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We’re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit’s work in us is, among other things, peace.

When I combine these truths with the Bible’s directive to “let” God’s peace reign, I’m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges and unresolved trauma, that create worry and fear. I won’t diminish that. I also acknowledge the effect biology can play on our mental health. Yet, God has shown me, during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart.

I can’t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge or harboring bitterness. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst. 

I “let” Christ’s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today’s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today’s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to “put to death” or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these “urges” lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret. 

Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God’s child. Remembering that I’m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I’m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts. 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we “let” the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don’t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don’t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses.

Imagine the freedom we’d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another—with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving. 

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

When life hurts, its easy to feel alone, forsaken and forgotten. We might even doubt God’s goodness. If you’re struggling to trust His heart, may today’s post, written by my sweet friend Becky Harling, encourage you and encourage you to find comfort in our always loving, kind, and ever-present Father.

Remembering God’s Kindness in Hard Seasons

by Becky Harling

Yesterday, I spent some time with a dear friend. We caught up and also spent time on our knees praying and worshipping. During our kneeling moments, listening to worship music and praying together, I was reminded of God’s kindness. My friend has faced many hardships—kids with cancer, a brain injury, and other challenges. Yet, her life reflects consistency in her spiritual walk. Linda is always drawn back to the kindness of God.

I know many of you are walking right now through difficult circumstances. I have heard from you and have been praying for you. God sees you and hears the cries of your heart.

This morning, as I was reading through several Psalms for the day, I was struck by the fact that when life feels challenging, we need to remind ourselves of the kindness of God. In Psalm 145 and 146, there are three reminders of God’s kindness that we need to cling to when life goes awry.

3 Reminders of God’s Kindness

The LORD is gracious and compassionate (Psalm 145:8).
Amid trying circumstances, it’s easy to forget that God’s heart is gracious and compassionate. Our circumstances might scream at us otherwise. But the Lord is tender toward us. He longs to love us in our sorrow. I have found that I need to remind myself of God’s gracious and compassionate nature. How do I do that? I praise Him with the tiny bit of faith I have that He is good, even though life doesn’t feel good. I also write down in my journal glimpses of God’s compassion. I get on my knees and listen to worship music that reminds me of God’s grace and compassion. I allow myself to borrow the faith of those who are leading the worship song, and I ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle my faith in His goodness.

The LORD remains faithful forever (Psalm 146:6).
At times, we need to declare this out loud. As we speak it with our mouths, our ears hear it, and it takes deeper root in our souls. When you are doubting God’s faithfulness, look back. Remember how He has been faithful in the past. The worship of remembrance will strengthen your faith for today. I can’t count how many times in my life, when the unexpected happens, I have looked back and remembered, “God has been faithful before. He will be faithful in this.”

The LORD is trustworthy in all of His promises (Psalm 145:13).
Paul echoed this in the New Testament when he wrote to the believers in Corinth, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). God is faithful to keep His promises. You can trust Him. When life feels challenging, make a list of some of the promises God has made. Make sure those promises are grounded in Scripture and not your imagination. But then cling to those promises and dare to praise God that He will fulfill them all.

Friend, I feel like in this season we need to reaffirm our faith in the kindness of God. No matter what’s going on in the world or in your life specifically, God’s nature has not changed. He is good, loving, and kind. Dare to believe it this week!

Get to Know Becky Harling

A best-selling author, Becky Harling has written 16 books. She is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. Becky is a John Maxwell leadership and communications coach. She has been a guest on many media outlets including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, 100 Huntley Street, Moody Radio and the Total Christ Television Today Show.  Becky is the host of, The Connected Mom Podcast and loves encouraging other moms to connect more intentionally.  She loves hiking with her husband, playing with her 14 grandkids, shopping with her daughters, hanging out with her son and having coffee with friends!

Visit her on her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and her Amazon author page.

Check Out Her Book, Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World:

Loneliness is an epidemic, but you can live life with a deep sense of belonging.

If you’ve ever felt that ache to connect and belong, you’re not alone: three out of every five people are suffering from loneliness. No group is excluded—married, unmarried, parents, pastors, leaders, elderly, and teenagers. We all experience moments . . . or long seasons of heart-aching loneliness. And it hurts. It can hurt right to the core.

In Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World, relationship expert, mother, grandmother, and John Maxwell Certified Coach Becky Harling taps into the deep ache of loneliness and shares with readers a rich theology of belonging. Does God ache for us? What does it mean that we belong to Him? How do we establish a deeply bonded relationship with others? What steps can we take to improve our relationships?

Because we were made for God and for community, relational isolation or brokenness is incredibly painful. But we don’t have to live isolated and unconnected. In fact, we must not. Our souls were designed for more. Deeply rooted in Scripture and joined with reflection questions, this book shows us how we can strengthen our relationships and experience deep connection.

Grab your copy HERE.

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

When It Feels Like Even the Wind Is Against You

by Dr. Gladys Childs

You’re doing all the right things, but life still feels like a battle. You’re rowing, striving, praying, pressing forward. But the wind is against you. The resistance is real, and it’s relentless. You keep asking, “Why is this so hard if I’m following Jesus?”

Mark 6 tells the story of the disciples caught in a storm. It wasn’t a storm they wandered into by rebellion. Jesus Himself sent them into that boat. They were obeying. And yet the wind howled, the waters churned, and their progress stalled. Here’s what most miss: they were straining with all their strength, and Jesus saw them.

Let that settle in your spirit. He saw them straining and didn’t miss their suffering or effort. Jesus watched from the shore, not with apathy but with intention. He recognized the pain of obedience and the tension they felt from following His command while feeling stagnant. Such obedience, painful and slow, doesn’t go unnoticed by Heaven.

God sometimes waits not out of indifference, but to build something during the delay that wouldn’t be possible in ease. The disciples had witnessed Jesus calm a storm before, but this time He walked into it first.

It was the fourth watch of the night, the final stretch before dawn, when Jesus came. That’s the darkest hour, the moment most people give up. The time when your body is exhausted and your hope starts to flicker. And maybe, you’re in that hour right now.

But that’s when Jesus shows up, not waving a wand and not stopping the wind instantly. He comes walking on the very thing that threatened them. The waves that terrified the disciples became the pavement for His feet. What overwhelms you never overwhelms Him.

And Jesus could have stilled the storm from the shore. One word, one wave of His hand, and the sea would’ve gone silent. But He came closer instead. Because sometimes what your heart needs, more than immediate relief, is Jesus.

Jesus didn’t shout advice from afar; He joined the struggling disciples in their boat, calming the winds in that sacred moment. God doesn’t just focus on fixing our situations; He works to strengthen our faith. He’s not in a hurry to end the storm if it means deepening our connection with Him.

You may be in the fourth watch right now. The darkness is long. The winds haven’t let up. You’re still rowing, and it’s costing you more than anyone knows. Take heart: the One who sees is already on His way. And He’s not waiting for you to figure it out or fix yourself. Jesus comes near in the struggle.

Get to know Gladys Childs

About the Author: As the ‘Truth Doctor,’ Gladys meets people where faith and life collide—offering clarity, hope, and practical wisdom. As a pastor’s wife, author, speaker, former religion professor, and boy mom, I step into the mess where faith feels fragile, and pain runs deep, helping others find unshakable faith and lasting freedom. Learn more at gladyschilds.com. Follow on Instagram or Facebook.

Check out her book, Busting Barriers:

Whispering aches, a cavern craving meaning and purpose within you. There are barriers you can’t seem to move past. But you have the power to overcome them.

It’s time to shatter the barriers holding you back and boldly step into the abundant life God designed for you. “Busting Barriers: Overcome Emptiness & Unleash Fruitful Living” is not just another self-help book; it’s a transformative journey towards a deeper connection with God and a life filled with lasting joy.

This 45-day devotional, the first of a three-part series, is a guide to breaking through psychological barriers that keep us from living out the fruits of the Spirit. With scripture, practical application, self-affirmation statements, reflection, and guided journaling, you’ll be equipped to overcome the obstacles to achieving fruitful living and relationships.

Don’t settle for a life of emptiness and unfullfillment. Embrace self-care, spiritual transformation, and the fullness of God’s blessings. It’s time to start Busting Barriers and unleash fruitful living.

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

(Note: This first posted on July 11, 2024.)

Living Unafraid in the Storms of Life

by Grace Fox

The bus on which I was a passenger cruised east through the rugged Rocky Mountains before turning north. We drove through miles of rolling sage-covered hills and acres of evergreens charred by recent forest fires, past lakes and log cabins, and alongside rivers and expansive ranches where cattle grazed.

I’d traveled this road more than fifteen times and always marveled at the scenery’s beauty, but this time I saw something different: ominous black clouds. I’ve seen rain clouds many times in my life, but they never looked like this. These hovered menacingly over the horizon like a big, bad bully daring us to approach. The only way to reach our destination is to drive through the deluge, I thought.

The likeness to our life’s journey astounded me. At some point, we all face those ominous black clouds, and we have no option but to drive through the storm: the loss of a loved one, an unexpected medical diagnosis, financial troubles, infertility, and betrayal, to name a few.

None of us choose that route. We’d all rather take a detour than drive through the onslaught. But here’s the good news: God’s children don’t go through it alone. And we can be confident this is true because of who God is.

God manifested various aspects of His character to mankind through His Hebrew names. Each name is like a facet on a cut diamond, reflecting a specific characteristic that gives us a glimpse of His glory and a better understanding of what He’s like. One of these names is Yahweh Shammah (pronounced “SHAHM-mah”). It’s found in Ezekiel 48:35 and means, “The LORD is there” (NASB).

It’s easy to read the meaning and say a simple, “That’s nice.” But, my friend, these words deserve more than a quick nod. Their truth contains the power we need to face the storm with courage that, no matter what it looks like, God is with us.

For instance, “the LORD” points to the one true God. There is no other like Him. He is the creator of heaven and earth. He alone is holy, mighty in power, and perfect in wisdom. He alone is sovereign over every detail of our lives. This is the one who is with us. It doesn’t get better than that.

The wee word “is” declares God as present tense. Because of who He is, the LORD has no expiration date. He existed from before time began, and He’s still present and relevant for us today just as He’ll be present and relevant for the generations yet to come.

“There” suggests everywhere. Look around—to the north, south, east, west. Look in your closet and under your bed. Stand in a valley and gaze at the hilltops above you. Look out an airplane window at the expanse 36,000 feet beneath you. Where is God? He is there.

“The LORD is there” sounds so simple, but it’s profound. When our life’s journey leads us around a bend where ominous clouds hover, God is already there, so we never need fear going through the storm alone. Of this we can be confident because of who He is—Yahweh Shammah.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 NIV

***

I recently interviewed Grace on finding courage through the names of God on the Faith Over Fear podcast. That episode will drop on the 16th. Watch for it! I know Grace’s insights will encourage you and strengthen your faith!

Get to Know Grace Fox:

Grace Fox is the award-winning author of 14 books and a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events. She’s also a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries), and a co-host of the “Your Daily Bible Verse” podcast. Her latest book, Names of God: Living Unafraid comes with video access and makes an ideal group study, taking readers into a deeper understanding of seven of God’s Hebrew names.

Grace has been a career missionary for more than 30 years. She and her husband have worked in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada’s west coast, and are now co-directors of International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in more than 25 countries. They currently live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 14 grandchildren.

Visit her on her website, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and follow her on her Amazon page.

Grace’s Latest Release, :

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Get refreshed and equipped with seven powerful names of God in this highly engaging and interactive devotional study (with FREE guided video content from the author)! Packed with fresh insights, word studies, cultural context, thought-provoking reflections, and practical action steps, these studies will give you a solid understanding of God’s character so you can find peace and hope amidst life’s toughest moments.

Our world is a scary place. Focusing on the chaos can paralyze us with fear, but instead, we can anchor ourselves in the truth of who God is, and live unafraid. The Living Unafraid devotional study will help you build an unshakeable foundation of trust in God by empowering you with God’s character as revealed through his names in Scripture. Each of the seven chapters in this devotional study book explores:

A powerful name of God (including pronunciation, scripture reference, translation, prayer, and a word study)FREE accompanying video insights, accessible online (optional)Key background information, in-depth overviews, and cultural contextFresh insights, practical action steps, and eye-opening reflections questionsAnd so much more!

How to Use the Names of God :   Living Unafraid Book & Video Study

Buy it .

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

(Note: This first posted on May 18, 2025.)

When was the last time you were looking for one thing and ended up finding something else—maybe something you thought was lost? I know I have.

We were watching a TV show recently on historical world events. One of the topics, called “The Age of Discovery,” was about “The Silk Road,” a trade route overland from the Far East to the West that began maybe as far back as biblical times. Spices were the main goods in high demand in those days. When I heard that, I thought, “Really? Not goods and services that are required for sustenance, but items to entertain our taste buds?” I decided to do some research on this topic.

Once long-distance shipping became popular, the trade routes, like the Silk Road, took to the sea. Apparently whole empires were established and toppled for the love of spices. However, ships that set sail to find and bring back clove, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon, also discovered lands that had not been mapped before. Men like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama found the places we now call home.

What began as a quest for wealth in the spice trade brought monumental discoveries that changed the world. History tells us that the Age of Discovery ended when monarchs and explorers believed that most portions of the globe had been explored. In other words, they thought they had found everything to be found, so they quit looking.

My passion these days is to find profound discoveries in the mundane. I feel as though God has something to say to me, and through me (and I’m not likely to have a burning bush or Damascus Road experience), so I figure it’ll be in the minutiae of life—everyday things that will reveal Him and His message to me.

Jesus said, “…Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’] …will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:31 NIV).  Generally He was telling us not to worry about temporal things, but He also said to keep on seeking. To me, that means I should keep exploring and continue my daily search for the Kingdom. He will lead me to new discoveries during those everyday ventures.  

It is believed that explorer Sir Francis Drake wrote this prayer in 1577:

Dis­turb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with our­selves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too lit­tle,
When we arrived safe­ly
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Dis­turb us, Lord, when
With the abun­dance of things we pos­sess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Hav­ing fall­en in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eter­ni­ty
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heav­en to dim.

Dis­turb us, Lord, to dare more bold­ly,
To ven­ture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mas­tery;
Where los­ing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back
The hori­zons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

If we don’t keep seeking, we’ll never find everything that He has for us. And I’ll bet that we’ll find plenty of spice along the way, as well.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Nan Corbitt Allen has written over 100 published dramatic musicals, sketchbooks, and collections in collaboration with Dennis Allen, her husband of 45+ years. A three-time Dove Award winner, Nan’s lyrics and dramas have been performed around the world. Dennis and Nan have sold almost 3 million choral books. Nan and Dennis retired in 2020 from full time teaching at Truett McConnell University. They now live south of Nashville. They have two grown sons and two beautiful grandchildren.

Nan’s book, Small Potatoes @ the Piggly Wiggly, is a collection of devotionals that reveal the great impact seemingly insignificant, routine experiences can have in our lives. She describes what she learned of God’s providence and wisdom while growing up in the Deep South in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Join the conversation: Are you ready to be “disturbed”?

If this post resonated with you, you might also enjoy my and Carol’s conversation in the Faith Over Fear episode titled: “What’s the Point: Trusting God’s Purpose When Life Feels Routine.“

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

Choosing Peace When Relationships Hurt

by Carol McCracken

I once had a conversation with a woman wrestling through a painful family conflict. She kept replaying her last interaction with a relative, analyzing every word and wondering what she could say or do to make things right. “If only they would apologize,” she said. “If only they understood how they hurt me.”

We’ve all been there. Conflict stings. And when we’re hurting, we naturally focus on what someone else should do to make it better. But the reality is, we can’t control other people. We can only control ourselves.

Romans 12:18 gives us a simple but challenging instruction: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” That verse quietly acknowledges a truth we sometimes forget—peace isn’t always possible. But it is always possible to do our part.

The friend I mentioned earlier eventually came to that realization. She couldn’t force the other person to change, apologize, or even acknowledge her pain. But she could make different choices. She chose to forgive. She stopped trying to control the outcome and focused on guarding her own heart. She set healthy boundaries and responded with gentleness, even if it wasn’t returned. And something unexpected happened—her peace returned. Not because the situation was resolved, but because she was no longer tied to the outcome.

There’s a strange kind of freedom that comes when we stop spinning our wheels trying to fix what isn’t ours to fix. We don’t have to be cold or indifferent. But we can step out of the emotional tug-of-war and simply say, “God, help me respond in a way that honors You.”

That may look like calmly stating a boundary. It may look like stepping back to pray before responding to a difficult message. It may even mean accepting that reconciliation might not happen this side of heaven—and grieving that reality while still choosing to walk in grace.

Peace doesn’t always depend on how the other person acts. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet decisions we make to let go of bitterness, to speak with kindness, and to trust God to do what we can’t.

We can’t control whether others understand or respond well. But we can control our words. We can choose wisdom over retaliation. We can pursue peace, even if the road is one-sided.

And in doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ—who, even when rejected, still chose love.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder that it is possible for me to choose to live in peace, as much as it depends on me. Help me to accept my part may not completely resolve a matter, and to trust you to continue working in the situation.

(If your working through relational conflict, you might find this Faith Over Fear podcast episode on healthy conflict resolution helpful.)

Get to Know Carol McCracken:

Carol Ogle McCracken has been a Bible teacher for twenty years, serving on church staff and in women’s ministry. She currently serves as the Minister of Discipleship at her home church.  She hosts the “Your Daily Bible Verse” podcast, cohosts the “Faith Over Fear” podcast, and provides daily inspiration on Christian Mix 106 web radio.  But her greatest passion is to make the Bible come alive for women, connecting scripture to a real relationship with Jesus.  Her book Wisdom, Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, is available on Amazon. Find her at http://www.CarolMcCracken.com.

Check Out Her Book, Wisdom: Where to Find it if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had it:

Wisdom is not hidden-but you may need a map to find it. If you think the only wisdom contained in your body is in your wisdom teeth, you aren’t alone. These days everyone has an opinion or answer for everything. But where do we find the right kind of wisdom? Is there a difference between our wisdom and God’s wisdom? And how can we make wise decisions when the world wants an answer yesterday? From Genesis to James, this short book will teach you biblically proven techniques to help you make wise decisions amid the busyness of everyday life. All the scripture is contained in this compact book. Enjoy some thought-provoking questions that are perfect for you to wrestle with on your own, with a friend, or as part of a small group.

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

(Taken and adapted from one of my video devotions shared to Crosswalk Plus Subscribers; used by permission.)

As a recovering co-dependent, learned, in part, from unhealthy faith communities, I’m struck by Jesus’ intentional delay in John 11. Upon learning of a friend name Lazarus’s terminal illness, instead of rushing to heal the man, “he stayed where he was” preaching and teaching for “two more days” (John 11:6, NIV).

He knew how much Lazarus was suffering. He also knew the intense grief the man’s two sisters would experience upon their brother’s death.

Had I been them, I probably would’ve been angry at Jesus for not hustling to my aid. I might have felt like He didn’t care about my or my loved one’s pain. Yet, Scripture tells us in John 11:5 that Jesus loved Marth and her siblings. Other places in the Bible, including the account of His crucifixion, reveal in Him a love more deep and pure than we’ll ever experience from other humans.

But He still allowed His close companions to suffer, even though He had the power to alleviate their pain.

Note: God’s delays never stem from indifference.

When we read the full account, we realize He did this to bring about a greater work—the deepening of their faith in Him and the eternal life He offered.

This reminds me that I can feel intense empathy, and can grieve with the grieving, but that doesn’t mean it’s always helpful to act on those feelings.

Sometimes, my desire to “fix” a person’s situation can make it worse or stunt their growth by alleviating the difficulty God wants to use for their transformation and freedom. When I do that, I’m often motivated by selfishness. I’m uncomfortable with their discomfort and want to bring us all to a place of happiness and peace.

My angst over someone else’s pain doesn’t entitle me to interfere with God’s plan.

But as today’s passage demonstrates, sometimes our wisest and kindest reaction is to simply remain present with someone else in their pain. Our empathy is a holy and right reaction, but not necessarily a call to action.

Here’s an important fact with which I’m learning to wrestle: Codependency often becomes control disguised as care.

Our best response, then, is to seek God’s wisdom and patiently await His instructions, knowing that He, not us, is the Savior. Sometimes, He’ll encourage us to help in tangible ways. Other times, He’ll invite us to simply be—present, gentle, prayerful, and empathetic. While this can feel uncomfortable in the moment, our courage to follow His lead increases when we remember His tender and compassionate heart for each of His children and His perfect knowledge of their deepest needs.

I’d love to hear from you! When have you sensed God asking you to simply remain present, how did you respond, and what was the result? I’d also love to hear the converse—times when the Lord nudged you to physically or financially care for someone in need? Share your thoughts in the comments.  

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/

(Note: This first published on September 23, 2021)

We can always find a reason to discount the things of God. Especially if there’s a call to action attached. We love the miraculous, to know that the God of creation loves, provides, and cares for us, so long as He comes on our terms. 

And if not, we can find plenty of reasons to close our ears. We all have this tendency, and when we step out in faith, we’ll probably, on occasion, experience negative or dismissive reactions from others. 

When that occurs, we can become offended, feel defeated, or remain focused on Christ. 

When God first called me into writing and speaking, my “credentials” were far from impressive. Though I had earned my GED and taken nearly two years of college classes, I was a largely uneducated high school dropout, former homeless girl. My love for Scripture certainly didn’t qualify me as a theologian, nor would the hours I spent doing housework and homeschooling my second-grade daughter appear notable in an event brochure bio. 

In fact, I can’t remember how I was introduced the night I delivered my first paid presentation. It was that unimpressive. And while God overwhelmed me with His presence, His Spirit, and perhaps most beautifully of all, His pleasure, once the event concluded, everyone left, I reflected on all that had occurred. 

The positive… 

The peace I felt once I began to speak.

The awe of knowing knowing, despite my lack of experience and education, Christ had chosen to use me.

The joy of experiencing His Spirit flowing first in me and then through me. 

But I thought about the negative as well—the sting of shame I felt after one presumably successful and prestigious man, with a word and look of disdain, discounted everything I had to say. 

Leaving me feeling discounted, like a fool who should have stayed home doing dishes. 

“Why did that church choose me, Lord? Out of all the people they could have booked? Those with bachelor degrees, decades of ministry experience, and a string of titles behind their names? They probably had plenty others much more qualified in the audience while I spoke.”

God’s inaudible response swept through my soul. “You are their excuse.” 

His statement, though undeniably clear, stung and left me confused. Like He’d given me a directive of some sort without any indication as to how to live it out. Scripture speaks of God choosing the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Did that mean I was to remain untrained and inexperienced? 

And yet, I knew in my soul that wasn’t the case. 

Now, over a decade, a college degree, and years of ministry later, I now understand. God’s statement–and that man’s discounting behavior on the night I felt so insufficient–hadn’t been about me at all. God was helping me to see mankind with new eyes, with His vision. 

Our eloquence and evidences won’t matter to the one who’s already determined to reject God’s truth. 

As Jesus told His disciples, and therefore, us as well, “If the world hates you”––mocks or rejects you or disregards and minimizes what you have to say–– “keep in mind that it hated Me first” (John 15:18).

There were many who saw the miracles He performed. Who were there when He fed thousands from one boy’s lunch. People who had watched Him cast out demons, bring sight to the blind and mobility to the lame. Men and women who were amazed by His teaching, but ultimately, found ways to discredit the deepest and most transformative truth He shared:

That He was God’s Son, the long promised Messiah, who came to bridge the gap between God and man. 

In John chapter 7, midway through one of the most joyous and reflective festivals on the Jewish calendar, Jesus stood up and began to teach. Verses 15-17 state, “The people were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having studied?’ Jesus answered, ‘My teaching is not Myown. It comes from Him who sent Me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own” (NIV).

This was a powerful and telling invitation. The questions Christ evoked within His listeners would drive some to investigate further, ultimately leading them to life. But those same questions would cause others to turn away. 

As a good number of them did, some vehemently speaking against Him while others chose to remain stuck in their ambiguity. ​​They “began to ask, ‘Isn’t this the Man they are trying to kill? Here He is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to Him. Have the authorities really concluded that He is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where He is from.”

Here’s what I find sad. The people could’ve easily found answers to all their questions.  Their doubts and uncertainty could’ve drawn them to unshakable, life-changing truth, to the One who is truth. Instead, they let what could’ve been an avenue to faith become a barrier between them and Christ. 

Largely, out of fear. (v. 13)

Unfortunately, there are times when I act the same. While I’ve accepted God’s big truth regarding salvation, I can stumble on His leading in my day-to-day. When my fears rise up, I’m tempted to discount that nudge from God, that call to obedience, to sacrifice. Allowing myself to be held captive by the unknowns and uncertainty instead of accepting Christ’s invitation to step out in faith.

Lord, help us to see every question, every doubt, and every unknown as an invitation to greater understanding and deeper intimacy with You. 

https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/episode-72-a-practical-resource-to-battle-fear