help

Hit Hard

Have you ever been hit hard with something you weren’t at all expecting? Terrible news of some sort you never thought would affect you or those you love? Perhaps the unexpected death of a loved one, divorce of a family member, a personal job loss, a tragic accident, or an unforeseen diagnosis?

Even in those times, God is working on our behalf and will never leave us. He’s our hope and help. He comforts us when we’re weary, provides peace when we’re stressed, and gives us joy in our sorrow.

My husband and I went on a hike two weeks ago and returned home to devastating news. We notified family and friends and called upon them to pray over this situation. Their support and understanding brought comfort to our troubled hearts.

Two days later, during my quiet time with the Lord, I read Romans Chapter 8. When I finished, I reread verse 28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I said, “Yes, Lord. You are working for our good in this circumstance, and I thank You.”

Within a few hours, another hit came, which made what happened earlier even more devastating. That’s when Romans 8:26-27 came to life as I cried out to the Lord.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Later that day, my husband quoted Romans 8:28 unaware I’d read that same scripture twice that morning. And that evening, as we streamed our mid-week service, our pastor shared the same verse. God was speaking to my heart and telling me that He was in control and working, even though I felt uncertain. How do I know this? His Word declares it. I love Him and He has called me, so He is working for good in my life and in others affected by this news.

Be encouraged knowing that even in our struggles, God is with us. He works even when we can’t see what He is doing. That’s where faith comes in. Faith to believe God is at work in our situation to fulfill his purpose in us.

We walk in faith and hope knowing God is at work. Even when we’re hit hard, He is with us because the Holy Spirit is in us. The Spirit pleads for me and He pleads for you. If you are struggling or hurting, please know God is working in all things.

Father, many of us have been hit hard with trials. But You, Lord, are at work in each of our situations and for this I thank You. I’m also grateful for the Holy Spirit who pleads for my needs according to Your will. I love you, Lord, and thank you for loving me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.


All scripture is from the New International Version (NIV).

Photo by Aliyah Jamous - Unsplash

He Holds Our Hand

Our hands are often used to show kindness, love, and to offer help to others. Holding someone’s hand can signify a special moment of showing tenderness and concern. God does that with us—He holds our hand.

In my novel, Only A Glimpse, holding hands is a regular occurrence. My main female character, Keedryn, struggles with her new boss, Blake. He’s arrogant, heartless, and takes his frustrations out on her. She reminisces about her husband, Sam, who passed away a few years earlier. “He left me too soon. I need him to hold me and reassure me I’m strong enough to deal with my boss.” She also recalls how much she misses those special moments she and her husband shared. “I miss our strolls, how he held my hand in church, and the stability and wisdom he brought into our marriage.”

Special moments of handholding also take place between Keedryn and her friends as they join hands to pray in agreement for God’s will to be done in Blake and Keedryn’s relationship. “She took my hand. ‘Let’s pray and ask God what His plans are. Are you willing to do that?’ ‘Yes,’ I whispered.”

Blake, the main male character in my story, softens toward Keedryn and tries to win her heart. They travel by plane to an out-of-state conference and encounter turbulence. Keedryn does something unexpected. “I reached out for his hand and held tight, which was something normal for me when Sam and I traveled. But Blake? I tried to move my hand, but he put his other hand over the top of mine, grinned, and said, ‘We’ll be fine.’ I managed to yank my hand away on the second try. ‘Sorry.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘I didn’t mind.’”

Blake offers her his hand a few times when they’re walking together, but Keedryn refuses because she doesn’t want a relationship, especially with her boss. She lets her guard down on one occasion and accepts his hand, but soon after, something happens between them. She then struggles to forgive him for the heartache he’s caused. While in the car together, he requests grace. ‘“I understand God gives us second chances, I thought maybe you’d give me one too.’ He offered me his hand again. I hesitated for a moment, then accepted it . . .I turned my gaze onto the road in front of me. I should take my hand back. But did I want to?”

In another scene, Blake touches Keedryn’s hand in a moment of tenderness and compassion and to speak to her with sincerity. ‘“Hurting you was the furthest thing from my mind. Can you forgive me?’ I placed my free hand on top of his and sighed. ‘Yes.’”

Above I’ve shared how holding someone’s hand may offer reassurance, connect people in prayer, bring comfort and security, grow relationships, and express tenderness, compassion, and sincerity.

Although I’m sharing scenes from my book, I hope you’ll notice the correlation here with God’s love for us. He holds our hand too.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24, NLT

If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

Psalm 139:9-10, NLT

And when we feel we need more than our hand held—

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.

Psalm 68:19, NLT

Father, thank you for holding my hand. You offer me strength, security, comfort, and so much more. I’m grateful for Your guidance, along with Your tenderness and compassion toward me. May I always remember that You go before me and follow me, and you are always with me. In Jesus’s name, amen.


Photo by Kimi Albertson - Unsplash

3 Traits of a Godly Friend

Godly friends bring blessings into our lives. I don’t mean someone on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, unless they are a close friend. I’m referring to a person who speaks life into our heart and soul. Someone who’s there for us no matter what.

Friends Give Wise Counsel
A friend listens, empathizes, and supports. They won’t lead us astray. They seek God on our behalf and offer godly advice because they want what’s best for us.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
(Proverbs 27:9, NLT)

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
(Proverbs 12:26, NLT)

Friends Help Us Succeed
Friends share in our struggles, walk alongside for support, lend a helping hand, and pray for us. They enjoy spending time with us to encourage and share God’s Word. They make us accountable and invest their time and talents to help make our relationship with the Lord stronger.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NLT)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
(Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

Friends Always Love
Godly friends love us with Christ’s love. They show mercy, kindness, and grace. We may hurt or upset them, but they are quick to forgive us.

A friend loves at all times.
(Proverbs 17:17a, NIV)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults,
and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord
forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves
with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

(Colossians 3:12-14, NLT)

And let’s not forget, we are God’s friends. He gives wise counsel through His Word, helps in time of need, and always loves us.

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God
because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
(Romans 5:11, NLT)

Take time to thank God for the godly friends in your life and the blessings they’ve brought you. 

What traits do you look for in a godly friend? Please leave your comments below.


Photo by Krista Mangulsone - Unsplash