Awake & Aware

I almost missed it! A few years ago, I was sitting in my living room watching a movie with my family after a long day. I had worked hard, checked off my to-do list, helped with dinner, and finally plopped down on the couch. The next thing I knew… I had dozed off. I missed the best part of the movie—the moment everyone was talking about. I was there, but not really there.

Spiritually, we do the same thing. We check all the boxes. Show up to church. Pay the bills. Smile at the right moments. But somewhere along the way, we drift. We become absorbed in obligations and exhausted by routine. And if we’re not careful, we can fall asleep spiritually—present, but unaware. Around, but not awake.

Romans 13:11 is a wake-up call. “But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God.” – Romans 13:11 (MSG) In other words, Paul is urging us: Don’t sleep through the season God has you in. Don’t be oblivious to His presence.

3 Ways to Stay Spiritually Awake:

1. Assess Your Attention
It’s easy to let distractions dominate—social media, work stress, even good things like serving or family can crowd out space for God. Take time to ask, Where is my attention going? If you never give God your full attention, you’ll miss the moments He’s speaking.

2. Adjust Your Agenda
Our schedules reveal our priorities. Are you making time for what matters most? Slow down. Carve out space for stillness, prayer, worship, and community. God doesn’t want to just be squeezed into the margins of your life—He wants to lead it.

3. Awaken Your Awareness
God is always moving—sometimes we’re just too busy or burdened to see it. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of His presence in the ordinary. Pay attention to the people He places in your path and the quiet nudges in your heart. Don’t sleep on your assignment.

If any part of this spoke to you, pause with me for a moment. Let’s invite God into this space and ask Him to awaken our hearts:

God, wake me up. Forgive me for letting routines and responsibilities dull my spiritual awareness. Help me not to sleepwalk through this season. I want to live alert, intentional, and sensitive to Your presence. Open my eyes to see what You’re doing in and around me. Teach me to slow down, to pay attention, and to stay aligned with Your voice. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Make It Personal:

Don’t just read—respond. Take a few minutes to reflect and write down your answers to these questions:

• Where am I most distracted or overwhelmed right now?

• Is my attention more on my tasks or on God’s presence?

• What’s one thing I can adjust in my schedule this week to re-center spiritually?

Let this be your reminder: You were made to live awake, aware, and aligned with the Spirit.

Comment below with your takeaway or prayer request. Or share this with a friend who could use a spiritual wake-up call today.

Emotional Health is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions in a way that honors God and supports healthy relationships. It’s not about avoiding difficult feelings but learning how to process them with wisdom, honesty, and faith. The Bible shows us that emotions are God-given—Jesus Himself experienced joy, sorrow, anger, and compassion. Scripture teaches that we are made in the image of a triune God (Genesis 1:27), with a body, spirit, and soul—including our emotions (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Just like David poured out his heart in the Psalms, and Elijah needed rest and nourishment during his emotional low (1 Kings 19), we too are invited to bring our emotions to God and let Him meet us there.

“If you can name it, you can tame it. If you can reveal it, He can heal it.”

Emotional health matters because it shapes how we lead, serve, and connect with others—especially in ministry. Unprocessed emotions can impact our decisions, relationships, and even our faith. But when we grow in emotional awareness, regulation, and resilience, we reflect the compassion and wisdom of Christ more clearly. Here are a few common myths vs. truths about emotions:

• Myth: Emotions are sinful.
  Truth: Emotions are God-given; how we respond to them is what matters.

• Myth: If I feel it, it must be true.
  Truth: Emotions are real, but not always reliable.

• Myth: Strong Christians don’t struggle emotionally.
  Truth: Many heroes of the faith did. Struggling doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.

Leading with a healthy heart means slowing down, listening well, responding wisely, and creating space for others to feel seen and valued. For a deeper dive and practical tools, check out this Emotional Health Resource Folder that includes an Emotional Wheel, reflection questions, scriptures, and more to guide your journey.

I Owe You

Most of us work hard to stay out of debt. We avoid credit cards, keep an eye on our budgets, and feel a sense of relief when we finally pay something off.

But there’s one debt we’ll never be done paying—and that’s a good thing.

Love.

Paul writes in Romans 13:8 (MSG), “Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other.” That one line hits me every time. Because it reminds me that loving people isn’t a one-time payment. It’s an ongoing investment. A daily decision. A lifelong IOU to the world around me.

So what does that debt of love look like in everyday life?

Here are just a few “love-debts” we owe to each other:

Words of Encouragement

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is say the thing we think but don’t always say—“You’re doing great,” “I see you,” “You matter.” Encouragement costs us nothing, but it can mean everything to someone else.

Acts of Service

From holding the door to holding space for someone’s story, serving others is love in motion. We owe it to our families, our communities, and even strangers to show up in simple ways.

Prayer and Spiritual Support

One of the most loving things we can do is carry someone to God when they feel too weak to get there on their own. We owe each other that covering.

Forgiveness and Grace

We mess up. We misunderstand. We fall short. That’s why grace is such a big part of love. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past, but it releases the weight.

Generosity

Whether it’s money, time, energy, or opportunities—we owe it to others to live open-handed. Love doesn’t cling. It shares.

Truth in Love

Hard conversations are part of real love. We owe it to each other to speak truth gently—not to harm, but to heal and help one another grow.

Patience and Kindness

We all have moments when we’re not our best selves. That’s when kindness becomes currency, and patience becomes one of the most expensive forms of love we can give.

We don’t love to feel good about ourselves. We love because He first loved us.
And His love? That kind of love runs up a tab we’ll gladly keep paying—day after day, moment by moment.

So the next time you feel interrupted by someone’s need, feel pulled to encourage a friend, or find yourself holding back an act of kindness—remember your debt. Look them in the eye and think: “I owe you.” And pay up—in love.

A friend of mine shared something with me recently that really stuck.

He was at a gas station, tired after a long day at work, when he noticed a man sitting on the curb nearby—head down, holding a cardboard sign. My friend had the thought, “Someone should help that guy.” Then immediately felt that familiar tug—“What if that someone is you?”

He didn’t have much cash on him, and honestly, he didn’t feel like stopping. But he walked over anyway. Handed the man a few dollars. Asked his name. Listened for a couple of minutes. That’s it. Nothing dramatic. But the man’s whole demeanor shifted. He looked up, smiled, and said, “Thanks for seeing me.”

Later that night, my friend said something I won’t forget:
“It hit me—I owed him more than money. I owed him dignity. I owed him love.”

That’s what Romans 13:8 is all about. Love isn’t just something we give when it’s convenient—it’s something we owe, because we’ve been loved first.

Pause & Reflect: Before you rush into the next thing, take a moment and ask yourself:

1. Who in my life might need a reminder that they’re loved today?

2. What’s one act of kindness I’ve been putting off that I can do now?

3. Have I been trying to love others in my own strength, or relying on God’s?

4. When was the last time I paused to thank God for the way He loves me?

A Prayer for Today:

God, thank You for loving me first—fully, freely, and without limits. Help me never forget the debt of love I owe to the people around me. Open my eyes to see opportunities to love, serve, forgive, and encourage. Keep my heart tender and my hands ready. Let Your love flow through me, even when it costs something. Remind me daily: this is the one debt I’ll always want to pay. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Did this speak to you today?
Comment below or share this with a friend who could use the reminder: love is the one debt worth owing. 

Follow Fast

There’s a sense of holy urgency that pulses through Romans 12—especially in The Message version. It doesn’t just encourage us to live for God… it pushes us into motion.

You’ll see phrases like:

• “Quickly respond” (v2)

• “Go ahead and be what you were made to be” (v6)

• “Don’t quit” (v11)

• “Be alert servants” (v11)

This isn’t passive language. It’s not “when you get around to it” or “after you figure everything out.” It’s clear and direct: Now. Go. Don’t wait.

Because when God speaks, the moment is full of possibility. But if we delay, doubt often walks through the door. And when we hesitate, other voices—fear, distraction, insecurity—can creep in and talk us out of what God is calling us to do.

Romans 12:2 (MSG) puts it like this:

"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it."

That line gets me every time: Quickly respond.

But lately, I’ve been thinking… both parts matter.

You can’t respond to what you don’t recognize.
And recognizing something from God—but never moving on it—still misses the point.

To truly follow fast, we need both: A sensitive heart that hears Him clearly, and a willing spirit that says yes without delay.

That phrase—quickly respond—has echoed in my heart more than once. I remember a moment last year when I felt a clear prompting from God to reach out to someone I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It wasn’t convenient. I was busy. I didn’t even know what I was supposed to say. But that nudge wouldn’t go away.

So I called.

What I didn’t know was that they were in the middle of a spiritual crisis. That one phone call became a turning point—not because I had perfect words, but simply because I showed up.

That moment reminded me: God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect. He’s asking us to be present.

That experience opened my eyes. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being willing. But let’s be honest: we all have things that get in the way.

What holds us back from following fast?

• Fear of failure – What if I mess up?

• Desire for control – I need a perfect plan first.

• Distraction – I’ll get to it… eventually.

• Insecurity – I’m not enough.

• Comfort – I like how things are now.

But here’s the truth:

Obedience delayed is often opportunity denied.

When we move quickly:

• We build trust in God’s voice.

• We sharpen our sensitivity to His leading.

• We stay aligned with the Spirit’s timing.

God doesn’t need us to be flawless—just faithful.

That’s the beauty of quick obedience. It’s not about perfection. It’s about posture—a heart that says, “God, I trust You more than my timing or my comfort.”

If that’s your desire too, let this prayer be your starting place today:

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I don’t want to hesitate when You call.
Help me recognize Your voice and respond quickly.
Remove the fear, doubt, or distractions that hold me back.
Give me a heart that trusts You more than it trusts my comfort.
I want to live a life marked by faith-filled action, not delayed obedience.
I’m available today—use me. Amen.

Make It Personal:

• What has God been nudging you to do that you’ve been putting off?

• Are you waiting for perfect conditions to obey?

• Is there a step of faith you can take today—even if it’s small?

• What’s one area where you can quickly respond this week?

God’s timing is intentional. Don’t miss what He wants to do through you just because you're waiting to feel ready. The truth is—you may never feel ready.

But you are called.

And that’s enough.

So go ahead. Fix your attention. Recognize what He’s asking.

And quickly respond.

Was this a word you needed today?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what God is speaking to you. Or better yet, share this with a friend who needs a reminder to Follow Fast. You never know what one simple “yes” could do.

Still Called, Still Chosen

You know that comforting feeling when you realize your car is still under warranty? Maybe the engine light comes on or something unexpected breaks, and just as panic starts to set in, you remember — it’s covered. That warranty promises that no matter what goes wrong, the manufacturer still has your back.

That’s the same kind of assurance Paul writes about in Romans 11:29, when he says, “God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded.” In other words, God’s gifts and His call on your life are still covered. No matter what mistakes you’ve made, how far you’ve wandered, or how long it’s been — His calling still stands. He hasn’t canceled it. He hasn’t taken it back. It’s under full warranty.

I remember a season where I stepped away from something I felt deeply called to do. I told myself it was just a break, but deep down, I believed I had disqualified myself. Life had gotten heavy. I was tired, discouraged, and honestly, ashamed. I thought, Maybe that season is over. Maybe I missed my window.

But God has a way of gently reminding us that His plans don’t expire just because we feel unworthy. One day, a friend looked me in the eyes and said, “You know God didn’t change His mind about you, right?” That moment shifted something in me. I didn’t feel ready, but I realized I was still called.

I began taking small steps—reaching out, saying yes again, even when it felt scary. And with each step, I felt that familiar fire in my soul begin to burn again.

This verse reminds us that God doesn’t take back what He gives. His call on your life isn't fragile or conditional—it’s rooted in His purpose. So, whether you’re walking confidently in your calling or feeling like you're on the sidelines, God hasn’t changed His mind about you. His purpose for your life still stands.

Here’s what we can learn from this powerful truth:

1. Permanent Calling
God’s call on our lives isn’t temporary. It doesn't expire based on our performance. His purpose is long-term and lasting.

2. Purposeful Gifts
Every gift, skill, and talent you’ve been given is intentional. They’re not random—they’re tools for your purpose.

3. Possible Comeback
God’s grace makes room for your return, no matter how far off you feel. You’re never too far gone for a fresh start.

4. Part of the Plan
You still matter in the big picture. You’re not forgotten. Your role is significant in what God is building.

These truths don’t just inform us — they invite us to respond. Let’s take a moment to pray and realign our hearts with the God who never changes His mind about us:

Lord, thank You for not canceling Your calling on my life. Even when I’ve doubted myself, You haven’t doubted me. Help me walk boldly in what You’ve given me, trusting that Your gifts are still at work in me. Remind me that it’s not too late. In Jesus' name, amen.

Make It Personal:

• Have you been ignoring or downplaying a gift God gave you? Write it down and ask God how He wants you to use it again.

• What’s one area where you’ve disqualified yourself but God hasn’t? Reflect on it—and then speak truth over that lie.

• How does it feel to know you’re still called? Let that truth shift how you see yourself this week.

• Take one small step toward walking in your calling again—whether it’s sending an email, starting a journal, or volunteering.

If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that they’re still called and covered. And before you go, drop a comment below: What’s one gift or calling God is reminding you to pick back up? I’d love to hear from you and cheer you on!

An Incomplete Trust

Scripture reassures us, 'No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.'  Romans 10:11 (MSG)

Trust. It’s a word we often hear in church, in relationships, and even in motivational talks. But Romans 10:11 introduces us to a deeper kind of trust — a trust that involves both our heart and our soul. This is what I like to call Complete Trust.

But why does God ask for both? Isn’t it enough to trust Him with just our feelings or simply believe in Him intellectually? The truth is, without both heart and soul, our trust remains incomplete. When we choose to trust God with our whole being, we open ourselves up to a life of true peace, purpose, and confidence.

Let’s explore why this kind of trust is worth it.

Trusting God with Your Heart

The heart represents your emotions, desires, and affections. It’s the part of you that feels deeply — joy, sorrow, fear, hope. Trusting God with your heart means inviting Him into these emotional spaces, believing that He cares about what you feel and desires to walk with you through it all.

• It’s honest. God doesn’t want us to hide our feelings. He welcomes our tears, laughter, frustration, and joy. "Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." — Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

• It’s relational. Trusting with your heart fosters a closer relationship with God. It’s like confiding in a friend who deeply understands and loves you.

• It’s healing. When we entrust our emotions to God, He brings comfort and renewal. He doesn’t dismiss our pain but meets us in it.

Yet, if we trust God only with our heart and not our soul, we may become emotionally driven in our faith. When we feel good, we trust easily. But when challenges come, trust wavers. That’s where the soul comes in.

Trusting God with Your Soul

The soul is your core identity — your eternal self. It’s the part of you that longs for meaning and purpose. Trusting God with your soul means surrendering control, believing that your life is in His hands, and resting in His promises.

• It’s secure. Unlike emotions, which ebb and flow, soul-level trust anchors you in God’s truth. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him." — Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

• It’s purposeful. Trusting God with your soul means believing that He has a plan, even when you can’t see it. You trust that He is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28).

• It’s eternal. While our heart may focus on the present, our soul trusts God with the big picture — our destiny, purpose, and eternal future.

But if we trust God only with our soul and not our heart, we risk becoming emotionally disconnected. We may follow God out of duty, but our relationship with Him will lack intimacy and joy.

Why both are needed for Complete Trust

Trusting God with both heart and soul creates a balanced, resilient faith.

• Heart-level trust keeps your relationship with God personal and vibrant.

• Soul-level trust gives you endurance and confidence when circumstances are hard.

• Together, they form a foundation of Complete Trust — one that weathers storms, celebrates victories, and remains steady through uncertainty.

What Does Complete Trust Look Like in Real Life?

• When you face uncertainty: Your heart may feel anxious, but your soul remains anchored in God’s promises. You pray through your fears while declaring His faithfulness.

• When you experience joy: You celebrate with a grateful heart, acknowledging that every good gift is from God. Your soul finds satisfaction not in circumstances, but in Him.

• When you experience loss: Your heart grieves, but your soul clings to the hope of eternity. You trust that God is still present, even in the pain.

Complete trust doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings. It means bringing them to God — and choosing to trust His plans even when you don’t understand them.

How to Cultivate Complete Trust

1. Pray honestly: Let God into your emotions. Tell Him your fears, hopes, and doubts.

2. Surrender daily: Acknowledge that He is in control of your life, and choose to follow Him.

3. Recall His faithfulness: Write down answered prayers and moments of God’s provision. Remembering what He’s done will strengthen your trust.

4. Stay in His word: Scripture reveals God’s character and reminds your soul of His unchanging truth.

5. Surround yourself with community: Lean on others who will encourage you to trust God, especially in challenging times.

A Final Thought

Complete trust isn’t about understanding everything God is doing. It’s about believing He is good, even when life feels uncertain. It’s about opening your heart to Him and surrendering your soul to His plans.

Make It Personal

Trusting God with both your heart and soul is a personal journey. To reflect on where you are in that process, consider these four questions:

1. Which is harder for me - trusting with my heart or my soul?

2. Am I honest with God about how I feel?

3. Do I believe God’s plans are good even when I don’t understand them?

4. What’s one step I can take toward complete trust today?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions. Be honest with yourself and with God. Trusting Him with both your heart and soul is a journey worth taking — one that leads to peace, purpose, and the assurance that you will never regret it.

Bold and Broken

Have you ever felt like two opposing emotions were battling inside you? Maybe you’re grateful for something in your life, yet deeply disappointed in another area. Or you’re excited about the future but still grieving something from the past. You feel bold and broken — all at once.

It’s confusing, isn’t it? To be both hopeful and heartbroken, confident and uncertain, joyful and sorrowful. But you’re not alone. Even the apostle Paul experienced this mix of emotions.

In Romans 8, Paul bursts with confidence about God’s unstoppable love:

"I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Romans 8:38-39, MSG)

Then, just a few verses later, we see a different side of him. His confidence is still there, but now it’s layered with sorrow:

“At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. It’s an enormous pain deep within me, and I’m never free of it. I’m not exaggerating—Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses.” (Romans 9:1-2, MSG)

Paul felt the tension of both boldness and brokenness — just like we do. And maybe the fact that both can exist at once isn’t something to fix or resolve. Maybe it’s something to embrace.

1. Bold in Conviction, Broken in Compassion

Have you ever known something to be true, but that truth didn’t stop your heart from aching? Maybe you believe God is good, but life feels anything but good right now. Or you trust God’s plan, but you’re still grieving what didn’t work out.

Paul held onto his belief in Jesus with unwavering confidence. But that confidence didn’t protect him from feeling the weight of the people he loved rejecting Christ. His heart broke — not because he doubted God, but because he cared deeply.

It’s okay to feel both. Trust doesn’t cancel out grief. You can believe God is working and still wish things were different.

2. Bold in Hope, Broken by Reality

Maybe you’ve had moments where you’ve held onto hope, only to have reality come crashing down. You prayed for healing, but the diagnosis didn’t change. You worked on a relationship, but it still fell apart. You held out hope, but the outcome wasn’t what you wanted.

Paul understood that too. He knew God’s promises were true, yet he couldn’t ignore the painful reality around him. Bold hope doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine — it means believing God is present, even when things aren’t.

You don’t have to choose between hope and honesty. You can bring both to God.

3. Bold in Joy, Broken in Grief

Life has a strange way of serving both joy and sorrow on the same plate. You might be celebrating something new while still mourning what you’ve lost. Maybe you’re thankful for one relationship while grieving another that feels distant.

Paul’s words remind us that joy and grief often walk hand in hand. One doesn’t erase the other. In fact, allowing yourself to feel both is a sign of emotional strength, not weakness.

You’re not betraying your joy when you acknowledge your sorrow. And you’re not ignoring your grief when you let yourself smile.

4. Bold in Faith, Broken for Others

Have you ever felt a deep ache for someone else’s pain? Maybe you’ve watched a loved one struggle, prayed for a breakthrough that hasn’t come, or carried the weight of someone else’s choices. That kind of sorrow can be overwhelming.

Paul felt this too. His heartbreak wasn’t just personal — it was for others. He wanted so badly for his people to know the freedom he had found in Christ.

It’s a tender thing to carry burdens for others. But even in your brokenness, God sees your heart. Every tear you cry in prayer is a reflection of His compassion.

5. Bold in God’s Love, Broken by Life’s Questions

Sometimes, life doesn’t make sense. You may have questions that don’t have answers — at least not yet. Why did this happen? Why didn’t God intervene? Why am I still waiting?

Paul didn’t pretend to have all the answers. But he did cling to what he did know — that nothing could separate him from God’s love. Even in the midst of unanswered questions, that truth was enough.

It can be enough for you too. God’s love remains, even when life feels uncertain.

A Prayer for the Bold and Broken:

If you’re feeling both strong and fragile, joyful and weary, hopeful and hesitant — bring it all to God. He can hold every part of you.

God, I’m carrying so many emotions right now. I’m thankful and hurting, hopeful and unsure. Just like Paul, I feel both bold and broken. Thank You for being big enough to hold it all. Remind me that I don’t have to resolve this tension — I can rest in it. When I feel overwhelmed, help me to remember Your love never wavers. Carry what I can’t. And let this mix of emotions draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts

Living with both boldness and brokenness isn’t something to fear or avoid. It’s a sign of a heart that feels deeply — and that’s a good thing. It means you’re alive, aware, and human.

So let the joy and the sorrow sit together. Allow the hope and the disappointment to coexist. And know that God is with you in all of it.

“The Lord is there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.” (Psalm 145:18, MSG)

You are both bold and broken — and in God’s hands, that’s a beautiful place to be.

Reflection Questions

• What’s an area of your life where you feel both bold and broken right now?

• How have you seen God show up for you in past seasons of conflicting emotions?

• Is there something you’re grieving while also holding onto hope?

• What’s one truth from God’s Word that you can cling to in the midst of uncertainty?

• How can you invite God into both your boldness and your brokenness today?

There’s no rush to figure it all out. Sit with these questions, write out your thoughts, or simply talk to God. He’s listening — and He’s with you, in every emotion you feel.

Growing in the Waiting

Have you ever found yourself in a season of waiting? Maybe you're longing for a breakthrough, praying for direction, or simply hoping for things to change. Waiting can feel like wandering — exhausting and uncertain.

But Romans 8:25 (MSG) offers a different perspective:

“But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.”

That phrase — "We are enlarged in the waiting" — suggests that waiting isn’t wasted. In fact, it’s where we grow the most. God uses the waiting to stretch, shape, and strengthen us.

Let’s explore how God enlarges us through seasons of waiting using five S-words to help us remember.

1. Strengthened Through Patience

Waiting builds strength — not the kind we often think of, but a strength of spirit. Just like physical exercise strengthens our bodies, spiritual waiting strengthens our faith and endurance.

It’s in these moments we learn to rely on God instead of our own abilities. The strain may feel uncomfortable, but it’s producing resilience and perseverance.

James 1:4 (NIV) — “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

2. Stretched in Faith

Waiting stretches our faith. When answers don’t come right away, we’re faced with a choice — will we trust God or try to control the situation ourselves?

Each day of waiting is an opportunity to deepen our dependence on Him. The more we stretch our faith, the more we experience God’s faithfulness in return.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) — “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

3. Shifted Perspective

In the waiting, God shifts our perspective from the temporary to the eternal. Our self-focused desires often lose their grip as we begin to see things through His eyes.

Waiting humbles us, reminding us that we are not in control — and that’s a good thing. God’s plans are greater than anything we could imagine, and waiting helps us align with His purpose.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV) — “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

4. Sharpened Character

God uses waiting to refine and sharpen our character. Patience, humility, and perseverance are formed in the delays. The person we become in the waiting is often far more important than the thing we’re waiting for.

Just as a diamond is shaped under pressure, our hearts are shaped through seasons of waiting. God is more concerned with who we are becoming than how quickly we get what we want.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) — “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

5. Strengthened in Joyful Expectancy

One of the most beautiful transformations that happens in waiting is the growth of joyful expectancy. It’s the confidence that God is working even when we can’t see it.

This joy doesn’t come from wishful thinking — it’s rooted in the certainty of God’s promises. Just like an expectant mother grows in anticipation of her child’s arrival, we grow in hope, believing that God’s timing is perfect.

Psalm 27:14 (NIV) — “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

A Prayer for the Waiting Season

Lord, thank You for the ways You enlarge my heart in the waiting. Even when I don’t see the answers I long for, help me to trust that You are working for my good. Strengthen my patience, stretch my faith, and shift my perspective to see things as You see them. Sharpen my character, and fill me with joyful expectancy. I choose to wait with hope, knowing that Your timing is perfect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts

Waiting is never easy, but it’s never wasted. God is using this season to grow you in ways you can’t yet see. One day, you’ll look back and realize that the waiting was a part of His plan all along — a necessary chapter in your story of faith.

So, take heart. You are being enlarged in the waiting.

Making It Personal

• Where are you in a season of waiting? Reflect on what God may be teaching or growing in you during this time.

• What fears or frustrations are you holding onto? Surrender them to God and ask Him to strengthen your faith.

• How can you practice joyful expectancy? Choose to believe that even in the waiting, God is at work.

Share Your Story

Are you in a season of waiting right now? How has God stretched or strengthened you through it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And if this post encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need a reminder that waiting is not in vain.

Keep growing. Keep believing. The best is yet to come.

It’s the Little Things

Why small decisions shape who you're becoming.

We often imagine that what throws us off track in life are the big, dramatic moments—major failures, public blowups, or huge moral compromises. But more often than not, the thing that derails our spiritual and emotional life isn’t one massive event. It’s the little things.

It’s the subtle compromises.
The quiet justifications.
The feelings we push down.
The prayers we delay.
The “just this once” decisions that build momentum in the wrong direction.

Romans 6:13 (MSG) puts it this way:
“Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life…”

That verse stopped me in my tracks. Little errands. Paul’s not talking about rebellion or catastrophe—he’s warning us about the tiny, everyday decisions that slowly reconnect us to a life we’ve already been set free from. The kind of decisions that feel harmless but slowly reattach us to our old selves.

Because whether we notice it or not, the little things matter. In God’s eyes, they always have—because they shape who we’re becoming.

The truth is, we all pay attention to the big battles. The public ones. The obvious ones. But real transformation often happens (or doesn’t) in the quiet spaces of our day-to-day lives.

It’s in the subtle patterns—our tone in a conversation, our reaction in a moment of stress, or our habit of avoiding prayer when we feel overwhelmed.

In those quiet, in-between moments, we’re either drifting… or growing.

Here are three truths about the little things that help us see why they’re worth our attention:

1. Small Patterns Shape Big Outcomes

The little habits we ignore—like not checking our hearts, avoiding confrontation, or holding on to tiny offenses—can snowball into burnout, broken trust, or spiritual numbness.

Scripture gives us a picture of this in Song of Solomon 2:15: “Catch the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyard...” It’s the little foxes, not the obvious predators, that spoil the fruit.

2. God Cares About the Little Things

He’s not just watching the milestones of our lives—He sees the micro-decisions, the thoughts we entertain, the things we brush off. In fact, Jesus said: “Whoever is faithful with little will also be faithful with much...” (Luke 16:10) That means spiritual and emotional maturity isn’t just about how we handle crisis. It’s about how we handle Tuesdays. How we show up when no one’s watching. How we respond to that one text that hit the wrong nerve.

3. Little Acts of Surrender Lead to Big Breakthroughs

Sometimes we think growth comes from doing something grand or public. But often, freedom comes in a quiet moment:

• Choosing to pause instead of react

• Saying a prayer before a conversation

• Owning a small emotion before it grows into a monster

These aren't throwaway moments. They're training ground for the life God is building in us.

If the little things matter so much, how do we handle them in a healthy, intentional, and Spirit-led way?

It starts with awareness. With surrender. With choosing God in the moments no one else sees.

And it helps to have a framework. Here’s a simple one I use to keep my heart aligned:

• L – Listen to the Warning Signs
  Pay attention to your internal emotional alerts. God often whispers before He shouts.
  “Be still and know…” – Psalm 46:10

• I – Identify the Pattern
  What small behavior or thought keeps showing up?
  “Catch the little foxes…” – Song of Solomon 2:15

• T – Take It to God
  Bring even your smallest thoughts, emotions, and habits to Him.
  “Cast all your anxiety on Him…” – 1 Peter 5:7

• T – Turn from the Old Way
  Don’t keep entertaining things God already rescued you from.
  “Don’t even run little errands…” – Romans 6:13 (MSG)

• L – Let the Spirit Lead
  Don’t let your feelings or impulses run your life—let the Spirit lead.
  “Walk by the Spirit…” – Galatians 5:16

• E – Establish New Rhythms
  Replace little compromises with little commitments.
  “Whoever is faithful with little…” – Luke 16:10

The little things may not seem like much in the moment, but over time, they shape everything—your attitude, your character, your relationships, and your walk with God.

God’s not just looking at the big picture.
He’s present in the quiet decisions, the subtle shifts, the small steps.
So let’s invite Him into that space right now.

Prayer:
God, open my eyes to the small compromises I’ve been ignoring.
Help me take the little things seriously, knowing they shape who I’m becoming.
I want to walk fully in Your way, even in the quiet, everyday moments.

Make It Personal:

Take a few minutes to reflect and journal through these:

1. What’s one “little thing” you’ve been brushing off that God might be calling you to notice?

2. Can you think of a time when a small compromise led to a bigger consequence? What did you learn from it?

3. Which part of the L.I.T.T.L.E. acronym do you most need to apply right now? Why?

4. What small, consistent step can you take this week to stay aligned with the new life God has for you?

If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement in the small steps. The little things might just be the big things in disguise.

The Name Came First

Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent truth: God speaks to people based on destiny, not their current reality. He doesn’t wait for perfection before declaring purpose. He gives identity first—then begins the journey of transformation.

I think about this when I remember naming our kids. With our daughter, we knew her name months before she was born—we spoke it, prayed it, imagined who she’d be. But with our son, we waited. His name didn’t come until the day he was born. Yet in both cases, the name came before we really knew them—before their personalities were clear or their stories began to unfold. We named them not based on what we saw, but on what we believed about their future.

That’s exactly what God does with us. Look at what Paul writes about Abraham:

Romans 4:17 (MSG) "We call Abraham 'father' not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn’t that what we’ve always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, 'I set you up as father of many peoples'? Abraham was first named 'father' and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing."

This is a powerful picture of how God works. He doesn’t wait for us to “arrive” before He speaks purpose over us. He sees potential before it’s visible, and He calls us by our future—not our failure.

Just like Abraham was called “father” before he ever held a child, God often names us based on His plan, not our present. Let’s look at a few examples of people in the Bible who were called something before they became it.

1. Gideon – “Mighty Warrior”

Judges 6:12 “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

• Reality: Gideon was hiding in fear, feeling weak and insignificant.

• Destiny: God called him mighty before he ever lifted a sword.

2. Peter – “The Rock”

John 1:42 “You will be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

• Reality: Simon was impulsive and unsure.

• Destiny: Jesus renamed him “rock,” declaring his future strength and leadership in the Church.

3. David – Future King

1 Samuel 16:13 “Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers…”

• Reality: A forgotten shepherd boy.

• Destiny: Anointed as king years before he wore a crown.

4. Mary – “Highly Favored”

Luke 1:28 “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

• Reality: A young, unknown girl from Nazareth.

• Destiny: Chosen to carry the Savior of the world.

5. Jeremiah – Prophet to the Nations

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

• Reality: A young man who felt unqualified and afraid.

• Destiny: Already known, called, and appointed by God.

6. Jesus – “My Son, Whom I Love”

Matthew 3:17 “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

• Reality: Jesus hadn’t begun His public ministry—no miracles, no teachings, no cross.

• Destiny: The Father declared love, approval, and identity simply because Jesus belonged to Him.

This is the ultimate example: Identity comes before activity. If Jesus didn’t have to do something to be someone, neither do we.

Maybe you feel like you’re not there yet. Maybe you’re still battling fear, insecurity, or uncertainty. But take heart—God’s words over your life aren’t based on where you are, but on where He’s taking you. If He’s called you chosen, you are—even if you don’t feel like it yet. If He’s called you a leader, a light, a difference-maker—believe Him. He sees what you can’t.

Like Abraham, dare to trust God to do what only He can do. Hold on to the name He’s given you, even if it hasn’t come to pass yet. Because when God speaks, it’s not just a description—it’s a declaration.

Believe what He’s spoken. Live like it’s true. And watch Him make it happen.

Reflective Questions:

1. What has God spoken over your life that you’ve been hesitant to believe?

2. Are you defining yourself by your current circumstances—or by God’s promises?

3. Which of these examples spoke to you the most—and why?

4. What step of faith can you take this week to align with the identity God has given you?

Take a moment to pray and ask God to remind you of His words over your life—and to give you the courage to walk in them.