The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Life has a way of pulling our attention in a hundred different directions. Between responsibilities, worries, and the constant noise of everyday life, it’s easy for our focus to drift. Often, it’s not outright rebellion that creates distance from God—it’s distraction. A slow fade. But Scripture gives us a clear and simple invitation: fix your eyes on Jesus. When we intentionally shift our focus back to Christ, something powerful happens. The weight of the world doesn’t necessarily disappear, but it begins to lose its grip. The things that once felt overwhelming start to shrink in the light of His presence. Jesus, who endured the cross and secured our hope, becomes the anchor that steadies our hearts. Refocusing isn’t complicated—it simply requires a willingness to pause, look up, and reconnect with the One who holds it all together. Highlights Distraction, not rebellion, often pulls us away from God Fixing our eyes on Jesus restores peace and clarity The pressures of life lose power in light of Christ’s presence Busyness can quietly replace devotion if left unchecked True satisfaction is found in Christ, not worldly pursuits Refocusing on Jesus is simple, but requires intentionality Jesus endured the cross to secure our hope and faith Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Turn Your Eyes Upon JesusBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) How many of us know and love the famous hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus? There really is a sense of purity and weightiness to many of the hymns we sing. But this one strikes a particularly intimate chord, beckoning us to look up and out beyond our distractions, disappointments, and even our despair. Not only is it calling us to shift our perspective, but to fix our gaze on the face of our Lord. It is there that all of the cares of this world dim and fade in the light of His love and glory. This hymn truly is one of my absolute favorites. I actually wasn’t exposed to it until a bit later in life, but it was so influential that decades later, I still have a vivid memory of the first time I heard it. I was riding in the back of a car when Michael W. Smith first shared a beautiful rendition of these beloved lyrics. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,Look full in His wonderful face,And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His glory and grace.” There is so much in our world that clamors for our attention. Our challenges, our worries, our incessant need to be busy, and our constant pursuit of “happiness.” All of which depletes our faith, steals our peace, and leaves us feeling lost, anxious, and hopeless. This is the slippery slope that can so easily lead us astray. Often, our distance from the Lord is not due to intentional rebellion but rather to a slow fading of affection. As famously quoted by Corrie ten Boom, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” True satisfaction can only be found in Him. Nothing else will ever satisfy. In preparation for sharing about this hymn in today’s devotional, I conducted a little research to learn more about its origin and authorship. The hymn was penned by Helen Lemmel in 1922. Her own words were inspired by the life and poetry of a female missionary named Lilias Trotter, who encouraged those around her to “turn your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him… for ‘He is worthy’ to have all there is to be had in the heart that He has died to win.” Jesus was, is, and always will be the answer to our questions, the treasure to our pursuit of riches, and the fulfillment of our innermost desires. The God-shaped hole in each of our hearts will never be satisfied by the lesser things of this world. The struggle truly is real. The noise and allure of all that surrounds us will constantly bombard our hearts and minds. It will never go away while we remain in this fallen world. As such, it requires intentional effort on our part to break free of our earthly bonds. But when we really think about it, the effort is so minimal. All we have to do is look up. Just set down our phones, walk away from our planners, close our computers, or turn off the TV, and simply shift our gaze from the temporal to the eternal. The Lord has already done all the hard work for us. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) The only thing He is asking of us is to turn our eyes upon Him. As soon as we do, all the things of this world will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or lost? If so, how do you attempt to comfort yourself or ease your worries? I encourage you to take some time today to listen to the timeless truths of this hymn. I pray it ministers to your aching or anxious soul as you cast your gaze upon Him. And may we all relish in His light, and love, and grace. Further Reading:Psalm 105:4Jeremiah 29:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s easy to measure our days by productivity—what we checked off, accomplished, or completed. But Scripture gently redirects our focus. Instead of organizing life around endless tasks, we’re called to live with intentionality, recognizing that our time is limited and deeply valuable. When we “number our days,” we begin to see life through an eternal lens, not just a daily agenda. Many of the things that consume our time won’t matter a year from now—let alone in eternity. What will matter is how we loved, served, and walked with God. Shifting from a task-driven mindset to a purpose-driven life doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility—it means putting first things first. As we slow down and invite God into our daily rhythms, we begin to align our priorities with His heart, finding peace in what truly counts. Highlights To-do lists can quietly become idols that control our time and focus Numbering our days shifts perspective from urgency to purpose Eternal impact matters more than daily productivity God values how we love and serve others over accomplishments Slowing down allows space for meaningful, God-centered moments Busyness can distract us from what truly matters Living wisely means aligning daily life with eternal priorities Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Numbering Our Days By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NASB). Does your to-do list seem overwhelming at times? Whether you keep yours on paper, like I still do, and relish the joy of crossing each task off, or your list exists in the notes section of your phone or the inside of your mind, we all feel that burdening sense of all that we must do. I realize some of it is important. If you don’t grocery shop, what will you eat? If laundry isn’t done, what will you wear? If the project isn’t sectioned out in steps and worked on daily, when will it be completed? Yet what on that list, daily, will matter a year from now, 10 years from now, or in the scope of eternity? Somehow, somewhere, the almighty To-Do List rose up before us and called itself God. And we continue to bow down to it. Having been raised with a strong work ethic, I used to find it difficult to be “unproductive,” even when I was on vacation or feeling worn down, and my body was saying, “rest!” It used to be more difficult for me to slow down and not get things done than to muster up the motivation to do them. Yet the older I get, the more joy I am experiencing in putting aside the to-do list and prioritizing people over productivity. In Psalm 90:12, Moses asked God to help him realize his days are numbered so he could live wisely. In The Message translation, that verse reads, “Oh, teach us to live wisely. Teach us to live wisely and well.” Moses—a man whom Scripture says communed with God face to face—realized his need not to get caught up in meaningless tasks during the day, but to live wisely for the sake of eternity. If Moses prayed for that priority check, how much more should we? Intersecting Faith & Life: What if you and I were to number our days instead of our tasks? What if we were to make a list of what we wanted to do wisely and well each day (and before we leave this earth), rather than focus on all of the meaningless tasks that seem to be setting our schedules and ruling our days and minds? When you and I get to heaven one day, there will not be a reward for the amount of money we made or how efficient we were on our jobs while we lived on this earth. There will not be accolades for the number of followers we had on social media, or the number of hits on our website, or the number of clicks on our Instagram videos. There won’t be any kudos for having the loveliest seasonal decorations, or being the most organized member of the team, or accomplishing the most at the company. All that we tend to honor or strive for or prioritize here on this earth doesn’t mean much to God in the scope of eternity. In Micah 6:8, we are told what God honors: “He has told you, mortal one, what is good;And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” To do justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God amounts to tasks that benefit others. It involves serving. It involves assignments that might not be on the list at all, but rather compete with our tasks and add to our frustrations when they inconvenience or delay us. God works on a different timeline than we do, so that might be why He isn’t sympathetic toward our rush, rush, rush. And it might be why He continues to convict our hearts to slow way down. God gave us enough hours in the day to do all that’s needed to fulfill our purpose in Him (to love Him and others and glorify Him in all we do). The things that may seem necessary to you on your list might not be that important to Him, or to anyone else, for that matter. Sometimes we put more pressure on ourselves than we need to. Yet, as much as we’d like to walk away from it, we often let that blasted piece of paper, or that running list on our phones or in the back of our minds, dictate how much we will enjoy life, how much time we will spend in a phone call or visit with a friend or family member, and how much time we will spend on tasks that don’t look like accomplishment to the world, but represent wealth to the Lord. Lord, help us to focus on the few things that really matter. Help us balance our list of tasks by ensuring people-related activities are included. Don’t let us waste our lives on paperwork, computer work, or busywork that won’t amount to anything in eternity. Help us number our days by filling them with purpose as we number our lists. Further Reading: Matthew 6:19-20 For help prioritizing your day with Jesus, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Struggling with shame, sin, or fear of rejection? 1 John 1:9 reminds us that confession leads to forgiveness, healing, and freedom—inviting every believer to step out of hiding and back into God’s grace. Hiding often feels safer than being fully known—but spiritually, it keeps us stuck. Whether it’s shame from past wounds, fear of rejection, or ongoing struggles with sin, choosing silence and secrecy can quietly distance us from God and others. Yet Scripture offers a better way: honest confession that leads to restoration. God doesn’t call us to hide—He calls us to healing. Highlights Hiding sin often stems from fear of rejection or shame Confession restores intimacy and fellowship with God God’s love does not change, even when we fall short Isolation is a tool the enemy uses to keep us stuck True healing begins with honesty and surrender Sanctification is a process, not a one-time moment Jesus remains our righteousness, even in our struggle Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Dear Child of God, Come Out of Hiding By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV) A few months ago, my eyes were opened to the stark reality that I was struggling with an area of my past… …the pain of rejection. This continues to be a battle for me, yet I realize that healing from the pain of rejection is a partnership with the Lord and, most definitely, a process as we learn to surrender to God. Thankfully, I am not alone in this fight in healing from my past and old ways of thinking. One thing is for sure: the Lord fights for me, and the Holy Spirit guides me into all truth, illuminating and exposing the lies I was believing that are rooted in rejection. Rejection had overwhelmed so much of my life that I wasn’t being fully honest with people in my life. The lie I believed was that I would be rejected if my sin or wrongdoing was discovered. Therefore, I chose to either keep silent or tell a lie to keep my secret hidden so that I wouldn’t be a disappointment. That lifestyle was keeping me from being fully transparent and honest with my husband and, most importantly, with God. I believe this is why 1 John 1 reminds us of the importance of confessing our sin: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Hiding our sin causes us to hide from God, very similarly to Adam and Eve when the first sin entered the world- they felt ashamed, and shame made them feel rejected. Because of Jesus and the finished work of the cross, we are forever made righteous in our position as we stand before the Father and are forever forgiven, yet when we sin, it causes our fellowship with God to be hindered, and then we can very easily distance ourselves from Him and stray from His ways. God’s love toward me never changes when I sin, yet I may still experience consequences and correction for my disobedience. Repentance, as a believer, is for our benefit to keep fellowship with our Heavenly Father open and unhindered. Sin can often make our hearts grow callous, and we may become less sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The enemy wants you either in pride, thinking you are better off doing life your own way, or in isolation, bound in a pit of depression, unable to receive love or give out love, feeling like no one loves you or cares about you, especially God. But God’s love is unconditional and perfect, and nothing can stop His pursuit of you. He wants us to be honest with Him so that we can see real transformation happen in our lives, as He conforms us into the image of His Son. Like I said above, positionally, in Christ, you stand before God forgiven and righteous, but experientially, sanctification is a process because our flesh is weak. Although as born-again believers, we continue to sin against God because we are constantly at war with our flesh in this life, the good news is that we have a great advocate, Jesus Christ, who is forever our righteousness. To be sure, our position in Him as declared righteous before God will never change, yet we are still called to confess our sin, which purifies our conscience before the Lord. Is there a particular sin that you have been struggling with? Pause and take some time to write it/them down and repent before the Lord, laying it all down at His feet. 1 John 1:9 says Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Dear child of God, let us remember to come out of hiding and rejoice in the truth that Jesus is forever our righteousness despite our shortcomings! Further Reading: Romans 8:31-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life has a way of pulling us into stress, fear, and overwhelm—but Scripture offers a better rhythm: resting in God as our refuge. While God is always present, learning to actively dwell in that presence takes intention. It’s in those moments—pausing, praying, and turning our attention back to Him—that we begin to experience His peace in a tangible way. Psalm 91 paints a powerful image of God as our shelter and covering. When we stay close to Him, we’re not just protected—we’re sustained. The weight of expectations, fear, and pressure begins to lift as we remember who He is: all-powerful, unchanging, and deeply committed to our good. Rest isn’t found in escaping life’s challenges, but in staying rooted in God through them. Highlights God’s presence is constant, but resting in it requires intentional practice Pausing in moments of stress allows God to bring peace and clarity Fear and overwhelm grow when we lose sight of God’s power True rest comes from trusting God, not controlling outcomes God invites everyone to dwell in His presence—no matter their past Staying close to God strengthens emotional and spiritual resilience Proximity to God leads to peace, protection, and renewed strength Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Making God Our Safe PlaceBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1 (NIV). How can we make God our refuge, shield, shelter, and safe place? Most of us probably recognize He’s with us always. As Psalm 139 proclaims, there’s no way we can flee His presence, no place we can go where He isn’t already there. And that’s good news, because it is in His presence that we receive strength, power, protection, and peace. While He’s always with us, it can take practice to become aware of and learn to rest and find shelter in His presence. I’m learning to pause when I feel anxious or overwhelmed to close my eyes, prayerfully connect with God, and receive comfort from His embrace. The more I do this, the easier this becomes. My hope is that I’ll become so skilled at emotionally regulating myself with the Lord that I won’t do or say things I regret when under stress or in fearful circumstances. We all tend to behave uncharacteristically when we feel threatened, sad, anxious, or depressed. But we have instant and constant access to the all-powerful God who surrounds us with His loving embrace. That’s the image I receive when I consider today’s verse. I picture my heavenly Father’s strong arms around me, acting like a protective barrier. This Scripture begins with an all-inclusive invitation. “Whoever dwells,” the psalmist says, reminding us that God longs for all of us—those with respectable, church-attending backgrounds and those who’ve spent their lives running from God and into sin—to dwell, linger, and remain in His shelter. The ancient Hebrews reading Psalm 91 would’ve immediately thought of how God led them through the wilderness with a cloud by day that hovered protectively above them, making His presence tangible and visible, guiding them every step of their journey, and shielding them from the sun’s intense rays. The Lord doesn’t change. He watches over, guides, and protects us as faithfully as He did the often-rebellious Jews so long ago. I’m often comforted when I consider the unfaithful attitudes and behaviors of people to whom God remained faithful because it reminds me of His free and inexhaustible gift of grace. As Psalm 103:10 states, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, and I’m so grateful for that. He doesn’t hold grudges, make us earn His favor or protection, or withhold His goodness. We can trust that, in all He does, doesn’t do, and allows, He always has our best interests in mind. While He doesn’t condone or bless sin by any means, He does invite us all to come to Him, build an ever-deepening relationship with Him, and allow Him to comfort, heal, and strengthen us with His love. He is our shelter. As Psalm 27:5 states, “… He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (NIV). Today’s verse refers to God as the Most High, Elohim in the original Hebrew. This name for God emphasizes his power, strength, and authority. He is above everyone and everything—every earthly system, over every national leader, and greater than all the forces of hell combined. His power and wisdom are limitless, His strength unconquerable, and His plans immutable. What He says happens and what He ordains always comes to pass. Those who make God their dwelling place by learning to recognize His voice, turning to Him in times of trouble and overwhelm, and regularly resting in His presence will find rest. Consider what most exhausts you. It’s usually not the event or task itself that leads to our fatigue but rather all the expectations, obligations, and emotional weight we attach to it. Our fears of failure, and what might happen should we fail, tend to feel heaviest. The more we stress and fret, the bigger that challenge in front of us seems to grow, blinding us to God’s power and promises. But when we pause to rest in His presence, He reminds us of comforting truths, such as that He crafted His plans for us long before we took our first breath. Or that He’s recorded every day of our lives in His book before a single one came to pass. He might remind us of His promise to work all things, including our mistakes, for our good and His glory. Or perhaps He’ll simply hold us in His soul-strengthening embrace. Lastly, today’s verse states that we find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This reminds me of a game my daughter and I used to play when she was young. On sunny days, we’d go outside and try to stomp on one another’s shadows. This required proximity, closeness. Similarly, resting in God’s shadow requires remaining close to Him—through prayer, Bible reading, attending church, connecting with other believers, and quietly sitting in His presence. Intersecting Life & Faith: Jesus phrased it this way: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5, emphasis mine). Here’s the good news. According to James 4:8, the moment we turn toward God, He is already moving, with open arms, toward us, drawing us deeper into His loving, protective, sheltering embrace. Further Reading:Psalm 4:8Proverbs 18:10Isaiah 41:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Spiritual growth often begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone. Whether it’s a new opportunity, a challenging season, or an unknown path ahead, the tension between excitement and fear is real. Yet Scripture reminds us that we are never navigating these moments alone—God is already present in every place we’re called to go. Psalm 139 paints a powerful picture of God’s constant presence. No matter how far we go or how unfamiliar the path feels, His hand is steady, guiding and sustaining us. When we choose to trust Him and take that next step, even with uncertainty, our faith stretches, deepens, and becomes more resilient. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens in movement, in trust, and in surrender. Highlights Growth happens when you step beyond comfort and trust God in the unknown Fear and faith often coexist—but fear doesn’t have to lead God’s presence is constant, no matter where your journey takes you New experiences reveal gifts and strengths you didn’t know you had Adventures deepen dependence on God and strengthen your faith You don’t have to have everything figured out—just take the next step God doesn’t send you out alone—He walks with you every step of the way Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Go on an Adventure with GodBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“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 139:9-10, NIV What’s a new adventure you hope to experience this year? Is there a place you’re excited about traveling to visit, a new skill you’d like to learn, or a project or role you want to start at work or at church? No matter what kind of adventure it is, you probably feel a mix of both excitement and fear because of all the uncertainty involved. The fear may be causing you to hesitate, but don’t let fear take over. If you’ve prayed for God’s guidance to make the best decisions, and you sense God leading you to go on that adventure, you can move forward with confidence even while still feeling afraid. Psalm 139:9-10 describes why you can be confident: God will go with you anytime and anywhere! There’s no time of day or night when God won’t be with you. There’s no place you can go where God won’t be with you. As these verses point out, even if you leave as soon as the dawn of a new day or go somewhere far away like overseas, you’ll still be in God’s hands. Adventures are vital for your spiritual growth. Any trip or class you want to take, and any professional or volunteer opportunity to serve in new ways, is worth praying about and planning for if God leads you to move forward. Staying in your comfort zone won’t help you grow closer to God, but adventures will! When you step into an adventure, you realize that you can’t do it alone, which motivates you to look for God’s presence and connect with him. An adventure stretches your faith so it can become more resilient. If you travel somewhere new, you can see the vastness of the world God created and discover more about how unlimited God’s love and power are. If you take on a new project at work, you can discover talents God tucked away inside you that never would have surfaced if you hadn’t worked on that project. If you serve people in a new way at church, you can experience the blessings of experiencing God’s love flow through your life in fresh ways. Whenever you start a new adventure – whenever you “rise on the wings of the dawn” – you can count on God to show up on time to meet you. Wherever “the far side of the sea” is for you, you don’t have to worry about what might happen there, because God will go there with you. An adventure may lead you to a new schedule or take you to a new place on a map, but God doesn’t just give you a schedule and a map and then leave you alone to figure it out. These verses promise that God’s hand will “hold you fast.” God isn’t watching you from a distance. God is walking beside you as your personal guide, no matter when and where you go. So, go on an adventure with God sometime soon! If you take a risk and feel like an impostor, don’t worry, because God will hold you fast. If you start a new journey and feel afraid of what might happen along the way, God will hold you fast. You can afford to be brave because you have your loving and powerful Heavenly Father right beside you. Don’t let the fear of the “far side of the sea” keep you stuck on the shore. The dawn is rising, and God is already there, waiting to guide you on a new adventure that will bless you! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to go on adventures and to trust God to go with you, reflect on these questions: What’s one adventure (like a trip or a project) you’ve been putting off because of fear of what might happen if you moved forward? Looking back at a past challenge, how can you see now that God was holding your hand when you were in the middle of that challenge? In what ways do you find it easier to trust yourself rather than trusting God when your circumstances are comfortable? How does the idea that God will be there for you anytime and anywhere change your perspective on taking risks? What’s one step you can take this week to move toward the next adventure God is calling you to go on? Further Reading: Psalm 32:8Joshua 1:9Isaiah 41:10Matthew 28:20Proverbs 3:5-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Resurrection hope, new life after loss, and God’s redemptive work are beautifully revealed in The Garden after the Grave. Rooted in John 20:11, this devotional shows how God brings life out of what feels buried, reminding us that the empty tomb is not the end—but the beginning. Mary came to the garden expecting death, not a miracle. Grief clouded her vision, making it impossible to recognize that Jesus was standing right in front of her. Yet in a deeply personal moment, everything changed when Jesus called her by name. This powerful scene mirrors our own lives—how often we stand in places that feel empty, unaware that God is already at work. Just as the first garden in Eden represented what was lost, this garden after the resurrection reveals what is being restored. God is still bringing life where we only see loss, growing something new beneath the surface even when all seems silent. Highlights God often brings new life in places that feel like endings Grief can cloud our vision, but Jesus meets us personally in it The resurrection reverses what was lost in the Garden of Eden What looks like death may actually be the beginning of renewal Jesus reveals Himself in intimate, personal ways—often when we least expect it Waiting seasons are not empty; God is working beneath the surface The resurrection reminds us that our story doesn’t end in the grave Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Garden after the GraveBy: Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.” - John 20:11 Can you see her? There is a woman broken by death, unable to keep the tears inside. It was a heartbreaking scene. For those of us who know the story, it is tempting to step into the story and just reassure Mary that Jesus had already risen. But let’s remember she did not know this. She has come to this garden looking for death. It says that she looked inside the tomb, expecting a body, not a miracle. Although Mary stood in a garden, she did not expect life. Resurrection morning begins in a Garden, and so do the first few chapters of the Bible. “And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” - Genesis 2:8 (ESV) As the story of Easter begins, we find Mary at a tomb in a garden. Do we expect to find God here? Mary did not. She was searching, weeping, and only able to see the darkness of death. She sees an empty tomb and two angels. The weeping does not end at the sight of the heavenly beings. Instead, sorrow wraps itself around her and clouds her view. She doesn’t see the empty tomb as hopeful, but mournful. Immediately, Mary turns. Her grief doesn’t allow her to see the truth about the garden, the empty tomb, and the Man standing in front of her. John 20:14 says, “She turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.” The beautiful part of this story is that Mary mistook Jesus for the Gardner. Little did she know, He was and is the great Gardener. Mary stood in the garden, blinded by tears and unable to see that resurrection was coming. In the winter, our gardens lie dead, devoid of color and life. As we winter through the cold months, the ground beneath is not dead at all, but waiting. Just like Mary, we might need to remember that sometimes we stand in the place of new life, even if we are surrounded by loss. Reading about this garden Mary stood in reminds me of the first garden. God created life in a garden, but sin entered there, and humanity was sent out. The Garden of Eden is now a symbol of what was lost: God’s presence, a sense of wholeness, and unbroken fellowship. All of these things lost in the first garden were soon to be recovered in this second garden. In a moment, Mary’s tears turn to wonderment. “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni! (which means Teacher).’” - John 20:16-17 Jesus meets Mary not in a spectacle of power and glory but in intimacy, reminding her of the relationship. When Jesus says Mary’s name, she suddenly recognizes him. It is in this moment that new life begins to bud in her heart. It is not a coincidence that the resurrection happens in a garden. Gardens require a burial of the seed into the ground, waiting, and patience. Remember that a seed is not dead when it is buried. The amazing things about gardens are that during the winter they look like loss, emptiness, and sorrow. But in the spring, God brings life from what we see as death. Every spring, we are reminded that death was defeated and Jesus rose from the dead! There is a great truth here because Jesus’ physical resurrection brings with it a great promise. The door Jesus opened for us after the idea that all things will be made new. Even now, we see this happening in our lives as God restores us, remembers us, and gives us rest. God met us first in the garden as Creator. Jesus met Mary in a garden as Teacher. One day, Jesus will return as King and meet us to take us home, making all things new. “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” - Revelation 21:5 Just like Mary, we can rest in the truth that death does not win, loss is not permanent, and God grows new life where we least expect it. The same God who planted both gardens is still tending our story today. Intersecting Faith & Life: Can you take the story of the gardens and believe that life happens after the grave? What in your life feels dead and buried? How can you trust God with this truth: the grave is not the final chapter of your story. Further Reading:Genesis 2:8-9Genesis 3:22-24Isaiah 61:112 Corinthians 5:17Revelation 22:1-2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The true meaning of Easter centers on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, offering hope, salvation, and victory over death. Rediscovering the Real Meaning of Easter invites us to move beyond cultural traditions and refocus on the life-changing truth of Matthew 28:6—He is risen. For many, Easter can easily become about traditions like candy, egg hunts, and the Easter Bunny. While those things aren’t inherently wrong, they can quietly shift our attention away from what matters most. When we truly understand the resurrection, everything changes. Easter becomes more than a holiday—it becomes a celebration of grace, redemption, and new life found in Christ. This renewed perspective not only deepens our personal faith but also creates opportunities to share the Gospel with others in a meaningful, authentic way. Highlights Easter is ultimately about Jesus’ death and resurrection—not just traditions Cultural celebrations can unintentionally distract from the Gospel Understanding the resurrection transforms how we celebrate Easter Sharing your personal faith story can help others understand the Gospel The resurrection gives us victory over sin and death Eternal life is made possible through Jesus’ finished work on the cross Easter is an opportunity to boldly and lovingly share the Good News Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Rediscovering the Real Meaning of EasterBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” - Matthew 28:6 Easter is a wonderful time to reflect on the beauty and goodness of Christ. When I was growing up, however, I didn’t understand Easter at all. I mainly associated it with the Easter Bunny and candy. I knew nothing about Jesus Christ or His death on the cross. Although my mom was a Christian, I don’t remember fully absorbing any teachings about Easter when I was a child or a teenager. Perhaps those lessons simply went over my head, but I genuinely don’t recall learning about Jesus’ sacrifice. Everything changed after I became a Christian during my first year of college. That was when I began to understand the true purpose of Easter and realized what a beautiful and meaningful celebration it is. The first Easter I celebrated as a follower of the Lord was filled with worship. My sister and I even changed some of our family traditions to make them more focused on Jesus. My childhood fascination with the Easter Bunny faded, replaced by a deeper appreciation for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. One year, we even made a cross decorated with flowers and placed it on our front door as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and victory. Easter has changed a lot for me, but in the best way possible. Once I truly understood the meaning of Easter, I couldn’t believe I had celebrated the holiday for so long without recognizing its real purpose. Easter is about Jesus—not the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, or candy. While those traditions are not wrong in themselves, they can easily distract from the holiday's true meaning. When commercialism becomes the focus, it takes Jesus out of Easter and turns the celebration into something it was never meant to be. As followers of Christ, Easter is also a meaningful opportunity to share the Gospel with others. Many people have heard the Gospel, yet its meaning hasn’t fully reached their hearts. This can be true for both children and adults. Because of this, we should look for opportunities to share the message of Jesus—even with people who may already be familiar with it. Sometimes hearing the truth again allows it to take root more deeply. When sharing the Gospel, speak in a personal, sincere way. This helps others truly hear and understand what you are saying. Sharing your testimony can also be powerful before or after explaining the Gospel. Trust the Holy Spirit to work in each person’s heart, and don’t become discouraged if someone doesn’t accept Christ immediately. For many of us, faith was a journey that took time before we chose to fully place our trust in Jesus. Intersecting Faith & Life: At the tomb of the risen Lord, an angel declared, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6). This beautiful truth gives us hope and encouragement even in our darkest moments. Jesus truly rose from the dead, and through Him we have victory over death. While we will still physically die one day, death does not have the final word. Those who trust in Christ will live forever with Him. The gift of eternal life is possible only because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Because of Him, we have hope not only for the future but also for the present. During this Easter season, we can celebrate the Lord, help others come to know Him, and rejoice in the salvation He offers. One of the greatest ways we can show our love and devotion to Him is by sharing the Good News with others. Just as the angel announced Christ’s resurrection, we are called to share that same message with the world. Easter is not simply another holiday on the calendar. It is the celebration of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. Through Him, we have received forgiveness, redemption, and victory over the grave. Celebrate this truth during the Easter season, and allow the joy of Christ’s resurrection to overflow into every part of your life. Jesus accomplished something extraordinary when He rose from the dead, and one day He will return again and bring a final end to evil (Revelation 1:7). Has your interpretation and understanding of Easter changed over the years? How can you share the Gospel with a loved one this Easter? Further Reading: Luke 19:10 Luke 24:1-53 John 5:28-29 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Waiting on God, trusting His timing, and holding onto hope in suffering are at the heart of When the Miracle Hasn’t Come Yet. Rooted in Romans 8:24–25 and the story of Lazarus in John 11, this devotional explores how God’s love remains constant—even when answers feel delayed. In seasons of pain, silence, or unanswered prayers, it’s easy to question where God is. Yet Scripture shows us that delay is not the absence of love. Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus deeply—and still waited. That tension is where faith grows. Biblical hope isn’t pretending everything is fine; it’s trusting that God is still working when we can’t yet see the outcome. Even in the waiting, Jesus is still our resurrection and our life. The miracle may not have come yet—but His presence is already with us. Highlights God’s delay does not mean He is distant or uncaring Faith allows room for both belief and honest grief Biblical hope is anchored in what we cannot yet see Jesus is our hope now—not just when the miracle comes Waiting seasons are not wasted; they deepen our dependence on God God’s love and our suffering can coexist without contradiction You are not alone—God is present even in the silence Full Transcript Below: When the Miracle Hasn’t Come YetBy: Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” - Romans 8:24-25 If God loves me why am I suffering? I asked this question many years ago while sitting awake in bed at 2 AM. I was battling an intense time of depression and anxiety. Sleep would not come, even after begging God for relief. I had gotten so tired that I couldn’t rest. Tears rolled down my cheek. As I walked through the valley of depression, I began to search out why God would delay my healing. I wrestled with the question of how God could be loving but also allow suffering as well. Our passage for today speaks into this tension. “Now a man named Lazarus was sick… Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So… he stayed where he was two more days.” - John 11:5-6 Notice that it says Jesus loved them! It is evident in other scriptures that Jesus had a close relationship with all three siblings. Yet, when they needed him the most, Jesus delayed. If He loved them, why didn’t He hurry to heal Lazarus? For two days, Jesus didn’t move. So many of us feel like we are living in that “two-day delay.” We are loved, but we are still waiting. One night, while sitting in my bed, unable to fall asleep, I remember finally being honest with God. I told him that I was so depressed and asked Him why He didn’t take this pain away. Mary and Martha, in John 11, were also honest with Jesus. “‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’” - John 11:21 There is belief here. She believed Jesus could have helped, but she also expressed her grief. How many of us shy away from both things when we are waiting for relief from our own suffering? Faith in God does not mean we can’t be disappointed. Jesus did not chide her for her honesty. Believing God’s promises and His power does not silence our sorrow. Although Jesus does resurrect Lazarus, Martha didn’t know this. You and I know that one day our new bodies will not suffer, and all tears will be wiped away. But that doesn’t mean we don’t live in unresolved circumstances now. “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” - Romans 8:24-25 Biblical hope is not wishful thinking or denial. Mary and Martha did not deny the pain, nor did they have a vague belief in Jesus. Martha stood in her grief before she saw glory. Many of us do that too. Paul, in the book of Romans, encourages us to wait for what we cannot see and hope will come. Resurrection means that death does not win. Delay does not cancel love, and the grave does not get the final word. Often, we believe that God’s love means we will have immediate answers or instant healing. Instead, we find that God’s timeline and ours don’t always match. Jesus was the resurrection and the life before Lazarus walked out of the tomb. He is the resurrection for us, even if tears fall. “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25 Notice what Jesus did not say: “I will perform a resurrection.” He said, “I am.” This is one of the many “I AM” statements found throughout the Gospel of John. In this moment, Jesus is declaring Himself God. Very soon after this moment, Jesus would face His own death, and then God would resurrect Jesus as well. Notice that the miracle came later. Jesus is still our hope, our savior, and our king, even if we find ourselves still inside the tomb. Depression is like a tomb for me. So many times I’ve suffered through seasons of extreme sorrow, feeling like I was dying. In those moments, I began to cling to Jesus. Nothing around me felt any different, but as I read scripture, especially this passage, I realize that Jesus sees my sorrow, loves me deeply, and was willing to die Himself so I could one day be free from pain and sorrow. The same Savior who sometimes allows suffering is the One who ultimately conquered it on the cross. So if you find yourself praying at 2 a.m., longing for relief, just remember that you are not forgotten. You may not see the miracle yet. But you are not waiting alone. Intersecting Faith & Life: Where does it feel like God is late in showing up for you? What prayer feels unanswered? What miracle are you waiting and hoping for? You are not abandoned in the delay. Love can coexist with waiting. Resurrection hope sustains sometimes before it resolves. Further Reading:Isaiah 30:18Lamentations 3:25-262 Corinthians 4:16-18Hebrews 11:13Revelation 21:4-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Spiritual surrender, trusting God’s timing, and releasing control take center stage in Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1–2. The Burial Before the Breakthrough reveals how God often does His deepest work in our hearts before He changes our circumstances. Hannah’s journey through infertility, longing, and public shame paints a powerful picture of what it means to wrestle with unmet desires. Yet instead of turning away, she brought her pain directly to God—honestly, persistently, and with surrender. Her breakthrough didn’t begin with the birth of Samuel, but with a transformed heart that desired God’s will above her own. This story reminds us that sometimes God allows seasons of waiting not to withhold from us, but to reshape us, deepen our dependence on Him, and prepare us for something greater than we imagined. Highlights God often transforms our hearts before He changes our circumstances Seasons of waiting can draw us closer to God rather than away from Him Even good desires can become idols if they take God’s place in our hearts True peace comes from surrendering our will to God’s greater plan Breakthrough often begins in the “burial” of our own expectations God sees our pain, hears our prayers, and works behind the scenes Lasting fulfillment is found in God, not in the things we’re asking for This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: The Burial before the Breakthrough By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.” - 1 Samuel 2:1-5 (ESV) I’ve often wondered why I love Hannah’s story. Perhaps it’s because we share the same name, or because the deep ache burning within her is something we can all relate to. Even if we cannot relate to the infertility of her womb, surely, we can relate to the infertility of her heart. Hannah deeply desired a child, but for years, she wrestled with barrenness. In those days, it was a cultural norm: a woman’s worth was measured by her children. Don’t get me wrong. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3 ESV). ALL children are precious gifts from God above and meant to be treasured, cherished, and loved! For Hannah, not only did she desire to be a mother, but infertility was a societal weight. Because she couldn’t bear a child, her husband’s line would die with her. Consequently, Elkanah was bound by duty to take a second wife, Peninnah, turning Hannah’s grief into public shame. Imagine the immense sadness that increased with each day as Hannah was reminded of what she didn’t have. While once she may have been reminded anytime she visited an ever-growing family, now the patter of little feet haunted her in her home. Her husband was a proud father, but not of her child. Can we imagine? To make matters worse, she received no sympathy from Peninnah. Her husband’s second wife “used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb” (1 Samuel 1:6 ESV). Undoubtedly, Hannah would’ve asked God, “Why”? She may’ve wondered if God had a plan. Why wouldn’t He bless her with a child? We know Elkanah loved Hannah very much. When he and his household went up to worship the LORD and to offer sacrifices, he gave portions to Peninnah and all her sons and daughters. But as is written in 1 Samuel 1:5 (ESV), “But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.” Although Peninnah had his children, Hannah had his heart. As hard as it can be to understand sometimes, God wasn’t cruel in closing her womb. He sees what we can’t when we’re in the middle of the fight, and later we see it wasn’t for Hannah’s harm but for God to weave a beautiful story far beyond what she could even imagine. What inspires me is that Hannah chose to go to the temple “year by year” to worship God anyway. Though it would’ve been easier to stay home and avoid Peninnah’s constant taunts, she let the hole in her heart drive her into the arms of God. “And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8 ESV). Hannah’s heart was broken. Yes, she loved her husband, but the ache in her heart was so great that not even he could fill it. We often believe that receiving the thing we long for will satisfy us, but only God can satisfy the true hunger of our souls. If we look to anything but Him, we shall be sorely disappointed. It doesn’t mean God doesn’t desire to give us good gifts. He does. But He wants to be the greatest desire of our hearts, whom we long for more than anything else. I don’t know exactly what drove Hannah to her knees. Perhaps she was simply tired of Peninnah’s taunting. Perhaps she realized there was nothing she could do to change her circumstances, and so she needed the Lord to change her heart. 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (ESV) says: “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” Eli, the priest, saw Hannah and thought she was drunk. When she explained that she was crying out before the Lord, he told her to “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him” (1 Samuel 1:17 ESV). Hannah’s heart changed the moment she wanted God’s will more than her own. How many of us cling to a desire so tightly that we refuse to yield it, eventually losing sight of why we even wanted it? Even “good” desires can become idols when we want our will more than God’s. Intersecting Faith & Life: In Hannah’s story, God chose to change her circumstances after he changed her heart. But one of the greatest miracles in her story wasn’t just the arrival of Samuel (although that was a huge blessing and answer to prayer!) but the peace in her heart that came before the answered prayer. When God blessed Hannah with her first child (and yes, she went on to have 5 more children), she kept her word, brought him to the temple after he was weaned, and gave him to Eli to serve the Lord all his days. She surrendered the very thing she’d once wept for. How hard must that have been to give her only son back to God? Yet God gave her strength, and her satisfaction was now truly found in God alone. God doesn’t always change our circumstances, but He will change our hearts if we ask. Hannah is an inspiration to me as I ask myself: Have I relinquished control? Have I surrendered? Have I allowed my own will to be “buried” so God’s will may be done? Whether the Lord chooses to answer the prayers the way I want or not, will I trust that He is still working everything for my good? I pray you will be inspired today. God sees you. He knows the prayers you pray and the desires on your heart. Do you trust Him with what matters most to you? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Facing fear, surrender, and trust in God’s plan takes center stage in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus models honest prayer and unwavering obedience. The Night Before the Cross explores how Jesus’ surrender in Matthew 26:36–39 invites us to trust God—even when the path ahead feels overwhelming. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus experienced deep sorrow and anguish, fully aware of the suffering He would endure. Yet in that moment, He didn’t hide His emotions—He brought them honestly before the Father. His prayer reveals a powerful tension: a desire for relief paired with complete trust in God’s will. This moment reminds us that faith isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s choosing trust in the middle of it. Because of Jesus’ surrender, we are invited to bring our hardest emotions to God while still believing in His greater plan. Highlights Jesus models honest prayer—bringing raw emotions to God without holding back Surrendering to God’s will doesn’t remove fear, but it anchors us in trust Even Jesus sought the presence of friends, showing our need for community Gethsemane reminds us that obedience often comes through deep struggle God’s plan can be trusted, even when it leads through suffering Jesus understands our pain, making Him a compassionate Savior True faith is saying “Your will be done” even when it’s difficult This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: The Night Before the CrossBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:36-39, NIV When I visited Israel and Palestine on a pilgrimage trip, I was moved to tears by the ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Since olive trees regenerate, they can live for many generations. Some of those trees with the wide, twisted branches were descendants of the trees that were there when Jesus prayed in the garden the night before going to the cross. I imagined Jesus in agony there, knowing he would be crucified the next day and have to take the burden of all sin from his creation onto himself. No one had ever had such a heavy burden to carry in this fallen and broken world. Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to “stay here and keep watch with me.” He simply wanted the comfort of having his friends nearby. Jesus shows us that needing other people is an important part of being human. Even though his friends eventually let him down and fell asleep, the human part of Jesus reached out for their support. The divine part of Jesus knew that people are meant to encourage one another. Then, Jesus prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” He didn’t want to go through the excruciating physical pain of being crucified, but even more than that, he didn’t want the spiritual weight of carrying the world’s mistakes. He was completely honest with God when he asked if there was a way out. This is so encouraging for us today! It shows us we can tell God exactly how we feel, even when we’re dealing with difficult emotions. We don’t have to pretend to be happy when we’re actually sad, or to be peaceful when we’re actually terrified. God can handle our honest prayers about our most challenging feelings. But then, the story changes. After asking God the Father to change the plan if possible, Jesus added those famous words: “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus prayed with total trust. He knew that God’s will was best. Jesus trusted God’s plan more than he trusted his own human fear. His love for God and for humanity inspired him to let go of his will so he could do God’s will for us. We all have our own Garden of Gethsemane experiences – those times when we’re facing situations we don’t want to happen, and feel overwhelmed by them. But when we face those challenges, we can remember how Jesus prayed on the night before going to the cross. Jesus is a Savior who understands our sadness. He shows us that God isn’t afraid of our honesty. Most importantly, Jesus shows us how we can trust God’s plans for us, even while we’re challenged by those plans. The night before the cross was the darkest night in history, but it was also the night that proved just how much Jesus loves us! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you can be honest with God about your hard feelings and still trust God’s plans for you, reflect on these questions: When you’re going through a hard time, why is it important to you to reach out to friends or family? Jesus was “overwhelmed with sorrow” on the night before the cross. How does knowing that Jesus experienced so much emotional pain change the way you feel comfortable talking to him in prayer? Is there something in your life right now that you’re asking God to take away? If God keeps that in your life anyway, what will help you trust God in that situation? What makes it challenging to say: “Not as I will, but as you will” in your current circumstances? How does Jesus’ surrender in the garden give you hope for the difficult situations you’re facing? Further Reading:Philippians 2:8Luke 22:44Isaiah 53:3Psalm 34:18Hebrews 4:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.