The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Is your life part of a greater purpose, or can it sometimes feel like a collection of random circumstances? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores what Romans 8:28-30 teaches about God’s purpose, His sovereignty, and His ability to work through every part of our lives. Your story is not an accident, and your circumstances are not beyond God’s reach. From creation to the way God knows and loves each of us personally, Scripture points to a God who has been present throughout our entire story. Even when we cannot understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is working all things together for good and drawing us closer to Him. Highlights Why it’s natural to wonder whether your life has a purpose What Romans 8:28-30 reveals about God’s plan and purpose How creation points to the intentional design of our Creator Why your life is not simply a random collection of circumstances How God can use every part of your story to draw you closer to Him The importance of seeking biblical discernment when considering life's bigger questions How gratitude can help us recognize where God has already been working Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: Working All Things for GoodBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” - Rom. 8:28-30 (NLT) Have you ever wondered if God has a plan and a purpose for you? Or does it seem like your life has aimlessly evolved over time? Do you believe the circumstances you are in now are the result of fate or predestination? Or do you think your journey on this earth has simply been happenstance, a completely random assortment of events with no rhyme or reason behind each occurrence? These are tough questions that many of us tend to wrestle with internally. Whether we share these musings with others or not, many of us ponder whether our lives really have a purpose, and, if so, who or what is behind it. The world offers boundless explanations for humanity’s origin and design. From pointless existence to eternal destiny, it seems there are ideologies ready to appease any appetite or preference. However, an abundance of theories can cause chaos and confusion rather than promote confident assurance. This is why we must carefully consider and ask for God’s help with discernment as we contemplate the deeper meaning of each of our lives, so that we… “won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth,” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). As you seek to understand your reason for being, the answers might be much closer than you think. You do not need to travel the world or climb the highest mountain peak in search of purpose. You don’t need to exhaustively study to ascertain the origin of wisdom. You simply need to look up and look out. The answers you seek are evident right in front of your very eyes through creation. Nature, in all of its glory, demonstrates the divine. Majestic, intelligent design causes the sun to rise and set, the earth to orbit through the universe, and each individual heart to beat without conscious thought or effort. John 1:3 states, “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him,” (NLT). Our Maker separated the sky from the waters, established all manner of life from the smallest seed to the giant sequoias, and formed you personally, individually, uniquely in your mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). He knew you before you spoke your first word. He treasured you before you were even aware of his existence. So great is God’s love for you that he chose to proactively cover your sin and separation from God through the sacrifice of his only Son (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). Even further, he has caused all things to work together for your good. Your life is not an accident. It is not the result of an arbitrary series of events. He has known you and chosen you. His eye has been upon every moment of your life. He has predestined your steps so that you would be drawn closer to him and share in his glory. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel that your life has meaning and purpose? Or do you wrestle with a lack of fulfillment and clarity? Have you wondered if your journey through life has been a haphazard assortment of random events? Or do you believe God has had a plan and a purpose behind every step? Regardless of which side you find yourself on, may I encourage you to take some time to reflect on today’s truths? If you read these words with confidence and assurance that God has been at work in your life, take some time to thank him for his good work. Think through specific circumstances where you know God was a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Ps. 119:05) and offer a prayer of gratitude. If today’s message was unfamiliar and challenged you to consider God’s presence in the design of your life, may I encourage you to recite this simple prayer below? As you pray, ask the Lord to give you eyes to clearly see how he has been at work in and through your life. Lord, I come to you today unsure of your plans and purpose in my life. Would you help me to visibly see how you have been present and at work in my journey thus far? Even though I am still a bit unsure, I choose to believe that you see me and know me. Help me to fully comprehend your love for me. Amen. Further Reading:Rom. 5:5-11John 3:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When someone breaks a promise or betrays your trust, forgiveness can feel far more difficult than simply saying, “I forgive you.” Laura Bailey shares how a broken confidence left her wrestling with hurt and resentment—and how a rainbow after a summer storm reminded her of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and promises. God remained faithful even when His people were not. Through the rainbow given to Noah and the ultimate promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful to forgive and restore. Remembering how much God has forgiven us can change the way we respond when others hurt or disappoint us, helping us release resentment and pursue peace while still recognizing that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation. Highlights Why broken promises and betrayed trust can make forgiveness difficult How a rainbow became a reminder of God's faithfulness What Noah's covenant teaches us about God's promises How remembering God's forgiveness can help us forgive others Why forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation How healthy boundaries can coexist with forgiveness What Romans 12:18 teaches us about pursuing peace with others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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 Promise That Teaches Us to ForgiveBy: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13 ( NIV) I’ll never forget one of the first times I experienced the heartache of someone breaking their promise. As I think back to the day my friend gave away the seat at the lunch table that had been promised to me, it seems so trivial. While I’ve moved on from past adolescent hurt, the reality is that the painful feelings of broken promises and unmet expectations are present in adulthood. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher than eating lunch alone. A breach of confidence can lead to family tensions, severed relationships, and future mistrust of people. As an adult, I long for the simplicity of recess drama, where misplaced trust held little consequence. Recently, a close friend I confided in let slip some details of our conversation to a group of ladies. I’d specifically asked that she keep our conversation between us, and she assured me that she could be trusted. So, when, later that week, a mutual friend sent a text that read, “I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time; I’ll be praying for you,” my initial response was not one of gratitude but grievance. I was deeply hurt by my friend's inability to keep her lips zipped. However, I decided not to say anything to her, but by my frosty “hello” at church the following Sunday, she knew something wasn’t right between us. She invited me to coffee and apologized profusely for her carelessness; she genuinely didn’t mean to overshare. I could tell that she was sincerely sorry, but even as I looked into her tear-pricked eyes, my heart remained hardened towards her. We left our time together with a hug, and I said that “all had been forgiven,” but truthfully, I was still fuming inside. While we were at the coffee shop, a summer storm came through, leaving a curtain of fresh steam, inescapable puddles, and a beautiful rainbow. On my drive home, I couldn’t help but feel like the rainbow was following me. “I know, God, I know,” I muttered into the air. One of the first stories we learn as children is about Noah and the Ark and God sending a rainbow– a reminder that God keeps His promises. I began to think about the first rainbow. I wonder if, as he looked to the sky, Noah questioned whether God would keep his promise never to flood the earth again. Scripture often speaks of God’s covenants with His people, His first being that He would send a Savior to save us from our sins (Genesis 3:15). We see the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus, and every rainbow we see is an affirmation that God is faithful in keeping all His promises. I began to recall the countless times I hadn’t kept God’s commandments, my word, or broken a promise. Yet God is quick to forgive me and even promises to remember my sins against Him no more (Hebrews 8:12). If God, the creator of the Universe, can forgive my many acts of disobedience, both unintentional and intentional, who am I to withhold forgiveness from my friend? I was stewing over a few misspoken words when my own sinful nature was the reason why God sent His son Jesus to cleanse me of my sin—the ultimate act of love and full redemption. I could forgive my friend because I’d been forgiven, and when I’d been unfaithful, God continued to be faithful. It can be difficult to move past hurt, especially at the hands of someone we trust. There will be times when forgiveness is appropriate, but reconciliation may not be due to the need for boundaries or distance. But let me encourage you: let us live out the words of Paul in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Intersecting Faith & Life:How does remembering God’s faithfulness to His promises—even when we are unfaithful—help you when you struggle to forgive others?Further Reading:A Prayer When You Don’t Feel Like ForgivingHebrews 8:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Friendship can be easy when life is convenient, but biblical friendship calls us to something deeper: loyalty, intentionality, vulnerability, and sacrificial love. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi offers a powerful picture of faithful friendship rooted in a shared devotion to God. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects the kind of steadfast love and loyalty Christians are called to demonstrate. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of faithful friendship. He invested His time, attention, affection, and ultimately His life in His friends, showing that genuine love is active and sacrificial. As we pursue Christ and allow His love to shape us, our friendships can become opportunities to encourage others, grow in faith, and point one another toward God. Highlights Discover what Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi teaches us about biblical friendship. Understand how loving God enables us to love others more intentionally. Explore why apathy—not hatred—can be one of the greatest obstacles to meaningful friendship. Learn how Scripture’s “one another” commands help us grow in Christlike relationships. Find practical ways to deepen friendships through conversation, shared activities, meals, and studying Scripture together. See how Jesus modeled sacrificial, selfless, and faithful friendship with His disciples. Consider how your friendships can ultimately glorify God and point others toward Christ. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: Becoming a Faithful Friend like Jesus By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you” (Ruth 1:16-17). “Biblical friendship exists when two or more people, bound together by a common faith in Jesus Christ, pursue him and his Kingdom with intentionality and vulnerability. Rather than serving as an end in itself, biblical friendship serves primarily to bring glory to Christ, who brought us into friendship with the Father. It is indispensable to the work of the gospel in the earth, and an essential element of what God created us for.” -Jonathan Holmes We see evidence of faithful and committed friendships like that in the scriptures: Paul and Timothy, Jesus and His disciples, David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi. Let’s look at an example of loyalty in the life of Ruth in Ruth 1:16-17: “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” John MacArthur calls these verses Ruth’s “hallmark expression of loyalty and commitment to Naomi.” These verses (verses 16, 17) are commonly read at wedding ceremonies to express the depth of faithfulness and commitment in the union of marriage. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with using these verses to express loyalty and love in a marriage relationship, the proper context is rooted in the friendship between these two women, Ruth and Naomi, but it is interesting to note that their friendship was a very intimate one, a soul-quality one- the type of commitment that one would find in a Biblical marriage because it’s foundation is the same, love for God. I believe it’s important to understand where Ruth’s ability to love and be loyal comes from. By God’s grace, Ruth turns away from the paganism of Moab and turns to Yahweh. This response is evidence of her repentance (a turning away from) and her faith (a turning towards) the One, True God. Her conversion to becoming a follower of God is where it all begins. By God’s grace, she becomes a lover of God and receives His love for her and then pours that out on Naomi. Oh, may we do the same! Intersecting Faith & Life: If we love God and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God’s love will be evident in our lives by how well we show His love: for Him, most importantly, and for others. If you are born again, God’s love is abiding in you through the Holy Spirit. If that is true for you, is God’s love being perfected in you? How well are you loving others… how purposeful? How intentional are you with reaching out and showing the love of Christ to others? My pastor recently said that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy. If your love is being perfected, it is growing; it is not apathetic and idle. We can see how God’s love is being perfected in us by how we treat one another. The “One Anothers” in scripture help us to become better friends because they help us love like Christ! There are almost 60 of these verses in the New Testament. Clearly, the most common phrase in the list of “one anothers” is “love one another,” but really all of the verses are about loving one another—because love is an action, and because all of God’s commands can be summarized as loving God and loving your neighbor. Living out these verses in community is how we can love—and be loved—by one another. Ultimately, we must be committed to glorifying God in our friendships, which is a Christ-enabled commitment to love God and love one another. Some practical ways we can grow in our friendships are to look for shared activities that provide an opportunity for us to talk because it is conversation that will deepen the friendship: work days at church, beach days, working out together, shopping together, play dates, and shared meals. Meals slow things down to become people-oriented instead of task-oriented. Conversation is engaged sharing and engaged listening. Let’s find a good balance between the two! If conversation is difficult for you, especially if the friendship is new, think about what to ask your friend on the way to meet with them so you have a fruitful topic you both can talk about casually and openly. Another idea would be to study a book together and use that as a way to start a dialogue. Jesus is our perfect example of how to love others well. How did Christ love His disciples? Jesus taught that friendship is the greatest expression of love. Jesus sacrificed not only by pouring out His life in His devotion to His disciples, His friends, by giving them His time, affection, and attention, but also by literally laying down His life. He laid His life down for His friends. He sacrificed it all, ultimately, in obedience and love for the Father who sent Him, but also because of His great love for His own. By God’s grace, may we all learn how to be sacrificial, selfless, faithful friends just like Jesus! Further Reading: Matthew 22:37-40 John 15 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels too heavy to handle, it can be tempting to believe we need to pull ourselves together and figure everything out on our own. But Psalm 61 gives us a different path. Sarah Frazer reminds us that when we are overwhelmed, weary, or facing a storm beyond our ability to control, we can cry out to God and trust Him to be our refuge. David’s prayer points us toward the “rock that is higher” than ourselves—a place of safety we cannot reach through our own strength. Like Peter walking on the water, we may become overwhelmed when we focus on the storm instead of Jesus. Yet Christ remains our strong tower and our hope, even when the waves continue to crash around us. Highlights Why we don’t have to pretend that everything is okay when life feels overwhelming What Psalm 61 teaches us about crying out to God in the middle of a storm Why David describes God as the “rock that is higher” than himself How remembering God’s past faithfulness can strengthen our faith during new trials What Peter’s experience walking on water teaches us about keeping our eyes on Jesus How Jesus offers refuge when we simply cannot rescue ourselves Why God invites us to stop striving and trust Him with what is too big for us Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: When You Can’t Pull Yourself Together By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:“... lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalm 61:2 No one likes to admit they can’t do something. In a world filled with social media, fake news, AI images, and doctored photos, who is really telling the truth about how hard life can be? Yes, we have this sense of transparency from some people online, but we know, deep down, we don’t have the full story. No one shows all of their cares or reveals all of their struggles, sorrow, and grief. Even if these people share their sorrow, there is little hope for us who suffer silently. What if we can’t pull ourselves together? The place I have found to be completely honest, but also provide complete hope, is the Book of Psalms. In Psalm 61, we read an honest prayer, filled with heart-wrenching troubles, but it doesn’t end there. David, the author, gives us a path forward. As New Testament believers, we see the fulfillment of David’s hope in the life of Jesus. Psalm 61 was written by King David, who had his fair share of trouble. We don’t know the exact circumstances David faced with many of his psalms, but I think that is the point. We have this cry of David recorded in scripture for us to use in any of our situations. David describes his heartache in the second verse. He says his heart is “faint.” The word means to be overwhelmed or covered. The very core of David’s life, his heart, was deeply troubled. Maybe you woke up this morning tired, weary, and overwhelmed with the things going on in your life. We all face burdens too big, sorrows too deep, and heartache that goes beyond words. We think about the trials we are facing, and maybe they feel like waves of the ocean. David mentions a rock in the last part of verse 2, and this word is actually the word for cliff. In the image David is creating for us in Psalm 61, we might see this trouble, this trial, this overwhelmed feeling as being caught in a storm or shipwrecked. Imagine swimming in an ocean of grief, with the waves pounding down on you relentlessly. Life can feel like that. Maybe it is the same trial, or various trials all happening at once. A man who is shipwrecked is a hopeless man. If the waves are too high and the depths loom below, no matter how strong he swims, the shore is impossible to get to. There are some things we face that we cannot rescue ourselves out of, and this is the situation David describes here in Psalm 61. In the midst of his flood of emotions, David asks God to bring him to the rock that is higher than himself. It is a cliff, at the edge of an ocean. If you’ve seen pictures or videos, you know that the ocean is rarely calm beside those types of rocks. And we all know cliffs are not easily climbed. David recognizes that he cannot rescue himself. You and I must come to the point where we stop trying to deliver ourselves from the trial and cry out to God. Four times, David mentions crying out to God in Psalm 61. This crying out to God is prayer. He begs God for help. Not because he has waited and now prayer is the last resort, but he says this is too big, too hard. He says that his only hope is God. He does this because in Psalm 61:3 David says, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” The waters were rising, but David looked up. He remembered what God had done and believed God could save him. You and I might be facing a storm so big that we wonder if God really can rescue us. Maybe the trial you are facing is the first of its kind. You haven’t needed God like this before. How can you look back and have confidence? Take David’s. Take mine. I have walked through many storms and through many valleys. Never once has God left or stopped working. God will be a refuge and a strong tower. God will lead you to the rock that is too far and too high for you to reach on your own. This rock is Jesus. Our hope, our defense, our strong tower. The disciples in Matthew 14:22-34 faced the literal waves of the sea. They were physically in a storm, about to die. Jesus comes out to them, walking on water. Peter asks to join Jesus and jumps out of the boat. Looking at Jesus, Peter begins to walk on water as well. The waves and the wind drive Peter’s gaze from Jesus to the storm. It is then that Peter begins to sink. Jesus reaches down and saves him. You and I will face storms too big, too powerful, and amazingly hard. When our eyes are focused on Jesus, we find the rock on which to cling. The waves might still crash and the storm rage, but we can find rest in Jesus. Let us even now reach out in our hearts and ask God to save us. Intersecting Faith & Life: The storm might still be beating you down, but can you remember that you are safe in God’s hands? Jesus doesn’t ask you to pull yourself together. He invites you to come, cry out to Him, and know you will be held. How might you stop striving and be still before God? How does knowing He is with you in the storm and is more powerful than any waves comfort your heart? Further Reading: Psalm 18:1-3 Isaiah 40:28-31 Matthew 11:28-30 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Hebrews 6:18-19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you experience God’s love in your everyday life? Kelly Balarie shares a practical way to recognize God’s love in ordinary moments, experience His presence, and allow His love to transform how you live and love others. God’s love is more than something we learn about—it’s something we can personally experience. In this devotional, Kelly Balarie reflects on Ephesians 3:19 and the importance of moving beyond simply knowing about God’s love to intentionally looking for His presence in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Highlights Discover the difference between knowing about God’s love and personally experiencing it. Learn how ordinary moments can become reminders of God’s presence and love. Consider how phones, distractions, and the noise of the world can keep us from noticing God. See how intentionally looking for God can cultivate greater joy and awareness of His faithfulness. Reflect on how receiving God’s love enables us to love others more genuinely and sacrificially. Practice looking for God’s love in creation, circumstances, people, and everyday experiences. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: A Super-Practical Tip to Encounter God’s Love By Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” – Ephesians 3:19 AMPC I wake, deep into the night hour. My mind circles one thought: All that matters is love. I can’t get my mind off this thought. Besides love? Everything else is like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. In this midnight hour, this thought both consumes me and compels me. I understand the sobering truth; I have one life to live. This is it! One grand stage to go all out for Jesus… It is here. I don’t want the world’s conveniences, accumulation of material items, or online contempt to drive me; I want love of Christ to compel me. I want to be so driven by love that people will reflect upon my life and say, “Wow. That could have only been Jesus.” Wouldn’t that be an amazing legacy: “We saw Jesus in her.” Theology studied will not produce that. Bible verses intellectually memorized will not result in that. More messages heard will not miraculously make this happen. Only love. Real love. Outpouring love. Genuine love. Caring love. Moving love. It is not just what we know; it is the love experienced in Christ Jesus that changes us. “and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” (Eph. 3:19 AMPC) Love transcends the mind to live out from our heart, in real action. This morning, provoked again by this thought, I came to terms with the fact that God’s love is beyond me. But still, He miraculously welcomes me into it. In my day, to see forth Ephesians 3:19, I can do something. I can look for God’s love in the minuscule, in the ordinary, and in the mundane. I can seek Him and find Him.What does it look like? I see a heart in the concrete of the sidewalk I walk on. Many would just see it as a small hole. I see and remember God’s love for me. God, you love me so very much. I notice the waves that are continual; they never stop or end. God’s faithfulness always works. Like those waves will never stop, so do His promises for me never stop or end. I was given grace on a speeding ticket and only given a warning. God, like this warning for a speeding ticket, your mercy has entirely let me off the hook, and your grace, even more, blesses me. I notice the bird with the worm in its mouth. Oh God, you always provide the daily bread needed, right on time. God is encountering me all the time… if I look for Him. And, to seek Him is to find Him. When I receive His love, I am filled with His love. When I am filled with His love, I can impart His love. If He floods me, then I can flood the world. This is life-changing, and even world-changing. The presence of His love is the starting point of real joy, contagious joy. Doing this requires one to move past the distractions of the world, to dive into the intentionality of God’s heart in creation, in people, in circumstances, in the skies above and the world around. He is speaking, though many miss Him. He is telling us, often, of how much He loves us. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does the world distract you? Are you buried in your phone or looking for God wherever you go? What would it look like for you to forgo the world to find His love? Perhaps, today, start with asking God to give you understanding of His love? Ask Him to show you His love. Ask Him to help you to receive His love. Then, keep your eyes open to what God may be doing or saying in your world. Notice Him. Permit Him to love you as He makes His Word come alive in your life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Shame, guilt, and regret can make us feel like we are still paying for our past mistakes, but Jesus paid for our sins once and for all. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we can receive God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and freedom from condemnation rather than trying to earn our way back into God’s favor. When guilt makes you feel unworthy of God’s love, Scripture reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is our Savior, Advocate, and Intercessor, and His sacrifice makes reconciliation with God possible. Discover what it means to stop carrying the weight of sins Christ has already paid for and learn how His grace can replace shame with freedom, hope, and peace. Highlights Why the belief that we must “pay for our sins” is not biblical How Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for our sins The difference between God’s discipline, consequences, and condemnation Why shame and guilt can make us feel like we need to earn God’s forgiveness What Romans 8:1 teaches about freedom from condemnation in Christ How God’s grace saves us through faith rather than our good works Why Jesus serves as our Advocate and intercedes for us before God How to respond when suffering makes us wonder if God is punishing us for our sins Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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! Resources Mentioned Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Jesus Paid It All” by Fernando Ortega. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “East to West” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it HERE. Full Transcript Below: Jesus Paid for Our Sins By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“He does not treat us as our sins deserve. He does not repay us according to our guilty deeds.” - Psalm 103:10 EHV When someone was having a bad day, he said, “I am paying for my sins.” This statement and belief many people hold is not true because the Bible says Jesus Christ paid it all (1 Peter 2:24, Romans 6:23) and God doesn’t deal with us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). I know that I have struggled with this when shame, guilt, and despair hit me as my mind recalls everything I said or did wrong. While God doesn’t keep a record of our sins after we ask Him to forgive us, we sure can tally up everything in our minds. When we do that, it feels like we must pay for our sins. We may feel remorse and want to fix things. But the truth is, we cannot fix the past, the present, or our future. This is one of the reasons why we need Jesus Christ in our lives. He is our Savior. God is full of grace and mercy. While He will discipline us like a loving parent would (Hebrews 12:5-6), and while there are always consequences to our sins that we might experience, never do we have to feel the need to pay for our sins because Christ already did that on the Cross at Calvary. The Bible says He who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that we may be reconciled to God. Isn’t that wonderful to know? What a relief that our Savior has already done the heavy lifting. We just need to repent of our sins, turn away from our sins, believe in God, obey the Holy Spirit, and follow Jesus all the way to Heaven. When I shared with a Christian friend my struggle of feeling burdened by my past mistakes and sins, she reminded me of Romans 8:1-2 (NIV). It says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The first time she told me this, I struggled to believe it because I felt guilty as charged concerning my sins and mistakes. I wanted to make things right with God. I felt like I had to work my way back into His grace and mercy. But the Bible doesn’t say that. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” God knows we’re not perfect because we’re only human. Even our best efforts to be perfect may eventually fail. No matter how hard we try, we cannot work our way into Heaven by our righteous acts and desire to please God. The Bible says in Isaiah 64:6 (NIV), “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” But thank God for His grace and mercy! He knows we need it. The Bible says that Christ is our Advocate when we sin and are guilty as charged (1 John 2:1). He knows we’re not perfect, and He wants to help us. The Bible says that Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus reminds God about His sacrifice for us (John 3:16-17). We are covered by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7) so that God sees His perfect Son (Jesus) when He looks at us, not our imperfections and sins. Though this is not an excuse to keep sinning and take advantage of God’s grace, because eventually, time will run out, and when we see Jesus returning to earth to take His children home to Heaven, it will be too late to repent and ask forgiveness for our sins (Revelation 22:11-15). Let’s circle back to my original point, which I mentioned at the start of this devotional, about feeling like we suffer because we are paying the penalty for our sins. Oftentimes, we as humans believe that if we are suffering, then it is because God is punishing us for our sins. I invite you to dig deeper into this common misconception and receive an accurate Biblical perspective by listening to this “Dare to Be True” podcast episode hosted by Madison Prewett Troutt, where Anne Graham Lotz explains the truth about suffering and helps you realize that God isn’t making you pay for your sins by subjecting you to pain. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to and reflect on these four songs… Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Jesus Paid It All” by Fernando Ortega. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “East to West” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that we don’t have to pay for our sins because we have a Savior who paid for all of it? Further Reading: Psalm 103:11-14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Romans 5:10Colossians 1:21-22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Emily Rose Massey explores biblical marriage, selflessness, forgiveness, and Christ-centered love, reminding us that marriage is one of the ways God shapes us to become more like Jesus. Through Philippians 2:3-5, we are encouraged to look beyond our own desires and consider the needs of others. Marriage reveals areas of selfishness while creating opportunities to practice humility, grace, and forgiveness. Rather than viewing marriage as a limitation, Scripture shows us that it is a gift God uses to transform our hearts and teach us how to love sacrificially. Highlights: Discover how marriage reflects Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church. Learn why humility and selflessness are essential for a healthy marriage. Understand how God uses marriage to reveal and transform selfishness in our hearts. Be encouraged to extend forgiveness and grace to your spouse. Explore how God’s grace empowers us to grow in Christlikeness. See marriage as an opportunity to reflect Jesus through love and sacrifice. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: Finding the Sacrificial Beauty in Marriage By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV). Summertime in America is marked by so many celebrations and wonderful holidays: graduation parties, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, lots of pool days and BBQs with friends and family, and of course, weddings upon weddings! I’m sure you know at least one couple who is getting married this summer or who at least celebrate their anniversary in June, July, or August. It is truly a very popular time of year to get married– so much so that many people call it “wedding season.” I guess my husband and I wanted to go against the norm, as we so often do, and went to the opposite end of the calendar and got married in December. I truly look forward to celebrating with loved ones who “tie the knot” during this season. Almost 20 years later, I still get choked up witnessing someone else’s “big day.” Weddings are so lovely and fun, but they clearly represent something so much more important and beautiful that the Lord has providentially ordained that we should give our attention to outside of that one special day: marriage. The union of marriage is so important to God that His word equates it to the love that Christ has for the church, His Bride (Ephesians 5:22-33). Reflecting upon that kind of love that Christ has for His own, two words come to mind: humble and sacrificial. Christ modeled this kind of love and asks husbands and wives to walk in His footsteps. These verses in Philippians 2 capture this selflessness that we should long to foster in our homes and marriages: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: I have had two situations within the last handful of months where women who were much older than me (women I should be gleaning wisdom from) painted marriage in such a terrible light and boasted in their divorces and singleness. It truly made my heart heavy that because of their personal experiences, they could not see the beauty in marriage. When they should see it as a gift from God to sanctify us and make us less selfish and more others-focused, they saw it as bondage, keeping them from living their own life freely. As Christ followers, if we want a right view of marriage, we must look to the scriptures. We cannot rely on others’ experiences or even our own to determine what God says on a matter. The more we dive into His word, our naturally selfish minds are renewed to love sacrificially as He does, extending the same grace and mercy we have received from Him to others. The word transforms us from the inside out, all for the better, and we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) develop and mature in our lives, which we need to fully love others in humility and sacrifice, preferring them above ourselves. What happens when our spouse hurts us? Because we have been forgiven through the cross of Jesus Christ, we must forgive others. We have received such great mercy; therefore, we must extend that same mercy to our spouse, even if they have wronged us or offended us. When we are quick to apologize because of humility and choosing the other person over ourselves, our hearts are free of bitterness, pride, and selfishness. None of us are made of that; God gives us the grace to do that. Many people would define grace as “unmerited favor” to the undeserving, especially in terms of salvation, which is true, but it doesn’t stop there- it is God’s power to conform us into the image of Christ, and God uses marriage to make us humble and sacrificial. This grace that strengthens us and trains us is what we experience in the majority of our Christian walk: in faith and obedience, with each step, we grow in holiness and Christlikeness, day by day. Truthfully, marriage gives us countless opportunities to reflect Christ by laying down our lives for our spouse, in humility and sacrifice. Oh, how beautiful! Further Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33 John 13:34-35 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why does God allow difficult seasons? When life feels uncertain, painful, or unfair, it can be easy to question God’s character and wonder if our struggles are a result of something we did wrong. But Scripture reveals a different truth: God’s heart toward us is rooted in love, grace, and mercy—not punishment or condemnation. Vivian Bricker explores how knowing who God is helps us navigate suffering, uncertainty, and the lies we often believe about God’s intentions. Through Scripture, we are reminded that God’s love does not change based on our circumstances, and that hardship is not proof of God’s rejection or displeasure. Highlights: Why the unknown can make us question God’s goodness and control Understanding the difference between biblical truth and the idea of karma Why suffering is not always a reflection of God’s punishment How the New Covenant through Jesus changes our understanding of blessings and curses The importance of knowing God’s character so we can recognize false beliefs How God’s love remains constant even during difficult seasons Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Join the conversation: How can a deeper understanding of God’s character change the way you view hardship? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ 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: Understanding God’s CharacterBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). In my opinion, the scariest thing in the world is the unknown. Whether that be an undiagnosed illness, starting over in a new city, or thinking about the future, the unknown can be terrifying. None of us can truly know what is ahead because we are not the ones in control. For some of us, there will be good times ahead and for others, there will be hard times. One cannot be dogmatic and say that those who have good times are in the will of God and those who are going through tough times are not. It is never within God’s will for us to be in pain, to be depressed, or to be sick. He never intended for us to go through any of these things, and it is not right for people to believe in the ideology that if you do good, good returns to you from God and if you do bad, bad returns to you from God. This is not biblical as this is actually a belief in karma. Karma is part of the religious beliefs contained within Hinduism and Buddhism. Although karma has become popularized within mainstream media, Christ followers do not need to endorse it. Karma is refuted in the Bible as Psalm 103:10-11 says, “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Therefore, we don’t need to say that God blesses certain people while cursing others. The aspects of blessings and curses based on your actions were true within the Mosaic Covenant, but it is not true for us today. We are under the New Covenant by the blood of Jesus (Luke 22:20). Within the Mosaic Covenant, Israel was petitioned to obey God, and blessings would come to them; however, if they did not obey God and did evil, curses would come into their midst. Since we are not under the Mosaic Covenant, we don’t need to hold ourselves or others to this type of thinking. If we are having dreadful things happening in our lives, they are not caused by God. And if we are having good things happening in our lives, we cannot always be dogmatic to say it is caused by God either. To say that “God has blessed me because I’m doing well, but He has cursed you because you are not doing well” is not rooted in biblical truth. This is why Christians need to be more aware and not to flaunt things they believe are blessings. This only gives the idea that if you are struggling, you have done something terrible in the eyes of God, and you must be cursed. As Christ followers, this type of thinking needs to end. We all have free will, and with it, we have chosen to do terrible things (Romans 3:23). Additionally, we live in a fallen world that is covered in sin. This is why we shouldn’t be quick to say, “It is God’s will for you to suffer from (fill in the blank).” God never intended for evil, sin, or death to be in the world. He wanted us to live in perfect harmony with Him in the Garden of Eden. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God’s character is found in love. Since God is love, why do we believe the lie that He brings curses into our lives or into the lives of others? This goes against His very nature. God is love, and He is not going to bring harm into our lives. As Christ followers, we need to be aware of who God is and His characteristics, as this can help us weed out lies that pull us away from Him. Even well-meaning Christ followers can say unhelpful and unbiblical things, which is why we must be level-headed and fully understand the Bible ourselves. Regardless of what you are going through, remember the truth that God is love, and you are loved by Him, and neither of these things will ever change. Have you ever thought a terrible thing happening in your life was due to God punishing you? What made you think like this? How can having a proper view of God’s character help you understand Him better? Further Reading: Romans 5:8 1 John 3:1 1 John 4:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A grateful heart can transform the way we see life, handle challenges, and grow closer to God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin explores biblical gratitude, why giving thanks in all circumstances matters, and how cultivating thankfulness can strengthen our faith. Highlights Discover why gratitude is an essential part of God’s will for your life. Learn how thanksgiving shifts your focus from struggles to God’s faithfulness. Understand how a grateful heart can protect you from bitterness and negativity. Reflect on seven prayers of gratitude for difficult seasons and everyday challenges. Be encouraged to thank God not only for what He gives but also for what He withholds and protects you from. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: Cultivating a Healthy HeartBy Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). How healthy are you these days? And how healthy is your heart? While you can try to steer clear of germs, eat more nutritionally, and exercise regularly, one of the healthiest habits you can develop is to regularly express a grateful heart. That's right. Gratitude makes your heart healthier. Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive attitude and improved health (and even a longer life!). To be positive, in short, means to be grateful. To find the good in every situation. To be thankful in all things. I'm sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the apostle Paul to write these words to the Thessalonians. After admonishing them to display proper Christian conduct, he wrote: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). Did you notice that Paul didn’t just say, “In every good circumstance, give thanks.” He also didn’t write, “When things work out well for you, give thanks.” He specifically said, “In everything give thanks.” In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. That’s because when we’re thanking God, we're focused on our blessings, rather than the bitterness of whatever else might be going on. There’s also another beautiful result of having a grateful heart. When we are thankful in all things, not just the good things, we are living out God’s will for us. That verse, after telling us to be thankful in all things, reinforces the reason to do so: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It couldn’t be said any clearer. Being thankful in everything is how you and I display God’s will for our lives. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you and I focus on our circumstances, we can tend to become more depressed and more critical if we're not guarding our hearts and minds. So, all the more reason to be a person of gratitude rather than a bad attitude. I've found in my own life that when I'm praising God in the aches and pains, or the losses that seem more frequent these days, or just thanking Him during the mundane, it helps me become a person of gratitude in any circumstance. And that keeps me healthier and happier, overall. Here are seven simple prayers you can begin saying to practice gratitude when the bad attitude starts seeping in to steal your joy, harm your relationships, and attack your health: Thank You, Lord, for the things You have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize. Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go. Thank You, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf. Thank You, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You. Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and moldable. Thank You, God, for the times I haven't been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are on the throne. Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven. Can you begin saying “Thank You" a few more times throughout your day? Start expressing gratitude toward others for their kindness, and remember to thank God, throughout the day as well, for everything He allows to come your way. As you do, you may find it lightens your load and makes you feel better physically as well. Further Study:Psalm 9:1 For daily encouragement to keep a healthy heart, see Cindi’s 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.

Prayer is more than a simple request—it is an invitation to trust in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God. In this devotional, Lynette Kittle explores what it means to pray with genuine faith and believe that God is able to answer, provide, and move in ways beyond what we can accomplish on our own. Through the story of the father who cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” in Mark 9:23-24, we are reminded that God does not ask us to rely on our own strength or add our own efforts to make prayer effective. Instead, He invites us to come to Him with confidence, trusting that all things are possible through Him. When we struggle to believe, prayer itself becomes a place where God strengthens our faith and teaches us to depend on Him. Highlights: Discover why prayer is enough when we trust the One we are praying to. Explore the difference between asking God in faith and doubting His ability to work. Learn from the father in Mark 9 who brought both his faith and his doubts to Jesus. See how Scripture reveals God’s power to do what seems impossible. Be encouraged to stop limiting your prayers based on what you think God can do. Reflect on how surrendering your unbelief can deepen your relationship with God. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself struggling to believe that God can answer your prayers? What would it look like to bring your doubts and requests to Him with greater faith? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ 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: Is Prayer Enough on Its Own? By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’” - Mark 9:23 How often do we pray, believing it will take more than prayer to receive our answer? By that meaning, do we, or someone else, need to do anything in addition to praying for God to answer us? Do we tend to believe that we have to give money, or volunteer, along with prayer? That it’s not enough in itself for God to answer and move on our behalf? Are we struggling to believe, thinking we can’t just ask and rely on Him to answer our prayers without adding to them in some way through our own efforts? Fox News reports that a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine found that, “Adult patients experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety after just five minutes of in-person prayer,” more than from listening to five minutes of music. Scripture describes how David, as a shepherd boy, played his harp to soothe King Saul, so history documents the popular saying “music soothes the savage beast.” As 1 Samuel 16:23 describes, “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” If God gave David’s music the power to bring relief, how much more has He given prayer the power to intervene in our lives? When We Ask, Do We Believe Jesus Can? Mark 9:22 reveals a man who wasn’t sure if Jesus could help his son who was being tormented, explaining and asking, “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” I love how Jesus answers, questioning the father and clarifying to him that it’s not a question of whether He can. It’s a given, because everything is possible with God, it just depends on our belief in Him. It’s not up to Him, but up to us to believe, because how many times before praying do we preface our requests by “Lord, if you can”? God doesn’t want us asking Him if He can; He wants us to believe that He is more than enough, as Jesus taught in John 15:7: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” He is calling us to believe that all things are possible with Him, as He explained in Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” So if we struggle to believe, lacking in faith when we ask God, we can follow this father’s example as described in Mark 9:24: “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” Prayer Is More Than Enough A powerful example of prayer being enough is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. “On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon’” (Joshua 10:12). Many of us wouldn’t even attempt to pray such an unlikely and seemingly impossible prayer. Yet, Joshua did ask, and when he did, the following happened: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day” (Joshua 10:13). Sadly, many of us disqualify our requests to God before even asking Him, deciding that we’re asking too much or more than God can do. We make the decision ahead of time, rather than asking Him and seeing what happens. As James 4:2 explains, “You do not have because you do not ask God. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you find yourself praying, but believing it’s not enough? Ask God to help your unbelief and to teach you how to believe that He can, and that prayer is more than enough. Further Reading: Does Prayer Really Change Things? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.