Author: Hannah Chung

Writing to inspire people has always been my passion. I am dedicated to coming alongside you on this journey called life and seeing how we can encourage each other <3

Let God Use You to Spread His Love

Do you feel intimidated when God calls you to share His love? Perhaps it’s simpler than you think.

God’s love is perfect. God’s love is sacrificial. God’s love is eternal.

So how on earth are we–flawed human beings–expected to spread His love?

Well, it might be a little simpler than you think.

Earlier this week, I had an incredibly stressful day. Much of that stress resulted from a situation with a client who was particularly critical and demanding. Their words beat me down and I was ready to snap.

Then a text popped up on my phone.

I winced, then peeked at it. A smile spread across my lips.

A person from my church was offering to give me her jacket. A nice jacket, lightly worn, and something she thought I might enjoy.

I was completely caught off-guard, but in the best way possible.

New, positive thoughts filled my mind. Someone was thinking kindly of me? Someone wanted to bless me today?

That’s all it takes to show someone God’s love.

This woman didn’t know I was having a rough day. I’m not entirely sure what made her decide this jacket was meant for me. She could’ve stuffed it back into her closet, donated it to Goodwill, or sold it at a garage sale.

But instead, she chose to reach out to me and spread God’s love.

Showing God’s love often looks like “random acts of kindness.” But they aren’t random. They require listening to God’s leading and acting on the things He tells us to do.

Often that means sacrificing our own comfort, possessions, or time. We may even sacrifice our reputation when God nudges us to reach out to someone outside our circle.

There’s another difference between loving others and simply being kind. When we’re just being kind, we might be motivated selfishly. Perhaps we want to be seen as the “kind/good/caring person.” Perhaps we desire something in return, even if that’s simply being treated kindly back.

But when we show others God’s love, we don’t expect anything in return.

Why? Because we’re already satisfied by God’s love and kindness toward us.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107:8-9 (NIV)

The loving gesture I experienced helped me to treat my client with more respect and generosity. My natural inclination was bitterness and resentment, which is just as wrong as the way my client mistreated me.

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 

3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:1, 3-4 (NIV)

Does this mean we ought to surround ourselves with people who treat us poorly?

No.

Jesus’ inner circle primarily included trusted friends (with the exception of Judas). These were the people who got unlimited access to Jesus, even when He took breaks from the rest of the crowd.

However, Jesus ministered to all the people around Him, including those who wished Him dead. He fed them, shared the gospel with them, and answered their tricky questions.

As followers of Jesus, we must use His approach as our example.

Whenever God prompts us to share His love with someone, we must answer that call with obedience.

And if we don’t? God will simply use someone else and we’ll miss out on the opportunity.

But God is persistent. He will call us again and again. We just have to listen and obey.

Though we’ve all missed opportunities to share His love in the past, it’s not too late to start listening today. Ask God who He wants you to reach out to and how He wants you to bless them.

You are a beacon of His love. ❤

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Where Will God’s Light Lead?

God welcomes us back to Him.

Vindicate me, my God,
    and plead my cause
    against an unfaithful nation.
Rescue me from those who are
    deceitful and wicked.
2 You are God my stronghold.
    Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
    oppressed by the enemy?
3 Send me your light and your faithful care,
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
    to the place where you dwell.
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43 (NIV)

Yesterday was one of those days. The kind that tempted me to give into discouragement and wonder whether good days will always be followed by discouraging ones.

But this morning, God brought me to this scripture. David, the psalmist in this passage, was struggling with deep discouragement and despair. He felt surrounded by darkness and even asked God, “Why have you rejected me?”

When we are feeling discouraged or confused by life, God welcomes our questions. But rather than allowing hard questions to deconstruct our faith, what if we frame those questions around what we know to be true about God?

Even as David asked God why He rejected him, he remembered that God was his stronghold. He didn’t stay stuck in confusion over God’s character; he asked God to lead him again.

Where will God lead us every time we ask?

Straight back to Him.

Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Zechariah 1:3 (NIV)

By surrendering to God’s leading, David found himself drawn close to God again. Though he was asking for God’s deliverance from his difficult circumstances, he seemed to recognize that his true longing was to be near his heavenly Father.

God’s light and faithful care softened David’s heart so that he could praise God again. For when we truly recognize God’s presence, we will worship Him.

Reading a passage like this may feel frustrating if you’re not feeling ready to praise God yet. It may feel like another piece of self-help, urging you to just focus on the bright side and hope things will improve.

But God isn’t asking you to plaster on a smile and just pretend that things are better than they really are. In this psalm, David’s hope wasn’t found in his circumstances–it was found in God’s unchanging character.

The next time you’re facing a moment of brokenness, frustration, or despair, consider following David’s example in this psalm:

  • Go before God and confess the troubling questions in your heart.
  • Remember God’s character and how He has redeemed situations in the past.
  • Ask God to lead you back to Him.
  • Praise God for who He is, while holding onto hope that even if your situation remains difficult, it isn’t eternal. Someday, we will be reunited with God forever in a world without pain or sorrow.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 (NIV)

Boundaries for Beginners

5 practices for creating healthier boundaries so that you serve with godly motivations.

Have you ever just really wanted to say “no” to one more request from someone you care about, but you forced yourself to say “yes”?

The practice of setting boundaries sounds simple, but in real-life situations, there are so many things to consider beyond uttering a simple “no.” When we care about the emotions and well-being of those around us, we may feel torn between overextending ourselves and only committing to what’s healthy for us.

In church settings in particular, there’s a common misbelief that setting boundaries in our relationships is sinful. But even Jesus, who lived a perfect life, took time to be with God and refresh His spirit so that He could minister well to others.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35 (NIV)

God creates boundaries with us through His laws, which guide us toward having a more fulfilling and fruitful existence. Evidence of God’s first boundary is found in Genesis. He told Adam and Eve that they could eat from any tree in the garden, except for the one specific tree that led to their downfall.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Genesis 2:15-17 (NIV)

Boundaries, when created out of love, benefit and strengthen relationships. They cause us to have more realistic expectations for each other, recognizing that only God can fulfill all our needs.

As someone also in the process of learning to create boundaries, I’ve gathered five helpful practices that will hopefully bless you as you strive to make healthier relationships.

  1. Take your time responding back to others

When someone texts you (and it’s not a serious emergency, of course), you are not obligated to text them immediately back. In fact, it’s okay to wait and respond when you feel alert and ready. Society has trained us to expect instant gratification and answers, but it is healthier to slow down and consider our words so that we can respond with kindness and discernment.

This also allows us to have more grace for others when they take longer to respond back to us!

2. Make time for rest in your schedule

Rest doesn’t just mean sleep, though getting a good night’s sleep is important. Building restful breaks into your routine, even if it’s as simple as setting aside time once or twice a week to participate in a life-giving activity or going on a daily walk, can be vital in preventing burnout.

3. Pause before committing

Instead of giving an instant “yes” when you’re asked to help with something, consider taking a night to sleep on it. During that time, when you are under less pressure to provide a response, you can check your calendar to confirm if you have the capacity to commit to this opportunity. Even more importantly, this allows you the chance to pray and discern whether this is what God wants you to do.

4. Journal your thought process

Perhaps you’re on the fence about an upcoming decision or commitment. Writing down the details of the situation, what’s drawing you toward it as well as what’s causing you to hesitate, can reveal the motives of your heart. As you journal, ask God whether you’re motivated by the desire to please others or to serve Him.

5. Practice communicating your boundaries

One of the toughest things about creating boundaries is admitting we can’t do it all. People may react to our boundaries in different ways. Some may express support and encouragement while others might be upset and disappointed.

If you’re struggling to communicate your boundaries with certain people in your life, consider sharing your needs and concerns with a trusted person who has proven to be supportive in the past. Perhaps a godly mentor, friend, or family member can guide you in communicating with the more difficult people in your life. You can even ask to rehearse your “boundaries conversation” with them, so that you feel prepared and grounded before entering into more difficult conversations.

Moving forward with grace.

God designed us intricately and intentionally. He didn’t create us to be superheroes with the capability of saving the world on our own–or even saving the person next door. We’re simply meant to show up with God’s love each day, relying on Him to provide our strength.

Accept His gifts of rest and grace today. Even when setting boundaries is difficult and painful, it is still worth it. You will find yourself showing up more present each day. This process also leads to recognizing which relationships are worth fighting for and which might need to be let go of.

I’ll be praying for you on this journey. ❤

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.

Hebrews 4:1-3 (NIV)

Continuing Forward with Hope for the Future

Are you in the middle of a chapter in your life, waiting for God to show up?

A wise person once told me that it’s much easier to share about the trials and struggles of our past, rather than what we’re currently going through.

Perhaps it’s because we know how our past stories end–often in goodness, redemption, or peaceful surrender. Even if those stories end in tragedy, the ending is sealed in our mind.

One of the many reasons why it’s difficult to publicly (whether that be with one other person or an entire group) process our current struggles is because we aren’t quite sure what will happen next.

It reveals our lack of control over our own story.

True confessions time. Over the last few months, it’s been difficult for me to blog regularly for two reasons:

  1. I’ve been writing so much more for my novel writing program (the Author Conservatory, which I shared about in a previous post). This has been a life-changing, transformative experience. Such a blessing in my life!
  2. And the less flattering reason…I’m in the middle of several unfinished chapters in my own life story.

Sometimes I wish I were a character in a book with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A simple growth journey where I find myself whole and healed by the final page.

But God’s more creative than even the best human author. He’s also more patient too, carrying us through every chapter and scene in our life story.

(I have yet to read a book that spans the entire life of a single person, detailing every miniscule moment for pages on end. Probably because none of us would have the patience to read it!)

And yet God chooses to do life with us, every second of every day.

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV)

This verse has been coming up in my life a lot recently. It’s such a comfort to know that God is watching over us without so much as blinking an eye. No detail goes unnoticed by Him, even the moments that we sometimes wish we could hide from Him.

But God views us, even in our fragile and broken human condition, as His precious children. He wants the best for us, and sometimes that means allowing us to trek further down an unknown path because the end result will lead to further growth and trust in Him.

All our paths are known to Him, even when the sky ahead seems foggy to us.

Perhaps this chapter of your life feels endless. Maybe you’ve been waiting on an answer or the fulfillment of a promise for years.

God welcomes our questions and wonderings, even our complaints. As we call out to Him, may we also remember all that He has done before, proving His faithfulness.

You see, friend, there is beauty and healing in sharing about the past and the present.

For when we remember the past, we also remember God’s unchanging character, and find hope in our present circumstances.


Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)

The Old Testament is filled with reminders to God’s people of all the ways He had already blessed and provided for them. During their forty years in the wilderness, they grew weary and doubted God would fulfill His promises to them. But God remained faithful, even when His people didn’t.

Our God is the same–yesterday, today, and forever. He showed up then, and He will continue to show up for us now.

Let’s continue forward with Him today.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What in your life feels like an unfinished chapter?
  2. How have you been responding to waiting in this season?
  3. How has God provided for you in the past?
  4. Go back to a Bible passage that has brought you comfort or hope in the past. What do you remember about God’s character through this passage?
  5. Is there a safe person in your life who you should share your present struggles with?


For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

Releasing 2025 into God’s Hands

What does it look like to release as we step into the new year?

Are you someone who enjoys choosing a word of intention at the beginning of the new year?

My word of the year for 2025 was “release.” And wow, has it been applicable. It’s never been clearer to me how God’s the true author of our lives, always a step ahead and paving the path for us to learn, grow, and heal. And sometimes, He uses a specific word to guide us in our walk with Him.

Release has so many meanings for me. Letting go of control, surrendering to God’s will even when it differs from my plans, and saying goodbye to relationships that aren’t healthy anymore.

But if I could leave you with one way to release in 2026, it’s this:

Release your burdens and anxieties onto Jesus. Only He is strong enough to carry them and redeem your broken situations.

What does this look like in practice?

Falling to our knees in prayer, sharing vulnerably with God–both our doubts and reminders of who He is–and asking for His help. Filling our minds with scripture, worship songs, and the wisdom of those further along in their faith journey. Participating in godly community, where safe people can listen to your struggles and offer support.

We aren’t the heroes of our own stories–and thank goodness, because that would be such a burden to bear.

God is the hero. Only He can provide, protect, and heal. He longs for us to choose His love and, overflowing with the Spirit, spread that love to others.

Perhaps reflecting on 2025 brings you shame and discouragement. God is big enough to hold your regrets, broken dreams, and shattered faith.

Or maybe 2025 was a year of celebration and victory for you. Praise God for His faithfulness and record all His wondrous works. This will encourage you both now, and when harder times come.

God is faithful through it all.

As we step into the new year, I hope you experience God’s deep, unfailing love for you. Trust in Him, that no matter the unknowns, He will always care for you, His precious child.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Praise be to the Lord,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
    a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
    be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:6-9 (NIV)

Our Hope is Found in God’s Unfailing Love

This Christmas, may you be filled with peace as we celebrate God’s everlasting love for us.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:5-10 (NIV)

God is light. God is love. And somehow, God chooses us every single day.

Though we cannot fully comprehend this reality, it remains true all the same. God’s character isn’t determined by our understanding of Him–for we are limited by human constraints. God will always be holy and worthy of our praise.

It is through recognizing our blind spots, our lack of understanding, and our utter brokenness that we discover our yearning for a Savior.

We cannot save ourselves, no matter how strong we become or how closely we follow the rules. But that is no slight against us, for out of His love, God created us to need Him.

God offers the perfect Savior–Jesus–with one simple request: submission to His love.

Submission to His love means laying down our own desires and asking what He wants from us, because His ways are better. It means pursuing a relationship with God, who is always there and will never abandon us. It even means acknowledging our imperfections while celebrating that we have the perfect Father in Heaven.

I won’t pretend that submission is easy. In fact, it requires great sacrifice and a transformed mind. But when we call out to God as we struggle to surrender our wills, He will give us the strength to keep going.

Christmas is about celebrating the everlasting love of our eternal Father. We gasp in wonder at the tremendous sacrifice God made by sending His only son, Jesus, to undergo the human experience and eventually die for our sins.

We are given new life through Jesus, who overcame death and will return for us someday. Though we will grieve the brokenness, injustice, and heartache of this world, our hope is anchored in the the only One who can redeem.

May you experience God’s abounding love for you and be made whole through Him. He will never forsake you, His beloved child, and He is calling you close to Him today.

Merry Christmas!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:1-3 (NIV)

Who is Guarding Your Heart?

Let’s release our hearts to God, the only one who can heal us.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

~ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Last year, my heart felt tender. After experiencing betrayal and rejection from a once-close family member, it was as if my heart was on a chopping block and every person in my life was given a knife to use at their own discretion.

Some chose to lay down their knives and offer bandages instead. But others dug deeper into my open wounds with their sharp blades.

Over time, my heart grew tough in an effort to protect itself. If I’m made of metal, a knife can’t slice through and damage me any further.

It worked, in a sense. Insensitive words and painful situations didn’t have the same impact on me. I felt emboldened to go out into the world and decide who was worthy of my trust.

But guarding my heart on my own strength came at a great loss–to myself and to those around me.

After training my heart not to feel, I struggled to empathize with my friends when they shared their heartbreaks with me. I began to scrutinize every relationship, trying to judge whether or not these people mirrored any traits from my past offenders. I alone had to determine whether or not I was safe.

Living in a world surrounded by concrete walls isn’t really living at all.

It felt as if I had lost the best parts of myself, in addition to doubting my community. God calls us to love others, but how could I love–an extremely vulnerable action–when I couldn’t trust?

So then…was I failing God?


And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Thankfully, God didn’t leave me in this empty, searching place. He drew me closer to Him through His Word and teaching, as well as the faithfulness of friends who didn’t give up on me.

Most importantly, He reminded me that I’m not in charge of guarding my own heart.

Yes, we must exercise discernment in our lives. But we must surrender our hearts to God so that He can protect us. He’s the only one who can provide us security and safety while allowing our hearts to remain moldable and open to love.

Surrender requires sacrificing our own safety net and battle plan. But we’re releasing ourselves to the only One in control, who has the greatest plan.

When we try to guard our own hearts, we end up hardening them instead. A hardened heart isn’t open to love or transformation, but God will still accept your hardened heart and turn it back to flesh.

God doesn’t promise a life free from suffering and pain, even when we surrender our hearts to Him. But He does promise peace through Jesus, who has already overcome the world.

When we rely on His grace and peace for our security, rooting ourselves in being children of God rather than allowing others to determine our worth, we will find our hearts’ desire.

And that, my friend, is the unconditional and unchanging love of Jesus.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

If you are weary and broken, go to Him.

If you are empty and depleted, go to Him.

If you are rejoicing and hope-filled, go to Him.

If you don’t know who you are or what comes next, go to Him.

Jesus is waiting with open arms to receive you. He is worthy of our trust. ❤

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

My Season of Surrender

How might God be calling you to surrender today?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Surrender. An uncomfortable word in a society that prides itself on independence, personal victory, and chasing dreams.

I won’t pretend that surrendering is easy. I struggle with it every day. It involves sacrificing everything–our desires, thoughts, relationships, lives–to God.

While He is worthy of our lives (after all, He created us), it can be difficult to trust Him when we can’t see Him in physical form. We aren’t often enlightened with a glimpse of our future. We must simply present each decision to the Lord and trust that His way is better than our own.

Spoiler alert: my “season” of surrender wasn’t a period of months or years. It was just the beginning of a lifetime of choosing God over myself.

My journey to surrender began with a choice rooted in faith. I quit my job–at a church. This not only meant a loss of income/stability, but I walked away from my church community without a clear path of where God wanted me next. I just knew He was calling me away, and I had to say yes to the first step before I could take the next step.

The first thing I did after my exit interview was load up the dishwasher while listening to Hillsong’s worship song, I Surrender. As I sung along, my broken melody wasn’t mere words. It was a promise to God that from this day forward, I would try to surrender.

God’s grace is sufficient, even when we fail to surrender and choose our own path. I am so thankful, since I have fallen short of surrender time and again.

Surrendering to God has led me to godly community, but not in the way I would’ve chosen.

At the start of my church search, if you had asked me to describe what I was looking for in a new church, I would’ve answered “young adult community.” But God led me to a church with very few young adults. He’s affirmed over and over that this is where He wants me to be–which has led to healing, growth, and a shift in perspective.

In my professional life, I planned to secure a full-time job and publish my books after college. However, I experienced a series of rejections, which led me to join another writing program while continuing in my part-time job instead. God showed me that He is going to provide in unorthodox ways, and I need to deepen my skills before I can publish the stories He’s placed on my heart.

God’s choice for us is often the humble choice. The choice with less earthly glory or praise. The path that follows this choice will involve detours and pitstops. And it always requires trust and reliance on God.

My journey began two years ago, and each day I’m given the same choice. Will I release my desire for control in order to embrace God’s plan for me?

How might God be calling you to surrender today?

His plan for you is far more beautiful than anything you could plan for yourself. Even if the road ahead seems bleary, trust that the end result will lead to a closer relationship with your heavenly Father, who loves you eternally.

To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end—
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
    through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
    he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

8 Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain with injustice.

9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:1-9 (NIV)

Seeking Signs of Growth

Is it hard to trust God’s plan for you in the waiting?

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have a green thumb.

(Cough, one time I caused a succulent to burn and rot simultaneously…)

But this was going to be the summer of new life. After the spontaneous purchase of a packet of sunflower seeds, I hurried to the backyard and planted seeds in every spare plot of soil. It was a generous packet, and I ran out of space with still six seeds left.

A few years back, we had planted sunflower seeds in a pot, and they barely grew. But I had run out of other options, so I pushed the remaining seeds down in the soil of a large pot.

Then I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Oh, and watered.

Other plants sprung up around me, but my sunflowers wouldn’t even sprout. Faithfully I watered, and still no sign of growth.

After a month and a half of waiting, I determined that the seeds planted around the yard had been eaten by rabbits or birds. The only spouts, barely a few inches high, were in the pot.

And then, after the first leaf made an appearance, someone chomped the leaf off too.

I wasn’t willing to give up on my last surviving seeds, so I elevated the pot onto a chair (out of reach of my furry visitors) and prayed that they would still grow.

We had one of the driest, sunniest summers in Washington history–the perfect climate for sunflowers. Yet my sunflower buds refused to pop open.

September rolled around, and I was starting to give up hope that I would ever see the fruit of my labor. All the other plants withered for winter or transformed into one final brilliant display of color.

And then a clump of yellow petals peeked out into the world.

At last! A sign of life.

Right as the rainy season was about to begin.

God knew how much these flowers meant to me. They weren’t just proof that perhaps I could keep something alive. They were a sign of hope, that all the waiting was worth it.

Not just in my gardening life, but in all the areas where it’s been hard to be patient.

And so, even through stormy nights and windy mornings, these flowers bloomed vibrantly. Yellow and orange smiles greeted me whenever I ventured into the backyard after a long day.

They withstood more than I could’ve imagined: hungry animals, dewy mornings, and heavy winds.

Perhaps if they would’ve bloomed when I had wanted, I never would’ve realized how strong they were.

As the only color in a fading yard, they stood out as the light. This was their time to shine, and through the waiting, they were an even greater encouragement.

What are you waiting on in your life?

Perhaps life feels stagnant…and has felt stagnant for years. But don’t lose hope. God is preparing you for all that is to come. With changing seasons, there are opportunities to draw close to Him, in both the blessing and the trial. In fact, the waiting times are often when we rely on Him the most.

When you seek God in the waiting, it will not be a wasted season. You will be strengthened in Him so that you are ready when the next season arrives. Keep your eyes open to all the ways He’s reaching out and showing you His love, even if it’s through a simple flower or friendly smile.

You are growing, and have already grown, more than you think.

His purpose for you never changes. You are designed to be His child, a beckon of His light, love, and truth throughout your community. Show up faithfully, even with your scars, longings, and questions, and He will answer you.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV)


Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

The God of Yesterday, Today, and Forever

Let’s explore how God’s loving nature is revealed in the oldest book of the Bible.

Did you know that Job is the oldest book of the Bible? Even though Genesis covers the beginning of the world, it wasn’t written until the time of Moses.

The story of Job is quite fascinating. He begins as a “blameless and upright” man who is pleasing in the eyes of God (Job 1:1). However, he undergoes a severe trial in which he loses his wealth, children, and health.

He cries out to God and God hears him.

Though Job is blind from seeing his faults, his friends are quick to point them out. They go back and forth, until at last Elihu speaks up.

He’s the youngest, yet wisest of Job’s friends. He doesn’t condemn Job the way the other men do. However, he reminds Job of their shared humanity and how that contrasts to the holiness of God.

My words come from an upright heart;
    my lips sincerely speak what I know.
4 The Spirit of God has made me;
    the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5 Answer me then, if you can;
    stand up and argue your case before me.
6 I am the same as you in God’s sight;
    I too am a piece of clay.
7 No fear of me should alarm you,
    nor should my hand be heavy on you.

8 “But you have said in my hearing—
    I heard the very words—
9 ‘I am pure, I have done no wrong;
    I am clean and free from sin.
10 Yet God has found fault with me;
    he considers me his enemy.
11 He fastens my feet in shackles;
    he keeps close watch on all my paths.’

12 “But I tell you, in this you are not right,
    for God is greater than any mortal.
13 Why do you complain to him
    that he responds to no one’s words?
14 For God does speak—now one way, now another—
    though no one perceives it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
    when deep sleep falls on people
    as they slumber in their beds,
16 he may speak in their ears
    and terrify them with warnings,
17 to turn them from wrongdoing
    and keep them from pride,
18 to preserve them from the pit,
    their lives from perishing by the sword.

Job 33:3-18 (NIV)

When you think about the God of the Old Testament, what words and images come to mind?

Often, this God is depicted as powerful, mighty, and even frightening. And then in the New Testament, Jesus comes along, the loving and merciful servant, who seems to contradict God the Father.

However, they are one in the same.

Consider the final verse from our previous reading from Job 32. The motive behind God speaking to His people–even “terrifying them with warnings”–is to preserve them from perishing.

God has always been motivated by His love for us.

And…God has always been holy and in control of everything.

While these two “sides of God” might be difficult to reconcile with each other, this fact should actually bring us peace.

When we place our trust in people, they will often fail us. When we place our trust in the world, it will let us down.

But God knows everything and will guide us in His love. He has no ulterior motives, and He’s the only one who is in control of our lives.

When we ask for His wisdom, He directs us to the best path possible. He knows which route will bring us closer to Him, and He will lead us there. That is the safest, most joyful place to be.

Because God is love and God is holy, we can fully trust Him.

It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,
    that the Almighty would pervert justice.
13 Who appointed him over the earth?
    Who put him in charge of the whole world?
14 If it were his intention
    and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
15 all humanity would perish together
    and mankind would return to the dust.

Job 34:12-15 (NIV)

From the beginning, God’s goal has been to have a relationship with us–His precious creation. We’ve tried to screw that up by following our own will, believing that we (with our limited understanding) actually know best.

Even in the Old Testament, God was orchestrating His plan to free us from our sins so that we can have a eternal relationship with Him.

Yet if there is an angel at their side,
    a messenger, one out of a thousand,
    sent to tell them how to be upright,
24 and he is gracious to that person and says to God,
    ‘Spare them from going down to the pit;
    I have found a ransom for them—
25 let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
    let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—
26 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,
    they will see God’s face and shout for joy;
    he will restore them to full well-being.
27 And they will go to others and say,
    ‘I have sinned, I have perverted what is right,
    but I did not get what I deserved.
28 God has delivered me from going down to the pit,
    and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’

Job 33:23-28 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit is our advocate. When we pray, He intercedes for us and God grants us mercy.

God has spared us from the pit and has given us new life in Him. And no matter what happens, He will always desire a relationship with us.

Returning to Job’s story, God eventually spoke to him directly and reminded him that He is the creator of all. Job repented and received double the blessings, living his new life with a deeper reverence for God.

We are offered the same new life. Let’s celebrate that by worshipping God. Thank God for saving you and ask how He wants you to live out His calling today.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)