The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

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

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

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

Experiencing the hope of Easter doesn’t have to be limited to one Sunday a year. Psalm 112:4 reminds us that light breaks through darkness for those who walk with God—and that truth can shape how we begin every single day. Just as the sunrise brings warmth, clarity, and renewed energy, a Christ-centered morning can ground our hearts in peace and purpose. This devotional reframes the idea of a “sunrise service” as a daily rhythm rather than a yearly event. Even in busy, chaotic, or exhausting seasons of life, we are invited to intentionally create space for God each morning. When we choose to start our day focused on Him, we position our hearts to experience His presence, reflect His character, and carry His hope into everything we do. Highlights Easter hope isn’t seasonal—it’s available to anchor us every day Light and warmth from the sunrise reflect the spiritual renewal found in Christ Our mornings set the tone for our mindset, peace, and spiritual focus Even a few intentional minutes with God can shift the entire direction of your day Choosing God over chaos requires discipline but leads to greater stability and peace Creating structured morning rhythms can reduce stress and open space for spiritual growth Gratitude and reflection in the morning help cultivate a Christ-centered perspective Living in daily resurrection hope allows us to reflect God’s light to others This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: How to Have a Sunrise Service Every Sunday Morning By: Peyton Garland Bible Reading:“Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.” - Psalm 112:4 (NLT) My mood is greatly impacted by the weather, much to my chagrin. In Eastern Tennessee, with the Appalachians spanning my backyard, we see bouts of heavy rain in the winter. Of course, for all our farmers, this is quite the blessing, and it certainly benefits our neighbors’ cattle. But for me, it’s just week after week of mental gloominess (and feeling stuck inside with a toddler who would nap much better if he could run and play and soak up Vitamin D). Easter arrives when the weather is often playing tug-of-war between winter and spring, unsure which will take precedence for the holiday. Thus, it’s hard to know if your Easter dress should actually be a dress, or if a pair of pants will make life much warmer and more comfortable. Regardless of Easter’s final forecast, it’s only normal for us to crave the light and warmth of the sun. Nature makes this clear: the sun not only affects the neurotransmitters that regulate our mood but also our heart rate. Light and warmth stabilize us from the inside out, and is this not the perfect physiological representation of an Easter sunrise service? It’s mankind’s eager anticipation for the first rays of light that whisper, “You’ll see a bit clearer in just a moment. Better things are coming. Hope is here.” Easter, regardless of the day’s weather report, is our blessed hope, the spiritual truth that we can celebrate year-round to keep us tethered to our faith. It’s available for all the highs and lows, all the storms, and the uncontrollable chaos that undoubtedly rears an ugly head in this fallen world. And if we are intentional, spiritually desperate enough, we can experience this sunrise service filled with hope and joy each day of our lives. I’m certainly no expert in accessing this beautiful, glorious gift each morning, especially eight months pregnant with a toddler who doesn’t sleep through the night. I often wake up starving, grumbly, and in desperate need of a chiropractor. But even when the mornings start hectic or heavy, we have a choice: We can use our desperation for God’s goodness to force five minutes of quiet for Him to settle our hearts and homes, or we can surrender to the never-ending demands of a loud, noisy world that cares little about how stable our souls are once we’ve clocked out for the day and gone home. God gives good gifts to His children, most notably salvation through His Son’s death and resurrection, but the choice to access those gifts rests with us. If we want hope, no matter how gloomy, mundane, or hard life is, we must pursue it, choose it, share it with others, and praise God that His mercies are as faithful as the morning sunrise. Intersecting Faith & Life: Consider your morning routine. Is it consistently chaos as everyone grabs a breakfast bar to go and forgets a gym bag, homework, or a shoe or two? If your days always start in a state of stress, create a schedule specifically for your morning routine. Perhaps you need to wake up thirty minutes earlier, or the kids need to pack lunches and set out clothes the night before. Sit down with your entire family to discuss ways to make the mornings smoother so everyone can begin each day with a healthier head and heart space. Carve out space so your morning has dedicated time to practice gratitude to God for a new day of mercy and grace. As a believer and as an adult in your house, it is your spiritual responsibility to set a positive, hope-filled, Christ-focused tone for the family. As Scripture says, the hope and light we long for are byproducts of godliness, of our willingness to get uncomfortable and change our schedules, and even our perceptions, so we are in a position to practice generosity, compassion, and righteousness. (Let’s be honest, when we begin our days in chaos, without the peace and hope of Christ’s resurrection, our souls aren’t positioned to practice, let alone consider, these godly principles.) Consider this as more than a mandate. Let this be an honor as you overhaul your morning routine to have an Easter sunrise service in your home, for your family, each day. Further Reading: 25 Easter Scriptures to Celebrate the Resurrection: He IS Risen! 5 Habits to Help Start Your Day with Jesus Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Suffering is one of the hardest realities of the Christian life, yet James 1:12 reveals a powerful truth: there is blessing on the other side of perseverance. Trials are not meaningless interruptions—they are often the very tools God uses to shape our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and draw us closer to His heart. This devotional reframes suffering through a biblical lens, reminding us that while pain is real, it is never wasted. Even when life feels overwhelming or unfair, God remains sovereign and present. Instead of placing our hope in temporary outcomes, we are called to anchor ourselves in eternity—trusting that God is working through every trial for His glory and our ultimate good. Highlights Suffering is a reality for all people, including faithful believers God remains sovereign over every trial—we are never outside His awareness or plan Trials are often used to shape us into the image of Christ Perseverance in suffering leads to spiritual growth and eternal reward Faith becomes our anchor in seasons of uncertainty and pain Fixing our eyes on eternity helps us endure present hardships God walks with us through both valleys and mountaintop seasons Our suffering can equip us to comfort and support others Resources Mentioned James 1:12 John 16:33 Romans 8:18 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Biblical humility and servant leadership are beautifully displayed in Philippians 2:5-8, where Jesus models a radically different view of greatness—one rooted in love, sacrifice, and selflessness. Rather than clinging to His divine status, Jesus chose to humble Himself, taking on the role of a servant and ultimately giving His life on the cross. This passage challenges the way we view power, status, and what it truly means to love others. Through a personal story and powerful reflection, this devotional reminds us that the lowest places—often the ones we avoid—can become the greatest opportunities to demonstrate Christlike love. When we shift our mindset from self-importance to selfless service, we begin to reflect the heart of Jesus in our everyday relationships. True love isn’t about convenience—it’s about willingness to serve, even when it costs us something. Highlights Jesus redefined greatness by choosing humility and servanthood over status and power True love is often expressed through simple, lowly acts of service Pride can keep us from opportunities to love others well Humility means thinking of others more, not thinking less of ourselves Serving others becomes natural when we are motivated by genuine love Letting go of comfort and control draws us closer to God’s heart The “mindset of Christ” transforms how we approach relationships and daily interactions This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: When Love Took the Lowest PlaceBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8, NIV When I was in college, I took a job at a fast food restaurant to supplement the income from my journalism internship because I wanted extra money for a trip. I quit after only 3 weeks – as soon as I earned the amount I needed for the trip – because I felt like the job was beneath me. But reflecting on it now, I can see how that humbling experience was valuable. As you can imagine, cleaning a public restroom in a fast-food restaurant was never pleasant. But years later, when God led me to clean a restroom for a family member battling cancer, I was grateful I learned that sometimes the lowest tasks are connected to the highest ways of showing love. Sometimes we think that if we have power or status, we should use it to make our lives easier. We may refuse to do lowly jobs at work or at home because we have a higher job position than others on our team, or a higher status in our family than others. But Philippians 2:5-8 shows us a picture of Jesus that turns our ideas of greatness upside down. Jesus had the highest power and status possible – he was equal with God. Yet, Jesus didn’t use that power and status for himself. Instead, he “made himself nothing.” In some translations, it says he “emptied himself.” Jesus poured out his rights and his comfort so that he could fill our greatest need. When Jesus came from heaven to earth, he went from being in a perfect environment where he had everything he could ever want to dealing with human needs in a fallen world, where he would experience the full range of suffering we go through here. Jesus made that choice because of his love for his creation – including us. Love motivated Jesus to come to earth to pay for humanity’s sins himself, so we could connect with a holy God and be saved. When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he was the highest person in the room, yet he chose the lowest task. Why did Jesus, the King of Kings, become a servant? It was because he saw us. Jesus saw that we were broken, lost, and separated from God by our sin. He knew that the only way to reach us was to come down to where we were. True humility involves thinking of ourselves less and thinking of others more. Serving others is something we’ll naturally want to do if we’re motivated by love. When we love people, we don’t mind doing lowly jobs to help them. Parents don’t mind changing diapers because they love their babies. Friends don’t mind driving across town late at night to help a friend in need because they love their friends. Philippians 2:5-8 starts out by saying: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” That’s a challenge for us every single day. But the more we ask Jesus to help us focus on what matters most from his perspective, the more we can apply that wisdom to our relationships with each other. When we choose the lowest place, we end up in the highest place we can be, which is close to God’s heart. God’s core nature is love. Jesus shows us what God’s love looks like in action, and we can see from Jesus’ life on earth that God often expresses his love through humble service to others. By doing simple tasks with great love, Jesus shows us that taking the lowest place is an important way to move higher in our relationships with God. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how taking the lowest place in love can help you move higher with God, reflect on these questions: When you feel above a certain task or person, what does that reveal about your heart? Jesus let go of his heavenly rights and comforts to serve us on earth. What’s one right or comfort you find difficult to let go of? How does knowing that Jesus chose the cross out of love change the way you view your own struggles? Who is one person in your life who you can relate to this week by practicing having the “mindset of Christ”? Why is love a more powerful motivator for service than just feeling a moral obligation to do what’s right? Further Reading:Matthew 20:28John 13:14-15Galatians 5:131 Peter 5:5Mark 9:35 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This devotional highlights the importance of intentional, Christ-centered community—not perfect people, but faithful ones who pursue Jesus together. Even when relationships feel messy or uncomfortable, God uses them to strengthen our faith, bring healing, and encourage us in ways we can’t experience on our own. If you’re in a season without a church community, this is an invitation to reflect, rebuild, and take one step toward the relationships God has prepared for you. Highlights Church community can be difficult to build, especially after past hurt, busy seasons, or constant life changes Genuine Christian relationships require vulnerability, trust, and letting go of self-protection Healing from church wounds is possible—and often leads to deeper, more meaningful community later You don’t need perfect people—you need people who genuinely pursue Jesus, even imperfectly Strong community isn’t found by accident; it’s built through intentional investment and consistency Even Jesus modeled the importance of close, faith-centered relationships during His ministry Community won’t replace God, but it strengthens and supports your faith in every season Identifying what’s holding you back is the first step toward building the relationships God has for you This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: When You Don't Have a Church Community This EasterBy: Peyton Garland Bible Reading:“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) In our first five years of marriage, my husband and I moved six times. Jobs and dreams pulled us all over the place, back and forth across the country. But while this wild newlywed season was beautiful, it left little time for us to invest in a church community. Many believers are left without a church community this Easter, whether caused by time and location constraints, old church wounds, or a tried but failed attempt to find “their” people. Relationships can be complicated, awkward, and intimidating to navigate, especially for Christian adults who are encouraged to develop vulnerability and share their faults and fears with others. Church community—the healthy kind—requires an unguarded trust in others, a release of self-preservation and appearances, but it’s in this uncomfortable place that our pride dies and our souls find the encouragement to continue in the faith when the days are dark and lonely. Granted, I understand the skepticism of opening up to others in the church, especially as someone who once had a bitter taste in her mouth for any assembly that remotely resembled the unhealthy church I grew up in. However, on the other side of my church hurt, after lots of therapy and answered prayers as my husband and I settled into a church community to raise our sons, I can say, wholeheartedly, that you need a church community. You don’t need “your” people. You need Jesus people who messily, openly, sacrificially love Him. In finding those believers—and in becoming one of them—you find a community you can lean on in all seasons, even when the spiritual high of holidays like Easter and Christmas fades. My church has a saying, “You don’t stumble upon great Christian community; you create it.” So no matter how many fair-weather churchgoers come and go in this religious Easter season, no matter your past hurt or the present inconveniences that make community easy to avoid, I challenge you to invest your heart and faith in others. Jesus’ earthly ministry was short, only three years, but even He recognized the need for godly friendships and fellowship with others, calling twelve men to quite literally travel and live with Him. If Jesus recognized the need for a Christian community, who are we to disregard His example in this resurrection season centered on life, love, and sacrifice for others? Intersecting Faith & Life: When my husband and I met, we were both Christians, but both of us had been deeply, deeply wounded by the church. Legalism kept me tethered to weekly attendance, all out of fear, but my husband’s personal hurt had driven him completely away from church. When we met, and I mandated his church attendance if he wanted to continue dating me, he admitted it was the first time he had set foot in a church in roughly five years. Today, we are life group leaders for seven young families in our church. It’s funny, and often ironic, how God not only heals us, but calls us to the places we thought we could never navigate again. God defies the impossible, even in our finite bodies, if we are willing and able to get uncomfortable and be molded for His purposes. Meanwhile, though my husband and I have come a long way in establishing a church community for ourselves and our sons, we understand how hard it is to sustain these relationships. Jesus people are still people, and their flaws and your flaws combined won’t make for perfect friendships. Church community won’t save you. It won’t even sustain you, at least not on its own. But when you dig your heels in deep and choose to love others because God dug His heels in deep to save and sustain you, despite all your wrongdoings, you find that His resurrection hope lasts far longer than the Easter season. You realize that His ability, through you, to be long-suffering towards sinners is what makes life worth living. If you aren’t part of a church community, find some quiet time to take personal stock in why. Has your life season been overwhelmingly busy? Has the church hurt you? Did you try one or two different small groups or Bible studies that simply felt impersonal or off? Recognize your why, but allow this newfound understanding to challenge you to step up, get uncomfortable, and relentlessly pursue the godly relationships God has in store for you. I promise, you won’t regret it. Further Reading: How to Get Back into ChurchRomans 12:4-5Proverbs 27:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Struggling with anxiety, overthinking, or “what if” spirals? This special bonus episode from Faith Over Fear explores how to find peace through Scripture when your thoughts feel overwhelming and hard to control. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken unpack what’s really happening when anxiety takes over—and how God meets us in those moments. Through stories of health uncertainty, sleepless nights, and persistent fear, they reveal how biblical truth can interrupt anxious thought patterns and help us anchor our minds in God’s character. Rather than trying to suppress anxiety, this episode offers a better path: renewing your mind through Scripture and learning to recognize the difference between fear-driven thoughts and God’s truth. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why anxious thoughts often feel true—even when they’re not How “what if” thinking fuels anxiety and fear What it means to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) Why suppressing anxiety can actually make it worse How to practice a simple “truth pause” when fear rises Practical ways to retrain your mind using Scripture To find more content from Faith Over Fear: Follow on your favorite podcasting app: Spotify: Apple For more Faith-centered podcasts: Lifeaudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Peyton Garland highlights how culture’s attraction to Easter reflects a deeper longing for hope, renewal, and life. While seasonal symbols like flowers and celebrations point to new beginnings, they ultimately fall short without the true source—Jesus. This devotion challenges believers to live out their faith authentically year-round, not just during holidays, so others can clearly see the hope of the gospel through their lives. Highlights Faith Is Not Seasonal: Following Christ isn’t limited to holidays like Easter—it’s a daily calling. Culture Reflects a Deeper Longing: Easter traditions point to a universal desire for renewal and hope. Authenticity Matters: People can recognize genuine faith lived out in everyday life. Evangelism Is for Everyone: Sharing the gospel happens through how we live, not just what we say. Hope Has a Source: True and lasting hope is found in Christ, not in temporary cultural symbols. Intersecting Faith & Life The world is searching for something real, and Easter often amplifies that search. When believers consistently live with joy, peace, and authenticity, others notice. Instead of waiting for the “right season,” we are called to embody the hope of Christ daily—allowing our lives to reflect the truth we believe. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Why It's Important to Recognize Culture's Draw to EasterBy: Peyton Garland Bible Reading: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” - Luke 6:45 (ESV) Believers were never called to be ostriches. We don’t get to stick our heads in the sand and wash our hands of the world’s problems. It’s hard to love nonbelievers if we are never around them. It’s hard to reach a world we’ve pushed away in the name of fear or a false sense of religious superiority. We were also never called to be seasonal participants, waiting to share our faith when Easter or Christmas rolls around. Truth be told, friends, if no one knows anything of our faith outside the holiday obligations we push, what does that say of our hearts? Scripture is clear that who we are, who we choose to be, will be evident by the life we live. We can preserve our comfort, keep our favorite sins close, and play the church game all day long, but the world is desperate for hope, and in this desperation, they will see straight through you. This desperation for fulfillment is culture’s draw to Easter, even the secular aspects. The fresh flowers, baby chicks, and Easter eggs are marketable depictions of newness, life, and hope. They are images that beg people to wake up, look around, and rest in light. But without the Light of the world, holiday simplicities can’t sustain us. Easter egg dye wears off, chocolate bunnies are consumed, and life moves on. Deep down, the world knows this. It groans because of it, creating a ravenous need for authenticity. Don’t starve the world of the God who fills your soul with good things daily. You know the secret to eternal hope, to the Light that isn’t dimmed by circumstances or seasons, to the hope that makes death a gateway to eternal fresh air for our healed bones. Evangelism isn’t reserved for religious seasons or church staff. It’s not limited to international missionaries or non-profit directors. It’s a mandate, an honor, bestowed on each of us as we love people in word and deed with the Love who saved our souls. Interesting Faith & Life: My husband and I celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary on a cruise, where we were paired with another young couple for dinner each evening. A few nights in, the husband looked at us and said, “I’m assuming you’re church people, right?” He didn’t mean it disrespectfully, not in the slightest. He was genuinely curious and wanted to confirm his thoughts. My husband and I laughed and nodded our heads, knowing this was, in a simple form, a compliment to how we carried ourselves. We weren’t drilling them with theology or even trying any subtle evangelism. We were just living with the hearts God had curated in us. This isn’t to brag on us. Trust me, apart from God’s grace, the two of us are a dynamic disaster, but we live what we believe as best we can. Our personalities simply can’t handle inauthenticity; most of that comes from all the deceit both of us experienced from our unhealthy church upbringings. But by believing in God as our source of goodness, freedom, and rest, we can live life with a sense of peace and joy. And apparently, nonbelievers see it. And they sense its importance. After all, it’s created beings feeling that natural pull to their Creator, that soulful invitation from the Holy Spirit alone to come home to light and love. Prayerfully consider the life you live, in and out of Christian holidays, and take personal inventory of whether others truly believe that you live what you claim, that Christ’s resurrection has given you joy to live life filled with boldness and peace, come what may. Further Reading: 5 Thoughts on Being a Witness for Christ 2 Timothy 1:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life and technology often make us feel like objects or devices rather than God’s created image-bearers. This devotional reminds us that we were made for connection, rest, worship, and creativity. By stepping away from screens and slowing down, we can rediscover our human purpose—to glorify God and enjoy His creation—living fully as His image-bearers. Highlights Created in God’s Image: We are designed for relationship, worship, and reflection—not as devices. Technology vs. Humanity: Modern dependence on electronics can distract us from God and others. The Beauty of Waiting: God’s timing is perfect; waiting cultivates richness and depth in our lives. Disconnect to Reconnect: Time offline allows us to experience God’s creation, hear His voice, and enjoy meaningful relationships. Living for Worship: Our purpose is to glorify God and delight in Him, giving Him attention that exceeds our screen time. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: In God’s Image By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). Have you noticed the trend? We often refer to ourselves—and our daily activities—in electronic terms as if we were devices. In our culture, as well as across the world, many people use Google as a verb and often feel more comfortable with their electronic devices than with one another. I can’t help but think it makes us feel more alone than ever—like objects rather than people, and digital code rather than designed creation. Think about it. How often have you been encouraged to plug into a church and to unplug from your busyness? After a conference or webinar, do you find yourself saying you need to defrag from information overload? And when you’re high on adrenaline, you might consider yourself wired; when you’re burnt out, you might say you’ve run down the battery. When you and I need to rest, we say we must recharge. And our interpersonal relationships are often mostly internet relationships. FaceTime used to mean what it sounds like, and it didn’t involve a phone, tablet, or laptop screen. Social used to mean talking or being with one another, not scrolling on a device. You and I were made in the image of God, not in the likeness of a smartphone. Our sustainer is God Almighty, not Apple, Microsoft, Google, or even Amazon! So how do we reclaim (or just remind ourselves of) our human status as God’s creation? How do we remember we were made in His image and for His glory? We can start by reassessing where our dependence lies. The next time you are drained of power and need to recharge your body (or your phone), let your device run dry and keep it off for an hour or two. If you fall behind on what happened on social media or you miss a call, someone can leave a message, like back in the days when instant communication didn’t dictate our lives. (With your phone off, or in the other room, you’ll be surprised how much more time and space there is in your day for creativity, meaningful conversations, and thoughtful execution of what you deem your top priority). God never told us in His Word to hurry up, produce more, or run down the battery. His words resonate at a different pace: “Be still and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10 ESV); and “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Yet our next-day or even “same-day delivery with Prime” has made us even more incapable of waiting on God who is not bound by time or delivery schedules. The words of the psalmists were not “Hurry up, God, I need an answer within the hour” but rather, “I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning” (Psalm 130:6 NIV). Good things, rich things, priceless things come to those who wait on God and His perfect timing. Intersecting Faith & Life Do you need to revisit some of the things humans, rather than devices, do so you can become a vintage believer who experiences the beauty of waiting on God? One of my favorite humanizing activities is my daily walk around a small lake near my home. I can’t help but recognize and adore God when I’m outside among the beauty of His creation—away from technology, mobile devices, and anything with a screen or signal. It is then that I can tune into His signals—a gentle breeze, the way He parts the clouds and sends the sun’s rays to shine through, the song of a bird, the rustle of leaves, and the reminder that “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1 ESV). As you slow down and get outside and off your phone, you may rediscover the beauty of your Creator (not your Programmer) who calls you His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). According to the Westminster Catechism, man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. That means we were created—or dare I say wired—for worship. Being out in the beauty of His creation and worshipping Him reminds me of the Luke 19 account when Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem on a young colt, and the Pharisees demanded He rebuke His followers for waving their palm branches and crying out praise to Him, their king. Jesus told the Pharisees that if the people remained silent, “the very stones would cry out.” Our Lord must be praised. And we are the ones created in His image to do it. Don’t leave your God-given calling and purpose to the rocks! Get off your device, notice God and the people all around you, and give Him, not your phone, the attention He deserves. Lord, may zeal for Your Word, not the contents of my phone, consume me. Help my worship time to exceed my screen time, so I am reminded of the One for whom I was created. Further Reading: Psalm 139 For daily perspective on Whose you are and reasons to praise, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.