I miss my younger years of running, biking, and swimming. It brought stress relief, physical fitness, and a sense of accomplishment. It also brought overuse injuries, eventually culminating in this current season of waiting. Waiting on recovery from injuries, surgeries, and chronic pain.

As I reflect on what that means for me as follower of Christ and how I want to grow in this period of watchfulness, I find this process to be one of developing in patient endurance, much like physical training instilled.

“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

It is a great challenge to find myself in the midst of one surgery or injury after another. My flesh would never consciously choose the path of hardship followed by more hardship, but as one who seeks to glorify God through these storms, I land on a few important principles by which to live.

1. I will not let Satan steal my joy and waste the opportunity for growth.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

2. I will not act on the temptation to isolate myself, losing out on the benefits of community.

“Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

We are called to build up the body and lift up each other; this is what life in community is all about.

3. I will not stagnate spiritually but will actively engage in spiritual practices which keep me in communion with God.

“…since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭9b‬-‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Prayer, meditation, study of God’s Word, scripture memorization and meeting with fellow believers will keep me from navel-gazing and lift my eyes to eternity. Walking in the Spirit is about seeking Him in my day to day life so that my focus remains heavenward.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Are you seemingly in a holding pattern? Don’t waste this God-given opportunity to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.🚦

#stoplightdevotionals #devotionsforwomen #trials #storms #endurance #patientendurance #walkinginspirit

Yesterday my counselor brought up the concept of “radical acceptance.” It was mind blowing to me because, as someone who has been gradually losing function for the last 10 years due to chronic pain and injuries, I’ve come to terms with a certain amount of disability. But drastic times, including my current complicated post-operative state, call for drastic measures, hence “radical acceptance.” As I’ve been turning this over in my mind for the last twenty four hours, I’ve come to see that radical acceptance of the seemingly unbearable calls for radical courage. Radical courage comes only with a radical faith that presses into the sacrificial grace of the cross.

King David was called to radical courage when the Aramean army vastly out numbered his own foot soldiers in 2 Samuel 10. He said in verse 15, “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people, and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in his sight.“ The Hebrew root for courageous implies a leaning on something or someone or fastening oneself to a stronger, fortifying presence. So as we consider how to reach a place of profound acceptance of difficult situations, we must fasten ourselves to the Holy Spirit who takes our burdensome yoke upon Himself and carries our load.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Fastening ourselves to Jesus trades our heavy load for one that is light as we follow in step with Him. Will you take a step of faith into radical acceptance of the challenge before you?🚦

#radicalacceptance

#stoplightdevotionals #christianwomen #devotionsforwomen

As we find ourselves pulling into yet another election cycle, one may feel compelled to share their political wisdom with all the world on social media. A few cautionary words before you yourself jump the gun: Hold your horses!

Your opinion most likely doesn’t matter one iota to much of anyone and won’t change anyone else’s mind about a political candidate. Your opinion may, however, put up an unintended wall between you and one of your friends, family or colleagues. Think hard and long before you post or respond:

◦ Is this the truth?

◦ Is it fair to all concerned?

◦ Will it build goodwill and better relationships?

◦ Will this be beneficial to all concerned?

Let us use Philippians 4:8 to guide our hearts and minds toward those things that are God-honoring decisions of how we use our airspace.

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things.“

Philippians 4:8HCSB🚦

So many tears, so much crying… When will it stop? Waiting for a prodigal to return to righteous living is one of the most gut-wrenching, soul-bending experiences a parent can face. How does one standby and watch their grown child slide down a dark, slippery slope with nothing to stop them?

Here are some ideas from a fellow traveler on this journey. I am not a counselor or a professional, so please don’t take it as such. But these things have helped me tremendously, and maybe they will help you on the road.

First, if you are not in community with a church and have a small group of believers with whom you regularly fellowship, find one. They will lift you up and support and pray for you when you cannot pray for yourself. Some of them will have already been on this road and can walk along side you more personally.

Second, get a good counselor. This issue is too big for your friends to guide you through alone. Get trained help, even when you get to a place where you don’t need them regularly.

Third, find a few friends who will do this with you: each morning exchange a text message with three things you are grateful for. It can be something deep and spiritual or something as simple as coffee. The point is changing the focus to being grateful. This will change your perspective.

Fourth, find a quiet time journal that helps you focus during your quiet time with God each morning. One I like is from CultivateWhatMatters.com. Their Write The Word journal leaves space for writing what you are grateful for as well as guided journaling of God’s Word and free space to write what is on your mind.

Fifth, do not neglect your rituals. Make your bed. Wash your face. Fix your hair. Get some exercise. Show up for yourself if for no one else. Your feelings might try to have you stay in bed with the covers pulled over your head, but don’t give in to the feelings! Go with the rituals. You are not defeated but are victorious through Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:37)

This has not been a typical, read it at a stoplight length devo but one that has been in the making for some time. Hang in there. Joy is coming.

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joyful shouting.” Psalm 126:5

#stoplightdevotionals #devotionalsforwomen #prodigal #tears #journal #gratitude #grateful

“When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which was carried on a pole by two men. They also took some pomegranates and figs…They reported to Moses: “We went into the land where you sent us. Indeed it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is some of its fruit.”

Numbers 13:23,27 HCSB

Have you ever looked at what could be, that elusive dream, and thought, “It’s just too hard”? Perhaps health coaches prod you with fitness plans to regain the vigor of younger days. Retirement claws at your door, teasing you with pictures of homes nestled in Hallmark-like small towns. You visualize your bank account finally free of the burden of debt. The ten spies Moses sent to check out Canaan saw all this and more. They found a land that was everything they could ever dream of…milk, honey, grapes, pomegranates, you name it!

But some of the spies reported back it was filled with giants. It was not a land the Israelites could grab hold of because the people were too strong and mighty. Only Caleb saw things from a different perspective. This was do-able with God!

“Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it! ””

Numbers 13:23, 30 HCSB

What dream looms ahead of you that seems almost unreachable? Don’t spend forty years in the wilderness because you are afraid of the giants. Our mighty God makes all things possible!🚦

#stoplightdevotionals #devotionalsforwomen #canaan #tenspies #landofmilkandhoney #reachforyourdreams #inspiration

Christians talk a lot about “God’s will” this and “God’s will” that, but how can we know what God’s will really is?

Maybe we try to make it into something more complicated than it needs to be. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 breaks it down in simple, easy to understand terms:

◦ Rejoice always.

◦ Pray constantly.

◦ Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

◦ Don’t stifle the spirit.

◦ Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold onto what is good.

◦ Stay away from every form of evil.

While this is not a turn-by-turn roadmap for your life, it does give you good guiding principles for making decisions to take the next best step. After all, God tells us His Word is a foot light to our path, not high beams to see everything for miles ahead.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 HCSB

May God’s Word shine a guiding light on your journey. 🚦

Certainly, Turkey is no stranger to the devastation of big earthquakes over the last 80 years, but this morning’s quake was particularly shallow, causing a great deal of damage.

What how are Americans to pray in this heartbreaking situation?

We can pray for mercy.

We can pray for compassionate Christians to reach out as the hands and feet of Jesus to rescue the dying, just as He rescued us when we were perishing.

We can pray this will draw Turks to God Himself, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as they seek shelter not only physically but also spiritually and emotionally.

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

#prayforturkey #turkey #earthquake #syria #devotionals #Stoplightdevotionals devotionals for women #christianwomen

“I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her. Yes, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame. At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. Yahweh has spoken.”

Zephaniah 3:18-20 HCSB

For those who have physical, mental, or emotional difficulties, going to big gatherings can be a challenge on multiple levels. Isn’t it a comfort to know that one day we will have new bodies and new minds free from the hindrances that plague us here in the present? All will enjoy a worldwide gathering free of the burdens that once bound us in shackles, free to praise and worship our Heavenly Father with our entire healed beings in all His glory. What a sweet time this will be! 🚦

#stoplightdevotionals #christianwomen #christianbloggers #devotionsforwomen #zephaniah #healing #affliction #devotionalsforwomen #mentalhealth #mentalhealthcommunity

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

2Cor.4.8-11

When I go see a patient in their home for acute post op cardiac rehab I am taking with me a Borg Perceived Exertion Scale for them to rate how hard they feel they are working at the exercise they are doing. I want their rate of exertion to stay in the green zone as a safety measure for the health of their heart.

If we took one of these scales and placed it next to our lives would we find ourselves staying in the safety of the green zone, fully appropriate for a person recovering from trauma and severe hardship, or are we pushing into the less comfortable yellow zones and beyond?

We may even find ourselves in the dark red “10” zone, not of our own choosing but because that is where God wants us so that we are fully relying on Him. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even painful. If I were exercising a patient as a therapist, I’d get them out of there pretty quickly, but it seems as if God leaves us in that blood-letting sector interminably! Conceivably, it takes this long for us to completely turn over our issue to Him and trust Him. He will take as long as is necessary to teach us reliance upon Him. We may be afflicted but not crushed, struck down but not destroyed; He will be there with us in the thick of things.

(Side bar: If you are in a place of high stress for an extended time, you may need outside help beyond what talking with friends can give to you. Please pray about it and consider talking to your pastor or your doctor if needed. )

Now that you have seen the chart, are you ready to push into a zone that’s just a little bit outside of the comfort level where you have been living? 🚦

#stoplightdevotionals #christianwomen #christianbloggers #devotions #devotionals #devotionalsforwomen #Corinthians #Borg #PerceivedExertionScale #comfortzone

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:3-6 HCSB

It is easy to get caught up in a swirl of negative thinking that God has no use for us now that we can’t run like we used to, cannot even walk without limping, for that matter. The list of physical ailments goes on and on, and we think that surely God is done with us. The non-stop doubts play in our minds over and over again like top hits on a pop radio station. “Why should I sign up to help decorate with that women’s retreat when I can’t even decorate my own living room?” “What do I have to offer those younger men when I can barely mow my own yard?“

Friend, your identity need not be caught up in your physical ability but in who you are in Christ. He has started a work that He can and will complete no matter your physical state as long as you have a willing and open heart. He is still at work in you! May your spirit be teachable and ready to walk with Him in divine revelation of the holy. 🚦

#stoplightdevotionals #christianwomen #christianbloggers #devotions #devotionals #devotionalsforwomen #philippians #Hesstillworkingonme #unfinishedbusiness #teachable #walkinspirit