Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1, ESV

Walking by my husband on a mission to another room before I forgot why I was heading there, he stopped me to show me a video on his phone of a fire that had happened that day in the northern portion of our state. As I watched the video showing firefighters on the extension ladder of their truck aiming their hoses at the tower portion of the county courthouse, the words that exited my mouth caught me off guard.

Is that real?

I actually stopped and thought about what I’d just said.

There has never been a time in my life when I have so often questioned whether what I was seeing with my own eyes was real. “Don’t believe everything you hear” has been common wisdom since childhood, but the latter half of that phrase, “and only half of what you see” wasn’t a phrase as needed. “Seeing is believing” was most often my motto. Now we live in a time when even what we see can be both manipulated and completely fabricated.

Images and videos can be altered or generated. Moments can be staged. Things can look 100% true and still be completely false. It’s strange to live in a world where your eyes can no longer be trusted as they once were.

It can be frustrating, but not just because of photo touchups, the internet, or AI, but because sometimes life can feel that way, too.

Why can’t our situations be as easily altered? Surely, by now the prayer would have been answered or the door would have opened. By now, the dream should be more clear, the marriage should feel lighter, the child should be doing better, finances should have turned around, healing should have come, or the calling should feel less complicated.

Instead, what you see in your life right now looks nothing like the promise you’ve been believing for. And when what you see feels loud, faith can feel hard.

When Appearances Shake Us

April Fool’s Day has always been one of my favorite days.

When I was teaching, I was constantly “falling for” the silly stories and ridiculous ideas my first graders brought me. It was part of the fun. My own boys enjoyed those antics, too. My husband, though, was never much for fooling around on April 1.

His reasoning was simple. He always wanted our boys to trust what Dad said.

This year, however, he decided to have a little fun. He used AI to create a photo of the two of us holding keys to a new truck and sent it to the boys. For a moment, one of them believed it. My husband came clean immediately, but said he felt bad for fooling them.

And honestly, I understood. Trust matters.

We all want people in our lives whose words we can trust. We want what they say to be dependable. Reliable. Faithful. True.

That is what makes Hebrews 11:1 so powerful. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (ESV). Faith isn’t pretending. It’s not denying reality. It’s not working up your emotions so you feel spiritual. It’s not an emotion at all.

Faith is confidence in the character and nature of God.

God doesn’t exaggerate, filter, manipulate, or mislead. God isn’t a counterfeiter. He doesn’t offer false hope or speak nonchalantly. When God makes a promise, it’s true.

What Do You Do When Life Doesn’t Look Like the Promise

We all have seasons of waiting and hoping. We love God, honor His commands, and believe His Word. Honestly, however, what we see with our natural eyes can be a stark contrast to what His Word says and feel far more convincing than the promises we’ve been praying.

Maybe that is where you find yourself right now.

You know what God has said, but what you see in front of you feels contradictory. He stirred a dream in your heart, but you see no way for it to come to pass. You’ve prayed, waited, trusted, and hoped, and now you are wondering if you misunderstood Him after all.

So let me encourage you. Just because you don’t see fulfillment yet doesn’t make the promise less real.

We all feel better when we can point to the thing we’ve been praying for, when the prayer has come true as we hoped. We want proof. We want to check off the box or have measurable progress. We want results we can hold in our hands.

But faith is believing and trusting what we can’t yet determine based on our natural senses alone. It’s trusting His heart before we can trace His hand. That isn’t foolish. It’s fidelity.

God is Faithful

Fidelity is “the state of being faithful. Accuracy; exactness.”[i]

In a world permeated by change, edited images, conjured videos, and shifting opinions, God and His Word remain unchanged. He is faithful, accurate, and exact. Malachi 3:6a says, “For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]” (AMP). James 1:17 tells us that God is the giver of perfect gifts, “for He is perfect and never changes” (AMP). Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever” (AMP).

Over and over you find this truth in God’s Word.

He isn’t careless with His words, vague with His promises, or unstable in His character. If it is in His Word, it is true. And Jeremiah 1:12 tells us that God is “actively watching over His Word to perform it.”

If you’re walking through a season that feels unsteady or your heart feels shattered and your mind uncertain, those are truths that matter deeply.

There have been moments when I was experiencing something I wished wasn’t real. Sitting in a chair across from a white-coated official hearing a diagnosis about my child. Getting a phone call that our son was on his way to the emergency room. Those moments were real. I lived them. You may be living them, too.

The diagnosis may be real. The phone call, the disappointment, and the delay may be real. The closed door, the ended relationship, and the tears may be real. But none of those things are more real than the faithfulness and love of God. And you can trust the fidelity of His Word.

We Don’t Walk by Sight

It may sometimes seem easier to trust what is falling apart in front of us than to trust what God has spoken over us. I’ve heard the report spoken that felt louder than the Truth buried in my heart.

In those moments, it is time to get out the shovel and dig until we uncover and remember the promises that become life to our souls. That takes faith, and that is the key word in Hebrews 11:1.

Faith is the Greek word pistis, a word describing the belief in the existence of God as Creator and Jesus as the Messiah. It is assurance, fidelity.[ii] Faith is knowing and believing God’s Word is true regardless of what we see, hear, feel . . . it’s more real than our senses can perceive.

It isn’t denial or hype. It isn’t pretending everything is fine. It’s truth. God’s truth.

God’s truth is steady when emotions rise and fall. His truth is untouched by delay and not based on how things appear right now. His truth is based on who He is.

2 Corinthians 1:20, AMP

His promises aren’t shaky or unstable. Our job is to come into agreement with them. That is our faith-filled response. Amen, literally meaning, “so be it.” Lord, You said it, so be it in my life.

Jesus calls us to trust Him. Not because we’ve seen Him. Not because we’ve touched Him. But because without that trust, we have nothing.

There have been moments when things have been so good I’ve needed to pinch myself to be sure it was real. God’s promises are more real than what you can fathom. So when you find yourself in the place where impossibility screams louder than faith, pause, pray, and open His Word. Remind yourself of who He has always been and come into agreement with what He says about you and your life.

His promises are true and He is worthy of our trust. His yes still stands, and by faith, you can still say amen.

Pray

Father, I thank You that You are always faithful, even when my mind wanders. I can always trust Your Word and hold to Your promises. It is there that I find the happiness, favor, and security I long for, because I believe in You. I choose to hold tightly to You. I won’t be ruled by my natural senses, but will hold to and agree with, in faith, the promises You have spoken over me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

[i] Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “fidelity,” accessed March 24, 2026, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fidelity.

[ii]“G4102 – pistis – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 2 Apr, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4102/kjv/tr/0-1/

For more about faith and believing for the impossible, get Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

5 Simple Faith Steps for a Peace-Filled Day

Because even on the busiest days, you can still walk in peace with Jesus.

<p>Feeling stretched thin, distracted, or spiritually “running on empty”?
You’re not alone. Life is busy—but your time with God doesn’t have to be complicated.

That’s why I created 5 Simple Faith Steps—a one-page guide designed to help you draw close to God in the middle of your everyday life.

Inside this printable, you’ll discover:
1 verse to start your day with focus and faith
A simple prayer practice you can do in seconds
A gratitude rhythm that shifts your perspective
How to act on God’s nudges with courage
A nighttime surrender that helps you rest in peace

Each step takes less than 2 minutes—but can completely change how you experience your day.

 

Get your free guide today!

 Quick rhythms. Simple prayers. A heart anchored in Jesus. 

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Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life and thought, “God, I don’t know what to do?” Maybe you’ve whispered prayers through tears, or felt like your faith was flickering instead of blazing. If so, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing. You’re human. And faith isn’t about feelings. It’s a decision to keep trusting God anyway.

Life comes with a lot of shifting ground—aging parents, adult children, health challenges, relationship changes, and questions about your purpose in this season. Sometimes the fog is thick, and the path ahead feels invisible. But here’s the good news:

God doesn’t need your perfection. He just wants your trust.

That’s why I created this 7-Day Printable Devotional Set.

“Walking by Faith, Not by Feelings”
A Scripture-rich, peace-centered guide to help you trust God when life feels uncertain.

These 5×7 printable cards are designed to be both beautiful and biblical—something you’ll want to frame, keep in your Bible, or tape to your mirror.

Each printable includes:
A powerful daily Scripture
A short, encouraging reflection
A heartfelt prayer
A simple, actionable faith step

Whether you read one each morning with your coffee, tuck them into your purse, or bundle them as a gift to a friend, these devotionals are meant to strengthen your faith—right where you are.

Ready to walk by faith—even on the foggy days?

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Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

The post Is that Real? When What You See Doesn’t Match What God Said appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

Comfort vs. Calling: When God Stretches Your Personality

When I stopped working the other day, I left all the documents open on my desk and computer screen that needed my attention the next morning. I knew exactly what I needed to do next, which client I needed to contact to get some clarity on their project, and which chapter I’d be reading to edit next. My online calendar was pulled up, the desk was tidy, and all my other notebooks were in their assigned slot within easy reach. I could have taken a picture.

Perhaps I should have taken a picture, because the next morning came and my nicely-laid plans and ordered schedule took a nose dive into the abyss. I’d slept on my back wrong and while Saturday is typically the day I set aside as a day off, now I had no choice but to stay out of my office chair. By Monday, even with the heating pad as my new BFF, I still was unable to work.

I have a feeling you know exactly what it’s like when life refuses to cooperate with your carefully laid plans. Maybe your wrench looked different from mine this week, but the frustration? That probably sounded familiar.

Just Give Me a Box

I love a little time off as much as the next gal, but I felt such an urgency to get back to my routine. I love helping my clients and writing, and being forced to take three days without the feeling of productivity and checking off some kind of box was about more than I could stand.

I’m not much for adventure, but I love a good box to check off. Having a predictable list in an organized, structured day is the environment in which I thrive. I like to know what I need to do, when it needs to be done, and to see progress from start to voila! I don’t like wrenches, and back pain was throwing a wrench in my plans. The frustration was palpable.

Maybe like me, you thrive on structure, but everything around you feels a bit chaotic and unpredictable. Maybe you need quiet to refuel, but your life has grown loud and demanding. Or maybe you are the helper everyone can rely on, but lately you feel stretched thin and a little resentful that your number seems to always be the first one people text and you are always the one holding everything together.

If that sounds familiar, I want to say this so gently to your heart. The fact that this season feels hard does not mean you are failing. It may simply mean God is shaping you.

Not because He is disappointed in you.

Not because He is punishing you.

Not because you missed it.

But because He loves you enough to grow you.

The Gift of the Stretch

When routines shift and frustrations rise, it causes me to wonder if I’m cut out to be serving the people God sends my way. But the truth is, God knows my wiring. He made me on purpose for a purpose of His design, and He did that fully knowing my personality “quirks.” The same is true for you.

Your strengths and weaknesses, whether you’re a hot mess or always cool as a cucumber, your preferences, what makes you tick, and what makes you overcome with joy are all unsurprising to God. He knows what drains and restores you, where your mind feels stretched and where your heart is tender.

And if you’ve walked with Him for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that He leads us through seasons that cause us to rely completely on Him.

Remind You of Anyone?

It causes me to think of Moses giving God all the reasons he couldn’t do what God was calling him to do in Exodus 3-4. God didn’t want to use Moses in his own strength, but actually wanted to work miracles through Moses to work the release of the Israelites from Pharoah’s control. Moses had to rely on doing only what God directed him to do to see the results God had planned, and it required a level of dependence on God I’m sure Moses had never known before. God wanted a partnership with Moses.

I believe this is a great example for us. No matter what our season looks like, if we can learn to depend on Him for every step, we would find ourselves seeing more of God’s plan come to life in us. He wants to partner with us in His Kingdom plan. Sometimes we want God to change the season we are in. But sometimes God is wanting to develop us, to stretch us, in that season.

In talking with a friend this week, I confessed that I didn’t like stretching. I like it about as much as adventure and change. I love that she disagreed with me about being stretched. She reminded me that the resistance we feel, being pulled beyond what is comfortable, is actually good for us. It helps us to learn new things about ourselves, other people, and about His love for us. Moreover, stretching can be a gift from God, as we become more reliant on Him and less dependent on what we can do in our own strength. It is part of healthful preparation.

And I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go [unless forced to do so],
no, not by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and smite Egypt
with all My wonders which I will do in it; and after that he will let you go.
And I will give this people favor and respect in the sight of the Egyptians;
and it shall be that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed.
Exodus 3:19-21

When the Enemy Uses Your Wiring Against You

One of the quickest ways to get discouraged is to start believing that the struggle you are facing or the ways you are needing to stretch are evidence that something is wrong with you or you’ve missed God’s direction.

If you love order and predictability, the enemy will tell you that you aren’t safe when you can’t control the outcome. If you are sensitive and deeply feeling, he will tell you your emotions prove God is far away. If you are driven and responsible, he will tell you that if you stop striving, everything will fall apart. If you are a helper, he will tell you that love means overextending and that rest is selfish. And if you find yourself falling in more than one category, his lies are easily compounded and just as relentless.

He does not need a new strategy. He just needs you to interpret this season as proof that you are not enough, you’ll never find success or joy in God’s plan for your life, or that you don’t hear God at all.

But that is not God’s voice.

God may correct you. He may redirect you. He may convict you. But He will not crush you with shame, accuse you, or speak to you with contempt.

So before you assume you are failing, pause and ask yourself, Is this God leading me, or is this pressure driving me?

God is a loving Father who wants to see His children successfully walking out the call He has on their lives with joy, peace, freedom, and every fruit of the Spirit evident! Here is what God’s Word says about how God directs us:

And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way;
walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21

A Moment I Remember Clearly

There have been seasons when I felt out of sync with my own life. I was doing all the right things, but I did not feel steady on the inside. I was carrying a lot and trying not to let anyone see how heavy it felt.

I remember sitting with my journal and writing down the events of that day. As I listened for what God had to say, He told me not to worry about anything. I argued back that I wasn’t worried. I was being a good, faithful daughter trusting God’s plan for my life. But He didn’t correct Himself.

In my desire to want to live well, honor God, and check off all the boxes, I was deeply and unknowingly worried. I didn’t want to let anyone down – not my clients, my husband, or God. There was clearly an undercurrent of self-imposed pressure I was carrying instead of releasing it all to God in complete trust and surrender.

And in His simple words, “Do not worry about anything,” He was reminding me that if I wasn’t intentionally releasing my concerns to Him, I might be unintentionally holding some of them to myself.

Cast Your Cares

When you go fishing, you cast your line in the water. Cast means to throw or launch. I used to go fishing with my husband all the time. If I made a good cast, it was usually fairly far away from me where the fish couldn’t see or hear me (I’m not usually “hear a pin drop” quiet when I fish). That is the way I think about the scripture in 1 Peter 5:7, when God tells us to cast our cares on Him. He wants us to throw them far from us, not deposit them neatly at our feet so we can pick them back up in a few minutes.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries,
all your concerns, once and for all] on Him,
for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:7

What the Lord reminded me of was simple.

You are not doing this alone.

Sometimes we forget that part. We pray, and then we still carry everything like it depends entirely on us. We love God, but we live like the outcome is our responsibility.

Friend, partnership with God does not remove your responsibility, but it does remove the pressure of carrying it alone.

Comfort Is Not the Same as Peace

There is a man in Scripture who had been sick for thirty eight years. That is a long time to be stuck in the same place. A long time to wake up to the same limitation. A long time to feel overlooked.

When Jesus came to him, He asked a question that seems almost too simple.

“Do you want to get well?”

Jesus was not being insensitive. He knew how long the man had been that way. He saw him. He noticed him. He cared. But Jesus was also inviting him to imagine a different life.

Sometimes Jesus asks us questions like that.

Do you want to be free from survival mode?
Do you want to stop living from pressure and start living from peace?
Do you want to keep shrinking back, or do you want to step into what God is calling you to do?

Some of us have gotten used to the way things have been. Even if we say we want change, we are afraid to hope again. Afraid to try again. Afraid that disappointment will hurt too much.

So we settle. We may call it peace, but it is really familiarity.

Jesus does not shame the stuck places in us. He simply invites us to step into something new.

The Stretch Often Targets What You Rely on Most

This is something I have learned over and over.

God often stretches the very area we lean on most because He is inviting us to lean harder on Him.

One day last week, I was driving to pick up a curbside order. The traffic was horrendous and my patience was exhausted. I was flustered and fussing as car after car passed in front of me while I waited for an appropriate clearing to turn right. I could tell I was just downright mad, and there was no reason for it. The correction came quietly but clearly. “Patience is a fruit of My Spirit.”

I wish I could say He only told me once. But He had to tell me twice.

What a good God we serve! He loves us enough to correct us as often as we need it. In that moment, I needed calm. He taught me patience.

When you need clarity, He teaches trust.
When you need control, He teaches surrender.
When you need comfort, He teaches courage.
When you need to feel capable, He teaches dependence.

That is why a season can feel so uncomfortable. It is not always because you are off track. It may be because God is close enough to lead you differently than you would lead yourself. He is stretching us, molding us, wanting to make us more like Him and more surrendered to His call as we partner with Him in every season.

The Bellows of Faith in an Ordinary Life

One of the images God has used to teach me about faith is a fire. A fire does not stay strong on accident. If you ever sat around a firepit, you know it. The flames can be beautiful, but if you leave them unattended, the fire fades to embers.

Sometimes our faith feels like that. Not gone, but dim. Still there, but struggling.

And in those moments, what do you do?

You breathe life back into it.

You do not need a performance. You need a steady breath of Truth. You need to bring your heart back into agreement with what God says, not what the season is shouting.

That is what I mean when I say partnership over pressure. It is the choice to stop striving in your own strength and start paying attention to God’s presence in your everyday life.

One Obedient Step Changes Everything

The enemy loves to overwhelm you with the whole picture. He wants you spiraling in the what ifs, the hows, and the timelines.

But God often speaks in the next step.

Not the whole plan.
Not the ten-year blueprint.
The next instruction.

So here are three questions I want you to sit with today. You can write them in a journal or answer them quietly in prayer.

1. What is one thing God has already told me to do that I have delayed?
2. What is one small step I can take this week in faith, even if I feel nervous?
3. What lie is this season trying to plant in me, and what is God’s Truth?

This is where faith becomes practical. Not flashy. Not complicated. Just simple.

A Gentle Next Step for Women Who Feel Stretched

If this resonated with you and you’re wondering what one practical next step looks like, I created a simple digital resource called God in the Everyday. It’s not a program or a checklist — it’s just a gentle guide to help you notice where God is already present in your ordinary, stretched, imperfect day. You can find it here. Get God in the Everyday here: https://hollydmurray.com/product/god-in-the-everyday/

And if you love visual reminders of truth on an ordinary day, you can browse the mugs and shirts in my shop here: https://hollydmurray.com/shop-2/

If you are not just stretched but carrying something heavy, I also want you to know my book Believing for a Miracle was written from a very real place. It is for the woman who loves God, knows He can, and is learning to trust Him when the need feels urgent and the process feels long. You can find it here. https://amzn.to/4tYEYUE

Let’s Talk, My Friend

I do not want this to be a place where you only read and move on. I want it to be a place where we grow together. So here is a simple question.

Which feels hardest for you right now?

1. interruptions and unpredictability
2. trusting God hasn’t forgotten what I’m believing for
3. obedience that costs you comfort

Reply with 1, 2, or 3 in the comments. If you want, add one sentence about why. You might be surprised how many of us are in the same place.

I’d also like to invite you to share this post with those you love. Others may appreciate the encouragement as much as I appreciate knowing this message has blessed your heart.

Closing Encouragement

Before you close this page, take a deep breath.

God is not asking you to become a different person. He is inviting you to become a deeper one. One who knows to Whom they can run when they need to be carried or encouraged, to get a fresh Word to know they are on the right track.

Your personality is not the problem. The pressure to carry life alone is the problem.

So today, choose partnership over pressure. Choose one obedient step over a fully-fleshed-out perfect plan. And if this season feels uncomfortable, do not assume you are off track. It may simply mean God is stretching you or leading you somewhere new.

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You know me completely and still call me lovingly. Thank You that my personality is not a mistake and my limits are not shameful. Help me recognize where the enemy is using this season to plant lies in my mind, and give me wisdom to replace them with Your Truth. Teach me to choose partnership over pressure and to obey You one step at a time. Give me peace as You lead me, and courage to follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

References:

All Scripture quotations unless otherwise marked are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright ©1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are from the Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, TLB, and the The Living Bible logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

For more about faith and believing for the impossible, get Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

Free Courage Scripture Cards (Printable 4×6)

Download a free set of 4×6 Courage Scripture Cards featuring 17 encouraging Bible verses to help you stand firm, speak truth, and keep going.

What You’ll Receive:

A printable PDF with 17 handpicked verses that are personal favorites

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Why You’ll Love Them

Use these cards to:

• Place around the house as daily faith reminders
• Use as a bookmark for your Bible, devotional, or current read
• Frame a favorite verse for your desk, nightstand, or prayer corner

 

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Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

Watch the video for more about finding joy in the journey. It will premiere at 4 p.m. on Friday, 9.19.2025. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with others!

Click here to watch!

The post Feeling Stretched and Overwhelmed? | Here’s What God Might Be Doing appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, AMPC

Life has a way of shifting just when we think we’ve finally settled into a rhythm. One season flows smoothly, and the next arrives with unexpected changes that stretch our comfort and our faith. Learning how to honor God in different seasons of life requires humility and a willingness to trust Him, even when the changes feel inconvenient.

When Life Slows Down After the Kids Leave Home

When the children moved out and I finally quit crying every time they left after visiting (okay, I’m still working on that one), I began to develop and even enjoy my new routine. Life grew quieter. Slower. And honestly, sweeter in some unexpected ways.

I scheduled my work-from-home days with slow starts with Jesus, cradling a hot cup of coffee while the house stayed still. I only went into the office one day a week. The rest of the time, I stayed in my pajamas, solving problems and completing work tasks from my computer desk at home. Everything stayed remarkably clean. I loved the rhythm of being home ninety percent of the week.

A Career Shift and a New Season of Faith

Then this fall, God threw a curveball.

I stepped away from my full-time position at church and focused fully on my publishing company. It was hard to step away, to be obedient. I felt a little guilty some days when the woman who took over my position would call with questions, or I’d think about things I had always done and wondered to whose plate it had been added. There were days I wondered if I’d made a mistake, especially when the income we’d budgeted was no longer coming in each week.

There were moments when I questioned if I’d heard God correctly. But each time I considered the option to return to my previous job or consider a different one, I felt something within me become uneasy and heard His whisper to trust Him. Even in moments of uncertainty.

Life is rarely static. God sometimes calls us beyond what feels naturally comfortable. He does this, not because He overlooks how He made us, but because He sees a Kingdom need and knows what He has placed within us to meet it. Comfort can make us complacent. It can cause us to forget our need for His strength, wisdom, provision, and mercy. Transformation happens through change, not from being stagnant.

So, I developed a different routine, adding personal writing deadlines and client projects to my daily calendar. I entered my office at the same time I always had, but the tasks were different.

As the days turned into weeks, I became more comfortable. Being home was the perfect fit for my personality, and I was enjoying my new season. I was learning to trust God in ways I’d never had to before, however, and that was stretching me. I had no idea who my next client would be nor when they’d find me. But He’d told me to trust Him, and He’d never failed me before. When I’d sit with my journal in the evenings, He would gently say not to worry. Just trust Him; He had a plan. I would remind myself of that each time my mind considered the future.

I’m not entirely independent. I am married and thankful to have a husband who takes care of many things I don’t even want to learn how to do. But sometimes dependence on someone other than yourself can feel like a weakness. I’m not even sure why that is. Perhaps it’s a pride issue. I mean, why can’t God just call us to do something we can do in our own strength?

Then I think about how much joy I get when my children ask me to help them with something. For me, honoring God in this season means trusting Him to provide when I don’t see the answer. It means asking Him to help me find the words to write that will matter to the one who will one day be reading them. For you, the plans He has in this season may look different. But what I know is that we can do so much more with Him than without Him. And sometimes that means He’ll stretch us in ways we never expected.

Understanding Your God-Given Personality

When I tell people I’m an introvert, they usually don’t believe me, but God knew how He wired me. He understands my introverted heart, my need for quiet, and the way stillness restores me. And yet this Christmas, when we welcomed a puppy, He reminded me that even introverts who love routine need to be stretched.

Suddenly, my carefully settled routine was interrupted by potty breaks, playtimes, unexpected messes, and constant reminders that life rarely stays neatly scheduled. My life was no longer quiet. Just when I’d sit down to work, there’d be a nudge at my feet or a whine from the pen for yet another trip outside (I mean, it’s been a whole ten minutes.) But here, in the middle of a storm of our own creation, God is using this new season to teach me.

I’m learning to have grace for interruptions (and for myself when I fail at that). I’m learning that what God is working in me is more important than the level of my productivity. It’s hard for someone who likes to check off all the boxes, but I’m in process.

Every season, quiet or chaotic, comes with paths He has already prepared, paths designed not only for my obedience but for my growth. He has good plans for my future and for my present. I just need to remember that whatever the season brings, I need to look for God’s hand and direction, and to trust that He knows my unique needs. Hearing His voice and communicating with Him is the key to hope and breakthrough.

But how do we hear His voice in our current season? For me, it’s this uneasiness when I’m about to make the wrong decision, and peace that settles when I’m aligned with His will. It’s sharing my thoughts and process with my husband or a trusted friend for counsel or when His Word speaks directly to my situation. I feel a nudge, get an idea I wouldn’t have normally thought of, or hear His voice whispering to my spirit. You may hear His voice differently, but He promises to give wisdom to all who ask (James 1:5).

For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalms 84:11

I can trust Him, because I know He has my ultimate good as His priority.

The Need for Community

As much as I love being home, there are times when I don’t want to leave it. Frankly, it would probably be more accurate to say I hardly ever want to leave it. Staying home feels easier. Quieter. Safer. And I don’t have to put on makeup.

And yet, I know gathering with other believers is good for me.

Small group Bible study stretches me. We laugh together, and it can be so much fun. We get personal. Sometimes that’s hard. But hard and bad are not the same.

Church reminds me that faith isn’t meant to be lived alone, no matter how peaceful isolation can feel. God often grows us through people, even when we’d rather stay comfortable. And there is something that happens when we’re physically present with other believers. There’s encouragement, accountability, and a shared joy that I simply can’t replicate when I’m watching service online at home.

Scripture speaks clearly:

Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another… not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together.
Hebrews 10:24-25

Honoring God sometimes means choosing obedience over ease. It means showing up when you’d rather stay home. And when we mess up, miss it, or choose comfort first, He’s faithful to give us another opportunity to get it right next time.

Change Is Not Failure—It’s an Invitation

This week, I read a post from Hosanna Wong that deeply resonated with my heart. She shared that there are seasons when she doesn’t feel connected to God in the same way she once did—or the way others seem to be.

She wrote:

“There isn’t just one way to enjoy God. He designed your unique personality, placed you in a specific season, and delights in meeting you right where you are.”
– Hosanna Wong

That truth brought relief and reassurance. I love sitting with His Word every day. I’ve found I’m more successful at that when it’s the very first thing I do. Some days I get distracted and my Bible time is delayed. I’ve even missed it altogether. But even on days when I’ve neglected to sit with His Word, He still reaches out and brings a verse to mind. Or I see something that causes me to meditate on a verse I’d heard preached at church. Perhaps, like me, as seasons have changed, the way you spend time with God changes, too.

Seasons don’t take God by surprise. You don’t need to have everything in your life figured out and perfected to come to Him, either. And am I thankful for that! One of my favorite hymns tells us we can come to God exactly as we are! Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened…” So when I’m overwhelmed, have neglected something important, or am tired of pressing forward, He welcomes me to lean into Him for strength, rest, and peace.

Change doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Often, it means God is inviting you to meet Him in a new way. Did you know that God is just as good at speaking to me in the yard while I’m walking the dog as He is when I sit with my Bible in my lap and a coffee cup in my hand? Not that I shouldn’t ever sit with His Word! He speaks through His Word, and I learn more of Him, His character, and how to live life well when I spend time reading it. But He speaks in a variety of ways. He’s always speaking. We just need to tune in to hear what He’s saying.

And when seasons you’re in feel like they’re never going to change? You can trust God even then. He sees you in the painfully long seasons. When the effort of getting up again feels harder. When it feels like you can’t shake the heaviness. In those moments, the One who never changes will be your strength. In 2 Corinthians 12:9b, Paul declares that in those seasons the “strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” God’s presence won’t leave you in seasons of struggle, pain, or delay. He has staying power.

Trusting God in Every Season of Life

Scripture reminds us,
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

If you’re in a season where you’re questioning if you heard God right, where the bills keep coming and the income doesn’t seem to be changing, where your carefully ordered life has been interrupted by chaos you didn’t choose (or even chaos you did choose), take heart. He sees you. He’s not forgotten you. Seasons, even the ones that feel never-ending, are temporary. And the same God who whispered “trust Me” in my uncertainty is whispering the same thing to you.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for meeting me in every season of life, even the interrupted ones. Help me honor You in both stillness and stretch, in routine and in change. Teach me to trust You when life throws curveballs or feels stagnant, and to recognize Your presence in the unexpected moments of my day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

References:

Hosanna Wong, “Your Relationship With God Doesn’t Have To Look Like Everyone Else’s,” Proverbs 31 Ministries, January 28, 2026, https://info.proverbs31.org/your-relationship-with-god-doesnt-have-to-look-like-everyone-elses-hosanna-wong

All Scripture quotations marked are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright ©1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

For more about faith and believing for the impossible, get Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

Honoring God in This Season Journal

Life doesn’t always stay neatly ordered. Seasons shift. Routines are interrupted. And sometimes, you’re left wondering how to honor God right where you are.

This free guided journal was created for women who want to hear God’s voice, stay grounded in truth, and walk faithfully through changing seasons, without the pressure of trying to “fix” everything at once.

What You’ll Receive:

A Printable Guided Reflection & Prayer Journal (PDF)

This thoughtfully designed resource walks with you through discernment, gratitude, and prayer—helping you recognize what God is doing right now.

Inside, you’ll find:

Guided Reflection Pages

• Identify the season you’re currently in
• Reflect on comfort vs. calling
• Discern how God is speaking to you
• Process interruptions, uncertainty, and growth
• Scripture-based prompts to anchor your thoughts in truth

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7 Daily Gratitude Pages (Repeatable Weekly)

Each day invites you to pause and reflect on:

• How you’re feeling
• What God says about you
• What you’re grateful for
• What God is saying to you
• What you need to do more of—or less of
• Your favorite moment of the day
• What you’re looking forward to

These pages help train your heart to notice God’s presence even in busy or interrupted days.

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Weekly Prayer Request & Answered Prayer Pages

A dedicated space to:

• Write this week’s personal needs
• Record the Scripture you’re standing on
• Pray intentionally for others
• Track prayers God answered that week

You can print multiple copies and continue using this section week after week as a spiritual rhythm.

 

Why You’ll Love This Journal

 It meets you where you are.
No pressure. No perfect schedule. Just honest reflection and gentle guidance.

 It helps you hear God’s voice more clearly.
Through Scripture, prayer, and intentional reflection.

 It reframes interruptions as invitations.
Helping you see growth where you once felt frustration.

 It’s practical, peaceful, and deeply grounding.
Perfect for quiet mornings, evening reflection, or moments when life feels loud.

 It’s reusable.
Print what you need, when you need it, and return to it in future seasons.

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You Don’t Have to Figure This Season Out Alone

God hasn’t forgotten you.
Your current season didn’t catch Him off guard.
And He delights in meeting you right where you are.

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:1

 Download the free “Honoring God in This Season of Life” Journal
and begin listening, trusting, and walking with Him—one day at a time.

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Ready to Begin?

Enter your email below to grab your free Honoring God in This Season Prayer Journal and Guided Reflections for Trusting God Where You Are and start recognizing how God meets you right now.

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Get your free journal today!

Just drop your email below, and I’ll send the Honoring God in This Season Prayer Journal and Guided Reflections for Trusting God Where You Are straight to your inbox.

(It’s a beautiful eighteen-page printable.)

Click Here to Get Your Free Guide!

Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

Watch the video for more about finding joy in the journey. It will premiere at 4 p.m. on Friday, 9.19.2025. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with others!

Click here to watch!

The post Honoring God in Different Seasons of Life | Faith, Change, and Community appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this will be a sign to you, that I have sent you: When you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, all of you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Exodus 3:12, MEV

Have you ever felt God stirring something in your heart—an idea, a step of obedience, a call—and your very first thought was, “Who am I to do that? I’m completely inadequate for this task.”

You’re not alone. I’ve felt that same wave of doubt more times than I can count, wondering if I had the skill, the courage, or even the right words to follow what God was asking.

Feeling Inadequate? Sometimes It’s Just Different, Not Difficult

Just this week I was speaking with a new author who published a wonderful resource to help others grow in their walk with God. As we chatted about ways she could share it, she commented that beginning all these additional steps was difficult but that it would get easier.

Her words hit me hard, and something within me caused my back to stiffen and my spirit to be alerted. As I considered her words and the process to which she was referring, I felt an urgency to correct the term “difficult” to “different.” The things she would do weren’t hard, but to her they were new. And her skills weren’t inadequate—they simply hadn’t been stretched this way before. They were untested.

What a powerful shift in perspective that word-adjustment was! Maybe we experience feelings of inadquacy because we are doing something different from our normal.

Feeling Inadequate? Fear of the Unknown Can Hold You Back

I think about my journey and how many times I’ve balked at the unknown. For years, friends told me, “You should start a podcast!” And my gut reaction? Absolutely not! That is too hard! I’m not skilled enough, brave enough, or polished enough. Besides, I don’t have the time, and who would want to watch it? I felt completely inadequate!

All these excuses were rooted in one thing: fear of the unknown.

But God has a way of nudging us forward, even in tiny, seemingly inconsequential steps. When I decorated my office, I created a sign for my door to let my family know if I was writing, coaching a client, or available. At the very bottom, I added one little word: Recording.

Recording? At that point, the very idea turned a billion butterflies loose in my stomach. I was nowhere near ready to commit to starting a podcast or even to tell anyone it was a thought in my head. And yet within that one written word, God was planting a seed of possibility in my heart that just needed time to grow. He knew some people needed encouragement I could never give in person—and He was preparing a way for my voice to reach them. That little word on the bottom of my door sign was my indication to God that I was willing to move if He called.

GULP. (But please don’t!)

The Lie of Feeling Inadequate: Learning from Moses

It makes me think of Moses. Oh, how I relate to him! Like Moses, I had one hundred and one reasons why I couldn’t do what God was asking—why I was inadequate for the call. But that never changed God’s mind.

In Exodus 3, God calls Moses from the burning bush to lead His people out of Egypt. And what does Moses say? “Who am I (to do this thing you’ve called me to do)?”

Sound familiar? It surely does to me! It’s one of the biggest lies the enemy throws my way which snowballs into other lies every.single.time I dare obey God: Who do you think you are? What if you fail? What if you’re not enough? You’re completely inadequate for this task!

God Sees Beyond Our Inadequacy

But notice God’s response. He doesn’t say, “Moses, you’re gifted enough, smart enough, and strong enough.” Instead, He made a promise and cast the vision of Moses’ success: “Certainly I will be with you, and this will be a sign to you, that I have sent you: When you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, all of you shall serve God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:12, MEV).

The success of God’s call on Moses’ life wasn’t dependent on Moses’ ability. It would come because of God’s presence. If Moses was willing and obedient to God’s call, there would be a great big sign that it was God’s plan, and God wanted Moses to see what success his obedience would bring.

When Feeling Inadequate, Step Bodly into God’s Plan

Sweet friend, the same is true for you.

That dream tugging at your heart, the idea you keep dismissing as too hard, too big, or too scary—it’s not about whether you’re “enough.” It’s about the God who promises to be with you every step of the way.

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that He is “able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us” (MEV).

So let me ask you: What will success look like for you when you dare to step into what God is calling you to do? Who might be touched by your obedience? How might your life—and theirs—be transformed? Take some time to imagine your future doing what God called you to do. God gave us imagination to help shape the destiny He has planned for us, so use it to imagine with God!

Don’t let fear or comparison keep you frozen. Your calling doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. God uniquely gifted you for the very assignment He’s placed before you.

Take the step. Whisper yes. Trust Him.

And the next time the enemy whispers, “Who are you?”—you can answer with confidence: I am the one God has called, and He is with me.

A Prayer of Courage

“Lord, I confess that sometimes I feel small and unsure when You call me. But today, I choose to believe Your promise: You are with me. I don’t have to be perfect; I just have to be willing. Give me courage to take the next step, faith to silence the lies, and joy in knowing You’ve chosen me for such a time as this. Amen.”

I am the one God has called,
and He is with me.

References:

Scripture quotations marked (MEV) are taken from the Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

For more about faith and believing for the impossible, get Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

5-Minute Reset with Jesus

Find Peace in Just 5 Minutes with Jesus

Life feels busy. Your heart is pulled in a hundred directions, and before you know it, the day is gone—yet your soul still feels restless.
But what if, in just 5 minutes, you could pause, breathe, and reset with Jesus?

That’s why I created the 5-Minute Reset with Jesus Guide—a free printable resource to help you slow down, stop striving, and invite God’s peace and presence into your everyday moments.

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What You’ll Receive:

• A simple, step-by-step guide to quiet your mind and heart
• Scripture to anchor your soul in God’s truth
• Gentle prompts to help you release stress and refocus on what matters most
• Space for reflection and prayer to connect deeply with Jesus

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Why You’ll Love It:

This reset isn’t another “to-do” for your busy day—it’s a life-giving pause. In just 5 minutes, you’ll experience:
More peace in your spirit
Renewed focus for your calling
A deeper sense of God’s presence right where you are

Ready to Begin?

Don’t wait for life to slow down—choose to slow your heart today.

Enter your email below to grab your free 5-Minute Reset with Jesus Guide and start experiencing the joy of walking in His peace, one moment at a time.

(It’s a beautiful one-page printable you can keep in your Bible, on the table next to your favorite cozy chair, or even post on your fridge.)

Click Here to Get Your Free Guide!

Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

In this YouTube video, Am I Enough? Finding Courage to Follow God’s Call, you’ll discover how to overcome feelings of inadequacy and step boldly into the purpose God has placed on your life. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with others!

Click here to watch!

Watch the video for more about finding joy in the journey. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with others!

Click here to watch!

The post Feeling Inadequate? God Is With You appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

John 15:4, NKJV

“Are we there yet?” Those four little words are among the most dreaded any parent ever hears in a compact space. While kids today have phones and tablets to distract them from the slow-moving hands of a clock, when I was a kid, we had road trip games. My brothers and I would search for words beginning with each letter of the alphabet and play one side of the car against the other. That was better than the “100 Bottles of Coke on the Wall” song (because my parents didn’t allow us to sing about beer).

Most road trips, especially when you are young, seem endless. The destination is the point of excitement for which you yearn. The trip itself has no purpose except to transport you from point A to point B.

As adults, it is easy to carry that same mindset into life—always rushing toward the next finish line. We become so goal-oriented that we end up as narrow-minded as children with their eyes on the prize—disregarding the possibilities along the way. While focus is important (as I shared in my previous blog), we can’t overlook the gift of development that comes with the process.

Lessons From Ants (I Don’t Like Ants)

When I was young, I wanted an ant farm. The only problem is, I could imagine ants getting loose in my room, and then I’d have to convince my parents to move. I don’t like crawling critters of any kind, and every experience I’ve ever had with an ant has been negative. But I thought watching ants tunnel through sand in their glass house would be fascinating.

Ants dig within a day of entering a new habitat, and there’d always be something to look at as the farm changed daily. Even God’s Word encourages us to learn from the ant’s hardworking ways. (Proverbs 6:6-8) Ants remind us that progress is rarely instant—it’s steady, diligent, daily work that builds something beautiful over time.

The Long Process of Building

I was reminded of this truth when a friend built her house. She could hardly wait for the process to begin and gathered friends to pray over the property. Each stage was exciting: breaking ground, laying the foundation, framing the rooms, and roughing-in the plumbing and electrical.

But there were also days when progress seemed to halt—when paperwork stalled, when rain delayed construction, or when they were waiting on materials. I never realized how tedious and detailed it is to see a building project through from start to finish.

When the builders finished the home, my excitement level was through the roof. I remembered what the property looked like before, and seeing the finished home was thrilling. But my friend was exhausted! She had lived through every detail of the process. I saw only the amazing result. She experienced the journey.

The Gift of Time

A friend and author, Ron Sprayberry, responded to some of my writing about staying focused on God’s call. His words stayed with me:

As I thought about Ron’s words, I considered what a precious gift time is. We all have the same amount every day we live: 24 hours. What we do with that time—how we spend it—is up to us.

Heaven is our ultimate reward, and we must keep our eyes on that prize. Paul says in Philippians 3:14 (CEV): “I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to Heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.”

But if salvation’s only purpose was to get us into Heaven, God could just receive us home the moment we accepted Jesus as Savior. Instead, He has a better plan. He uses us to point others to Him. That means our journey matters, and that’s why our focus must be on the plans and purposes to which God is calling us, not just on our final destination.

Abiding In The Everyday

Jesus’ words in John 15:4 (NKJV) are powerful:

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

The Greek word for “abide” is meno, which means “not to depart, to continue to be present, to remain as one, to tarry.” Jesus is describing a relationship that’s ongoing, daily, and intentional.

This is what He desires—not just that we finish the race, but that we walk with Him every mile along the way. He wants to be part of our everyday lives—helping us with our calling, guiding us in our work, encouraging us as we serve our families, and empowering us to love others well. He is a friend who is always with us and wants to be invited into every decision, every moment. The joy isn’t just in the outcome—it’s in the ongoing relationship.

Paul describes the fruit of this abiding in Galatians 5:22-23 (CEV): “God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” These aren’t rewards we collect at the finish line—they’re gifts produced in us as we journey with Him.

Joy In The Journey

David captures this message of a joyful journey beautifully in Psalms 16:11 (CEV):

“You have shown me the path to life, and You make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at Your right side, I will always be joyful.”

That passage reminds us that when we are in His presence, we have access to a joy that fully satisfies us. It’s an abundant joy not based on circumstances, but based on presence. God doesn’t want us to miss the joy of the process because we’re too focused on the prize. He’s with us in every decision, every milestone, and even every slow season when it feels like nothing is moving forward. And when He’s in us and we’re in Him, we can find within us a deep-seated joy that we can’t explain or get away from, even when outward circumstances don’t support it.

So this week, as you go about your tasks, invite Jesus into each moment. Where can you pause to abide in His peace, joy, and love? Where can you celebrate the milestones, however small? And where can you celebrate the ongoing journey of those around you?

Life is not just about “arriving.” It’s about walking with Him, day by day. Find unexpected joy in your journey. Let’s not just endure the ride—let’s completely enjoy it with Him.

Life with Jesus isn’t about rushing to arrive—
it’s about walking daily in delight.

References:

“G3306 – menō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 7 Sep, 2025. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3306/kjv/tr/0-1/

Ron Sprayberry, email message to Holly Murray, September 5, 2025.

Scripture quotations marked (CEB) are taken from the Common English Bible, Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible. Used by permission. www.CommonEnglishBible.com

Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are taken from the Contemporary English Version®, Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For more about faith and believing for the impossible, get Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

5-Minute Reset with Jesus

Find Peace in Just 5 Minutes with Jesus

Life feels busy. Your heart is pulled in a hundred directions, and before you know it, the day is gone—yet your soul still feels restless.
But what if, in just 5 minutes, you could pause, breathe, and reset with Jesus?

That’s why I created the 5-Minute Reset with Jesus Guide—a free printable resource to help you slow down, stop striving, and invite God’s peace and presence into your everyday moments.

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What You’ll Receive:

• A simple, step-by-step guide to quiet your mind and heart
• Scripture to anchor your soul in God’s truth
• Gentle prompts to help you release stress and refocus on what matters most
• Space for reflection and prayer to connect deeply with Jesus

---

Why You’ll Love It:

This reset isn’t another “to-do” for your busy day—it’s a life-giving pause. In just 5 minutes, you’ll experience:
More peace in your spirit
Renewed focus for your calling
A deeper sense of God’s presence right where you are

Ready to Begin?

Don’t wait for life to slow down—choose to slow your heart today.

Enter your email below to grab your free 5-Minute Reset with Jesus Guide and start experiencing the joy of walking in His peace, one moment at a time.

(It’s a beautiful one-page printable you can keep in your Bible, on the table next to your favorite cozy chair, or even post on your fridge.)

Click Here to Get Your Free Guide!

Abide in Me: Free Scripture Coloring Pages

Life is noisy, busy, and often overwhelming. Sometimes your soul just needs a simple way to pause, breathe, and rest in God’s presence.

That’s why I created the “Abide in Me” Coloring Pages—a set of 3 beautifully designed, Scripture-based pages to help you slow down and soak in the peace of Jesus. *only 2 shown here

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What You’ll Get:

• 3 Printable Scripture Coloring Pages featuring designs and encouraging Bible verses about abiding in Jesus.
• A creative way to meditate on God’s Word—coloring as you reflect on Scripture.
• A gentle tool to help you quiet your heart, release stress, and focus on Jesus in the middle of your busy day.

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Why You’ll Love It:

Encourages stillness and reflection
Brings Scripture to life in a personal, creative way
Perfect for quiet time, family devotion, or a peaceful reset during a busy week

Whether you’re looking for a moment of peace for yourself, or a fun way to share God’s Word with your children or small group, these pages are designed to help you draw near to Jesus and abide in Him.

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Ready to Rest in Him?

Don’t let the busyness of life keep you from His presence. Take a few moments to slow down, breathe, and abide in Christ with these free coloring pages.

Enter your email below to receive your free Abide in Me Coloring Set and start experiencing the joy of resting in His Word today.

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Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

Watch the video for more about finding joy in the journey. It will premiere at 4 p.m. on Friday, 9.19.2025. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with others!

Click here to watch!

The post How to Slow Down and Find Unexpected Joy in the Journey appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.

Matthew 14:29, NCV

“Quit your job.” Three words that made my stomach lurch.
That’s not exactly how God phrased it. What He actually whispered was, “Don’t take your Keurig back to work,” and “I won’t move until you do.” Subtle words, yet they landed like dynamite in my soul.

The same weekend, a writing coach reminded me I couldn’t possibly do it all—finish my new book, keep up with my blog, create daily content, publish two clients’ books, take on new ones, and still work part-time at my church. I was burning the candle at both ends and convincing myself I could keep the flames alive forever.

But God was asking me to drop the match.

I argued. Ministry work was holy, wasn’t it? Noble? My job at the church wasn’t just a paycheck—it was serving Him, serving my pastors, and serving people I love. How could I walk away from something that felt like God’s work to step into something that felt uncertain, risky, and frankly…crazy?

I’m not a fan of uncomfortable leaps of faith. I prefer small, measured steps. In the daytime. When the grass is short and dry and I can see exactly where my foot is going to land before I shift any weight to it. That’s my level of “adventure.”

The Truth About Faith (It Always Feels Risky)

Here’s the truth I wrestled with:
Faith always sounds crazy to a cautious heart.
Faith never asks, “Is this safe?” Faith always asks, “Is this Jesus?”

When God calls us into deep places of faith, we usually find ourselves in over our heads. Sometimes in murky, moving water where our reliance is on Him alone and not on ourselves. I wish I could tell you it’s as simple as ordering office supplies online and hitting that red button when you’re done—but stepping out in faith sometimes feels uncertain, frightening, brazen.

Peter’s Story: Trusting the Voice Above the Waves

It reminds me of Peter on the Sea of Galilee. He and the other disciples were in a boat in the middle of the night. It was dark. They were exactly where Jesus told them to be. Obedient. Should have been an easy row, right?

But obeying Him wasn’t smooth sailing. They were going against the wind. It wasn’t a peaceful drift across calm waters while sipping sweet tea in one hand and holding a PB&J in the other. They were straining, rowing hard, waves crashing against the boat.

Enter Jesus, stage left, and the disciples were freaking out. I don’t blame them! Have you ever seen someone walking on the water 3-4 miles from shore? I’d have been screaming right along with them – likely before I saw Jesus. (Remember, I’m not much of an adventure-girl.)

But Jesus’ instant response to their display of fear: “Take courage! I Am! Stop being afraid!” (Matthew 14:27, AMPC).

Then the spotlight falls on Peter. He’s the brave, faith-filled one. While the rest of the disciples were likely still trembling and cowering together with their hands on the oars, Peter called out to the figure who sounded like Jesus. I mean, they’d left Jesus several miles away—He wasn’t supposed to be strolling across the lake without a boat.

When Jesus called, “Come,” Peter didn’t ask for a second opinion. He didn’t wait for the storm to stop or the water to settle. Peter didn’t throw out a bunch of fleeces. Peter stepped out on Jesus’ command.

Faith is not waiting for calm waters.

Faith is trusting His voice is enough to hold you,

even when the storm is raging.

The Risk of Faith: It’s Not Always Easy

How many times have I said, “God, if this is really Your will, have three people come to me and tell me it’s a good idea.” Who doesn’t like confirmation?

I was not as brave as Peter. I heard God tell me to step into a new season, but I was nervous. So I called my husband and told him what I felt God was directing me to do, and followed that quickly with, “But you pray about it and see what He tells you!”

That was hardly faith—it was more like tossing the hot potato of responsibility into his lap and saying, “Here, you hold it.” While having a spouse hear from God is not a poor decision (and husbands and wives need to walk in unity, agreeing on important decisions), for me it was a doubt-filled excuse to spread the risk. And how can I expect to grow in faith when I diffuse the responsibility of hearing God for myself?

Faith isn’t safe—it’s surrender

I want faith to feel easy. But faith isn’t always easy, nor is it a feeling. Faith is a choice! It wouldn’t be faith or require faith if we knew the outcome of the decision before we made it. Faith is believing something exists before we know it with our senses. Peter stepped out of the boat. The trouble came when he allowed the natural realities of his circumstances to take his focus off Jesus. And he sank. Yet even then, Jesus’ hand was right there, holding him, steadying him.

It makes me wonder—
How far could Peter have gone if he had kept his eyes on Jesus?
How many others might have stepped out too if his faith had carried him farther?

That’s the question that now burns in me. How far might I go if I don’t stop looking at Him?

I’ve often heard my pastors say, “Start in faith, stay in faith, and finish in faith.” That is my desire. I want to step out in faith and never let my faith in Jesus’ commands waver as I keep my eyes on Him and finish the calling He placed in me.

So I quit my job. Not because I stopped loving the church, but because Jesus whispered, “Step out of the boat. Trust Me.”

Finding Peace in the Unknown

It hasn’t been easy. The enemy loves to whisper “what ifs” and tempt me with backup plans. But when I turn my eyes to Jesus, His words anchor me:
“Keep your eyes on Me. Trust Me. Do not doubt. I will be faithful. I Am completely trustworthy.”

And when my heart wants to panic, His peace rushes in.

Scripture promises:
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock” (Isaiah 26:3-4, NLT).

Peace isn’t found in certainty; peace is found in surrender.

What is Jesus Calling You to Do?

I don’t know what Jesus is calling you to do today. Maybe it’s not quitting a job, but it might feel just as terrifying. Maybe He’s asking you to forgive, to let go, say yes, or step out.

Whatever it is, know this:

Faith will always feel like a risk, but it is the safest place when Jesus is the One calling you.

So, what is He whispering to you?
What boat are you clinging to that He’s asking you to step out of?

Sweet friend, don’t let fear be louder than His voice. You don’t need to see the whole path—you only need to see the One standing on the water saying, “Come.”

Take the step. Keep your eyes on Him. And just like Peter, you’ll discover that even if you start to sink, His hand will always be there to hold you.

He’s calling you, saying, “Keep going. Keep walking. I’m with you all the way.” The question isn’t whether He’ll be there—it’s whether you’ll take that first trembling step.

For more about faith and believing for the impossible, get Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

5 Simple Faith Steps for a Peace-Filled Day

Because even on the busiest days, you can still walk in peace with Jesus.


Feeling stretched thin, distracted, or spiritually “running on empty”?
You’re not alone. Life is busy—but your time with God doesn’t have to be complicated.

That’s why I created 5 Simple Faith Steps—a one-page guide designed to help you draw close to God in the middle of your everyday life.

Inside this printable, you’ll discover:
1 verse to start your day with focus and faith
A simple prayer practice you can do in seconds
A gratitude rhythm that shifts your perspective
How to act on God’s nudges with courage
A nighttime surrender that helps you rest in peace

Each step takes less than 2 minutes—but can completely change how you experience your day.

Get your free guide today!

 Quick rhythms. Simple prayers. A heart anchored in Jesus. 

Just drop your email below, and I’ll send 5 Simple Faith Steps for a Peace-Filled Day straight to your inbox.

(It’s a beautiful one-page printable you can keep in your Bible, post on your fridge, or even save on your phone as a daily reminder. Multiple background options.)

Click Here to Get Your Free Guide!

Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life and thought, “God, I don’t know what to do?” Maybe you’ve whispered prayers through tears, or felt like your faith was flickering instead of blazing. If so, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing. You’re human. And faith isn’t about feelings. It’s a decision to keep trusting God anyway.

Life comes with a lot of shifting ground—aging parents, adult children, health challenges, relationship changes, and questions about your purpose in this season. Sometimes the fog is thick, and the path ahead feels invisible. But here’s the good news:

God doesn’t need your perfection. He just wants your trust.

That’s why I created this 7-Day Printable Devotional Set.

“Walking by Faith, Not by Feelings”
A Scripture-rich, peace-centered guide to help you trust God when life feels uncertain.

These 5×7 printable cards are designed to be both beautiful and biblical—something you’ll want to frame, keep in your Bible, or tape to your mirror.

Each printable includes:
A powerful daily Scripture
A short, encouraging reflection
A heartfelt prayer
A simple, actionable faith step

Whether you read one each morning with your coffee, tuck them into your purse, or bundle them as a gift to a friend, these devotionals are meant to strengthen your faith—right where you are.

Ready to walk by faith—even on the foggy days?

Download your FREE 7-Day Devotional Card Set now!

Download Free

Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

The post Faith that Feels Crazy: Finding Peace When Obedience Doesn’t Make Sense. appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

And if you leave God’s paths and go astray, you will hear a voice behind you say, “No, this is the way; walk here.”

Isaiah 30:21, TLB

I have always loved reading. Books have felt like good friends for as long as I can remember. My mom was the librarian at the elementary school I attended, so while the after-school kids were swinging on monkey bars, I curled up beneath the shelves in the library, completely immersed in stories.

I still remember getting in trouble in sixth grade for sneaking a novel under my history book during class. I slid the bottom edge of my book slightly forward so I could finish the chapter I’d been reading between classes—too hooked to wait. The story had completely captured my attention, and I was blissfully unaware of the classroom noise and rather droning, nasal tone of my teacher, until everything fell strangely quiet. When I looked up, my teacher’s eyes were boring a hole straight through me. I was busted. Red-faced and feeling about the size of a gnat, I folded the book and slid it into my bookbag. I don’t think I ever did that again…but really—history? Bleh.

Even after that embarrassing moment, my love for stories never changed. I could read the same book more than once and love it just as much the second—or fifth—time. Series were my favorite. I’d get to know the characters and walk through several adventures with them like trusted companions. But one kind of book was very interesting to me: the choose-your-own-adventure kind. Do you remember those? At the end of certain chapters, you’d make a decision—turn to page 72 to enter the forest, or page 81 to stay in the village. Every choice shaped the story and led to a different conclusion.

Let God Guide Your Story

And this morning, as I remembered those old favorites, I realized something: life is a lot like that. In life, there are turns with every choice.

Every day, we face countless decisions—what to say, how to respond, what to pursue, who to forgive, whether to trust. Life is a winding adventure, and no two paths look quite the same. But unlike a book, we don’t get to peek ahead at how things will turn out. When we look to the Lord to lead us, however, each page in our story becomes written, not by chance, but by trust in the One who knows the ending and the best turn to make every step along the way.

That’s why faith matters so much. And here’s the thing I’ve learned, especially in the years when life hasn’t gone “according to plan”:

Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision.

Faith is deciding to believe something before you can see it while being convinced of its reality. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith, “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]”(AMP). It’s not believing for something after you have it. There’s no faith needed for that. It’s believing you have it before you can see it, touch it, or hear it. It’s knowing that the thing you’re believing for is God’s will because it’s in His Word or matching with His good, loving character and that you will have that thing in your possession in the natural (experienced with your five senses) in God’s perfect timing.

Faith That Leaves a Legacy: What Hebrews 11:2 Teaches Us

Verse two of Hebrews 11 says, “For by [faith—trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report” (AMPC). The transliteration of the phrase “obtained a good report” here is the word martyreo, which means “to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration. To give (not to keep back) testimony.”[1]

You can’t bear witness to something you don’t have or haven’t experienced, and it was by their faith that godly testimony was born to them. Their faith caused the good report to be obtained. It caused them to obtain the promise of God. It gave them the content of their testimony, and because of their persistence in faith, they left a legacy that outlived them.

So how do you get the faith to believe for things you don’t have as though you already do? The Word tells us in Romans 10:17 that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (paraphrase). The Message version reads:

Choosing Faith Over Feelings

Reading and hearing God’s Word—reading it for yourself and hearing the truth of God’s Word preached—that is how your faith, trust in God, and confidence in His Word grows. It’s not about waiting to feel brave or confident or certain—it’s about choosing to trust even when the way is dim. It’s waking up and saying, “Lord, I choose You today. I choose to believe Your Word. I choose to rely on You and to trust You.” Even when your heart feels unsure or heavy. Even when you can’t understand how you will ever possess the promises for which you are believing.

Isaiah 30:21 says,
“Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left” (NLT).

I love this verse. There are others I hear more often that remind us to trust God. A sweet friend recently told me she leans heavily on Proverbs 3:5-6 when she isn’t sure which direction she should pursue. This verse reminds me, however, that God is not only trustworthy, but wanting to tell us the path of life to choose. I don’t have to guess, I just have to listen. I don’t always know what to do—but I know who to listen for.

How to Hear God’s Voice in the Noise of Everyday Life

The question is, how do we make the most out of our faith-filled adventure-life? As a believer, the best way is to invite the Lord to lead you throughout the day, intentionally listening for His voice! I often pray, “God, give me big ears in the Spirit”—ears that hear His whispers clearly. I say, “Lord, help me be quick to hear and quick to obey.” Because let’s be honest—some days are noisy. Some seasons feel foggy. But whether there is quiet or chaos, God speaks.

And I don’t always get it right. But Isaiah 30:18 reminds us:
“Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]” (AMP).

A portion of that verse in The Living Bible reads, “For the Lord is faithful to His promises” (Isaiah 30:18b).

What a tender image: our God, waiting eagerly to guide us—to give us the directions we need to make every correct choice, and longing to show us compassion when we miss it or disobey His nudges. He’s not pacing Heaven impatiently, ready to punish us for the wrong turns. He’s leaning toward us, gently offering direction, grace, and unfailing love.

So if today feels uncertain—if your heart is tired from trying to make the “right” choice or you’re standing at a crossroads wondering which way to go—remember this:

You are not alone on the page you’re living.

God is not distant, waiting for you to figure it all out. He is near—whispering, guiding, gently pointing the way. You don’t have to feel spiritual fireworks to walk by faith. Just choose Him. One step, one whispered prayer, one act of obedience at a time. And when you take those steps in faith (even the unsteady ones) it pleases God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (KJV). Pursue God. Get in His Word so you can know Him, know His will for your life, and know for what you can believe. It pleases Him for you to walk in faith, and there is a reward for your diligent pursuit of Him.

Let God Write Your Story: You Can Trust Him With the Unknown

The life you’re living really is a choose-your-own-adventure. But when you invite God to lead, the pages unfold with peace, even in the unknown.

So remember:

• You don’t need perfect clarity to take the next step.
• You don’t need to feel brave to walk in faith.
• You just need to choose Him.

One whispered prayer.
One quiet yes.
One small step in His direction.

And that step—however wobbly—is precious to Him.

You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you can trust the One who holds the pen. This life really is a choose-your-own-adventure—but when you place your story in God’s hands, every chapter, every detour, and even every delay is woven in with purpose and peace.

So lean in.
Listen close.
He’s speaking.

And the next page?
It just might be the beginning of something beautiful.

Your next faith-filled adventure might be right around the corner. You get to choose—
But you don’t have to choose alone.

[i] G3140 – martyreo – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3140/kjv/tr/0-1/

Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life and thought, “God, I don’t know what to do?” Maybe you’ve whispered prayers through tears, or felt like your faith was flickering instead of blazing. If so, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing. You’re human. And faith isn’t about feelings. It’s a decision to keep trusting God anyway.

Life comes with a lot of shifting ground—aging parents, adult children, health challenges, relationship changes, and questions about your purpose in this season. Sometimes the fog is thick, and the path ahead feels invisible. But here’s the good news:

God doesn’t need your perfection. He just wants your trust.

That’s why I created this 7-Day Printable Devotional Set.

“Walking by Faith, Not by Feelings”
A Scripture-rich, peace-centered guide to help you trust God when life feels uncertain.

These 5×7 printable cards are designed to be both beautiful and biblical—something you’ll want to frame, keep in your Bible, or tape to your mirror.

Each printable includes:
A powerful daily Scripture
A short, encouraging reflection
A heartfelt prayer
A simple, actionable faith step

Whether you read one each morning with your coffee, tuck them into your purse, or bundle them as a gift to a friend, these devotionals are meant to strengthen your faith—right where you are.

Ready to walk by faith—even on the foggy days?

Download your FREE 7-Day Devotional Card Set now!

Download Free

Have you ever sensed God whispering in the middle of your to-do list?

Maybe it was a nudge to text a friend, an unexpected conversation in the grocery store, or a quiet moment in the car when you suddenly felt seen and sensed God’s presence stirring your heart to listen.

I created Meeting God in the Ordinary for women like us—women who want to live on purpose, listen closely, and follow Jesus even when life feels full (and a little chaotic).

This 30-day devotional will help you:
Recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Respond to His nudges with bold faith
Love others deeply—even in small, unnoticed ways

Each day includes a short devotional, scripture, reflection question, and one simple step of obedience.

Because you don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be present.

Ready to start your 30-day journey?
Download Meeting God in the Ordinary for just $4.99 and discover how small moments become sacred when we say yes.

 Get the Devotional Now
(Available as an instant download on my website!)

Click Here to Purchase

The post Faith Isn’t a Feeling—It’s a Choice: Trusting God One Step at a Time appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In Him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting His Yes within us. By His Spirit He has stamped us with His eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what He is destined to complete.

2 Corinthians 1:20 MSG

I recently received a phone call from a friend I met a few months ago. Her voice trembled as she shared how she felt she was hitting a brick wall with God—desperate to hear from Him. As she poured out her heart, I felt the weight of her struggles. She felt alone, frustrated, and like God was distant. It would have been so easy to sink into the same despair with her, the pull of hopelessness when life feels too hard, messy, and overwhelming. In those moments when everything feels out of control, you may wonder where God is in the chaos.

Maybe you’ve had those days, too. Days when it feels like you’re juggling a hundred things. The moments when life hits hard and you’re standing at a crossroads: Do you give in to fear, or do you trust God and fight back with faith? As women, we often carry so much—responsibilities no one sees, unspoken worries, and the silent burdens we bear for our family. When we’re trying to keep everything together, it just takes one thing to knock you over the edge. We’re pulled in so many directions that it’s easy to lose sight of God’s voice in the mayhem. When a crisis strikes, our response determines our emotional and spiritual health and influences the world around us.

Fighting in an Emergency

God has given us a weapon to fight the battles we face—His Word. But here’s the truth: in emergency situations, you need to have something already chambered in your heart when the enemy tries to steal your peace. You can’t wait until the storm is raging, and the enemy is breathing down your neck to reach for your Bible and start thumbing through the pages for help. Instead, feed your spirit every day. Write specific scriptures to meditate and memorize. Post them on your bathroom mirror, your kitchen cabinets, on the hood of the stove, or in your car. Let His Word remind you, again and again, that you are not fighting alone and that you can trust Him.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 AMPC

God’s Word isn’t just words on a page. It’s a living, breathing truth that can cut through the fog of doubt and fear. Find a verse you can use to fight with, because complacency isn’t a choice you can live with. I am not talking about “cherry-picking” scripture—finding a verse that you can twist to fit your situation while going against God’s character and the truth of the Word as a whole or ignoring other passages that also apply. Instead, consider the situation and research what God really has to say about it! When God is backing you up, trust that you can’t lose!

Using the Weapon of the Word

When we respond to situations using His Word as our weapon, we come into agreement with what He already says about it. We trust God’s faithfulness to back His Word. When my new friend called, she wasn’t looking for me to solve her problems. She needed to remember the God who never breaks His promises. She needed to be reminded of what she already knew, but in her struggle, had forgotten. And sometimes, we need that reminder, too. We need someone to come alongside us and say, “God is still with you. He’s still faithful.”

Trust that God is still with you. He’s still faithful.

2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (NIV). When you look up the word amen in the Greek, it means faithful; so be it, may it be fulfilled.[1] When we come into agreement with what God says by saying “amen” to it, we are actually saying “God, You are faithful to Your Word. Let your Word be fulfilled in me.” When we stand on His promises, we partner with God in a powerful way.

Matthew Henry’s commentary explains this passage by saying, “the promises of the gospel covenant, which they preach, stand firm and inviolable. Bad men are false; good men are fickle; but God is true, neither fickle nor false.”[2] God will not violate His Word, and His Word is truth. That He is faithful, even when we are not, takes the pressure off our shoulders. I don’t have to come up with the answers, I just have to trust His.

You can Trust Because of Jesus

The Living Bible paraphrases 2 Corinthians 1:20 by saying, “He (Jesus) carries out and fulfills all of God’s promises, no matter how many of them there are; and we have told everyone how faithful He is, giving glory to His name.” Chuck Smith’s commentary goes into depth, explaining the passage this way:

Jesus is the assurance to us that God’s promises are all true. And all of God’s promises to you are wrapped up in Christ. God has promised to give you life, that life that is in Jesus. This is the record God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in the Son. God has promised to give you peace, but that peace is in Jesus. God has promised mercies to you, but those mercies are coming to you in Jesus. All of the promises in Him are yes, or are fulfilled in Him to us, and the fact that God sent His Son is the assurance to us that God is going to keep all of His Word and all of His promises that He has made to us of that eternal kingdom and the glory that we shall share with Him, world without end. Jesus is the affirmation to you that God has meant what He said and that He will keep all of the promises that He has made of the coming kingdom and the glory of that kingdom that shall be yours when you live with Him in His kingdom forever.[3]

He sums it up simply, “All of the promises of God to us have been fulfilled in Jesus.”[4] Jamieson, Fausset & Brown’s commentary says, “‘Amen’ is His oath, which makes our assurance of the fulfilment doubly sure. Compare ‘two immutable things (namely, His Word and His oath) in which it was impossible for God to lie’ (Hebrews 6:18, Revelation 3:14).”[5] Over and over, we have the confirmation that we can trust God’s promises and come into agreement with Him for them to bear fruit in our life. You just have to know what those promises are.

Before Google . . .

When I was in high school, one of my teachers gave me a book of Scripture grouped by alphabetized categories. Google wasn’t a thing then, and that book got a lot of use. When I needed peace, I flipped over to the section on page 131 and began reading on that topic. Years later, when my brother headed overseas to defend our country, I sent that book with him. Today, you can do a quick search on any topic and get all the ammunition you need to fight physical or mental attacks.

The Word is a powerful weapon, and God made sure His children had all the weapons needed to combat the enemy. When we use it the way God intends, it helps us control the thoughts that try to imprison us by taking those thoughts captive instead! 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (AMPC) says:

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

I know how hard it can be to trust God and stand on His promises when life is pressing in. I’ve had moments when I’ve had to fight for peace, too. Recently, a family member had undergone a procedure that made the doctors scratch their heads as they stepped back to determine the next best steps. My mind raced with all the unrealized dreams of the future I’d been counting on and felt slipping away.

How to Trust When Facing Insurmountable Odds

When you are facing what feels like insurmountable odds, or there is so much to do that you don’t know where to start, don’t fall prey to the schemes of the enemy to discourage you. He will falsely tell you that things are beyond your control, you are a helpless victim, and things will never get better. Frankly, he will keep lying until he finds the lie that works—that incapacitates you, because if he can stop your victory, he can stop the domino effect that follows it!

I could feel the enemy trying to drag me into grief over something that hadn’t even happened. I got choked up as my mind spiraled down the path in which the enemy delighted. But amid that chaos, God’s Word rose in me. “Healing is the children’s bread.” It was a truth based on a story of a woman who refused to give up on her miracle, and it brought me back from the edge of despair.

Healing is the Children’s Bread

The story found in Matthew 15 tells of a woman who came to Jesus because she wanted Him to heal her daughter. She wasn’t Jewish, and Jesus responded that He “was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (vs. 24, AMPC). Verse 25 says, “But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord help me!” When Jesus seemed to be unchanging in His decision, her persistence in faith moved Him. Verse 28 (AMPC) says, “Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish. And her daughter was cured from that moment.”

It was remembering a simple phrase I’ve meditated for years. Based on a scriptural principle, it was the key which unlocked the door of the mental prison the enemy tried to keep shut. And once I tasted that bit of freedom, other passages quickly came to mind. I also remembered the many, many times God had faithfully been true to His Word or healed previously. Revelation 12:11 tells us we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony—saying what God has done for us before. If He did it once, I could trust Him to do it again!

Taking my thoughts captive didn’t change what the doctors saw. Taking my thoughts captive and focusing on the Word changed what I saw. It gave me the strength to keep trusting. I had the power to hold on to the promises Jesus purchased for me. Then I asked others to join me in prayer.

Taking my thoughts captive didn’t change what the doctors saw.
Taking my thoughts captive and focusing on the Word changed what I saw.

That’s what trust in God’s Word does—it shifts our focus from the storm to the One who calms the storm. And that is exactly what my friend needed, too. She needed a reminder that God was still working, even when she couldn’t see it for herself. Her faith and assurance in God’s Word just needed a little jump-start. She needed someone not in the middle of the situation to remind her of what God said about the problems she was facing and to encourage her she could fight the overwhelming feelings of discouragement with the Word of God.

Trust God’s Faithfulness

If you are facing something that seems insurmountable right now, remember this: God has been faithful before, and you can trust that He will be faithful again. When was the last time He came through for you or for someone you love? Think about that. Find the promises in the Word that apply to your situation. Make a list. Meditate on them. Say them aloud. Write them everywhere you’ll see them until His Word is louder than the lies in your head.

And as you hold on to His promises, listen for that still, small voice whispering to your spirit, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish.” You are not alone in this battle—God is with you, and His Word is your greatest weapon. Keep fighting, keep trusting, and watch Him come through for you again.

Ever feel like you’re just not enough? Check out the post, “Disqualified by Doubts and Fears? Discover How to Still Answer God’s Call.“

If you want to trust God to be faithful to His Word in the area of healing, please grab a copy of my book, Believing for a Miracle. God is still doing impossible things today and you can trust that His Word is true!

[1] G281 – amēn – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 24 Oct, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g281/kjv/tr/0-1/

[2] Henry, M. “Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1 by Matthew Henry.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 1 Mar, 1996. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/2Cr/2Cr_001.cfm

[3] Smith, C. “Verse by Verse Study on 2 Corinthians 1-2 (C2000) by Chuck Smith.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 1 Jun, 2005. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/c2000_2Cr/2Cr_001.cfm

[4] Ibid.

[5] Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, . “Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/2Cr/2Cr_001.cfm

The post How to Trust God’s Promises in Difficult Times: Finding Faith When Life Feels Overwhelming appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

“Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Today is Good Friday.

Growing up, Good Friday was a school holiday. No school was something every child eagerly anticipated, and it preceded a weekend chock-full of fun activities.

We could count on our parents having baskets of candy and a chocolate bunny waiting on us when we woke on Easter morning. Mama would have made a new Easter dress for me to wear to church. She’d have purchased new stockings, white shoes, and made a matching pull-string purse to hold a tissue and a coin for the offering plate. I have three brothers, so there was plenty of competition for the hidden prize egg when we had the egg hunt with all the boiled eggs we’d decorated.

These childhood memories are precious to my heart. Today, however, as I sit outside listening to the spring birds chirping and feel the cool April breeze run across my sun-warmed arms, my thoughts travel back to a very different experience.

Intolerable Cruelties

I’ve spent several days reading about the cruelties Jesus experienced before He suffered and gave His life for us on the cross. A friend whom He’d loved and invested time and training in betrayed Him. He was so overwhelmed by what He knew He’d be facing that His pores sweated drops of blood. Those closest to Him abandoned Him, but His words still protected them. An army of at least 650 men dressed for battle arrested Him. There was so much authority and power in Jesus that just Him mentioning His identity caused the soldiers to fall. Jesus healed the ear of a man present to arrest Him. Yet with all this power and authority, He willingly went with them despite knowing their cruel intentions.

He was led for judgment by religious leaders whose hate was so intense that they spit on, humiliated, beat, blindfolded, and mocked Jesus mercilessly. They beat Him beyond anything we could fathom, such that He was unrecognizable. He was further beaten, mocked, and scorned by the military charged to secure Him, and endured a Roman scourging few survived. All of this was before the final torturous suffering of crucifixion.

Eager Anticipation

Easter was a holiday I eagerly anticipated as a child. I wonder about the eagerness of Jesus. Despite all the torture Jesus knew awaited Him, He looked beyond the cross and saw you and me. And because He loved us so much and anticipated our having a lasting covenant with His Father, He endured unthinkable abuse and death. The very human part of Him could not have welcomed the suffering, but I think He welcomed what He knew it would afford.

For every need, pain, illness, and heartache we have had or will ever suffer, Jesus willingly gave His life. Even now, He is at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. His love for us is beyond human comprehension. Greater love has no man than this, and He has that love for you.

No Greater Love

So today, as you make preparations for Easter dinner with your loved ones, shop for the perfect dress or shoes, add another chocolate bunny to a basket, or decorate eggs with children, keep in mind all the love a person could ever have was poured out for you this day many years ago. He is the reason we celebrate–not just because He took stripes on His back for our healing or died so every sin could be forgiven, but because He didn’t stay that way! We celebrate because He is alive! He rose again, as He said He would!

In Jesus, we have the perfect example of how to love others. There is no greater love than laying your life and desires down for someone else. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to accept a loving relationship with the Creator of the world. Make beautiful memories with your loved ones, and remember the reason we celebrate. Think on all the good Jesus did this Friday and the great love He has for you. How amazing to know that someone who loved you enough to die for you is speaking to the Father on your behalf!

“Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that He has lavished on us! He has called us and made us His very own beloved children.”

1 John 3:1a, TPT

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. Help me to never forget the price Jesus paid so I could be in right standing with You. I ask You to forgive me for every sin and I commit my life afresh to You right now.

Jesus, thank You for willingly laying down your life for me. Now I live for You.

I will celebrate this season with joy because You were thinking of the joy that would come from my being Yours. Thank You for Your great love for me! Help me each day to show Your great love to others.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Let’s Talk!

Do you know how much you are loved? You are loved more than you can imagine! What is one way you show love to others? What is a tradition you have that you love? Leave your responses in the comments at the bottom of this post. I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings,

Free Gift: Believing for a Miracle – chapter one!

Click here to read the first chapter of Holly’s book, “Believing for a Miracle” absolutely free! The paperback and Kindle version of this book and the author’s notebooks (EncouraJournals) are available on Amazon.

The post Good Friday’s Greater Love appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Two years of chemotherapy. To an eleven-year-old, it lasted forever. As his mother, it seemed that way to me, as well. The hours we spent praying and speaking the Word were countless. We wrote scripture on index cards and posted them all around the house and in our hospital room with each visit. Whether I was cooking dinner, getting ready for work, or meeting another nurse, I had the Word in my line of sight.

When you want something badly enough, you will do anything. You will do everything! We were desperate for God’s touch and He did not disappoint. God defied every prognosis we were given, and our joy was indeed full.

Another Call

Then we got another call. My sister-in-law received a cancer diagnosis as well. We were devastated as our minds went back to the years of treatment and side-effects our young son had endured. I geared up to fight a battle with which we were familiar. I pulled out the index cards again and began declaring the Word over my sweet sister.

The war waged. After a long season of fighting, I could sense that she was tired. I prayed, declared, argued, and cried out to my Father. I questioned and pled her case, wondering why the answer I was praying for delayed. Giving up was not my desire, but I didn’t know how long I should keep believing for the miracle that was not yet evident.

How Long Do I Keep Believing?

I asked a precious friend for godly counsel. How long do I keep believing and praying over someone who is tired of being sick, tired of medicine, and tired of fighting back? What do I do? What do I pray?

“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.”

Proverbs 27:9, TPT

My friend’s answer was simple and profound. She said, “Keep praying the Word. Never stop praying and speaking the Word, no matter what the circumstances.”

You see, I was focusing on what I was seeing, and in doing so, I had taken a burden that wasn’t mine. In doing something good, fervent prayer, I had assumed liability for the healing. My job wasn’t to heal my sister-in-law. It wasn’t up to me, and I couldn’t bear the burden of when or how healing manifested. My only job was to follow Jesus’ example. He always prayed and spoke the Word of God, and that is what I must always do, too.

Fullness of Joy

God doesn’t always answer us in exactly the same way. There is no magic prayer formula. His command is to ask in His name and receive what He has for us. Keep believing. The fullness of joy we receive isn’t because we get everything for which we ask. The fullness of joy is that we learn to trust Him with every need and situation we face.

We need unwavering faith in His ability and trust He will keep His Word. It really is that simple. It’s not my job to be God. My job is to believe Him. Take Him at His Word. Receive, that your joy may be full.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the powerful promises in Your Word. They are for me!

Your Word says in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are all answered ‘Yes.’ So through Him we say our ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.” I give You all glory for Your promises and agree with Your Word for every promise in my life.

I submit my life and will to You, and trust You with every situation. I thank You for the fullness of joy that comes through trusting You and relying on Your Word. Your Word is alive, active, and working in me, and I will keep believing it. I cast every care on You, knowing You care for me, and I receive the strength and joy of the Lord as my portion today.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Let’s Talk!

Do you have good, godly friends you can go to for prayer or when you have questions? Praise God for your friends! Post their name in the comments below and share with them how they have blessed your life.

If you don’t have a close friend from whom you can receive godly counsel, ask God to bless you with a good friend. Make it a matter of prayer and keep believing. His Word says a man who has friends must himself be friendly (Proverbs 18:24). Be the friend you need to someone else and watch God’s Word work!

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Blessings,

Free Printable:

Enjoy this Thankful Series printable set as a free gift. Included in the download are five colorful watercolor style photos with scripture printed on each. Choose your favorite to print or print them all! They are 5×7, perfect for framing!

Click on the link and this printable will open as a PDF in a new tab.

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Today’s Must-Read Recommendation:

Empowered: A 31-Day Devotional to Empower Your Every Day

Get Rhonda Matthew’s 31-Day devotional, Empowered to empower your every day.

You’ll find her books as well as books and journals by other authors online at Integrity Publishing. (Purchases also available directly through Amazon.)

The post How Long Do I Keep Believing? appeared first on Holly D. Murray.