Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

A few weeks ago, I was listening to another author share about their journey, and for a moment I felt both encouraged and shaken.

I was encouraged because we were writing on similar topics. Clearly this was something people were wrestling with if more than one of us felt led to write about it. But I also felt a strange angst for the same reason.

All at once, I felt urgency rise in me. I needed to rush. Speed up. Finish my book. Get my words out so they wouldn’t be deemed unnecessary.

Almost immediately, I heard the Voice of correction speak truth to my spirit: This author is not your competition.

The truth is, this is something I know down deep. I’ve read about it, believed it, and preached it many times to encourage other writers. As Lysa TerKeurst once said, God never runs out. He isn’t dividing one pie into smaller and smaller pieces so that everybody gets a sliver. He doesn’t run out of pie, He just creates a new one.

When Hurry Sounds Like Wisdom but Feels Like Fear

The miserably rushed feeling within me wasn’t coming from God.

He doesn’t drive us from behind pushing us to rush the process. He gently leads us step by step.

Maybe you’re not writing a book. Maybe the calling in front of you looks completely different. Perhaps you’re starting a new business, raising children, leading a ministry, caring for aging parents, going back to school, creating something new, or simply trying to obey God in a season that feels slow and unseen.

But if you’ve ever looked around you and thought, Someone else is already doing what I feel called to do, then this message is for you.

Their obedience does not cancel yours. An open door for them doesn’t close yours. Their progress doesn’t mean you are behind.

God isn’t asking you to outrun someone else. He just wants you to run your race.

The catch is, you have to obey what He’s asking you to do. And truthfully, this is an area in which I’m growing. I’ve got a calendar filled with my list of things to do, and I always say I schedule what’s important. Morning rituals (thank you, Jennifer Dukes Lee), check. Jesus and Coffee, check. Editing client’s work, check. Church and home routines, check. But that little block of time at the end of the day that says “writing” is one I’ve deleted more times than I can count. By the time I get there, I’m just too tired from checking off the other boxes.

When Almost Obedient Still Isn’t Obedient

I was recently reading John Bevere’s book, The Awe of God. One of the stories he shared was about King Saul’s battle against the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). In emphasizing the importance of complete obedience to God, he explained that Saul was 99.99% obedient in that battle, but because of not being fully obedient, God was displeased.[i] The Word tells us in 1 Samuel 15:11 that God says, “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My commands.”

I don’t want God to be sorry that He trusted me with an assignment. In talking to my husband about how I was feeling, he suggested I pray about how God wanted me to order my day. As a box checker-offer, I love the feeling of accomplishment when I know I’ve done all I intended. But when I’ve done almost all God has called me to do, then I’ve been disobedient with my day. So this is where I am.

Comparison Can Make You Forget Your Lane

God has a plan for my life. He’s given me a specific set of talents, a particular personality, and a calling unlike anyone else’s. The responsibility for complete obedience, however, is mine.

That is why comparison can be so dangerous. Comparison doesn’t just make us feel insecure. Sometimes it makes us feel rushed. It can convince us that if someone else is moving, we must be behind. When someone else is producing, comparison can convice us we have to rush. If someone else is being used by God, there must be less room for us. If there’s no place for what we are called to do, then what is the point of doing it?

But God’s Kingdom doesn’t work that way.

He’s not asking me to run her race faster; He’s asking me to be faithful with mine.

Hebrews 12:1b says, “Let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.” (emphasis mine)

That means there is a lane God has assigned to me and a lane He’s assigned to you. There are people you can reach with the message He’s given you and different ones who will be moved by mine. Someone else’s obedience shouldn’t make us panic. It should remind us God is moving through all who will say yes to Him, and He wants us to be moving with Him, as He leads. It should stir us to obey, not to perform.

And that is the difference.

Pressure Pushes, but Purpose Leads

Pressure says, Hurry up or you’ll miss your chance.

Purpose says, Take the next step God gave you. He’s just waiting for you to obey.

Pressure says, Someone else is going to beat you to it.

Purpose says, No one else can obey God for you.

Pressure says, You are behind.

Purpose says, God knows exactly where you are, what your schedule demands, and what you’re feeling. He wouldn’t ask you to do what you were incapable to obey.

That hurried feeling within me that day was not holy urgency. I know what that feels like, too. But this was fear dressed up like responsibility. And it was a lie.

Fear is a terrible leader. God prompts us. He convicts us. And He corrects us, just like He did me. But He won’t bully us into obedience. He leads with peace, wisdom, and truth.

When Good Things Crowd Out God Things

Obedience may not always feel easy. Sometimes it looks like rearranging the day to prioritize the assignments God has given. Sometimes it means saying no to something good so we can say yes to something God has asked us to do. It looks like admitting, “God, I’ve made room for many important things, but I’ve not faithfully made room for what You keep asking me to do. I ask You to forgive me.” And then adjust and follow through so you are doing the most righteous things, not just all the right things. God things deserve more than leftover energy.

And that realization stings.

Because I don’t want to just be productive with good things. I want to be faithful with God things. To be faithful with His calling so He isn’t disappointed with how I spent the time He’s given me.

And maybe you understand where I am. Maybe God has been nudging you to make a phone call, start a small group, write a note, apologize first, create a thing, serve in a new way, start that business, mentor someone, open your home, or take one brave step toward the dream He planted in your heart years ago.

Maybe you keep deleting it from your schedule, too. Moving it to the next available slot.

Not because you don’t care, are unwilling, or don’t love the Lord. Your life is full, responsibilities are real, and by the time everything else is done, the energy to obey in that area feels spent.

I understand more than you know.

But I’m learning delayed obedience is disobedience. And that deserves my attention. Not shame or condemnation, but attention and even repentence.

Don’t Rush Ahead, but Don’t Hold Back

If God has trusted us with an assignment, then we can trust Him with the timing, the process, and the pace. We don’t have to rush because someone else is moving. But we also cannot use “I’m trusting God’s timing” as an excuse to avoid the next step He already gave us.

That is the balance I am learning. Don’t rush ahead in fear. Don’t lag behind in disobedience.

Walk with God. Step by step. Day by day. Instruction by instruction. Every five minutes of obedience that I make time for is one step closer to having completed the task God has assigned. And even the smallest steps in the right direction matter.

The author I heard that day is not my competition. She is my sister in Christ, obeying God in the lane He gave her. I can cheer for her and still be faithful with what He has asked of me.

And you can, too.

The person doing something similar to what God put in your heart is not proof that you are too late. It may simply be confirmation that the need is real.

There is room in God’s Kingdom for your obedience, your voice, your story, and your gift. There is room for the way God wants to work through you. So take the pressure off, but don’t lay the assignment down.

Your Next Step Doesn’t Have to Be Big

Ask God what obedience looks like today. Maybe it’s fifteen minutes, one conversation, or one small act of courage. Maybe it’s adjusting your calendar so the thing He keeps highlighting no longer gets whatever is left over.

You don’t have to outrun anyone, prove you belong, or force a door open before God says it’s time.

You only have to run the race He set before you, with your eyes on Jesus, trusting that His timing is not threatened by anyone else’s progress.

God is not asking you to hurry in fear. He is inviting you to obey in faith.

So take one step, even small, in faith—without rushing ahead. Trust Him with the pace, and keep showing up, knowing His timing will bear fruit.

A Prayer of Courage

“Father, help me recognize the difference between Your leading and the pressure to perform. Forgive me for the times I have compared my calling to someone else’s obedience or have delayed full obedience. Teach me to run the race You have set before me with faithfulness, peace, and courage. Help me obey the next step without rushing ahead in fear or lagging behind in distraction. I trust Your timing, Your purpose, and Your plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

A Gift for You

If this message met you in a tender place, too, I created a free Run Your Race Reflection Guide to help you pause, pray, and ask God what your next faithful step looks like. It is a simple place to release comparison, quiet the pressure, and remember that their obedience does not cancel yours. You can download the free reflection guide here: Run Your Race Free Reflection Guide Downloadable PDF.

And if you would like to spend a little more time walking through this with God, the full Run Your Race: A 5-Day Guided Prayer Journal is also available. It includes five days of Scripture, devotional encouragement, guided prompts with space for writing, a Pressure or Purpose Assessment, a Weekly Obedience Plan, three pages of short confessions you can speak over yourself that align with the Word, and prayers to help you follow God’s peace instead of pressure. You can find the full journal here: Run Your Race Journal Downloadable PDF. As a special gift to you, I’ve got it listed on sale through Mother’s Day, so if you’d like to get it, I encourage you not to delay.

I pray these resources bless your heart as much as they did mine while I wrote them.

References:

[i] John Bevere, The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2023),page 166.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

If this message encouraged you to keep trusting God when the timing feels long and the outcome feels impossible, you’ll find more hope in Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.

Run Your Race:
A Reflection Guide

Feeling pressured to hurry because someone else is moving forward?

This free reflection guide will help you release comparison, quiet the pressure, and prayerfully ask God what your next faithful step looks like. With Scripture-based encouragement and guided prompts, Run Your Race is a gentle reminder that their obedience does not cancel yours.

Download your free guide and take a few quiet minutes to trust God’s timing, follow His peace, and run the race He has set before you.

---

What You’ll Receive:

• a warm welcome and encouragement for your heart
• Scripture-based reflection from Hebrews 12:1
• guided prompts to help you recognize comparison and pressure
• space to journal your honest thoughts with God
• a short prayer to help you trust His timing and take your next faithful step

---

Why You’ll Love It:

✓ It helps you slow down and breathe.
Take a few quiet minutes to step away from comparison and return your focus to God’s peace.

✓ It gives you Scripture-based encouragement.
Reflect on Hebrews 12:1 and remember that God has set a race before you.

✓ It helps you take one faithful step.
Guided prompts and prayer will help you discern what peaceful obedience may look like today.

Ready to Begin?

Run Your Race is a gentle reminder that someone else’s obedience does not cancel yours. Download your free guide and take a few quiet minutes to follow God’s peace instead of pressure.

Enter your email below to grab your free Run Your Race Reflection Guide and start following God’s peace instead of pressure.

(4 Page Free Printable to Download.)

Click Here to Get Your Free Guide!

Run Your Race: A 5-Day Guided Prayer Journal

Release comparison, trust God’s timing, and take your next faithful step.

Have you ever felt pressured to hurry because someone else is already moving forward?

Maybe her open door made you question your own calling or comparison has made you feel behind. Maybe God has been nudging you to obey in a specific area, but fear, busyness, or exhaustion keeps pushing it to the end of your day.

Run Your Race was created to help you slow down with God, recognize the difference between pressure and purpose, and take your next faithful step with peace.

Inside this printable guided prayer journal, you’ll receive:

5 days of heartfelt devotional readings
Each day helps you process comparison, timing, obedience, pressure, and faithful next steps through a Scripture-based lens.

Guided reflection prompts and prayer pages
You’ll have space to name the lie, speak the truth, pray honestly, and discern what God may be asking of you.

A Pressure or Purpose Assessment
This practical tool helps you notice whether you are being pushed by fear or led by God’s peace.

A Weekly Obedience Plan
Prayerfully make room for the thing God keeps highlighting without adding more pressure to your already full life.

Scriptures for Running Your Race
Carry God’s Word with you when you feel behind, rushed, weary, unsure, or tempted to compare.

A Prayer for Running Your Race
A beautiful closing prayer to help you surrender comparison and follow God with courage, peace, and endurance.

You’ll love this journal because:

✓ It meets you in the real tension of wanting to obey God but feeling tired, pressured, or behind.

✓ You get more than encouragement. You get guided space to process, pray, and take action.

✓ It reminds you that their obedience does not cancel yours, and God has not forgotten the race He set before you.

You do not have to outrun anyone else or force a door open. You do not have to move in panic to prove your calling matters.

God is inviting you to follow Him one peaceful, faithful step at a time.

Special Mother’s Day Bonus:
Through Mother’s Day, download Run Your Race for only $5.99.

Download Run Your Race today and begin following God’s peace instead of pressure.

 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 When Someone Else Is Doing What You Feel Called to Do appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

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. 

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

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!)

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The post Is that Real? When What You See Doesn’t Match What God Said 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.

---

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!

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

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

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!

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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!)

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

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

Psalms 37:4 AMP

I was talking with a client this week about how much I’ve been enjoying her writing. Her stories are simple, everyday experiences in which God spoke a straightforward truth that became a personal, teachable moment for her. Reading these quiet nudges and lessons in her upcoming devotional, I can already picture women sitting with her words in their laps, nodding through tears, relating to what they are reading.

As I was talking to her about the delight reading her stories was, I shared with her that reading had always been a passion for me. When I was a child, I would hide under the covers with a flashlight and a book tucked close to my chest. When my parents caught on, I found another trick: the soft glow of the streetlight through my bedroom window. If I angled my book just right and parted the curtains, I could stay in those stories well past bedtime. Nancy Drew, The Boxcar Children, or Anne of Green Gables—they weren’t just characters, but treasured friends.

Coffee, Conversation, and a Quiet Whisper from God

This morning, sitting in a coffee shop with a friend and two empty cups of coffee beside me, I talked to the Lord about that early love for reading. Now, all these years later, I get to help others birth their stories into the world! How beautiful is that? Then, considering the delight and joy that comes from writing words for my own readers, I was in awe of the direction He’s led me in the past few years. And as I was asking Him what I should write today—for you—He spoke to my heart, “Tell them I will give them the desires of their heart, too.”

Sweet friend, that word is for you today.

Hope for Your Desires

Isn’t it just like God to whisper hope in the middle of the ordinary? While it’s easy to look around and compare—especially in seasons of life when it feels like you should have more figured out, more accomplished, or be more settled—God gently reminds us: don’t look sideways. Don’t measure your life against someone else’s timeline, their calling, or their version of success. Instead, the Lord invites you to delight yourself in Him. Trust that He sees and knows you. He has not forgotten the deep things you’ve long prayed for—the things you barely whisper anymore.

You see, when our delight is His delight, it changes the desires of our heart! It is then we begin to understand the power that comes from praying for things His Word says we can have—when our prayers start to echo His heart. Things like your spouse or children having a relationship with Him, the house or job you’ve been praying for, the health of a loved one, or holding a new life in your arms.  In fact, the New English Translation phrases Psalms 37:4 this way: “Then you will take delight in the Lord, and He will answer your prayers.”

God Knows Your Desires

God knows the deep, intimate desires of your heart—the things that really matter to you. He knows, He cares, and He has a plan.

Chuck Smith’s commentary says, “God knows your situation. God knows your limitations. God loves you. God will take care of you. Just trust in the Lord.”[1] So take a moment to just breathe. You don’t have to figure out all the details. Just do the good in front of you and find joy in His presence, direction, and calling. Trust Him to do all that you can’t.

David Guzik put it beautifully: “The one who truly delights in the Lord will find his heart and desires changed, steadily aligning with God’s own good desires for his life.”[2]

Matthew Henry’s commentary reminds us that this promise isn’t about fulfilling every whim. It’s much deeper than that. “He has not promised to gratify all the appetites of the body and the humours of the fancy, but to grant all the desires of the heart, all the cravings of the renewed sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and live to God, to please Him and to be pleased in Him.”[3]

Keep Delighting in Him

Whatever you are doing in this season or facing today, know this: God sees you right where you are. He knows the deepest desires of your heart—the things you’ve been believing Him to do or to work out for you. And He’s calling for you to delight in Him. He wants you to trust Him to work out the details of the promises to which you are holding. Keep loving and pursuing His call. Then watch Him write the story of your life that is more beautiful than you could have imagined.

What are you praying for? Is it something you’ve not spoken out loud before? Take a bold step and write it out, then find a verse from God’s Word that you can stand on in faith as you believe for that to come to pass!

Download this FREE GIFT, a beautiful three-sheet printable. If you have a disc notebook, it’s the perfect size for that! Print, punch holes, and you are ready to write every bold prayer for which you are believing.

[1] Smith, C. “Verse by Verse Study on Psalms 31-40 (C2000) by Chuck Smith.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 1 Jun, 2005. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/c2000_Psa/Psa_031.cfm

[2] Guzik, D. “Study Guide for Psalm 37 by David Guzik.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 6/2022. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/psalm/psalm-37.cfm

[3] Henry, M. “Commentary on Psalms 37 by Matthew Henry.” Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 1 Mar, 1996. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Psa/Psa_037.cfm

The post You’re Not Too Late to Have the Desires of Your Heart 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.

“Who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.”

This morning I sat outside on the swing reading one of my “no deep-thinking required” books. I read a lot of books to help me grow closer to the Lord or develop skills, but I also enjoy reading stories that expand my imagination. This book was one of those, and as I got to the end, the author made some excellent and unexpected points about God’s grace and mercy overflowing even when we make the most horrific mistakes.

I’m not prone to tears, but I think I might have gotten a little dust in my eyes as I read the author’s closing revelation. She wrote, “God is more than just a salvager. He is a blessed redeemer. God not only forgives, He restores. God not only heals, He blesses” (Spredemann, 2013). While I had not related to many of the specific troubles of the heroine in the Amish story, the truth remains we all face difficult moments in life. Some of those are even of our own making. Regardless of the source of the mistake, God doesn’t just patch up our brokenness, He redeems us.

Redeemed

Titus 2:14 tells us that Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us. The Greek word for redeem means, “to cause to be released to one’s self by payment of a ransom” (G3084, n.d.). To be redeemed is to be so free that nothing hinders us from doing His will, from living a full, happy life. He paid the price; we just need to accept the gift of that freedom.

We all still mess up, saying or doing the wrong thing. When that happens, we decide our next steps. We can blame someone else. We can curl into a ball on the inside and watch the world move on as we harbor hurt, fear, or unforgiveness within us. A better choice is to get up, dust off, and see what God has for us next. But even when we do things our way instead of God’s way, He still has a plan to return us to Himself. He is always in the forgiving and redemption business. He wants us redeemed.

Forgiven

There is not one thing you could ever do that is so bad that God won’t forgive if you ask. This is part of the new covenant He made with us, when His Son died on the cross on our behalf. In Matthew 6:14, Jesus says, “For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (AMPC). He put no other stipulations on the gift of forgiveness, and once forgiven, He sets you free from it. There is no longer any need for guilt or shame. Jesus bore our shame for us on the cross.

“For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing and I will never again remember their sins.”

Hebrews 8:12, HCSB

“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].”

1 John 1:9, AMPC

Today my heart is heavy for the one who feels they have just messed up one too many times. I’m reaching out to the one who thinks what they did was too embarrassing or shameful to come to a holy God and say, “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” yet again. I plead with you to forgive yourself, forgive others, and ask God to forgive you so you can be redeemed and walk toward His plan for your life with your head lifted.

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.”

Psalms 3:3, AMP

Free and Blessed

When we receive His forgiveness and the freedom that comes with that, we are redeemed and we begin to overflow with His blessings. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control-all the fruits that come from letting Him prune off the weights that hinder and submitting to His instructions. Overflow always touches more than the one from whom it is flowing.

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 , AMP

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard-things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

Galatians 5:22-23, MSG

Return to Him. He has a plan for you. God’s love is bigger than your worst mistake. It’s bigger than repeated mistakes! Our Father doesn’t sit in Heaven anticipating our mess-ups so He can punish us. He isn’t waiting for us to grovel for His mercy while holding our sins against us and reminding us of our unworthiness. He isn’t human. Live redeemed. His love and grace are greater than all our sins.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I thank you that You sent Jesus to redeem me. Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me and purchasing my freedom. I choose to forgive every person, from my heart, who has ever done anything wrong toward me. Bless each one and draw them closer to You. I ask You, also, to forgive me for every sin that I knowingly or unknowingly committed. Because of Your love, I am free from all sin and You see me as pure. According to Your Word, You will no longer remember my sin! Sin has no hold on me any longer. I am free. I am Your daughter, and I receive Your love and forgiveness. Now there is nothing that can separate me from You. Thank You, God, for your unfailing love and mercy. I keep myself humble before You and know You are the lifter of my head. I thank You that Your presence in me will help me to overflow in Your blessings!

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Let’s Talk!

What scripture is your go-to when you feel you’ve messed up or don’t know how to move forward? Leave it in the comments at the bottom of this post. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Blessings,

References:

G3084 – lytroō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3084&t=KJV

Johnston, J. (1911). Grace greater than our sin [Hymn]. Retrieved from https://hymnary.org/text/marvelous_grace_of_our_loving_lord

Spredemann, J.E.B. (2013). An unforgiveable secret. [Kindle Paperwhite version]. Retrieved from amazon.com

Free Printable Set: God’s Love is Bigger!

Enjoy this God’s Love is Bigger printable set as a free gift. Included in the download are eight colorful photos with “God’s Love is Bigger than Our Worst Mistake” printed on each. Choose your favorite to print or print them all! They are 8×10, perfect for framing!

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

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Printable: Redeemed!

Enjoy this Redeemed printable, reminding you that you are released from guilt and shame and are truly free. You are worth the price Jesus paid, so remember to live like it! This prints as an 8×10, perfect for framing! File includes nineteen different prints from which to choose, but you get them all! Print as many as you’d like! *You will receive a digital copy (PDF) of 19 prints in size 8×10. Available for $2.99 to download. No physical item will be mailed.

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

These printables are also available in 5×7 for $1.99. Click here to view and purchase.

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Today’s Must-Read Recommendation:

This Season of Freedom: 5-Minute Messages to Free Your Soul

Get Paula A. Lambert’s 31-Day devotional, This Season of Freedom for more ways to win the battle of discouragement 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.)

Photo Credit: The Beautiful Mess

The post Redeemed. No Groveling Required. appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

If you, imperfect as you are, know how to lovingly take care of your children and give them what’s best, how much more ready is your heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask Him?”

Things don’t always go as we plan. I once planned dinner for my family, and as I was mashing the potatoes and putting the other finishing touches on the sides, I realized I’d not hit the start button on the oven two hours ago. Everything was ready – except the main dish. I remember giggling when the same thing happened to my mother one Thanksgiving.

Life doesn’t always go like we plan, and I had to adjust my perfectly planned dinner. Pulling leftovers out of the fridge and reheating them was a simple remedy to my oversight. Other times, a quick fix isn’t as handy when reality crashes my expectations.

My Plan

A month ago, I had “send a card” on my agenda for Monday morning. Perhaps you schedule things like that in your calendar, too. It wasn’t a birthday, anniversary, or thank-you card, the intent only to remind my sweet friend of my love for her. I got busy and postponed the card, opting instead for a quick text. She never texted me back. The next day, I received word that my friend had a diagnosis with a popular and controversial name. Three days later she was on her way to the hospital by ambulance.

I prayed for the Lord to bring healing to her body. I’ve seen Him heal before, and there was no lack of His ability this time, either. There were many praying for her, speaking the Word over her life, and declaring restoration in her body. I made plans for all the laughs we would have when this was all over. Instead, a month later, I was picking out what to wear to a funeral.

Unplanned Tears

I felt crushed. It never occurred to me in all my talking with the Lord about my friend that she wouldn’t be sitting across from me sipping Thai tea once dining rooms opened again. Scripture tells us in Psalms 56:8 that He puts our tears in His bottle; that He records each one. He must have a massive bottle and endless ink to take record of each tear that has fallen over my dear friend. I loved her and I had not planned for her death.

She planned for it, however. She prepared for a certainty we will each face if Jesus tarries. Cathy gave her heart to Jesus and lived for Him. She shared of His goodness with those she encountered.

Cathy often talked about the ways God blessed her life. She adored her husband, children, and grandchildren. She shared how God had protected her many times in her life, and how much she loved His Word. Cathy never hesitated to extend compassion, a listening ear, and to be love in action at every opportunity.

Why?

While I hadn’t “lost” her (I know where she is), I struggled with one question. “Why?” This question burned in my heart. In a time when every answer is complicated and wrong, I struggled with the simplest question.

[tweetshare tweet=”In a time when every answer is complicated, I struggled with the simplest question – Why?” username=”HollyDMurray”]

But God answered me. He told me why. Not why she was no longer with me, but why He had blessed me with her in the first place. It wasn’t the answer I expected, but it was the answer I needed.

[tweetshare tweet=”God may not give us the answer we expect, but He will give us the answer we need.” username=”HollyDMurray”]

The Perfect Gift

James 1:17 says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]” (AMP). My friendship with Cathy was a good thing, an unplanned but perfect gift. And He who loves me most knew I needed her friendship.

God gave her to those of us who loved her as a gift–her joy; the way she spoke, thought, and laughed; her antics; her sincerity. All the parts of her that made her unique and precious were a gift of God to us all. While I had an imperfect plan, He had given us all the perfect gift. And God recognized when He gave us that gift exactly how long we would get to enjoy it.

Knowing then the pain we would feel now, He still gave her to us because He loves us. I had an imperfect plan, but He knew she was the perfect gift for us. His gifts don’t bring harm. So, I appreciate the gift of the memories we made even when I have to catch a tear trailing on my face–because as much as I loved her, it just shows me how much He loves me, too. He blessed me with the gift of her love.

Why, God?

Things don’t always go as we plan. When we have an imperfect plan, He has the perfect gift for us. Today, you may have unanswered questions. Perhaps you want to understand why something unplanned has happened. If something didn’t go the way you prayed, listen to see if God wants to tell you why. His answer may surprise you.

Click to read the first chapter of Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle.

You can purchase Believing for a Miracle on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats!

The post Imperfect Plan and the Perfect Gift appeared first on Holly D. Murray.