Category: Bethany’s Guest Posts
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Lord, Help My Countenance!
Sometimes all our favorite coping mechanisms fail us. Sometimes clearing our heads just makes the clutter in our hearts stand out more. Sometimes it’s not a matter of unbelief or challenging circumstances. Call it hormones. Label it mood. The fact is, sometimes despite what we believe, we just aren’t “feeling” it. While there are many…
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What Can Separate Us?
Words like those in Romans 8:35-39 tend to come to mind and comfort us in deep hardship, like when facing death, demons, uncertain futures, and the depths suffering. But it isn’t just the “negatives” of life we feel keep us from God. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?….. For I am convinced that…
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3 Ways to Get Truth from Your Head to Your Heart
You might have heard the famous quote: “The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.” 18 inches doesn’t seem that far. We can cover that distance in one swift step with our feet. Many of our pets are about that length, and we can run our…
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The Promise of Presence
A promise. Several generations passed. 400 years of captivity. 40 years wandering the desert. The Promised Land in sight, then out of sight, then in it again. Amazing victories. Devastating losses. Seasons of sin. Periods of rejoicing and serving the Lord. Finally, the death of Moses. It wouldn’t be long. All they’d waited for was…
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Your No Is As Important As Your Yes
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37 Are you afraid of saying no? I am! What a gift that Scripture doesn’t condemn the word no. Rather, the Bible highlights the importance of keeping your word, whether it’s a yes or a no. Every no…
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Why Did You Bring Me Here, God?
I remember the excitement when the phone call came. “We just have to finalize it, but you can schedule that moving truck,” the Midwestern man’s voice exclaimed. Expectantly, we did. We waited. But the paperwork never arrived. Weeks later, the same voice apologized on the phone. Unforeseen circumstances arose. The position was canceled. We’re weren’t…
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Waiting Isn’t Passive
Our days and lives are filled with waiting. For good, for bad, for new, for people, for change. (For pandemics to end!) Waiting is a God-designed practice. However, as the worn, torn magazines in waiting rooms around the world can attest, patience in the waiting isn’t a natural virtue. Waiting makes some of us crazy. In…
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The Milestone That Wasn’t
Months in advance, I plan which previously published posts I’ll share on Recharge Wednesday. When I saw the date this was planned for, I thanked God again. One loved one’s graduation has been canceled. Dear friends’ wedding may have to be limited to family. COVID-19 is messing with milestones for many of us. Yet God…
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5 Encouragements When All You Can Do Is Pray
I wrote the following post before COVID-19 was an issue. How much more real this is today, when we feel helpless in the face of suffering, unable to even extend a hug… If I’m honest, “just praying” makes me feel helpless. The frustration and despair in my heart when I’m told all I can do…
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When Your Manna Tastes Bland
When I had me wisdom teeth removed (gag), the surgery went well, but there were complications during my recovery. I’ll spare you the gory details. Suffice it to say, I had to eat the same bland, soft foods for about a month. Let me tell you: diversity of diet is a spiritual need. Maybe that’s…