 By: Pastor Dr. Princess Millens, Blessed and Beautiful International Some seasons make looking too far ahead feel like too much. Tomorrow feels heavy. Next week feels impossible. And the thought of carrying what you are carrying for another month, another year, or sometimes even another day can feel overwhelming. Grief can do that. And grief does not only come when someone dies. We grieve relationships, dreams, identities, opportunities, seasons, disappointments, betrayals, changes we never asked for, and lives that did not turn out the way we thought they would. Sometimes those losses come one at a time. Sometimes they come in layers. And sometimes a person can carry so much for so long that somewhere deep inside they begin to wonder, Do I even want to keep doing this? If you have ever found yourself in that kind of place, I want you to know Scripture doesn't hide from those moments. It takes us right into them. Scripture Focus - 1 Kings 19:1–8 “And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, ‘Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.’” - 1 Kings 19:7 NKJV Elijah knew what it felt like to reach the end of himself. This prophet had seen God move powerfully. He had experienced victory. He knew God's voice. He had witnessed God's faithfulness. But in 1 Kings 19, Elijah became so overwhelmed that he sat under a tree and told God he had had enough. He did not simply say, “Lord, I am tired.” He said, in essence, I do not want to keep living like this. That part of Elijah's story matters. Because sometimes we have unintentionally made people believe that if they really love God, really trust God, or really have faith, they should never reach a place of deep emotional despair. But Elijah did. And I love God's response. God did not shame him. God did not accuse him of lacking faith. God did not give him a lecture. God cared and tended to him. He let Elijah rest. He fed him. He touched him. Then the angel said something I believe somebody needs to hear today: “The journey is too great for you.” In other words, yes, this is a lot. God acknowledged the weight of what Elijah was carrying in that moment. And maybe that is where hope begins for some of us. Not by pretending that everything is fine. Not by minimizing the pain. Not by forcing ourselves to be strong. Maybe hope begins when we can finally admit, This has been too much for me. Paul understood that kind of pressure too. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, he wrote that he and those with him were “burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.” I have always appreciated the honesty of that passage. Paul was a man of faith, but he also knew what it meant to feel crushed beneath the weight of what he was carrying. Later, in 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, he gives us language that so many of us know well: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” Hard-pressed. Perplexed. Knocked down. Those words do not describe a life untouched by difficulty. They describe someone who has been through something. Maybe you have been through something too. Maybe you are still going through it. And perhaps the hardest part is that you cannot see how everything is going to work out. But here is what I want you to hear: You don't have to see the whole road to take the next step. You do not have to figure out next year today. Sometimes you cannot even figure out next week. That is okay. Sometimes the grace to keep living comes one day at a time. One prayer at a time. One conversation at a time. One meal at a time. One appointment at a time. One breath at a time. Sometimes hope is not a loud declaration that everything is suddenly wonderful. Sometimes hope sounds like, I am still here. And for today, that is enough. Psalm 118:17 gives us a declaration to hold on to: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” Sometimes we may have to speak that over ourselves before we fully feel it. I will live. Not because I understand everything. Not because the grief has disappeared. Not because what happened did not hurt. But because my story is still being written. There is still life beyond this moment, even if I cannot see it yet. There is still purpose beyond this pain, even if I cannot feel it yet. God still meets people underneath broom trees, in overwhelming pressure, in grief, in confusion, and in places where tomorrow feels impossible. And sometimes He does not show us the whole journey. Sometimes He simply gives us enough grace for today. Lesson to Carry With You You do not have to see your entire future to choose life today. When grief, loss, emotional exhaustion, and disappointment become heavier than you know how to carry, please do not believe that you have to carry them alone. Reach for God. And reach for people. Let somebody know when the journey has become too great for you. Sometimes faith looks like prayer. Sometimes faith looks like worship. And sometimes faith looks like making the phone call, sitting with a counselor, calling a friend, talking with your pastor, or telling someone you trust, “I am not okay, and I need you to stay with me through this.” There is no shame in needing help carrying what has become too heavy. Today does not have to answer every question about tomorrow. For today, choose the next breath. The next step. The next conversation. The next moment. And when tomorrow comes, there will be grace waiting for you there too. Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for being a God who meets us in the places where life feels heavier than we know how to carry. For the person reading this who is grieving, overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling to see beyond today, meet them right where they are. Remind them that You are near. When their strength is gone, sustain them. When their thoughts become heavy, surround them with truth, love, and safe people. Give them courage to speak when they need help and the wisdom to receive support when the journey has become too great to carry alone. Lord, breathe hope into places that have felt hopeless. Give them grace for this day, strength for this moment, and enough light for the next step. Let the declaration magnify in their hearts again: “I shall not die, but live.” Thank You that their story is not over. We praise Your name always and give You all the honor and Glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Reflection Questions
A Final Word Much of my work centers around helping people recognize the hidden weight they have been carrying, especially the grief, emotional overload, and expectations that can quietly accumulate over time. In my newest book, The Cost of Carrying Everything, I explore what happens when being “the strong one” becomes a way of life and how carrying too much for too long can affect us emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and even physically. It is available, along with my Kingdom Book Award Finalist Joy Comes in the Morning: A 28-Day Devotional for Women Who Grieve at www.booksbydrprincess.com. If this devotional spoke to a place in you that has been carrying more than anyone knows, I want to remind you: You were never created to carry everything. And you do not have to figure everything out today. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stay. Take the next breath. Receive the next bit of grace. And give tomorrow the opportunity to become something you cannot see yet. May the Lord bless and keep you, make His face shine on you, be gracious to you, turn His face toward you, and give you peace.
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 Opening: Imagine it's your spouse's, child's, or even one of your parent's birthday, and you give them a gift. Imagine the gift is wrapped in old, dirty newspaper and you dropped it a few times while headed to bring it to them, well aware that it is broken. Now imagine giving it to them with a smile and a big hug. Finally, imagine them opening it and their angry response. You are confused because you don't understand what they don't like about it, even though you didn't consider them at all when you purchased, wrapped, and when you dropped it. In addition, maybe you paid the least amount of money for it or even collected it from someone's trash heap after you remembered that it was their special day. This is how we can bring our hearts before God if we are not careful to honor Him as the only true and holy God and worship Him in spirit and in truth. Let's take a look at Isaiah 1:11-17 to get the context. Scripture: Isaiah 1:11-17 11. “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. 12. “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? 13. Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations--I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. 14. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. 16. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17. learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." Devotion: In the above verses, God is revealing to the people that although He instructed them to continue the sacrifices and celebrations, there is a problem, their hearts. The offerings they are bringing are thoughtless gifts, and their hearts are not for Him any longer. This was due to their sin. These scriptures can apply to us today. I asked Chat GPT to generate the image above because I wanted the worse image we could consider. Why? Because I envisioned that's what their hearts looked like to God (the glass represents the divided pieces of their hearts) as they continued bringing the offerings as they had in the past. Meanwhile, they no longer chose God, and He was calling them out on it. In our world today, we may often want a soft, gentle word or something that makes us feel good, not a word that confronts us and causes us to take a hard look at ourselves. At our hearts. Sometimes that's exactly what we need, a strong rebuke to get us back on track. This is what God is doing in Isaiah 1. Lesson/Takeaway: After reading the above verses, I'm reminded that God doesn't leave us in our sinful state. He may send a man or woman of God to reveal His displeasure and give us the opportunity to correct it. In our time, this looks like continuing in the tradition of going to church and practicing religious rituals. Meanwhile, we continue to disregard God's instructions in His word and live in sin on our own terms. God wants our hearts. That's the gift. He doesn't want the practice of religion when our hearts are far from Him. He wants us to come with our hearts as raggedy as the gift in the image above, but he won't leave us that way. He will restore the gift make what's inside new and beautiful in his sight. As we continue to come to Him for healing, transformation, and restoration, our hearts (the gift) will eventual look like this. See image below.  Why is our hearts the gift? Because it is what we bring before God. It is what God sees. Not the gifts He has given us. Not the titles He has given. The heart. The thing He wants to change. Where He wants to dwell.
I Samuel 16:7 reminds us, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Therefore, let us bring to God hearts of faith, obedience, love for Him, and trust that He can cleanse anything there that keeps us from pure worship and honor. Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to be corrected by You. That's mercy. We thank you for your love for us and ask that you will help us to recognize those things that may cause our offerings to be vain as stated in Isaiah 1:13. Deliver us from any pride, rebellion, or false worship. Help us to love you with our whole hearts. In Jesus' name, amen. If you enjoyed this devotion, check out our Come Bible Study with Me blog page here on the website. We are currently studying the book of Isaiah. Click the link below to get started: hope-in-christ.com/come-bible-study-with-me.html Be Blessed, Hope-in-Christ Denise M. Walker Founder  Opening: Happy Resurrection Sunday! For us, Christians, this is one of the most important days of the year. The focus is not Easter baskets, speeches, and nice clothing. No, today we remember our risen savior and take the time to reflect on His goodness and grace. As we walk through this day of remembrance, let us remind others that He is not dead! He is risen, and that victory includes everyone. Scripture: But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." (Matthew 28:5-6) In this often used scripture, we find Mary Magdalene (The one from whom Jesus cast out many demons) and the other Mary (Another woman disciple of Christ) at the empty tomb. They meet an angel there who says the words above. They follow the instructions of telling the male disciples that Jesus is risen from the dead. On the way, they meet the risen Christ and worship Him. Jesus assures them to not be afraid and to go tell the men that He will come and reveal Himself to them in Galilee. Devotion: When I think about this scripture, I am reminded that Christ's victory over sin and death included me. All I needed to do was receive the invitation. I also noted that the women were a key element. According to the Jewish customs of that time, the testimony of women were generally not acceptable in a court of law. Yet, God entrusted the testimony of the greatest event in history to women. In a world where the voices of women were silenced, God chose them to be the first witnesses of the resurrection. The same voices that may not have been trusted in court were entrusted with the gospel message: He is Risen. Once again, this reassures us today that Christ's victory included all. Each and every person God created. Lesson/Takeaway: No matter your background or current situation, Christ included you in His victory. All you have to do is come. Surrender your heart, worries, and struggles to Him, and He can give you victory over them. I was one who struggled with many things in the past, but Christ has set me free. He desires that same freedom for you as well. Don't allow those who walk in pride and self-righteousness to make you feel unworthy of Him. He came to set the captive free. What has you bound? The risen Lord can free you today. John 8:36 tells us, "So if the Son (Christ) sets you free, you will be free indeed." His power has not been diminished because of man's lack of faith and trust. He has all power in His hands, and victory is ours. Will you accept and allow His victory in your life? Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your victory that included each of us. I pray for hearts to seek you and find you as they search for you with all of their hearts. I pray that those who need to will denounce their dead idols and come to you, the one who lives now and forever more. Be Blessed, Hope-in-Christ Denise M. Walker Founder   Scripture: “Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel” Judges 5:7. The Bible describes this woman of God as wearing multiple hats: prophetess, judge (adjudicator/ruler), military advisor, spiritual guide, and leader. I resonate with her so much because I, too, wear many hats: evangelist, church elder, mother, education advocate, leader, entrepreneur, educator, and mentor. Devotion: Deborah is the only judge of Israel mentioned in the Bible, and her story is one that had a positive impact on her country and her people. She ruled with fairness, loyalty, and with God’s wisdom. Her unique approach to serving her people (under a palm tree) also set her apart from other judges mentioned throughout the Bible. As a young woman, I shied away from my uniqueness, but as I have become older, I embrace being different and doing things differently. Even as an introvert, my gifting causes me to stand out. She was a woman who let love, compassion, and nurturing lead her. Her exhortation and support of Barak is one of the key relationships to her leadership that I found interesting and connected with. I have an intense and intentional passion for seeing the “underdog” win, and strive consistently to encourage and motivate others to their potential in God and in life’s pursuits. Deborah’s ability to balance her calling as a prophetess and her mantle as a political leader to her people speaks volumes to me as I strive to achieve that same kind of balance in my calling and life’s purpose work. Her level of confidence in not only her ability to lead, but in decision-making direction from God are qualities I look to apply to my own life. I desire to have her same level of discernment and fortitude in knowing “who” to invest in and how to do it. Lesson/Takeaway: As women, we are not only powerful life-givers, but we are also strategic, supportive, and innovative. Following God’s examples in His word should be all of our life’s desires. We should look up to these women in how they not only fulfilled their roles of their time, but their stories and lives impacted history. I desire to have that same level of impact in my family, my community, my church, and in my business. Prayer: Lord God, I thankYou for thinking of us by giving us examples after Your own heart. I thank You for giving us a standard and at the same time, giving us room to develop and grow into our own calling. I pray that each little girl or woman who reads this is just as encouraged and impacted by Deborah’s story as I am. Speak to each one of them, giving them the keys to their purpose and the path in which You have designed for them. Lord, please help us to desire to be women of impact for our world and for Your kingdom. We submit to You to write our story. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Reflection Questions: In what ways has God called you out to be different? What traits do you have that may have made you once feel like an “outcast,” but now you use them to empower you?  Tonya Franklin is an international, best selling, and award winning author. She has been in ministry leadership for almost 30 years. Tonya has been a trailblazer by introducing praise dance ministry to her local church in the late 1990s and was instrumental in helping shape youth choirs and ministries. Tonya is a speaker, evangelist, and mentor to youth, young adults, and women. She has served in the leadership ministry for almost 32 years, and formerly worked in education and with at-risk youth. In her professional pursuits, she is a marketing strategist and publicist, and was the founder of the first digital publication for virtual assistants of color (2015). Tonya is also the mother of 3 children. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: WHAT WOMAN IN SCRIPTURE AM I MOST LIKE? (The Woman with the Alabaster Jar)3/23/2026  What a Waste? Scripture: Matthew 26:6–13; John 12:1–8 Jesus and His disciples were gathered in Bethany at the home of Simon. During the meal, a woman entered carrying an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she poured the fragrant oil over Jesus’ head. The rich aroma filled the room. But not everyone appreciated the moment. Judas Iscariot objected. Disguising his true motives with concern for the poor, he asked why such costly perfume had been wasted. According to him, it could have been sold and the money given to those in need. To Judas, it was wasteful. To others in the room, it may have seemed excessive or unnecessary. But they did not know her story. Devotion: This woman knew what Jesus had done for her. She remembered His mercy, His forgiveness, and His love. What others saw as waste, she offered as worship. And Jesus, who sees every heart, defended her. He honored her devotion and declared that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached. Sometimes I feel like that woman. Lesson/Takeaway: I consider my writing an offering to Christ. The stories I write are like the precious oil poured from an alabaster jar—my attempt to honor the One who gave His life so that I might have eternal life. Not everyone will understand the value of that offering. Some may question the time, the effort, or the purpose behind it. But the Lord knows the heart behind the gift. When our work flows from gratitude and devotion, it becomes worship. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. I pray that the words I write will be pleasing to You and that they will draw others closer to Your heart. Amen.
 Opening: Have you ever wondered which woman in the Bible your life reflects the most? Not by perfection, but by the way you love, serve, and trust God through every season. Scripture: Proverbs 31 Woman (Proverbs 31:25) - "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Devotion: When I think about the Proverbs 31 woman, I picture a woman rising early with purpose in her heart. Her hands are busy caring for her household, blessing others, and building something meaningful. She is strong but gentle, wise with her words, and her life quietly reflects her devotion to God. She may get tired, but she never stops trusting God with her family, her work, and her purpose. Lesson/Takeaway: I can relate to the Proverbs 31 woman because my heart is to serve, encourage, and provide for others. Whether it’s feeding people, speaking life, praying for others, or caring for my family, I believe God honors a woman who works with love and keeps Him first. She reminds me that strength isn’t loud — it’s faithful. And a woman who fears the Lord will always be honored by Him. Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling women to walk in strength, wisdom, and compassion. Help me to continue serving with a pure heart, loving others well, and trusting You with every responsibility You’ve placed in my hands. Let my life reflect Your goodness and bring glory to You. In Jesus' name, amen. Reflection Question(s): • How can I reflect God’s love through my daily actions? • Am I trusting God with the responsibilities He has placed in my life? • What legacy of faith am I building for my family?  Temecka Smith is a woman of faith whose life is a testimony of God’s grace, redemption, and purpose. Through life’s challenges and victories, she has experienced firsthand the transforming power of God. What the enemy meant for harm, God turned into a testimony of strength, perseverance, and faith.
Temecka is passionate about encouraging others to trust God, to walk in integrity, and to live with clean hands and a pure heart. Her journey reminds others that when God calls you, He also equips you. Today, she continues to share wisdom, love, and the goodness of God with her family, community, and everyone she encounters, believing that obedience to God opens the door for His blessings and purpose to unfold. Life Scripture: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Epistle to the Romans 8:28  Woman in the Scripture I am Most Like: JAEL Opening: BORN TO CONQUER Scripture: Judges 4-5-9; Judges 5:2, 6, 11, 24-27 Text: During a war between Israel and Canaan, the enemy commander Sisera fled and hid in Jael’s tent. Instead of protecting him, she took decisive action and killed him, ending the threat and helping secure victory for Israel under the leadership of Deborah. Devotion: Jael was aggressive, bold, decisive, unafraid to act, God’s servant, and well informed. She did not need to be told what to do. She was proactive, self-managed, dependable, and accountable. She took initiative solving the problems and courageously faced danger. Lesson/Takeaway: Jael didn’t honor man, she honored God, and His Judge, Deborah. She acted spontaneously and took advantage of the opportunity to finish the job. He used an unlikely woman that was living for Him to save all. I can relate to her in my walk because I am the unlikely person, but I WAS MADE TO PRAISE HIM! You don’t just praise God when you go to church and sing praise songs; that’s just religion. You praise God with your life, homage, and devotion. I made my vow and never looked back. I work great under pressure (last minute tasks), with God’s power. I just do what needs to be done. Prayer: Lord, please allow your daughter to be courageous when challenging situations befall her. May she see it as you trusting her with a test and an opportunity to flex her faith. I pray that she will call out to You for help and embrace however You answer. In Jesus' name, amen.  EVANGELIST VICKIE CHINEY-SMITH (EVCS) The Praise Raiser
Evangelist Vickie was raised in KCMO. She’s earned a Bachelor’s in Sales and Marketing (Devry/2017); a Master’s in Public Business Administration (Keller Business School of Devry/2018); a Master’s in Theology (LU, Lynchburg, VA/2023), and holds a certificate in Family Counseling (Prepare/Enrich). EVCS is a licensed Evangelist (COGIC), PR Specialist, and prayer intercessor. She facilitates the MIDDAY WORD Spiritual Brunch - Tuesdays - 2:00 PM CST/FB. She co-authored an Amazon Best Seller, Influence 365, (2/7/22). She’s the community PR Associate at Raymanningsingers.com, and is the producer/host of “RAISE THE PRAISE”W/EVCS Radio Program (WED/FRI/SAT 11am – 12pm CST). EVCS is the manager at Better At Home Services, Inc., -Independence, Missouri. She’s the special advisor to her pastor and the administrative assistant to Earnest L. Fisher, Sr. at New Hope Tabernacle of Faith COGIC - Raymore, Missouri. EVCS is married to Elder Donald Smith, Jr. (26 years), with 2 daughters, 3 sons, 11 grandchildren and 4 greats.  Sitting At His Feet by Pastor Danyelle Scroggins Opening: During Women’s Month, I find myself thinking about the story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42. While Martha was distracted with much serving, Mary—made a different choice—she chose the floor over the kitchen, the presence over the pressure. Scripture: Martha wasn’t wrong or serving—she was responsible, diligent, dependable, faithful, and committed. But Mary just chose something different. She chose closeness as she took careful consideration of who was in her midst (Luke 10:39). Devotion: I see myself in her. There have always been voices—subtle and loud—whispering what women should and should not do. “Women don’t preach.” “Stay in your place.” “Serve quietly.” And for a while, I wrestled with those expectations. Those choices tried to make me question what God placed inside of me. I wondered if my hunger for His Word, my desire to speak it, share it, was too much. But like Mary, I sat anyway. I sat at His feet. I listened. I received. I allowed Him to pour into me everything He desired to give—wisdom, calling, boldness, identity, self-awareness, anointing, and love. I chose His voice over the noise (Luke 10:42). Lesson/Takeaway: Mary wasn’t distracted by opinions. She wasn’t intimidated by tradition. She understood something powerful: when you sit at Jesus’s feet, you receive what can never be taken away. And that’s what I’ve learned. My place is not defined by culture, criticism, or comfort. My place is wherever He calls me—even if that means speaking when others say I shouldn’t. This Women’s Month, I celebrate not just being a woman, but being a woman who sits at the feet of Jesus—and then rises to walk fully in what He has spoken over my life. Prayer: Father, I pray that your daughters would choose to be Mary in this Martha world. I pray that they would sit at your feet to gain clarity, wisdom, and all they need to walk out the call. Help them to know your voice and not be defined by any other. In Jesus' name, amen.  Pastor Danyelle Scroggins, M.R.E., is a dynamic preacher, teacher, and accomplished author dedicated to empowering believers to embrace their God-given purpose. With a Master of Religious Education degree, she combines theological depth with practical insight.
Known for her bold voice and heartfelt transparency, Pastor Danyelle inspires women to walk confidently in their calling while equipping the body of Christ through transformative preaching and impactful, faith-building books. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: WHAT WOMAN IN SCRIPTURE AM I MOST LIKE? (The Woman with the Issue of Blood)3/7/2026  Opening: Did you know you were born to walk in freedom? Freedom from sin, illness, disease, and any other form of bondage. As we celebrate women's history month, I want to take a moment to remember the women who were recognized in scripture. Myself and a few beautiful women of God are stopping by the blog this month to share devotions on the women in scripture we are most like. I have chosen to share the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." Now, those of you who know me are probably familiar with my testimony, my fiction stories, and my connection with Hannah from 1 Samuel. Although, Hannah and I do have many similarities, I also find myself connected to the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." Scripture: This amazing woman's testimony is found in the gospels (See above). The gospel of Luke records her as one among the crowd of people seeking Jesus. Luke, begins with several trying to get to Jesus. Then, along came a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, who fell at Jesus feet begging Him to come heal his twelve year old daughter who was dying. Jesus begins to follow him as people continued to push towards Him. Among them was the woman who was only recorded as the one who had an "issue." They didn't bother to record her name, only what she had been experiencing for 12 long years, having spent all she had on physicians but hadn't been healed by any of them. We are familiar with her story. She crawled to reach Jesus, believing if she could just touch the end of His robe, she would be healed. After touching Christ, her discharge of blood stopped. Jesus turned, recognizing that power had gone out from Him. Trembling, she confessed in the presence of everyone, and Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace." Devotion: This woman reminds me of myself because of her desperation for Christ. In that society, she wasn't even supposed to be among the crowd because she was considered unclean. However, she had tried everything. Then, (probably) seeing or hearing about Jesus healing and delivering others, she knew she had to get to Him no matter what. At a young age, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I struggled with this condition for many years, miscarrying, and even being told that I couldn't have children. However, this wasn't my greatest issue. I felt empty inside until I touched the robe of Christ, until I received His love, deliverance, and healing (physically and spiritually). You see, I thought the healing was all I needed. It would allow me to be a mother and fix all of my pain and rejection, but I needed Christ. I was desperate for Him. I needed to be whole, and that's what He did for me as well. Then, I too, heard Him call me "daughter." I had placed my faith (physically) in the doctor's and (spiritually) in others, but none of them could help me. Like her, I felt I was only recognized by my issue, but Christ recognized me as a daughter and one He desired to walk in wholeness in Him. Today, I continue to walk in that freedom in Christ, keeping my eyes fixed on Him. Lesson/Takeaway: I learned one thing from the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." I learned to be so desperate for the LORD, even if I break societal norms, even if I have to go at it alone. I learned that wholeness doesn't come from the healing. It comes from being in relationship with Him, recognizing that He is the source of all I need. Prayer: Lord this month and every month may your daughter choose to be whole. May she forget all of the rules of religion and chase after you, crawling through the crowd and reaching for you, our source and redeemer. Heal her, show her truth, and may she receive the title "daughter." In Jesus' name, amen. Reflection Question: What did you learn from the woman with the issue of blood? Please like, share with someone else, and comment your answer below. Be Blessed, Hope in Christ Denise M. Walker Founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries  Denise M. Walker is a minister, speaker, podcaster, and teacher of the Word of God with a heart for restoration, biblical literacy, and Christ-centered transformation.
She is an award-winning and bestselling author and an experienced educator with more than 20 years of service primarily serving in the English language arts and reading department. Denise is the founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries, Inc. and the owner of Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, LLC, where faith, purpose, and clarity intersect. Through Hope-in-Christ Ministries, Denise teaches the Word of God bi-weekly, hosts the Hope-in-Christ w/Denise podcast, and creates Bible literacy and verse-mapping resources designed to help believers grow deeper in their understanding of Scripture. Through Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, she supports Christian nonfiction and children’s book authors through editing, writing coaching, and book coaching services, equipping them to communicate their message with excellence and integrity. Overall, Denise considers herself an agent of hope, called to lead women and girls out of barren places and into wholeness in Christ, while guiding them and others to discover and walk confidently in their true identity through biblical literacy. Websites: • Ministry: www.hope-in-christ.com • Business: www.armorofhopewritingservices.com • Author: www.denisemwalker.com  Have you ever been watching something on TV or listening to something, and someone starts talking to you, so you hit the pause button? You hit that pause button because you don't want to miss what will happen next. You also hit the pause button so you can give that person your undivided attention. Some may go right back to what they were watching or listening to but others don't for days or even weeks.
Spiritually, we can hit the pause button on our God-given purpose and not unpause for days, months, or even years. I thought about this after God reset me (see the previous devotion). I began to pray and ask God why I kept pausing or stopping all together in the past. I learned that there was a deeper reason for me pausing so often. The greatest one was feeling overwhelmed. Another reason was my hidden fears. These things became distractions for me, which caused me to continue to pause. I felt overwhelmed because I tried to figure out how to complete all of the parts the Lord had sat before me. When I'm overwhelmed, I often cease doing anything or very little. That left me only completing pieces of the Lord's vision. When I would pause, I would focus my attention on something else, making it a distraction. This revealed my hidden fears. I paused because I feared failing and disappointing God. However, I didn't go to the Lord to ask Him for help. For balance. For wisdom. Do you recall the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Well, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. She got distracted by much serving. Then, she became overwhelmed because she operated in her own wisdom. At that point, she asked Christ if he cared that her sister Mary had left her to serve alone. Instead of Jesus correcting Mary as she wanted, he corrected Martha by explaining to her how anxious and troubled she was, but her sister had chosen to sit at His feet and learn from Him, gain wisdom and understanding. You see, I had to stop being Martha and start being Mary. It is okay to pause from the chase to learn, gain wisdom, and rest in the peace of Christ. I learned that the Lord hadn't changed His mind about my purpose. I needed to shift my attention to Him and away from fear. In my overwhelmed state, he called me to be still and gain what I needed from Him to not run out of steam. I am grateful because I tried to figure out how to do it all on my own. That wasn't his desire. I leaned on my own understanding, which caused me to almost give up. My distractions were the other things that seemed easier. The things that would keep some of the vision moving forward, but it wasn't the whole vision. As I have been spending time with the LORD, I've been led to remember His unique purpose in me. I have been instructed to keep my attention shifted to Him and keep going. Finally, He continues to give me strategy and wisdom, so I won't feel overwhelmed as I was before. My fears disappear each time I remember that this is His and not mine. I only need to allow Him to do the work in me. So, the next time you hit the pause button on your purpose, let it only be a short time. Recognize the distractions that came to throw you off track. Quickly return to it and ask the Lord to lead the way. See the tips to help with feeling overwhelmed on the lifestyle blog. https://hope-in-christ.com/lifestyle-blog.html Be Blessed, HOPE in Christ Denise M. Walker |
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