I’m one of those people who loves to plan. Every year, I buy a new planner thinking it will somehow change my life. (It never does.) Then there are the planning apps I use to keep track of work, the house cleaning, and what we’re eating for dinner. This all drives my husband crazy, I’m sure.
But there is only so much in life that we can actually plan and control. A planner can’t show you an unexpected phone conversation with an old friend. Or tell you the week your kids will be sick and home from school. A planner can’t show us the opportunities God will bring our way before they happen. But God often does amazing things through those unexpected detours.
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were on their way to prayer when they encountered a detour of their own (Acts 16:16). The spirit inside the fortune-telling girl knew the truth about God’s power, and she followed them for days saying the same thing over and over. Eventually, Paul cast the spirit out of her (v.18). Her masters’ response? They were furious to lose their livelihood and took Paul and Silas to the chief magistrates, who threw them in prison (v.23). Now, Paul and Silas could have chosen to be angry and frustrated. They could feel bad for themselves or stress about the fact that their plans were thrown off track. They could keep to themselves and be rude to the other prisoners. But that’s not what they did.
Instead, they used where God placed them as an opportunity.
In a frustrating situation, they praised God. Paul and Silas prayed. They recounted what they know about who God is. At midnight, they worshipped. The best part about this whole thing? “The prisoners were listening to them” (v.25).
Paul and Silas’s direct response to their situation was faith. And because of how they chose to respond, they ended up leading an entire family to the Lord (vv.32–34). A midnight deliverance probably isn’t what anyone expected. But the unexpected is often where God shows up and does the miraculous.
Maybe you’re like me—you don’t like disruptions, distractions, or things that mess up your plans. But I’m learning that sometimes, God uses our daylight disruptions to bring midnight deliverance. That means our response matters, even in the inconvenient moments of life. Our perseverance and faith in our hopeless moments are actually a way we can bring glory to God.
In the dark spots of our life situations, in the disruptions to our best plans, we have a choice to either praise or complain. Will we be found praising God?
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100 thoughts on "A Midnight Deliverance"
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Always
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This so tor
tally took my mind to that day i believed i was going to be discovered as a fraud. I had promised to make my friends sons christening cake.
On arrival at the venue to assemble the cake and set up, the venue had made no provision for me to use the kitchen or anywhere else, but by God’s grace and a chat with the chef who was not happy, I was given 45 minutes to do what I needed to do!
My friend and I unloaded, fast, set up, did all the necessary hand wash, apron etc. She was on filling the 300 profiteroles, and i on the caramel to be spun once we were ready.
I had never made a croquembouche before, i had made choux buns, filled them but never made a tower!So so this truly was an anxiously challenging time! Through all this i kept singing His praises.
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In the dark spots of our life situations, in the disruptions to our best plans, we have a choice to either praise or complain. Will we be found praising God?
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Indeed we will, because I kid you not, when I say we filled, stacked, covered it in spun sugar, set it up where it was to stand as centre piece, and tidied the kitchen for the chefs return!
He and his crew could not believe that it was done in that short time.. because he knew what it takes..
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BUT GOD..
He will never let His ‘team’ down… NEVER!
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AMEN..
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Will be and have responded to all prayer requests..
Hugs..❤️
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I remember that amazing testimony! Great for this lesson, too! ❤
Morning, not sure what is going on, but I am not able to respond to anymore comments after Kimberly.
There is a message after the two I did comments on reading click to edit ” and then a countdown clock,, anybody know what that is? It has happened on occasion before, I just assumed it was because I responded to more comments, basically on one hit using the ‘post comment button’
HELP!
We are so blessed not to be suffering the way that other sisters and brothers do that live in various places, huh?
True – so true
Glory be to God. I’m trying so hard to Let Go and Let God.
It was so nice to “meet” you tonight, LISA H., MARILYN JOHNSON & RITA MITCHELL!! ❤️❤️❤️
Yes! Grateful SRT put this together!
Amen!
“But I’m learning that sometimes, God uses our daylight disruptions to bring midnight deliverance.” Just wow!! Disruptions to our plans, our lives, the lives of those we love can prove so hard and so dark. BUT GOD… brings the light!
Mia Faith❤️
Love this message today. We’ve all had dark moments but with darkness brings light. I’ve been there many times as you all know but there is always hope on the other said. Praying for you all today .
Yes, dear Kimberly Z, I will never forget your post that day! I am so thankful you found Hope and restoration on the other side!
And praying for you Kimberly that life is being kind to you by God’s grace.. Amen. much love..❤️
Okay this message was very timely. I have had lots of disruptions the past three years and man was it hard. But, in the hard there has been growth. I am finally getting back to healing from the spiritual abuse I endured, I am feeling a bit safer in faith communities again and my relationship with God is getting better. I now look back on where I was, and I am so thankful for where I am now…that God loved me so much He pulled me out of darkness. Everytime I am at my new church, I am overcome with joy, thankful that I found a soft place to land.
If you guys could pray, I am meeting with someone and sharing my story with them. It’s scary, because I am not sure how they will take it, nor can I plan for their response. God has given the green light, I just need courage to do it.
If He has given you the green light, He will give you the words! You can’t control how they will respond, but you can pray for their heart to hear correctly what God is sharing through you. ❤
Thank you for the encouragement CeeGee!
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I am so glad you have found a new church, a safe place. Agree with CeeGee on the green light…the Lord will give you the words and He will use them as He sees fit. Sharing your story is of great encouragement and also sheds light on the ways the greater church needs to be aware and mindful of the ways it can bring harm. These are important conversations and quite likely very healing for you. ❤️
❤ amen!
Praying Lexi for the seed of Truth and the willingness of the hearer to seek understanding
Sister Shes
The devotional today made me do a double-take. I have been doing the BMW (bitch, moan, whine) about a postponed medical procedure ever since the week began.
Disappointment. Distraction. Discombobulation.
I commit instead to pray & praise longer & louder. To rise above my own noise & narrative. God is working through every detail. He is the ultimate decider. I will place my trust in Him & His truth. Any procedure is by His appointment!
Okay Gwinnett, BWM made me laugh hard! Praying for your appointment and that things go well.
This made me chuckle too, Gwineth!:)
I am one who doesn’t like my plans disrupted, and I most certainly don’t like surprises! But as Abby Flynn points out – “God uses our daylight disruptions to bring midnight deliverance. That means our response matters, even in the inconvenient moments of life.”
My first response is usually frustration or annoyance because things did not go “as planned”. It causes anxiety and stress and sometimes anger. None of which is pleasing to God.
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I am going to take note of Abbey’s challenge and try to remember it when I’m in those situations. I would much rather praise than complain but as we well know – the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. That’s where God’s strength comes in. That’s why it’s so important to be daily in God’s word and daily in prayer – alone in your “closet”, on your knees prayer.
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I also want to be mindful that just as Paul and Silas had “hidden listeners”, so do I. We never know who is listening so we must always be conscious of the fact that what I’m voicing, whether good or bad might be falling on ears that I know nothing about.
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One prayer that I continuously pray is Psalms 19:4 – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
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@Heather H – I am so sorry to hear of your heartache as to whats happening in your state of MN. For us living far away, we are sort of removed from it so thank you for reminding us of how terribly hard and heartbreaking it is for everyone. I have been praying for MN but now will pray more specifically. May God bring order to the chaos, peace to the unrest, and comfort to those who have lost loved ones. ❤️
@Tami – thank you for the excerpt that you shared yesterday! I printed it out, it was a beautiful reminder of the power of prayer.
@Lynn from Alabama – Haha! I wondered the same thing! Then I immediately thought, “they did have public baths, maybe that’s how”. I also found this…
“In the New Testament era, distinguishing between circumcised and uncircumcised individuals was primarily done through physical examination in communal settings like Roman baths, gymnasiums, or public toilets, where nudity was common. Additionally, cultural, religious, and dietary practices (such as not eating pork or adhering to kosher laws) served as markers, while circumcision status was often openly discussed or declared during the theological debates regarding Gentile converts.”
@all my sisters who are praying for me as a postpartum doula – thank you! I can feel your prayers at work!❤️
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I must run out so no time to read your comments now, I’ll pop back in later. In the meantime – Have a blessed and Thankful Thursday! ❤️
Hidden listeners- I thought the same. And watchers!
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That verse came to mind last night as I worked in another study. ❤
Yes, always good to remember that people are watching you and your actions.
ABBY FLYNN, I think is the best devo you have written! Thank you, lil’ sis, and God bless you! ❤
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Abby said,
“…they used where God placed them as an opportunity.
In a frustrating situation, they praised God. Paul and Silas prayed. They recounted what they know about who God is. At midnight, they worshipped. The best part about this whole thing? “The prisoners were listening to them” (v.25).”
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From Warren Wiersbe Study Bible:
“Instead of complaining or calling on God to judge their enemies, the two men prayed and praised God. When in pain, the midnight hour is not the easiest time for a sacred concert, but God gives “songs in the night”
(Job 35:10; also see Ps. 42:8).
Paul’s attention was fixed on the jailer, the man he really wanted to win to Christ. The jailer would rather commit suicide than face shame and execution. A hard-hearted person seeking vengeance would have let the cruel jailer kill himself, but Paul was not that kind of a man.”
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I love the reminder in Wiersbe’s note about ‘songs in the night’! I thought that would be beautiful to share. Then, I read that last sentence- and had to read it again.
“…but Paul was not that kind of a man.” (hard hearted person seeking vengeance)
My first thought: well, that certainly describes the man Paul used to be when he sought out and attacked so many (when he was known as Saul), but then He came face to face with his future when he met the Lord.
Bet that wasn’t written in any planner!!! ☺
Saul was changed from that vengeful person to one who could endure a horrible beating and jail time all because of the grace and sovereignty of God – the POWER of God. Instead of seeking to kill followers of The Way, he was urging people to follow the Lord.
I guess the focus for me changed from the praise from Paul and Silas to the power of God. He didn’t just break their chains; He broke all of them! Rambling here- hope I made sense.
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I know I just shared this song again last week but it’s the one that comes to mind:
SONG SHARE-Jesus Culture – Break Every Chain (Official Lyric Video)
Partial lyrics:
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
SEARCHING- missing your comments; hope all is well! ❤
Disruptions, distractions and things that mess up MY plan! That wrong turn or missed exit while driving. “Take-a-deep-Mari” I admit most times I don’t like disruptions but especially distractions and sometimes those distractions are caused by me, myself and I. BUT our God allows detours and I’ve learned those detours are sometimes OUR God protection and GOOD of our Father looking out for us. AND sometimes it’s opportunities to show up for someone who may need help or even encouragement.
Hi all. I am rather new here & have not posted before. My sister in law had stage 4 cancer at 22, she was given a 20% chance to live & no chance of ever having babies. But God proved them wrong. Fast forward to December of 2025, she has 3 babies now & was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer at 39. Her first treatment was last week and she is pretty sick this week. Will you please pray for her?
Sending prayers!
Praying with and for this young family! May our Sovereign Lord who is in charge, not just involved(El Elyon) bring His Peace, Healing and Presence near to this family for His Glory and their good!
Thank you for sharing that we might join in to trust and see how good God is!
Amen
Praying for your sister in law crystal!!
CRYSTAL- thank you for posting! What an incredible testimony! Praying the effects of the treatment will be manageable- especially in her mom role! So thankful it was caught early!!! Please keep us posted. ❤
Praying Crystal!
Crystal, lifting her up in prayer!
“But I’m learning that sometimes, God uses our daylight disruptions to bring midnight deliverance.” This is something I need to learn better. There is no worse feeling than reading my devotional or scripture and I get interrupted. And I immediately get so annoyed. Then I feel guilty and annoyed at being annoyed because I find myself in a place that is not conducive to pray. But maybe it is that those are the moments when I need to lean on prayer the most. Words to remember for sure.
This is one of my favorite “go to” scripture passages to point out to those in the midst of unexpected trials of life! When we are servants of the Most High, he will use all of our situations we find ourselves for His Glory, won’t He? We get so frustrated with interruptions, yet they can be so powerful! Aren’t the scriptures of Prayer and Praise in the hardships more impactful?! Of course they are, yet when our own pits and fires come we usually go to complaining and the woe is me song.
This story comes in handy of course for our jail ladies- for they ARE in jail. But there they can make such an impact of how they respond to their situation. Will they use it to trust and grow in God, be an impact to the prisoners around them, sing praises and worship, change the guard’s hearts? They could!
In our Chronic Pain Group- do we complain about our illnesses and conditions or do we pray and praise for healing?! Do we point others to that faith? Do we show up even when we don’t want to? And stay faithful to show others that we are waiting on our miracle, or/and to trust!?
We all have a chance to respond in our crisis. Life is full of them. Being a person rooted strong in Jesus reflects to all around us, especially family. Your kids have a front row seat. When injustices come will we scream and make noise or will we hit our knees in prayer and faith?! Redirecting our frustration and offenses to our spiritual armor is huge. The devil loves when we implode and divide, and point fingers. There is nothing new under the sun and the devil’s time is almost up, so this is the time to really shout our Praises to Him rather than our natural flesh response.
Stacey popped into my mind as I read. God word as usual! ❤
*good* but *God* works there,too! ☺
“We have a choice to either praise or complain.” This sentence from Abby’s devotional is where I need to focus my attention and prayers. Too often I choose to complain. Where is my witness of Christ while I’m complaining and focusing on myself? 2 Corinthians 10:5 taking every thought captive to obey Christ. That is where the victory is and the battle is fought. I have a choice to praise or complain.
Yes! Take every thought captive- by testing what is of God—perfect, acceptable, and good!! Amen!
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Like everyone, I’m praying that I praise God in the struggles rather than complain!! He uses everything for His glory!
Also, praise is what the battles in the unseen spiritual realm! We overcome by the blood of The Lamb and the word of our testimony! Let’s raise a Hallelujah in the presence of our enemies!
Praying for all!
Yes, love that song!
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amen! That’s such a great song, too, with special meaning for me.
I’m home with a sick little boy this week, having to navigate work and classes at the same time, and miss his sisters’ basketball games. This hit hard. I had to mind over matter it last night. I have a great boss, I still made the evening townhall because of my wonderful family, and I get to cuddle on demand. But I’m still frustrated. Reminds me of a podcast I heard this line, “you can’t have it all at the same time.” So this week my planner is wrong, but the Sovereign God is in control, and at this point if I missed an event with the president because the little guy is sick, well I guess he’ll be stopping by.
What a timely reading. His will not mine.
Praying for your little boy and that everyone else stays healthy! ❤ Glad you joined us!
Annie, I too am home this week with a sick kiddo, trying to navigate work and doctors appointments, and can certainly relate to your feelings of frustration. Last night was particularly low for me – just exhausted and ready for everyone to be healthy. This devotional struck me for that same reason – God is always right on time, isn’t He? Praise God that He is in control – may our hearts shift towards praise in these moments by the power of the Spirit working in us. I know I can’t do it on my own!
Thank you all for for prayers. My husband is doing well I say for just having spine surgery.
Praise be to God.
Great news! ❤
“Paul and Silas’s direct response to their situation was faith….God uses our daylight disruptions to bring midnight deliverance. That means our response matters, even in the inconvenient moments of life. Our perseverance and faith in our hopeless moments are actually a way we can bring glory to God.”
I am a planner and disruption or interruptions are frustrating and annoying. The reality is life happens no matter what and there just is not much we can do but keep going and make the choice to adapt and go with it. To have the right heart attitude, the right attitude, to perserve, to have faith and trust knowing that God’s hand is present and leading.
Lord, please hold my heart and mind no matter the circumstances and situations that come my way. May my response always be to call out to you, to seek you, to offer praise and keep my eyes on you knowing that your ways are best, that you are good, faithful and Sovereign. amen
Amen. Perfect prayer to keep handy. Being a child of God…if we remember EVERY situation can be, and will be used for good of all those that love him, called for his purposes!! It reminds us that he is very aware, lol, and nothing is being wasted. The more we grind this into our minds and hearts we prepare ourselves to be ready when the battle comes! The problem is we like to plan our own battles on our time tables…to fight for others, but not when it is our own!
Beautifully said. Amen ❤️
Daylight disruptions, midnight deliverance. Good stuff.
My word for last year was Interruption. Because I really struggle with life that goes outside my planner. I think God brought a huge pile of interruptions into my 2025. I think I did well and I think I failed. It remains front of mind, and this reading and devotion underscored it again.
Father I want to always praise You. In Jesus name, Amen
Paul and Silas met suffering with worship, and their chains became a doorway for grace. Without lifting a weapon of the flesh, they waged war through prayer and praise. Beaten yet joyful, wronged yet loving, imprisoned yet free, they chose faithfulness over escape. In their endurance, the gospel spoke louder than any sermon, and their suffering became holy ground where grace found another heart.
Amen
Amen
Amen & Amen, SRT sister, Kimberly!
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I always loved hearing this story of Paul and Silas when I was in Sunday school. Not the pain they endured, but I thought it was the ultimate sign of God’s power that He sent an earthquake to open up the prison doors. I never understood why they stayed in the prison, but as I’ve gotten older it’s become more clear that sometimes God has us stay put in the mess for just a little longer before we see a change. God is working in the stillness too!
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Reflect Christ
Another side note for devo clarity – through the power and authority of Jesus Christ, only in His name Paul was able to cast out the demon.
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HRT, Alex Florez
When we witness injustice, when bad things happen to innocent people, when the order of the universe as God would have it seems turned upside down, our response should be prayer and praise. Having centered our spirits and our minds on Jesus we can begin to see the world through His eyes. Only then can we discern the best path forward.
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MARIE S – thankful you found the ‘great’ church you are serving in now. Praying for churches where leadership has taken their eyes off God and His greatness and put their faith in themselves.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for Thomas Medlin and family. Joining our sisters in prayer for God’s timing with the babies so that you are able to serve both your client and your daughter well.
CEE GEE ❤️ I saw what you did, slipping that song share into your comment … the Jesus way :) And ‘remember that no sometimes means not at this time’ – thank you.
MERCY ❤️❤️ missing you, sister
SUSAN BURLEY praying for wisdom, guidance and protection in this situation
LYNNE FROM AL – thanks for posting my question yesterday! I found a couple things about baths in that era not always being private, and also that Jewish people were known to ask and that Paul and Timothy wouldn’t lie.
WENDY B ❤️
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Prayer request for skilled nursing facilities and residents with the increased spread of flu and RSV. The facility where I have a family member and friend is currently having a surge of RSV.
Thank you so much for answering that question! I have always wondered about that. It seems that I wasn’t the only one wondering.
Hey,SEARCHING! I looked for your comment earlier and didn’t see it. So sorry!
Great comment as usual!
Joining in prayer as requested! ❤❤❤
Thank you sister, you are so kind. I was MIA to recovery from a sickness and caring for sick kids. Hugs and love.
Also I’m reminded of the song – “We’re Blessed” by Israel Houghton —
`Late in the midnight hour
God’s gonna turn it around
It’s gonna work, it’s gonna in your favor
Yes it will, yes it will
Late in the midnight hour, yeah`
Will I be found praising God? I pray that would always be my response – in good, bad, unexpected things planned, & everywhere in between!
That my words, my mouth and all I have and am would praise the Lord God Almighty!!
How timely this reading is- daughter moving to South Africa to be with her Marine fiancee until summer 2027. She is a massive planner and hates surprises. Prayers for her mind and heart are more specific this morning after today’s reading and commentary.
Praying!!
Verse 16:26″…and everyone’s chain came loose.”
The power of God and the Holy Spirit liberates and sets people free. This was true heart felt worship.
Verse 25:” About midnight Paul and Saul were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were Listening to them.”
God puts us where we need to be.
Who is listening to me and what am I saying?
I thought about song I like called, ” God of Revivial”.
Here is the chorus:
Cause there’s no prison wall You can’t break through, no
Mountain You can’t move, all things are possible
The darkest night, You can light it up
You can light it up, God of revival
Let hope arise, death is overcome
You’ve already won, God of revival
hey everyone good morning! there is a SRT zoom call tonight at 7pm CST. they sent out an email yesterday not sure if y’all have seen it! (I barely found it honestly.)
hope y’all can make it!
here’s a link to the info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qEZXqZ3xS1O6mPMFeBGgpA?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Women%20in%20the%20Word%20Week%20%7C%20Jan%2028%2C%202026%20%7C%20Email%202%20%28All%29&utm_id=Women%20in%20the%20Word%20Week%20%7C%20Jan%2028%2C%202026%20%7C%20Email%202%20%28All%29%20%2801KG02MJV7D17B6PTN4VA3N8M9%29&utm_klaviyo_id=Klaviyo%20profile%20ID&_kx=xOmZ79HjxNn3-gwgHvaGA19x69CLBqMcdmCNw5YMv6U.dPEv6W#/registration
I don’t know if you’re supposed to be spreading the word about that but I got nothing and there’s no way I’m copying that link
Do you get SRT emails? It’s in there. Today, they sent an email with the subject “Today’s Giveaway + One Week Reminder for Lent Orders” and they mention the Zoom in there as well.
I’m registered for the zoom but I don’t know if I will make it. It depends on how quick my husband’s doctor’s appointment is.
Please pray for me, I have a situation at work that I need God’s hand.
Praying! Work situations are hard.
Praying, Teresa ❤️
Yes praying for you❤️
‘Sometimes God uses our daylight disruptions for midnight deliverance’. WOW. I can honestly say that the most minor inconvenience can throw my day off kilter. Lord, help me to remember this. Help change my attitude
It is amazing the special grace that God gives to His people when they are suffering, especially unjustly. So many modern stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters suffering beatings and imprisonment yet are experiencing the joy and peace of God.
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HEATHER H (& other Shes in MN) – my heart breaks for all of the brokenness and harm happening. For those of us not living there, we cannot truly know what is happening. Praying what Abby wrote in the devotional for you today, “Our perseverance and faith in our hopeless moments are actually a way we can bring glory to God.”
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Praying for the people in Iran who have been raising up for their freedom. May they continue to have courage.
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MOLLIE – praying for a quick recovery for your husband.
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FOSTER MAMA – any updates on the adopting family for your little one and his siblings
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Anybody else have the phrase “bloom where you’re planted” pop to mind this morning?:)
Like our devotion writer, I’m big on planning and not always very gracious with interruptions. Several times this week the idea has come up that rather than railing against the circumstances we’re in, I should realize God’s sovereignty put me here and I need to glorify Him in it. Do I complain and fret or do I praise God and pray….
Obviously there’s some pruning to be done here!
Father, help me to be found praising You!!
Amen❤️
I named one of my sons, “Silas”, because of this story.
I was just reflecting of how much I get to be thankful for and how worried I am in the unexpected and overwhelm of life. I would appreciate prayer to help me praise God no matter what. Thank you.
Update: They should be starting on our house any day. My dad also has some health tests coming up this next week. Thanks always for your prayers.
Oh, I hope the house construction goes quickly and you and your family can finally move out of your little space!
Praying your dad’s tests bring anwers and clear direction for treatment.
Amen!
Praying A! May the chaos of this week draw you nearer to our Savior’s presence.
❤ Great to see you, A Walton! Praying for smooth sailing with the new build – NO long delays! – and for health answers for your dad! ❤
Oh you have been waiting on this house build for SO long! Are you surviving the apartment living?! Prayers that it goes smoothly and fast from today on!