God

Through the Darkest Valley

‘

Spiritually speaking valleys can be times of darkness, struggle, trial, uncertainty, and pain. Interestingly, it is here in the midst of valleys where I feel the presence of God the strongest. It is here deep in the midst of turmoil that I see God is growing me, patiently and tenderly. It has been said: without the test their is no testimony.
 
If we never met resistance, our faith would remain shallow and superficial. It is when we meet moments of great crisis where what we really believe becomes clear. The same God who is with me on the mountain top experiences is the same God who is close to me in the valleys of trial. If you are walking in a valley today, remember: this too shall pass. Jesus promised to never leave you or forsake you and in Him nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
 
My prayer is that you and I would stop focusing so much on the “why” we are in the valley and instead seek God’s guidance on what He wants us to learn in those moments. It is here we learn to trust Him. Before He can call us into deeper waters, we must learn to trust Him here.
By Daniel Higginbotham, ago

Peace in the Storm Kind of God

The storms of life can take many different forms. From the death of a spouse or child to struggles with addiction. Storms may be the loss of a job, health, relationship, or some other important part of our life. Storms can be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual but most often are a combination of all those. Storms can rage physically or just deep within our hearts. Left unchecked, storms can radically destroy the landscape of our lives.

 

Today I am thankful of a few reminders:
1. My God is near in the midst of every trial and storm (Psalm 34:18)
2. My God has the power to speak into the storm to make it immediately cease (Mark 4:39)
3. My God calls me to Him when I am weary to cast every burden on Him (1 Peter 5:7)
4. My God calls me to Him to find rest (Matthew 11:28)
5. In my most desperate time of need, my God calls me to Him for mercy and grace to help me (Hebrews 4:16)

 

I don’t know what kind of storm you are facing today but I do know that not even that storm is too out of control for God to bring joy, peace, and hope. I know all this because My God is a Peace in the Storm Kind of God.

By Daniel Higginbotham, ago

With Jesus Nothing is Impossible

The same Jesus who opened the eyes of the blind, gave hearing to the deaf, healed the lame and the leper, and raised the dead back to life, knows your name. In Christ nothing is impossible. No life is too broken or gone to be saved. No marriage or relationship is too past saving. No sickness or addiction is too powerful. In Jesus, all things are possible.

 

In my brief time on this planet one lesson I have learned well is this… even if Jesus doesn’t, His plan, purpose, and grace are enough for me. Even though Jesus could have stopped the wreck that tried to destroy my life, He didn’t. Although Satan thought the wreck and death of my late wife Cassie and daughter Brynleigh would destroy me, Jesus had a purpose beyond the pain. Today everything that Satan tried to steal is still in the unshakable hands of the God of the universe.

 

My prayer for us both today is we would remember with Jesus it isn’t a matter of “if He can”. He is the God of the impossible. When Jesus speaks, galaxies spin into existence. The same God who conquered death, hell, and the grave lives in me. In Christ nothing is beyond His power to save, redeem, restore, and rebuild.

By Daniel Higginbotham, ago