Practical Ways to Shine Your Faith in the World

Faith is not something we leave at church on Sunday—it’s a way of life empowered by grace. In Christ, we are called to be light and love in every space we inhabit: our workplaces, schools, and communities.

1. Grace That Goes Before: God Is Already at Work

Before we ever speak or act, God’s prevenient grace—His love going before—has already been present in the hearts of those around us.
John Wesley taught that God’s grace is always drawing people toward Himself, even when they are unaware (see Sermon 85, “On Working Out Our Own Salvation”).

That means you’re never starting from scratch in your workplace, classroom, or neighborhood. You’re joining what God is already doing.

“The world is my parish,” Wesley once said—not to claim ownership, but to remind us that everywhere is sacred ground for grace.

2. The Witness of Love: The Early Church’s Secret Strength

The earliest Christians lived in a world that was often indifferent or hostile to their faith. Yet, their quiet courage and radical love transformed an empire.

A second-century writer described them this way:

“They dwell in their own countries, but only as sojourners… they love all people, and are persecuted by all” (Epistle to Diognetus).

Their faith wasn’t a performance; it was a pattern of life—sharing meals, serving the poor, forgiving enemies, and living with joy.

Likewise, our calling is not to win arguments but to embody the love of Jesus—patiently, humbly, consistently.

3. Living Faith Where You Are: Practical Ways to Shine

Here are some means of grace for living your faith in a secular environment:

At Work:

  • Do your work “as unto the Lord” (Col. 3:23). Excellence and integrity speak loudly.
  • Pray quietly for your coworkers. Ask God to bless them, especially those who frustrate you.
  • Listen before you speak; people notice humility more than slogans.

At School:

  • Be a friend to the lonely and an encourager to the discouraged.
  • Let your joy in Christ make you curious—not judgmental—about others’ stories.
  • Invite others to join you in service or small group activities.

In Your Community:

  • Be visible in small acts of mercy—volunteering, feeding, visiting, mentoring.
  • Support justice rooted in holiness—seeking the good of your city (Jer. 29:7).
  • Speak truth with gentleness, always seasoned with grace (Col. 4:6).

Each act becomes a testimony of sanctifying grace—the Spirit forming you and others in holy love.

4. Remember Who You Are

You are not a lone ambassador trying to hold the line—you are part of the Body of Christ. The Spirit is with you.

Gather regularly with believers. Share your struggles in a small group or class meeting. Rehearse grace through the sacraments, prayer, and Scripture.

Holiness grows best in community. You are strengthened so that Christ’s love can overflow into the world.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you most feel the tension of living out your faith—in work, school, or community life?
  2. How might you see God’s prevenient grace already at work around you?
  3. What small act of love or mercy could you offer this week as a witness to Christ?
  4. How can your faith community support you in this calling?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You have placed me in this world not to hide my faith, but to live it with courage and compassion.
Let Your love flow through me—in word and deed—so that others might see You.
Give me grace to be gentle, bold, and faithful where You’ve called me.
Amen.

Next Steps

  • Practice the means of grace: Daily prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of mercy.
  • Form community: Join a small group or band meeting to share your journey.
  • Be intentional: Choose one space (work, school, neighborhood) and commit to pray and serve there this week.
  • Remember grace: You’re not performing for God’s approval—you’re participating in His ongoing love.

Honoring Veterans: A Call to Gratitude

Veterans Day calls us to honor those who have served—and to remember that gratitude and service are deeply Christian virtues rooted in the love and sacrifice of Christ.

1. Remembering Sacrifice

Veterans Day is a time to pause and give thanks for those who have risked much for the sake of others. Their courage, discipline, and devotion to duty reflect values close to the heart of Christian discipleship.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). While military service differs from the sacrifice of Christ, both remind us that love is not sentiment—it’s costly, self-giving, and others-centered.

John Wesley often reminded believers that holiness is “social”—it’s love expressed in service to neighbor and nation.

2. The Wesleyan Way of Gratitude

In Wesleyan theology, gratitude is not just good manners—it’s a means of grace. When we give thanks, we open our hearts to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who forms us in love.

On Veterans Day, our thanksgiving can be an act of sanctifying grace. We remember not only those who served, but the God who calls all people to serve in love.

We might ask:

  • How can I express gratitude beyond words?
  • How might I serve those who have served?

True gratitude moves us to action—through compassion, advocacy, and hospitality.

3. The Early Church and the Call to Peace

The early church lived in a complex relationship with empire and conflict. While many early Christians resisted violence, they also prayed for rulers, soldiers, and the peace of their cities (1 Tim. 2:1–2).

Their witness reminds us that we honor veterans best when we pray for peace and work toward a world where swords become plowshares (Isaiah 2:4).

Our gratitude should lead us to intercession—for healing among veterans, for comfort to grieving families, and for the wisdom of leaders to pursue justice guided by mercy.

4. Living as Christ’s Ambassadors of Peace

Honoring veterans means more than a single day of remembrance. It means committing ourselves to a life that reflects the peace of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

  • Be a friend to those carrying burdens unseen.
  • Support organizations that care for veterans’ physical and mental health.
  • Pray for reconciliation and understanding where war has left wounds.

The same Spirit that sustained Christ in His suffering now empowers us to be ministers of peace and hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life has modeled sacrificial service?
  2. How does remembering veterans help you appreciate Christ’s self-giving love?
  3. What is one tangible way you can show gratitude to a veteran this week?
  4. How can you be a peacemaker in your own relationships and community?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
We thank You for those who have served with courage and compassion.
Bless our veterans with peace, healing, and honor.
Teach us to follow Your way of self-giving love,
That we may be instruments of Your peace in this world.
Amen.

Next Steps

  • Reach Out: Write a thank-you note or visit a veteran this week.
  • Pray: Include veterans and their families in your daily prayers.
  • Serve: Volunteer with local veteran support ministries or organizations.
  • Reflect: Keep a gratitude journal this month, noting ways you see God’s grace in others’ service.

Revive Your Bible Study: Creative Ways to Engage with Scripture

The Bible is more than just a book—it’s God’s living Word, filled with wisdom, encouragement, and truth for our daily lives. Yet sometimes, reading Scripture can feel like a routine. We skim the words without really engaging with them, and before long, our hearts drift away from the joy of Bible study.

The good news? God never intended His Word to be boring. With some creativity, you can bring fresh life to your time in Scripture and discover new ways to connect with His truth. Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Bible Journaling

Bible journaling allows you to combine creativity and Scripture. Whether through doodles, calligraphy, or colorful notes in the margins, journaling helps you process what you read in a way that sticks with you. If you’re not artistic, don’t worry! Journaling can also be as simple as writing prayers or reflections in a notebook alongside your daily reading.

2. Verse Mapping

Verse mapping is like creating a road map for understanding a passage. You take one verse, break it down word by word, and explore its meaning by looking at cross-references, historical context, and original language. This method helps you go deeper and discover insights you might otherwise miss.

3. Group Bible Study

The Bible was never meant to be studied in isolation. When you gather with others, you benefit from shared perspectives, encouragement, and accountability. Group study can be as formal as a weekly church class or as casual as coffee with a friend to discuss what you’re reading.

4. Thematic or Topical Studies

Instead of reading straight through, focus on a theme—like forgiveness, prayer, or the fruit of the Spirit. By gathering verses from across the Bible on a single topic, you’ll see how God weaves His message consistently through Scripture.

5. Scripture Memorization with a Twist

Memorizing verses doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork. Try writing verses on sticky notes and placing them around your house or setting them as reminders on your phone. Singing or reciting verses aloud can also help them settle deep into your heart.

6. Pray as You Read

Don’t just read the Bible—pray it back to God. Turn passages into prayers for your life, your family, or your church. This practice transforms reading into relationship and helps Scripture become part of your daily conversation with God.

The Bottom Line

Studying the Bible is about more than information—it’s about transformation. By adding creativity to your time in God’s Word, you’ll not only grow in knowledge but also in love for the God who speaks through it.

So, pick a method, try something new, and let God’s Word come alive in fresh and meaningful ways!

The Blessing of Jesus’ Ascension: A Divine Connection

Scripture Passage

Luke 24:50–53 (NRSV, NIV, CEB, NASB1995)

“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.” – Luke 24:50–53, NRSV

The ascension of Jesus is not His departure but His enthronement. The same hands that bore the wounds of love are now lifted in blessing forever. Jesus reigns—not far away, but as the living presence of God who fills heaven and earth.

1. Jesus Ascends in Blessing

Luke paints a tender and powerful image: before returning to the Father, Jesus blesses His disciples. The Greek word eulogeo—to invoke divine favor—echoes the priestly benediction of Numbers 6:

“The Lord bless you and keep you…”

Here, Jesus acts as the eternal High Priest, mediating God’s blessing upon His people. Even in His ascent, He is giving. He departs not with distance but with divine favor extended to His Church. His final earthly gesture is a perpetual promise—His blessing continues still.

2. Heaven Is Nearer Than We Think

All Saints’ Day invites us to remember those who have gone before us into glory. The ascension reminds us that heaven is not some distant galaxy, but a thin space—the unseen realm of God’s glory that touches our own.

The disciples could no longer see Jesus, yet they worshiped with great joy. They had learned what we too must hold fast: though unseen, Christ is not absent. As Paul writes, “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). We live with one foot on earth and one in heaven, always in His presence.

3. Jesus Reigns as King and Priest

To ascend is to take a throne. Psalm 110:1 foretold, “The Lord says to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Jesus’ ascension fulfills this promise—He now reigns as the world’s true Lord.

Wesleyan theology sees this not as divine distance, but divine authority made personal. The One who reigns in glory also reigns in grace. His kingly rule is love itself, ordering creation toward holiness, peace, and renewal.

As John Wesley preached, “The Son of God is now in heaven interceding for us; He is still blessing His people.”

4. The Disciples’ Response: Joyful Worship

What strikes us most is joy.

No fear. No grief.

The disciples respond to Jesus’ ascension by worshiping and continually blessing God.

The Greek word proskyneo—to bow down—shows deep reverence. They understand that Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is divine. Worship becomes their posture of life.

That same worship sustains us when loved ones enter eternal life. Because Christ reigns, death no longer has dominion. Heaven’s joy is already breaking into our world.

5. Living Between Ascension and Return

We live now in the sacred “in-between”—after Christ’s ascension, before His return.

In this time, our calling mirrors that of the first disciples:

  • To worship continually,
  • To bless others with the grace we’ve received,
  • To live as citizens of heaven on earth.

Every act of love, mercy, and justice is participation in the reign of the Ascended Christ. The Church’s mission flows from this truth: Jesus reigns now, and His Spirit fills us with joy for the journey.

Wesleyan and Early Church Lens

Wesleyan Grounding:

Prevenient grace draws us to this moment; justifying grace unites us with Christ; sanctifying grace propels us to live as His witnesses. The ascended Lord blesses us that we might bless the world.

Early Church Connection:

The Fathers saw the ascension as humanity’s exaltation. In Christ, human nature has entered the very life of God. As Athanasius said, “What is not assumed is not redeemed.” Christ’s ascension means our destiny is communion with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus’ continual blessing shape your understanding of His presence today?
  2. What does it mean for you that heaven is “near,” not distant?
  3. How can your worship—private and corporate—mirror the disciples’ joy?
  4. In what ways can you “extend Christ’s blessing” to someone this week?
  5. How does remembering the saints help you live with hope and courage?

A Prayer for the Ascended Christ

Gracious and reigning Lord,

You ascended in blessing, not to leave us, but to lift us into Your life.

Teach us to live with joy, to worship continually, and to share Your blessing with the world.

Let heaven’s hope fill our hearts until faith becomes sight,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Next Steps for Discipleship

  • Practice the Blessing: Speak a blessing each day over someone you encounter.
  • Join in Worship: Like the disciples, gather regularly to praise God in community.
  • Live Heavenward: Begin each morning with the prayer, “Jesus, reign in me today.”
  • Remember the Saints: Name those who have shaped your faith; give thanks that they now live in Christ’s glory.
  • Serve with Joy: Let your acts of mercy reflect the reign of the Ascended King.

Start Over with God: A Guide to Healing

When Life Breaks Down — God Builds Again

Every one of us has a moment when life “glitches.”

You make a mistake. You lose direction. You feel like you’ve messed things up so badly that there’s no way forward.

But what if those moments aren’t the end of your story?

What if they’re actually where God begins His best work?

That’s the message behind my two latest books:

📘 The Power to Start Over — for adults who feel stuck, ashamed, or ready for a spiritual reset.

📗 Starting Over for Teens: Life Glitched — for students who feel lost in the pressure of growing up and want to find real peace, confidence, and faith again.

Both books share one powerful truth:

👉 You are not too far gone. Through Christ, you have the power to start over.

A Journey Toward Wholeness and Hope

In The Power to Start Over, I walk readers through seven simple but life-changing steps—from facing the truth about where you are, to finding healing through presence, gratitude, and grace. You’ll see how God redeems your story, restores what was broken, and writes a new chapter with you.

In Starting Over for Teens, I help students discover what it means to be honest, real, and free. Through relatable stories, discussion questions, and simple “Reset Actions,” teens learn that no mistake is too big for God’s mercy and no life too glitched for His love.

Both books are meant to do more than inspire you—they’ll help you transform your daily rhythms so that faith becomes more than a Sunday thing. It becomes your everyday life.

Why I Wrote These Books

After years of ministry, counseling, and watching people quietly struggle behind the smiles, I realized something:

So many of us believe in grace—but we don’t always know how to live it out.

These books are a way to bridge that gap.

They’re not about perfection. They’re about permission—permission to be honest, to heal, and to start again with God.

Whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a mentor, these free resources will help you find peace in the middle of the chaos and strength for the next step forward.

Download Your Free Copies

Both The Power to Start Over and Starting Over for Teens are available FREE for a limited time.

👉 Download your copies here:

Ryan Stratton’s Books

Because everyone deserves a chance to begin again.

Reflection Verse

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

No matter where you are today, remember: God isn’t done writing your story. The next chapter begins with grace.

5 Ways to Hear God Amidst Life’s Chaos

We live in a noisy world. Phones buzz with notifications, schedules overflow with commitments, and our minds rarely rest. In the middle of all this busyness, it can feel almost impossible to hear God’s voice. Yet Scripture reminds us that God still speaks—sometimes in a whisper, sometimes through His Word, and often in ways we least expect.

The question is: how do we discern His voice in the middle of the chaos of daily life?

1. Make Space for Silence

Elijah discovered that God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11–12). To hear God’s voice, we must intentionally create space for silence. Even a few quiet minutes in the morning before the day begins, or a pause at lunch to breathe and pray, can open our hearts to His presence.

2. Stay Rooted in Scripture

God’s Word is His primary way of speaking to us. When we’re grounded in Scripture, we are better able to discern His voice from the noise of the world. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”Daily reading—even a short passage—helps align our hearts with His truth.

3. Pay Attention to the Nudges

Sometimes God speaks through gentle nudges—an idea you can’t shake, a burden for someone, or a moment of conviction. These whispers of the Spirit often line up with Scripture and lead us toward love, peace, and obedience. Learning to recognize these subtle movements takes practice and prayerful reflection.

4. Seek Wise Counsel

God often speaks through others. Proverbs 11:14 says, “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Surround yourself with faithful friends, mentors, or small groups who can pray with you, challenge you, and help you discern whether what you sense is truly from God.

5. Practice Consistency in Prayer

Prayer is not just about talking to God—it’s also about listening. Set aside regular time to pray and then pause long enough to listen for God’s response. Keeping a journal of prayers and insights can help you recognize patterns of God’s leading over time.

The Bottom Line

God is always speaking. The challenge is not His silence, but our willingness to slow down and listen. By making space for silence, grounding ourselves in Scripture, paying attention to the Spirit’s nudges, and leaning on prayer and community, we can learn to hear God’s voice—even in a busy world.

Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and ask: “Lord, what do You want to say to me right now?” You may be surprised by how He answers.

The Power of Resurrection: Jesus Lives On

Scripture: Luke 24:1–8

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”

The Dawn That Changed Everything

Early in the morning, before the sun had even risen, the women went to the tomb. Their hearts were heavy, their eyes red from tears, their hands clutching spices meant for burial. Everything about that moment screamed finality. Jesus was dead. Their hope was gone.

But when they arrived, the stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And two radiant messengers spoke words that changed human history: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”

The story of Easter is not just about a miracle that happened then—it’s about a reality that continues now.

Jesus is alive. Not metaphorically, not symbolically, but literally and eternally alive. The same Jesus who healed the sick, welcomed sinners, and calmed the storm is alive and reigning today.

The resurrection is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of everything new.

The Death of Death

When Jesus rose, He didn’t just come back to life; He defeated death itself. The cross was not a tragedy to be pitied but a triumph to be proclaimed.

The apostle Paul wrote it best:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)

Because Jesus lives forever, death no longer defines us.

Our failures don’t have the final word. Our grief doesn’t have the final word. Even the grave doesn’t have the final word. Jesus does.

And His word is life.

When you stand at a graveside, when you face loss or loneliness, when life feels like a sealed tomb—remember that the resurrection wasn’t just a one-time event. It’s God’s eternal declaration that nothing is impossible for Him.

The Resurrection Still Happens

We often think of Easter as a date on the calendar. But resurrection isn’t confined to springtime—it’s a daily invitation.

Every day that you wake up and choose forgiveness over bitterness—resurrection is happening.

Every time you believe again after disappointment—resurrection is happening.

Every moment you lift your eyes from despair and say, “I still trust You, Lord”—resurrection is happening.

Jesus didn’t rise just to prove His power; He rose to share His life with us.

Because He lives, we can live—fully, freely, fearlessly.

We are resurrection people in a world that still clings to the tomb.

The Living Christ in a Dying World

The risen Christ is not locked in the pages of history. He walks among us today.

He meets us like He met Mary in the garden, calling our names when we least expect it.

He walks beside us like He did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening our eyes to grace right in front of us.

He appears behind locked doors, bringing peace to our fears and breathing His Spirit into our lives.

We don’t follow a memory—we follow a living Savior.

And this living Jesus still transforms lives, still redeems stories, still brings light into the darkest corners of the human heart.

So when you wonder if your situation is too far gone, remember: God has already proven that nothing is too dead for Him to raise again.

Living in Resurrection Power

The resurrection isn’t just something to believe in—it’s something to live out.

It means we forgive as Christ forgave.

We serve with joy, even when it’s hard.

We love without fear of rejection.

We give generously because we trust that God provides.

To live in resurrection power means we no longer have to be defined by the wounds of Friday or the silence of Saturday.

We live in the light of Sunday morning—where the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive.

So whatever tomb you’ve been staring at—whether it’s regret, loss, addiction, or shame—listen closely. You may hear the whisper of angels saying, “He is not here. He is risen.”

Reflection Questions

  1. What “tomb” in your life might God be calling you to leave behind?
  2. How can you live as a person of resurrection hope this week?
  3. Who needs to hear that Jesus still brings life out of death?

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank You for the victory You won over sin and death.

Remind us daily that You are alive and at work in this world.

Let Your resurrection power flow through us—bringing forgiveness, courage, and hope to every corner of our lives.

Help us live as people of the empty tomb, proclaiming with joy that You are risen and You live forever.

Amen.

Transform Your Life: Deepening Your Prayer Journey

Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts God has given us. It’s the open line of communication between heaven and earth, where we bring our joys, sorrows, gratitude, and needs before the Lord. But if we’re honest, prayer can sometimes feel inconsistent, rushed, or even dry.

The good news? Prayer isn’t about perfect words or flawless routines. It’s about connection—drawing close to the heart of God in every season of life.

1. Prayer Is Relationship, Not Ritual

Too often, we treat prayer like a box to check off our daily list. But Jesus modeled prayer as intimate conversation with His Father. In the Gospels, we see Him rise early to pray (Mark 1:35), withdraw in the midst of busyness to pray (Luke 5:16), and cry out in anguish in the garden (Matthew 26:39).

Prayer is more than a spiritual habit—it’s a relationship. Just as friendships grow through regular, honest conversation, so does our relationship with God.

2. Prayer Fits Every Season of Life

  • In times of joy, prayer becomes thanksgiving. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”(1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
  • In times of grief, prayer becomes lament. Like the psalmists, we can bring our tears and questions before God.
  • In times of waiting, prayer becomes trust. It reminds us that God’s timing is better than ours.
  • In times of strength, prayer becomes intercession. We lift others to God, standing in the gap for those who need encouragement.

No season is beyond God’s presence. Prayer keeps us connected to His heart no matter what we’re facing.

3. Making Prayer More Meaningful

If prayer sometimes feels shallow or repetitive, here are a few ways to deepen your practice:

  • Set aside a rhythm. Morning, evening, or mid-day—choose a consistent time and space where you can be still before God.
  • Use Scripture as a guide. Pray through the Psalms, the Lord’s Prayer, or promises from the Bible. Let God’s Word shape your words.
  • Pray honestly. Don’t filter your emotions. God can handle your joy, anger, confusion, or silence.
  • Listen, don’t just talk. Prayer isn’t only speaking—it’s also pausing to hear God’s Spirit whisper truth and direction.
  • Keep a journal. Write down prayers and look back later. You’ll see how God has answered over time.

4. The Power of Consistency

Prayer doesn’t have to be long to be powerful—it has to be consistent. Daniel prayed three times a day, even when it risked his life (Daniel 6:10). The early church devoted themselves to prayer, and the Spirit moved mightily among them (Acts 2:42).

Consistency builds intimacy. The more we pray, the more natural it becomes, and the more we sense God’s presence throughout our days.

The Bottom Line

Prayer is powerful because it connects us directly to God’s heart. In every season—joy, sorrow, waiting, or abundance—prayer reminds us we are never alone.

So today, take a step closer. Whisper a prayer of thanks. Pour out your struggles. Sit in silence and let God’s peace wash over you. Prayer is not just a discipline; it’s the lifeline of a disciple.

Navigating Pain: The Power of Lament in Our Lives

How to Lament and Live Through the Hardships of Life

Scripture: Luke 23:1–3

“Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man inciting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that he is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’”

Sitting in the Hard Places

Life doesn’t always look like we imagined. Sometimes it’s beautiful; other times, it’s tattered and worn—like an old stole I keep that once belonged to my mentor, Jimmy Lewis. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of two things: who God called me to be, and how fragile this life really is.

That’s why I love the honesty of Scripture. It doesn’t shy away from the mess. Luke 23 places us in one of the darkest moments of human history: Jesus—the Son of God, the One who healed the sick and loved the unlovable—is betrayed, denied, tried, and crucified.

And we are invited not to rush past it, but to sit in it.

The Temptation to Skip the Suffering

We prefer the resurrection story. We love Easter morning, not Good Friday afternoon. We want to move from pain to praise without having to sit in the tension between. But life doesn’t work that way.

Jesus’ story shows us that redemption always walks through suffering. He was betrayed by a kiss from a friend, denied three times by Peter, dragged through mock trials, and nailed to a cross. Yet in the midst of it all, He lamented—not sulked, not complained, but lamented.

The Difference Between Sulking and Lamenting

Sulking turns inward. It keeps the focus on me—my pain, my frustration, my unfair situation.

Lament, however, turns upward. It brings our pain before God, saying:

  • “God, I’m mad.”
  • “Here’s why I’m mad.”
  • “But I still trust You.”
  • “Now, Lord, please do something.”

That’s the pattern of the Psalms. Over forty of them are laments. They teach us that God welcomes our honest cries, our tears, and our anger. Jesus Himself prayed the Psalms from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1).

Lament doesn’t deny pain—it names it in the presence of God.

Learning to Sit and Be Still

My mentor Jimmy taught me how to do that. There were days when ministry was hard, when he didn’t know how he’d make ends meet. But he’d remind me to “sit and be still.” To wait on God.

Every time I put on his old stole, I remember that lesson: God is still speaking, even in silence. God is still present, even in pain. God is still faithful, even when life feels broken.

When Jesus hung on the cross, the world went dark. His friends scattered. Hope seemed lost. But as author Bob Goff once said:

“Darkness fell. His friends scattered. Hope seemed lost—but that’s when Heaven started counting to three.”

Hope in the Waiting

Whatever hardship you’re facing—grief, disappointment, betrayal, uncertainty—don’t rush through it. Don’t try to pretend it doesn’t hurt. Learn to lament. Cry out to God. Tell Him how you feel. And then wait.

Because even when you can’t see it, God is already counting to three.

He’s already at work redeeming what feels ruined.

He’s already preparing resurrection on the other side of suffering.

A Prayer for Today

Gracious and holy God,

Teach us how to lament as Jesus did.

When we are betrayed, denied, or broken, remind us of Your presence.

Give us the strength to endure, the patience to wait, and the faith to hope.

Thank You that even in the darkest moments, You are counting to three.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord, Amen.

Finding God in Times of Silence

Every believer goes through seasons when God feels far away. The prayers we once prayed with passion now seem to bounce off the ceiling. Scripture that once felt alive can feel flat and dry. Worship songs that once moved us now feel routine. These “dry seasons” can be discouraging, and many Christians quietly wonder, What’s wrong with me?

But here’s the truth: dry seasons are a normal part of the Christian journey. Even the giants of faith—Moses, David, Elijah, Paul—experienced moments of silence, doubt, and waiting. The good news? God is still at work, even in the silence.

1. God’s Silence Doesn’t Mean His Absence

When it feels like God is quiet, it doesn’t mean He has left you. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Those words aren’t tied to our feelings; they’re grounded in God’s eternal promise.

Think of Joseph in prison. From the outside, it seemed like God had abandoned him. Yet behind the scenes, God was preparing Joseph for a greater purpose—to save his family and an entire nation. What looked like silence was really God setting the stage.

Dry seasons can feel like empty fields, but under the soil, roots are growing deeper. God uses the unseen places to strengthen us for what’s ahead.

2. Silence Strengthens Our Faith

Feelings are real, but they aren’t always reliable. Faith, on the other hand, is built not on emotions but on trust in God’s character.

Dry seasons test what we believe. Will we still cling to God when we don’t feel Him? Will we trust His promises even when our hearts are weary? James 1:3–4 says, “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Spiritual growth often happens not in the mountaintop moments but in the valleys. It’s in the waiting, the wondering, and the silence that we learn perseverance, patience, and the steady discipline of trust.

3. Practices to Stay Grounded

When faith feels dry, don’t give up. These simple practices can keep your heart anchored until the season shifts:

  • Stay in Scripture
    Even if the words seem lifeless, keep reading. God’s Word is alive whether you feel it or not (Hebrews 4:12). Over time, the Spirit will bring it back to life in you. Sometimes a single verse carried in your heart can sustain you through weeks of dryness.
  • Keep Praying—Honestly
    God doesn’t need polished words; He wants your honest heart. David often cried out, “How long, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1). Yet his prayers of lament became the very prayers that connected him more deeply to God. Bring your frustration, your silence, your longing—God can handle it.
  • Lean on Community
    When you can’t carry your faith alone, let others help. Friends who pray for you, a church that encourages you, or even a small group that listens without judgment can become God’s voice when you feel He is silent. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
  • Practice Gratitude
    Even in the silence, there are glimpses of God’s goodness—a sunrise, a kind word, a small answered prayer. Writing them down can open your eyes to how God is still present.

4. Remember: Seasons Change

No season lasts forever. Winter always gives way to spring. In the same way, spiritual dryness will eventually give way to renewal.

Isaiah 43:19 promises, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” What feels like silence today may become the foundation of tomorrow’s testimony.

Think of the disciples after the crucifixion. For three days, silence must have felt unbearable. Yet resurrection was just around the corner. Your story may be in a Friday or Saturday season, but Sunday is coming.

The Bottom Line

Spiritual growth in dry seasons is about trust. God is not absent, even when He feels silent. He is shaping you, preparing you, and drawing you closer than you realize.

Don’t give up—your roots are growing deeper than you can see. One day, you’ll look back on this season not as wasted time, but as the soil where God planted faith that could withstand any storm.