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PodcastsCristianismoThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast
The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast
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  • The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

    The Gift of Not Knowing

    03/08/2026 | 6min
    Trusting God when life doesn't make sense requires faith beyond our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust the Lord with all our hearts instead of relying on what we can see or explain. Discover how embracing life's unknowns can deepen your faith, replace worry with peace, and reveal God's greater purpose.
    Life is full of unanswered questions, unexpected detours, and closed doors that challenge our faith. Whitney Hopler shares how a frightening highway experience became a powerful reminder that God sees what we cannot. Even when His plans remain a mystery, His wisdom, protection, and love never fail. When we surrender our need to understand every circumstance, we discover that not knowing isn't a weakness—it can be one of God's greatest gifts, drawing us into deeper trust and lasting peace.
    Highlights:
    Discover why Proverbs 3:5 calls us to trust God over our own understanding.
    Learn how God often protects us in ways we cannot see.
    Find peace when life takes unexpected turns or your plans change.
    Be encouraged to release the need to control every outcome.
    Discover how uncertainty can strengthen your faith in God's wisdom.
    Remember that God's plans are always greater than our own understanding.
    Join the Conversation
    Has there been a time when you didn't understand what God was doing, only to later see His purpose? We'd love to hear how God has grown your faith through seasons of uncertainty.
    Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
    Do you want to listen ad-free?
    When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!
    Sign Up Today!
    Full Transcript Below:
    The Gift of Not Knowing
    By: Whitney Hopler
    Bible Reading:
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5, NIV
    Before I began a road trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, I prayed for a safe trip. In my mind, I had a very simple understanding of how the trip would go. I would stay in the right lane, drive the speed limit, and stay completely safe because of my own careful driving. But things changed in a heartbeat on the highway. Without warning, a car merged into my lane, right in front of me. The driver wasn’t paying attention at all. Cars were speeding by in the next lane, so I couldn’t move over. I was trapped! I had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting that car. Behind me, a massive tractor-trailer truck was coming fast. I remember feeling terrified when I looked in the rearview mirror and saw it speeding toward my car. The truck came within inches of my back bumper before it somehow slowed down enough to stop in just enough time before hitting me.
    In those few seconds, my previous understanding of the trip was gone. I was helpless. But God wasn’t. God knew that experience was coming long before I even started driving that day. He had already planned to answer my prayers for protection.
    Looking back, I realize something important: if God had shown me a video of that near-accident before I left my driveway, I would have been so scared that I may not have taken the trip at all. But God, in his kindness, kept that information from me. He gave me the gift of not knowing so that I could move forward in faith. I’m so glad I trusted God to handle the details I couldn’t see.
    Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to trust God completely rather than relying on our own understanding. As humans with limited perspectives, there’s a lot we don’t know. But God, who knows everything and can do anything, uses that unlimited knowledge and power for good. We can trust in God’s goodness to us, even when we don’t understand what’s happening. There’s wisdom in being willing to say that we don’t know, but God does.
    We all sometimes face closed doors. Maybe we applied for a job we thought we were perfect for, but didn’t get it. Maybe a relationship we valued suddenly fell apart. Or, maybe a plan we prayed over for months still didn’t work out.
    Often, we try to figure out why. We replay the situation in our minds, because we think that if we can understand it, we can control it. We believe understanding will bring us peace. But the truth is that we can’t force God’s big plans into our small human boxes. God works in ways that go far beyond our understanding. God’s possibilities for our lives are bigger than the ones we’ve imagined for ourselves. When we choose to trust God in situations that don’t make sense to us, we welcome God’s very best into our lives by making space for all of God’s possibilities to happen.
    We can still be at peace when we don’t understand what God is doing. Mysteries can challenge us to grow our faith in God by stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting him in new ways. When we don’t know something, we can be sure that God does.
    In the gap between what we know and what God knows, we can find grace. Not knowing something is sometimes a gift from God.
    Intersecting Faith & Life:
    As you consider why it’s important to trust God when you don’t know something, reflect on these questions:
    What’s one situation happening in your life right now that doesn’t make sense to you? Even though you don’t understand it, how can you still trust God to do what’s best for you in that situation?
    When did you experience a past situation that didn’t make sense at the time, but God showed you later how he was protecting you through it? How can that memory help you trust God with your current unknowns?
    How can you strengthen your faith by embracing mysteries and letting them show you something new about how God works?
    How can believing that God’s plans for you are beyond what you can understand help you worry less about the future?
    Further Reading:
    Isaiah 55:8-9
    1 Corinthians 13:12
    Romans 11:33
    Psalm 131:1
    Ephesians 3:20
    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  • The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

    Jesus Is Our Lifeline

    02/08/2026 | 8min
    Jesus Christ is our unbreakable lifeline, offering hope, strength, and security in every season of life. Hebrews 6:18-20 reminds us that through Christ we have a steadfast hope anchored in God's presence. Discover why prayer is more than a habit—it's our direct connection to the Savior who never leaves us or turns us away.
    Life often tempts us to look for comfort in people, achievements, or temporary things when we feel overwhelmed. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring reflects on how everyday experiences reveal a deeper truth: while people and circumstances may fail us, Jesus remains our constant source of hope and strength. Through prayer, we can bring every fear, burden, and unanswered question directly to Him.
    Highlights:
    Discover what Hebrews 6:18-20 teaches about the hope we have in Christ.
    Learn why prayer is our spiritual lifeline during difficult seasons.
    Be encouraged to depend on Jesus instead of people or temporary comforts.
    Find reassurance that Christ welcomes every fear, doubt, and burden we bring to Him.
    Understand how Jesus' constant presence gives lasting peace and security.
    Be reminded that our greatest hope is anchored in Christ alone.
    Resources Mentioned
    Song: Lifeline — Mandisa
    Song: That's Who You Are — Megan Tibbits
    Song: Don't Stop Praying — Matthew West
    Song: Jesus Walks with Me — Be Still Studios
    Join the Conversation
    What has helped you stay anchored to Christ during difficult seasons? We'd love to hear how prayer has strengthened your faith and reminded you that Jesus is your true lifeline.
    Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
    Do you want to listen ad-free?
    When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!
    Sign Up Today!
    Full Transcript Below:
    Our Lifeline
    By Alexis A. Goring
    Bible Reading:
    “We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 6:18-20 (MSG)
    A few years ago, while waiting to be seen in a hospital, I stepped into the women’s restroom and saw something that inspired this devotional: a lifeline. It was a red label with white-inked words instructing me to pull the attached red string if I needed help. The sight of this made me think about how Jesus Christ is our lifeline.
    Earlier this year, I saw a reel via Instagram of a young girl around age 11 or 12. She was captured on camera rushing onto the concert stage before security could catch her and embracing her favorite singer. Prior to this, I could see that the singer was performing at a calm, steady pace as she walked across the stage, holding the microphone near her face. When the young girl rushed onto the stage, the singer wasn’t fazed. She let the young girl wrap her arms around her waist and rest her head on her midsection as she leaned in for a tight hug that obviously meant the world to her. This girl received a 10-second embrace before security reached her and carried her away.
    When I saw this reel, it spoke volumes to me because it helped me realize several things. I realized that I have been there before because I have had favorite singers over the years—both secular and Christian—and I know what it’s like to cope with their music to the point where it feels like your favorite singer and their songs are your lifeline. When feeling sad or depressed, I would listen to a song that served as catharsis for my feelings, working it out of my system until I felt better.
    It was obvious to me that the singer in the Instagram reel was that young girl’s lifeline. Her music must have brought this girl through tough times and inspired her heart. Whether feeling happy or sad, this singer’s songs were obviously the soundtrack to her fans’ lives. It was obvious that she loved this musician with all her heart. It was also clear that this singer appreciated her fans because she let this girl hug her for more than a second without pushing her away.
    Jesus Christ also never pushes us away. And unlike any human—famous singer or not—He is our true lifeline. Only Jesus can save our souls. And He gave us a beautiful way to reach Him as our lifeline. That gift is prayer.
    I follow a page on Instagram that’s hosted by Ellie Mont. Last year, she said something very profound about prayer being our lifeline. These are a few quotes from her post on Instagram that support my devotional message today:
    First, she acknowledges that life can be hard for most people. Mont said, “Life often feels like a series of challenges and roadblocks that drain our strength. We try to be strong, to figure it all out on our own, but sometimes it just feels like too much. In those moments, we must remember we do not walk alone.”
    Second, she reminds us that Jesus walks with us. She also delivers a powerful line about the gift God gave us to reach Him and communicate with Him. Mont said, “Prayer is more than a religious habit or a last resort. It is a lifeline. It is a personal conversation with the God who created you, who sees everything you face, and who cares about every detail of your life. When you cannot handle the weight of your problems, you can bring them to the One who can. God does not ask you to be perfect. He asks you to come to Him just as you are.”
    Third, Mont reminds us that God wants to hear our hearts no matter how we feel or how messy it seems. She said, “You can be honest with Him. You can tell Him your fears, your doubts, your confusion, and your pain. There is nothing too small or too big for God to handle. He is not bothered by your questions or your tears. He welcomes them. He is a Father who wants to help you and walk with you through every season.”
    Finally, Mont gives us a word of encouragement for when we feel too discouraged to pray. She said, “Don’t let discouragement silence your voice. Do not let fear steal your hope. Keep praying. Keep trusting. God hears every word, even the ones you cannot say out loud. He sees your heart, and He is working even when you do not see it. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are not powerless. You are loved by a God who listens.”
    In closing, I’d like to say: Be careful not to make a human or anything that is not God your god or your lifeline, because there is only one true God and one way to heaven. The way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). He is our lifeline. We need to cling to Christ more than we cling to anybody or anything else.
    Before you go, please listen to these four songs (below) and reflect on the lyrics.
    Song of Reflection #1: “Lifeline” by Mandisa. Listen to it HERE.
    Song of Reflection #2: “That’s Who You Are” (Original song by Megan Tibbits). Listen to it HERE.
    Song of Reflection #3: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it HERE.
    Song of Reflection #4: “Jesus Walks with Me” by Be Still Studios. Listen to it HERE.
    Intersecting Faith & Life:
    How does it feel to know that Jesus Christ is our Lifeline? What have you been clinging to more than Christ?
    Further Reading:
    Luke 18:1
    John 3:16-17
    John 11:25-26
    John 15:5
    Hebrews 4:16
    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  • The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

    Finding Strength through Life's Storms

    01/08/2026 | 6min
    The Holy Spirit gives believers hope, peace, and strength to endure life's storms. Romans 15:13 reminds us that God's power is always available, even when we feel weak, overwhelmed, or powerless. Discover how relying on the Holy Spirit helps us navigate hardship, grow in faith, and find lasting hope in every season.
    Life has a way of reminding us how little control we really have. In today's devotional, Melinda Eye Cooper shares how a devastating winter ice storm and days without electricity became a powerful illustration of our dependence on God. Just as our homes cannot function without power, our spiritual lives cannot thrive apart from the Holy Spirit.
    Highlights:
    Discover what Romans 15:13 teaches about the power of the Holy Spirit.
    Learn why life's storms reveal our need for God's strength and presence.
    Be encouraged by how the Holy Spirit provides hope, peace, guidance, and comfort.
    Understand how difficult seasons can deepen your faith and dependence on Christ.
    Find reassurance that God never leaves you to face hardship alone.
    Be reminded that true spiritual strength comes from the Holy Spirit, not ourselves.
    Join the Conversation
    How has God strengthened you through a difficult season? We'd love to hear how the Holy Spirit has encouraged, guided, or sustained your faith during life's storms.
    Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
    Do you want to listen ad-free?
    When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!
    Sign Up Today!
    Full Transcript Below:
    No Power
    By Melinda Eye Cooper
    Bible Reading:
    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 NIV
    Living in middle Tennessee for the past thirty-plus years, I can attest that we rarely see much snow. Schools often close if the forecast calls for anything frozen, including flurries. But we’ve had a few serious winter storms, and they almost always involve ice.
    In January of 2026, one of those storms came through our area.
    We did our best to prepare in case the power went out. We’d stocked up on bread, bottles of water, and snacks. My husband brought a generator home from work to help keep our refrigerator running and a small space heater. Thankfully, we had a wood-burning fireplace, so we figured at least we’d keep warm.
    Snow started turning into sleet on Saturday and eventually turned to freezing rain. Temperatures plummeted. Tree branches snapped under the weight of accumulating ice, falling on power lines. The sky flashed when a transformer blew with a loud pop.
    Sunday, early in the morning, we lost power, and so did our neighbors. We tried to stay warm using the space heater and fireplace, but our house grew frigid. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. We barely slept the first night, even though we were using nearly every blanket we could find.
    It didn’t take long for reality to sink in. The power could be out for days or a week.
    Our neighbors texted the next afternoon that they were heading to Kentucky to stay in a hotel. The storm wasn’t nearly as bad there. We did the same, taking our dog with us.
    Getting inside a warm hotel room with a nice soft bed was a sweet relief. The lights worked. The television worked. And a hot shower was minutes away. It didn’t take long to get nice and comfortable.
    When we received notice that power had been restored to our area a couple of days later, we made our way back home. The drive revealed a lot of damage. Even though the thick ice covering trees and grass glistened in the sunlight and was beautiful in a terrible way, the storm mostly left a trail of destruction with downed trees, telephone poles, and broken tree branches in its wake. The storm and loss of power over the next several days (and a couple of weeks for some) caused a lot of problems, and sadly, some folks didn’t survive.
    We came home to a mess. Electric cords were draped everywhere, from hooking things up to the generator, and blankets were piled up. It was freezing inside the house. The heat was on, but it took a long time for the house to warm back up.
    Honestly, seeing the mess reminded me just how much we really need power in our homes. We rely on it heavily for day-to-day life. It runs the stove, HVAC unit, refrigerator, freezer, water heater, washer and dryer, lighting, appliances, and television. Almost everything.
    Even with our great efforts to prepare for a lack of power during the storm, it was still terrible. Our home quickly became uncomfortable without electricity. It seemed we could do nothing.
    We need power.
    Standing amidst the mess, it hit me spiritually. We need the Holy Spirit at every moment of our lives. We can’t do anything good without Him; we’d be uncomfortable, cold, and powerless.
    Intersecting Faith & Life:
    As a saved person, I’m deeply thankful for what Jesus did for me. I’m still in love with Him after many years as a Christian. But to be honest, I’m just beside myself that God also gave us the indwelling, powerful Holy Spirit to help us in life.
    He does so many things for us, including:
    Reveals Jesus
    Convicts us of sin
    Teaches us
    Reminds us
    Encourages us
    Protects us
    Guides us
    Warns us
    Gives us hope and spiritual gifts
    Tells us the truth
    Helps us pray
    Never leaves or forsakes us
    When a storm of life comes, whether it is a financial struggle, divorce, or the death of a loved one, we may be brought to our knees. The powerful Holy Spirit is with us in these hardships. He is our shelter when these storms blow through.
    Those difficult times show us just how much we need Him and rely on His power. They draw us into a deeper, more trusting relationship with our beloved Father.
    Father, thank You for giving us the powerful Holy Spirit to lead us through our lives. Helping us to grow closer to You and more like Jesus. In His name, Amen.
    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  • The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

    Holding on When God Feels Silent

    31/07/2026 | 8min
    What do you do when your prayers seem to go unanswered and God feels silent? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Psalm 13:1 and David’s honest cry: “How long, O Lord?” Seasons of waiting can leave us questioning whether God is listening, but Scripture reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions—it is choosing to trust God's character even when we cannot see His hand at work.
    Psalm 13 shows us that God welcomes our honest prayers. Like David, we can bring our fears, doubts, and disappointments to Him without hiding them. As we remember His past faithfulness and cling to His promises, we discover that His silence is never the end of the story.
    Highlights:
    Discover how Psalm 13 teaches us to trust God during seasons of silence and unanswered prayer.
    Learn why honest questions can strengthen, rather than weaken, your faith.
    Understand how David models lament by bringing his pain directly to God instead of pulling away.
    Be encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness when waiting for His future answers.
    Explore why trust is a decision rooted in God's character—not simply a feeling.
    Find hope in knowing that God continues to speak through His Word, even when His answers seem delayed.
    Join the Conversation
    Have you ever experienced a season when God felt silent? What has helped you continue trusting Him while you wait for His answers? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.
    Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
    Do you want to listen ad-free?
    When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!
    Sign Up Today!
    Full Transcript Below:
    Holding on When God Feels Silent
    By: Sarah Frazer
    Bible Reading:
    “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” - Psalm 13:1 (ESV)
    I looked at my journal from the beginning of the year. Six months had passed, and I realized several of my prayer requests remained unanswered. Several family members had been going through trials and needed help, but as I glanced at the list, God had not yet answered them. The phrase from Psalm 13 entered my mind: "How long, O God?"
    Instantly, I felt guilty for having questioned God. But then I remembered that Psalm 13 was in the Bible, and if the psalmist was allowed to say those words, so was I. As I have begun to pray more, I have found it to stretch my faith. Mostly because many of my “big” prayers have yet to be answered. God’s silence is often very hard.
    Have you ever just wondered: Is God listening?
    Faith doesn’t ignore silence—it learns how to speak honestly to God within it.
    In Psalm 13, we see the language of lament. David, the author, asks multiple “how long” questions here. Suffering, hardship, and sorrow were regular parts of David’s life, especially as he ran from the murdering king Saul. Including those questions here, David reminds us that God gives us permission to feel this longing. To feel the tension of having faith but feeling distant from God. Faith includes honest questions.
    “How long, O Lord?” - Psalm 13:1
    David continues in Psalm 13, bringing his pain to God. He doesn’t withdraw, but turns toward God. The whole of Psalm 13 is a prayer to God. We might shy away from being honest or be too hesitant to express our frustration with the unanswered prayers, but David helps us remember that God is big enough to handle all of our requests and questions.
    David asks for light, help, and intervention. Just because God hasn’t answered a prayer or feels silent doesn’t mean we stop praying. In faith, we continue to come to God and talk to Him. In the midst of his questions and doubts, David says, “But I trust…” (Psalm 13:5). The circumstances haven’t changed, but David’s focus has. Trust is a decision, not a feeling. David is honest about his feelings, but then holds on to the truth of God’s character.
    The rest of the psalm, the last verse especially, ends with a declaration of praise. It is a future praise - one that has yet to happen, but David says he knows God will answer! How? Because David has focused on two things. David says in Psalm 13:3, “O Lord, my God…” David has a personal relationship with God. One that was tested over time. God had already proven Himself faithful to David in the past, because in Psalm 13:6 Davida says,“ he has dealt bountifully with me.”
    A faith that holds on, in the midst of silence and doubts, focuses on these two things: a personal relationship with God and God’s past actions. Don’t think that this quiet season is a reflection of God’s love for you. God loved us first (1 John 4:19). You can question God and still trust him. In fact, Psalm 13 reminds us that God welcomes our questions. Silence is never the end of the story. Keep holding on!
    If you’re in a season where God feels quiet, I walk slowly through Psalm 13 on my podcast, Psalms to Help You Sleep, helping you turn your questions into prayer. Listening to God’s word can be a soothing balm to our weary souls. If prayer feels like too much, start with just a simple: “God, I want to trust you, but it's hard.”
    Intersecting Faith & Life:
    God’s silence seems harsh, doesn’t it? One thing I need to remember, and I hope to encourage you to remember as well, is that ultimately God is never silent. Yes, our hearts feel as if God isn't speaking to us or answering our prayers. The truth we need is that God is always speaking, through His word.

    The Bible is always available to us, and it is the light, the help, and the guidance we need in times of great hardship. In the midst of any situation, God’s word, the Bible, can provide hope. God welcomes you, even your questions. The silence is not the end of the story. As you go to God, no matter how you feel, answer these questions honestly before him. Start here:
    Where does God feel silent right now?
    What honest prayer needs to be spoken?
    Further Reading:
    Lamentations 3:22-23
    Psalm 55:22
    Philippians 4:6-7
    1 Peter 5:7
    Exodus 16:18-21
    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  • The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

    Live Confidently in Your Identity in Christ

    30/07/2026 | 5min
    1 John 3:1 and the powerful truth that believers are deeply loved and called children of God. Our identity was never meant to be defined by a job, relationship, opportunity, or the approval of others.
    Rejection can leave us questioning our worth, but God’s love is not dependent on whether we fit someone else’s expectations. When we root our identity in Christ, we can make decisions from a place of confidence and obedience rather than fear, insecurity, or the desire to be accepted.
    Highlights:
    Discover the life-changing truth that your identity is found in being a beloved child of God.
    Learn how rejection and unmet expectations can challenge our understanding of our worth.
    Understand why fitting into someone else’s mold can keep us from embracing God’s unique calling.
    Be encouraged that God’s love and acceptance remain constant, even when circumstances change.
    Explore how confidence in Christ helps us make decisions based on faith rather than fear or approval.
    Remember that your value comes from God’s opinion of you—not the opinions or acceptance of others.
    Join the Conversation
    What areas of your life make you question your identity or worth? How can remembering that you are a child of God change the way you approach decisions and challenges?
    Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
    Do you want to listen ad-free?
    When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!
    Sign Up Today!
    Full Transcript Below:
    Live Confidently in Your Identity in Christ
    By: Michelle Lazurek
    Bible Reading:
    “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” - 1 John 3:1
    You're not a fit.
    Those words stung as the church leader told us we were no longer a fit for the pastoral opportunity. After many interviews and discussions with church leaders, we mutually decided that we were not the best candidates to assume a pastoral role in their church. Although it was mutual and we knew this was true, those words still stung as a fresh wave of rejection hit us like the ocean's waves.
    As much as we knew deep down that we did not possess the skills or abilities they were looking for in their next pastor, we still wanted to be wanted. It was not easy to hear that someone else had been chosen over us. Whether it's the end of a romantic relationship, the termination of a toxic friendship, or the end of a lucrative job, the desire to be included and loved unconditionally is a basic need for every human being.
    As we pondered whether we had truly made the right decision, we knew what we were both thinking: we wanted to say yes because we were afraid of what would happen if we said no. Fear and money are not reasons to do something. Talking yourself into something because you're afraid of what it's like to be alone or to lose something is not a reason to do it. Talking yourself into something is like telling yourself you're not in a bad relationship. All the signs of abuse are there, but you choose not to see them. In the same way, we were trying to fit ourselves into a mold that didn't fit our gifts or abilities.
    God has wired each one of us with unique gifts that only we can use. No matter how much we try to be like someone else, we will never be exactly like another person. We can only be us, the person God has created us to be. The quicker we embrace that and solidify our identity in Christ rather than in our job or in our relationship, the happier we will be.
    The above reminds us that God loves us, whether we fit a particular mold. Whether we choose to acquiesce to others' expectations or not, our identity in Christ remains solid. Christ's death on the cross afforded us the grace and ability to access God whenever we choose. It also solidified our rank as his children and his chosen people. Because we are God's children, we are afforded an inheritance that will never spoil or fade.
    God wants us to live each day in the freedom of being God's children. He wants us to trust him and know that he is guiding every decision we make. Whether we ask God for direction on our next romantic relationship, next job, or how to navigate a difficult relationship, God's love and acceptance of us will never change.
    Do you live every day knowing that God loves you unconditionally? Do you find yourself talking yourself into situations because you want to be loved and accepted by others? Do you choose the right job or the right relationship—or choose to be single—even though you know you've lost, and loneliness will result?
    It takes someone solidified in their identity in Christ to not capitalize on a seemingly lucrative opportunity. However, the more we wire our brains to live in the freedom and liberty that has been afforded us through Christ Jesus, the better off we will be in every facet of our lives. It will no longer matter what people think of us if we don't have a relationship, we lose our job, or we lose a friendship. People's opinions no longer matter when we know whose opinion matters most. When we make decisions not out of fear or money, but out of obedience and true understanding of calling, that is a life well lived.
    Father, let us be people who live in the understanding of our identity in Christ. Let us live every day free to make decisions not based on fear or money, but out of obedience and a calling to you. Let us trust in you, knowing that you have ordered all our steps and will provide for our every need. Amen.
    Intersecting Faith & Life:
    What keeps you from living a life confident in your identity in Christ?
    Further Reading:
    1 Peter 2:9
    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Sobre The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast
Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives. Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast: ☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/. 
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