“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 ESV)

My Story: The Worst Day of My Life

It was the winter of 1967, and I was living in Sitka, Alaska, where I worked at a grocery store. One day, I was scheduled to work the late shift, but when I arrived, the store manager called me into his office and accused me of doing something the previous day that I absolutely had not done. It was his word against mine, and I had no way to prove my innocence. He angrily fired me and ordered me to leave the store.

I Did Not See It Coming

In complete shock, I headed back to my apartment. When I arrived, several of my friends were there having a party. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have minded, but this was anything but a normal day. When I insisted they leave, they beat me up and threw me outside into the snow.

Bruised and shaken, I walked to my landlord’s nearby home and explained what had happened. I asked if he would help me remove the people from my apartment, but instead he cursed at me and threatened to call the police. Not wanting to be there when they arrived, I quickly left.

I Didn’t Know What to Do

It was a bitterly cold Alaska night. I was freezing, discouraged, and running out of options. I walked to my parents’ house and knocked on the door. My dad answered. I explained everything that had happened and simply asked if I could sleep on their couch for one night.

Instead, he angrily told me to grow up, take responsibility for my own problems, and leave. Then he shut the door in my face and turned off the porch light.

I Thought Suicide Was My Only Answer

As I walked down the dark street, I felt completely overwhelmed. I had lost my job, my apartment, my friends, and now even my parents had rejected me. I couldn’t see any way out.

I convinced myself that suicide was my only answer.

I still had a little money in my pocket, so I decided I would get drunk and then end my life.

I walked into a nightclub and began ordering one drink after another. During a break, the leader of the small dance band came over to the bar where I was sitting. He smiled and asked, “How are you?”

I replied, “Do you really want to know, or are you just saying that?”

He answered, “Of course I want to know.”

So I told him everything. Then I concluded, “As soon as I finish this drink, I’m going to end my life.”

Without hesitation he said, “No, please don’t do that. My family and I live nearby. We have a couch you can sleep on. Come stay with us.”

His name was Jean Dawkins, and that simple act of kindness changed the course of my life forever.

Not long afterward, the bass player in his band quit, and Jean asked if I would take his place. It was a dream job. I had a place to live, wonderful Christian people who cared about me, and the opportunity to play music.

A few months later, Jean moved his family to a town I had never even heard of—Lynden, Washington—and invited me to go with them.

It was there that I heard the Gospel, received Jesus Christ as my Savior, met and married Susan, attended classes at Vancouver Bible College, became an ordained minister, and eventually spent nearly forty years serving the automotive recycling industry through advertising, marketing, and now as chaplain.

Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand guiding every step

What I thought was the worst day of my life became the very day God began leading me to His wonderful plan for my life.

God Does the Impossible

Many times in life we face situations that seem impossible. We lose a job, experience rejection, receive bad news, or find ourselves in circumstances we never expected.

When I walked away from my parents’ house that cold winter night, I believed my life was over. I couldn’t imagine that God was already arranging every detail of my future. He used one kind stranger to rescue me physically, and then He used that same person to lead me to the place where I would eventually meet Jesus Christ.

Perhaps your situation seems impossible today

Don’t judge God’s plan by what you can see at the moment. He is often doing His greatest work behind the scenes. What appears to be the end may actually be the beginning of something far better than you could ever imagine.

Nothing is impossible with God

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matt. 19:26 ESV)

“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jer. 32:17 ESV)

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen. 18:14 ESV)

“And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’” (Mark 9:23 ESV)

Therefore

When your circumstances seem hopeless, refuse to give up. Trust God even when you cannot understand what He is doing. Pray, wait on Him, and continue walking by faith. The God who transformed the darkest day of my life into a lifetime of blessings is the same God who is working in your life today.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Eph. 3:20 ESV)

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13 ESV)

Quote

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” — John Piper

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Rom. 8:26 ESV)

The Spirit intercedes for you

Sometimes, when we are weak because of illness, grief, disappointment, or overwhelming circumstances, we simply don’t know what or how to pray. We may struggle to find the words, or even know what we truly need. But that’s okay—God has you covered.

Romans 8:26–28 provides one of the Bible’s greatest assurances for times like these. Verse 26 tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us when words fail. Verse 27 explains that He searches our hearts and prays in perfect agreement with the Father’s will. Then verse 28 reminds us that God is actively working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Even when you don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit does. You can rest in the confidence that your heavenly Father understands every burden, every tear, and every unspoken prayer.

The Spirit searches your heart in accordance with God’s will

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Rom. 8:27 NIV)

God works all things for your good

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 NIV)

When your strength is gone and your words fail, remember that the Holy Spirit is faithfully praying for you, and God is accomplishing His perfect will even when you cannot see it. You are never alone, never forgotten, and never beyond His loving care.

Therefore

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6 ESV)

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col. 4:2 ESV)

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17 ESV)

Quotes:

“The more you pray, the less you'll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You'll feel more patient and less pressured.” - Rick Warren,

“There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer.” - John Wooden

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isa. 46:9 ESV)

Never Forget God’s Faithfulness

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2 ESV)

“Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Deut. 6:12 ESV)

One of the great dangers in the Christian life is forgetting. We easily forget God’s blessings, His promises, and His faithfulness, especially when trials come our way. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly called His people to remember what He had done for them because remembering strengthens faith and encourages obedience.

Take time to reflect on the ways God has answered your prayers, provided for your needs, protected you, and carried you through difficult times. Keep a journal of what He teaches you through His Word and the answers He gives to your prayers. When you remember God’s faithfulness in the past, it becomes easier to trust Him with your future.

Therefore

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (Heb. 2:1 KJV)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

Pay careful attention to what God teaches you through His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of His promises throughout the day. Don’t allow the truths God has shown you to fade away through neglect. Instead, remember them, meditate on them, and live by them. A heart that remembers God’s faithfulness is a heart that confidently trusts Him.

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“Next time God teaches you something during a sermon or your devotional time, write it down. Give it ‘earnest heed’ so that it doesn’t slip away.” — Rick Warren

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14 ESV)

God Formed You

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” (Jer. 1:5 ESV)

Your life is not an accident. God knew you before you were born and formed you with purpose. While this verse was spoken specifically to Jeremiah, it reminds us that God is intimately involved in the creation of every human life.

God Made You in His Own Image

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen. 1:27 ESV)

Every person has value because every person bears the image of God. Your worth is not determined by your appearance, abilities, accomplishments, or the opinions of others, but by your Creator.

You Are God’s Masterpiece

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Eph. 2:10 NLT)

When you place your faith in Christ, God not only forgives you—He makes you into a new creation. He continues His work in your life, shaping you into the person He designed you to be.

God Knows Everything About You

“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matt. 10:30 ESV)

Nothing about your life escapes God’s attention. He knows every detail about you and cares deeply for you. You are never forgotten or overlooked by Him.

God Has Good Plans for You

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:11-13 ESV)

Although these words were originally spoken to Israel during their captivity, they reveal God’s faithful character. He is a God of hope who invites those who seek Him with all their heart into His good purposes.

Therefore

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2:9 ESV)

If you belong to Christ, you are chosen, deeply loved, and called for a purpose. Instead of allowing the world’s opinions to define you, let God’s Word tell you who you are. Your identity is found in Him.

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“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” — Jesus Christ (Matt. 6:26)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1 ESV)

A Different Kind of “Believe”

In the passage above, Jesus tells us to “believe also in me.” This kind of believing is much deeper than merely acknowledging that something exists. For example, a person may believe that the President of the United States exists or even believe that God exists. Yet the Bible says that even demons believe in God—and they are not saved (James 2:19).

The kind of belief Jesus is talking about is a wholehearted trust in Him that results in surrender. It is believing from the heart that He is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again, accompanied by openly confessing Him as Lord.

Believing and Confessing

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Rom. 10:9-10 ESV)

Saving faith is more than intellectual agreement—it is personal trust in Jesus Christ. Genuine faith changes the heart and naturally expresses itself through confession and obedience.

Whoever Believes in Jesus Will Be Saved

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 ESV)

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 ESV)

God’s invitation is extended to everyone. No one is excluded because of their past. Anyone who turns to Jesus in faith and receives Him as Savior becomes a child of God and receives the gift of eternal life.

Therefore

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 ESV)

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” (Mark 16:15-16 ESV)

Believing in Jesus is not merely the doorway to eternal life—it is also the beginning of a life of faithful service. Those who truly believe are called to follow Him, share the gospel, and allow Him to work through them for His glory.

Quote

“Believing and confessing go together; and you cannot be saved without taking them both. ‘With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ If you ever see the kingdom of heaven, you have to take this way.” — Dwight L. Moody

“He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” (Luke 24:6-7 ESV)

The Resurrection Changed Everything

Imagine receiving a phone call announcing that someone you deeply loved had died. Your heart would sink with grief. Then, a short time later, you receive another call saying there had been a mistake—they are alive! Your sorrow would instantly turn to overwhelming joy.

On the first Easter morning, Jesus’ followers experienced something even greater. They had watched Him suffer and die on the cross. Their hopes seemed buried with Him in the tomb. But when the women arrived at the grave, they heard the angel’s astounding announcement: “He is not here, but has risen.” In a single moment, despair was transformed into hope, fear into faith, and death into life.

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity. Without it, there would be no forgiveness, no new birth, no victory over sin, and no eternal hope. Because Jesus lives, everyone who places their trust in Him can experience new life both now and forever.

By His Resurrection He Was Declared to Be the Son of God

Jesus’ resurrection was God’s public declaration that Jesus truly is His Son and that every promise He made is trustworthy.

“And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 1:4 ESV)

He Was Raised So We Could Be Born Again

The resurrection gives every believer a brand-new beginning. Through Christ’s victory over death, we receive forgiveness, a living hope, and new spiritual life.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

“Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Rom. 4:25 ESV)

He Was Raised to Give Eternal Life

Jesus not only conquered death for Himself—He conquered it for everyone who believes in Him. Physical death is no longer the end but the doorway into eternal life with God.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26 ESV)

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9 ESV)

Therefore

Because Jesus lives, we no longer have to live in fear, guilt, or defeat. We have been reconciled to God, given victory over sin, and assured that Christ is alive today, interceding for us. His resurrection power is at work in every believer.

“More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Rom. 5:11 ESV)

“Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 6:8-11 ESV)

“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Rom. 8:34 ESV)

Take time today to thank Jesus for His victory over death

If you have trusted Him as your Savior, live with the confidence that the same risen Lord who conquered the grave now lives in you. If you have never placed your faith in Him, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, confess Him as Lord, and receive the gift of eternal life that only the risen Savior can give.

Quote

“Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” — Watchman Nee

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)

Be Careful What You Say!

A man once became angry with a coworker and spoke harsh, cutting words in front of everyone. Later, after his temper had cooled, he sincerely apologized. His coworker forgave him, but the relationship was never quite the same. Like driving a nail into a board, you can remove the nail, but the hole remains. Our words have tremendous power. They can wound hearts, damage relationships, or bring healing and encouragement. Once spoken, they cannot be taken back. That is why God repeatedly warns us to guard our tongues.

Jesus made it clear that our words reveal what is really in our hearts.

“It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” (Matthew 15:11 NASB)

David also warned about the destructive power of an evil tongue.

“Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endures all day long. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.” (Psalm 52:1-4 NASB)

Say Only Uplifting Things

Every conversation gives us a choice—to tear someone down or to build them up. God wants our speech to encourage, comfort, and strengthen others. Before speaking, ask yourself: Will these words glorify God? Will they help this person?

“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NASB)

Therefore

Choose words that bring life instead of hurt. Speak truth with love, offer encouragement freely, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations. Your words may become the very thing God uses to strengthen a discouraged heart today.

“A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23 NASB)

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 NASB)

Today, ask God to place a guard over your mouth

Before speaking, pause and pray, “Lord, let my words honor You and encourage others.” Make it your goal that everyone you meet walks away stronger because of something you said.

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“Kind words produce their own image in men’s souls; and a beautiful image it is. They soothe and quiet and comfort the hearer. They shame him out of his sour, morose, unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as they ought to be used.” — Blaise Pascal

“‘Who told you that you were naked?’ the Lord God asked.” (Genesis 3:11 NLT)

The Devil Is a Liar and a Deceiver

From the very beginning, Satan has deceived people with lies. He first approached Eve in the Garden of Eden, causing her to question God’s Word and His goodness. She believed the deception, ate the forbidden fruit, and gave some to Adam. Sin entered the world, bringing guilt, fear, shame, and separation from God.

Sin Changed Everything

After Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship with God immediately changed.

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden… ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’ And he said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?’” (Genesis 3:8-11 NIV)

God’s question exposed more than Adam’s condition—it revealed the source of his fear and shame. Satan still whispers lies today, telling people they are worthless, hopeless, unforgivable, or beyond God’s love. God’s Word speaks a very different message. The question we must continually ask ourselves is, Whose voice am I believing?

Don’t Be Ignorant of Satan’s Schemes

“…For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV)

Resist the Devil

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NIV)

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith… And the God of all grace… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:8-10 NIV)

Therefore

Stand firm in God’s truth. Put on the whole armor of God, reject the lies of the enemy, and remember that your victory is found in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Eph. 6:13 ESV)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57 ESV)

Quote

“I’m not afraid of the devil. The devil can handle me—he’s got judo I never heard of. But he can’t handle the One to whom I’m joined; he can’t handle the One to whom I’m united; he can’t handle the One whose nature dwells in my nature.” — A. W. Tozer

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalms 33:18-20)

Drought: A prolonged period of scarcity, dryness, or lack—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

God Sees and Sustains You

In seasons of drought and famine, when resources seem scarce and hope feels distant, God’s watchful eye remains upon His people. He sees your need, knows your situation, and promises to sustain you. Even when circumstances appear barren, the Lord is your help and your shield, preserving your life and strengthening your heart as you wait on Him.

God Brings Unusual Help

“You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge it? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you.” (Isaiah 48:6)

God is not limited by what you can see. He can provide help from unexpected places—hidden resources, unseen opportunities, and divine interventions beyond human understanding.

God Provides in Impossible Ways

“I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs.” (Isaiah 41:18)

“He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness… He brought you water from the rock of flint.” (Deuteronomy 8:15)

“And from every high mountain and every raised hill, streams of water will flow…” (Isaiah 30:25)

God specializes in making a way where there seems to be none. He can bring provision out of dryness, refreshment out of barrenness, and abundance out of lack.

Therefore

Trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Even in seasons of scarcity, He is working on your behalf.

“The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand.” (Deuteronomy 28:12)

“The Lord knows the days of the blameless… in the days of famine they have abundance.” (Psalms 37:18-20)

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV)

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“We can be certain that God will give us the strength and resources we need to live through any situation in life that he ordains. The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” — Billy Graham