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Get Encouraged

Encouraging & Inspiring

Tag: perspective

  • Only Passing Through

    Only Passing Through

    A quick word of caution: You may want to keep a tissue nearby.

    An elderly man lay in a hospital bed, his strength quickly fading. Realizing the end was near, the doctors and nurses contacted his family.

    Soon, his room was filled with the people he loved most. He held the hand of his wife of 50 years as he looked at his son and grandchildren. Then, with the little strength he had left, he whispered, “Don’t cry. I’ll see all of you again. This was never my permanent home. I’m only passing through.”

    A moment later, he looked up and said, “I can see the Lord’s face.”

    Peacefully, he closed his eyes and went to be with the Lord.

    What a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ!

    “For this world is not our permanent home. We are looking forward to a world yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

    The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to remember that this world was not their final destination. They were facing difficult circumstances, and they needed encouragement to keep going. Their struggles were real, but those struggles did not tell the whole story. God was still with them, and a better day was coming.

    We need that same reminder today.

    Life can be difficult. We face disappointments, deal with heartache, and experience struggles we never expected. Sometimes, the challenges of today can make it difficult to see beyond the moment we are in, but as followers of Christ, we have a hope that reaches beyond our present circumstances. This world is not our permanent home.

    The pain we experience here will not last forever. One day, the struggles of this life will give way to something far better. We are looking forward to Heaven!

    Although we cannot fully comprehend all that awaits us, Scripture gives us glimpses of the glorious future God has prepared. Revelation 21:4 promises that God will wipe away every tear and that there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Isaiah 35:5–6 paints a picture of healing and restoration, where the blind will see and the deaf will hear.

    Think about that for a moment. No more heartache. No more suffering. No more saying goodbye to the people we love. The struggles that weigh us down today will not follow us into eternity.

    Heaven will be glorious!

    Are you struggling today? Take heart. Your current circumstances are not the end of your story. Whatever you are facing, remember that this world is only temporary. Through Jesus, we have the promise of an eternal home where we will be with the Lord forever.

    We are only passing through. Our permanent home is still ahead, and what awaits us is far greater than anything this world can offer.

    Dwell on that promise today, and let it encourage you to keep going.

    Thanks for reading.

  • When Pain is Part of the Story

    When Pain is Part of the Story

    Have you ever lost something that made you feel safe?

    Maybe it was a job you loved, good health you took for granted, a relationship you thought would last, or the stability of knowing what tomorrow would bring. One day, life feels predictable. The next, everything changes. What once brought you comfort is suddenly a source of pain, and you find yourself wondering how you will move forward.

    Pain has a way of changing our lives. We desperately want to hold on to what we know, but sometimes, circumstances are beyond our control. We cannot stop the changes, undo the hurt, or see what lies ahead.

    So, what do we do when pain becomes part of our story?

    We can hold tightly to Jesus. He understands. Jesus knew what it was like to be rejected, hated, and physically wounded. He experienced the anguish of suffering and the heartbreak of betrayal. When we hurt, we can turn to him for help and discover how to face our pain with hope.

    Look beyond today’s pain.

    Jesus walked a path that led to a Roman cross. He knew suffering lay ahead. He knew the cross would bring unimaginable agony, yet he also knew the cross would not be the end of the story.

    Beyond the suffering was the resurrection. Beyond the cross was victory over sin and death. Jesus endured the pain because of what his sacrifice would accomplish.

    We may not understand why we are experiencing pain, and we cannot always see what tomorrow will bring. However, we can remember that our present circumstances do not tell the whole story. God is still at work, even when we cannot see what he is doing.

    The Bible does not promise that every difficult situation will be resolved by tomorrow. It does, however, point us toward a hope that reaches beyond our present struggles. For those who belong to Christ, pain and suffering will not have the final word.

    When today hurts, lift your eyes beyond what you are experiencing right now. There is hope beyond the pain, and God will remain faithful through every step of the journey.

    Rely on the Lord.

    When pain shakes the things, we once depended on, we need someone who will never let us down. Scripture reminds us that we can depend on the Lord.

    The psalmist declares:

    “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

    Hebrews 13:6 echoes that same confidence:

    “So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’”

    Notice the source of this confidence. It is not a promise that we will never experience pain, loss, or disappointment. It is the assurance that we do not have to face them alone.

    When your world feels uncertain, the Lord remains faithful. When you do not know what to do next, you can ask him for wisdom and strength. When the pain feels overwhelming, you can bring your hurt to him in prayer.

    You may not be able to change what happened yesterday or control what happens tomorrow, but you can rely on the Lord today.

    Pain may have changed your circumstances, but it does not have to destroy your hope. Look beyond today’s struggles, lean on the one who understands your pain, and remember that your story is not finished.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Who shows you Jesus?

    Who shows you Jesus?

    Who is the most Christ-like person you know?

    Most likely, someone comes to mind. Their life reflects grace and love, and when you spend time with them, you see a glimpse of Jesus in the way they treat others.

    I was recently asked this question, but there was a follow-up that made me stop and think: How many people would put you at the top of their list?

    That’s a challenging question. When others think of me, do they think of someone whose character reflects grace and love? Does the way I treat people remind them of Jesus?

    The Bible encourages us to be imitators of Christ.

    “Imitate God…in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:1–2).

    Being Christ-like isn’t about being perfect. It’s about allowing Jesus to shape our character, influence our decisions, and guide the way we treat others. It shows up in our patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love.

    You may never know how much your actions influence someone else’s view of Jesus. A kind word, a gracious response, or a willingness to forgive may be exactly what someone needs to see.

    So, let me ask you the same question I was asked: If someone were making a list of the most Christ-like people they know, would your name be near the top?

    Don’t let this question discourage you. Let it challenge you. Today is another opportunity to reflect the love of Jesus in the way you live and interact with others.

    Make it your goal to live in such a way that when people see you, they catch a glimpse of Jesus.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Peace in the Storm

    Peace in the Storm

    Have you ever faced a storm that made you wonder if you were going to make it?

    The disciples knew that feeling. They were in the middle of the sea when a fierce storm suddenly developed. Waves crashed into the boat, and water began filling it. Several of these men were experienced fishermen, but perhaps even they had never faced a storm quite this frightening.

    The storm was all around them, and they were afraid they wouldn’t survive.

    “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” (Mark 4:38).

    Put yourself in that boat for a moment.

    You’re sailing through life when a fierce storm suddenly develops. It may be uncertainty caused by the latest headlines, mounting financial pressures, a frightening health crisis, or the end of a relationship. Whatever the cause, life suddenly feels chaotic, and you begin wondering how you are going to make it.

    Like the disciples, you cry out to Jesus for help, and Jesus answers.

    “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).

    In a moment, everything changed. The wind stopped. The waves settled. The storm that had terrified the disciples was silenced by Jesus.

    The same Jesus is with us when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us.

    Philippians 4:7 reminds us that God can give us a peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a peace that doesn’t depend on having everything figured out, or knowing how our circumstances will turn out. Sometimes, Jesus changes our circumstances. Other times, he gives us the strength and peace to keep going while the storm continues.

    The storm may be raging around you today, but you don’t have to face it alone. Jesus is with you. Hold tightly to his promises, bring your fears to him, and take the next step in faith.

    You may not know how the storm will end, but you can trust the one who is with you in the boat.

  • Hold Tightly

    Hold Tightly

    Are you struggling to get through today?

    Maybe you’re running low on energy, battling anxiety, wrestling with guilt, or wondering how you’re going to make ends meet. Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes, the challenges of today leave us wondering where to turn for help.

    When that happens, we can find encouragement in Scripture.

    “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23).

    When life gets difficult, hold tightly to the promises of God. Our circumstances may change, our feelings may fluctuate, and our strength may run low, but we can trust the Lord’s promises.

    If you’re struggling to find the strength to push through today, hold tightly to God’s promise that those who trust in him will find renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31).

    If anxiety is weighing you down, hold tightly to the reminder that you can cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

    If guilt is keeping you from moving forward, hold tightly to God’s promise that when we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9).

    If financial pressures are keeping you awake at night, hold tightly to Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33. Seek God and his kingdom first, and he will care for your needs.

    Your struggles are real. You don’t have to pretend they aren’t, but neither do you have to face them without hope.

    Whatever today brings, hold tightly to the hope you have in him. You may not know how everything will work out, but you can trust the Lord’s promises.

    God is faithful, so that gives you a reason to keep going today.

  • Go Back to the Beginning

    Go Back to the Beginning

    Have you ever made a wrong turn and found yourself on a dead-end road?

    Your trip is going well. You make a turn that seems right, but suddenly, the road ends. You can’t turn left, right, or go forward. The best move you can make is go back to the beginning.

    Our spiritual lives work in the same way. You may think life is going well, but suddenly, you realize you’ve made a wrong turn. The road ends, and the best thing you can do is go back to the beginning.

    At the beginning, we find Jesus. John 1:1 reminds us Jesus has been there since the start. We may try thousands of paths to avoid retracing our steps, but when all is finished, the best move is to go back to Jesus.

    You see, 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us. Jesus will welcome us. He won’t only welcome us; he will run to meet us. You don’t have to keep traveling down a road that leads you away from God. You can turn around and come back to Jesus.

    As we begin a new month, perhaps this is the fresh start you need. You don’t have to wait until January, your circumstances improve, or you feel you’ve earned another chance. You can begin today.

    If you’ve reached a dead end, turn back to Jesus.

    • His grace is sufficient.
    • His forgiveness is available.
    • His arms are open.

    Sometimes, the best way forward is to go back to the beginning.

  • Podcast Episode: Finding Courage In Change

    Podcast Episode: Finding Courage In Change

    Pip: Get Encouraged is back, and this week the posts are asking the questions you probably forgot to ask yourself today — did you notice anything, did you show up, and are you carrying something you were never meant to hold?

    Mara: Chris Miller covers that territory across three areas: finding God in ordinary moments, finding courage when the day goes sideways, and finding the nerve to step into what's next. Let's start with what it actually means to look for God in the everyday.

    Faith In Everyday Moments

    Mara: The central question here is attention — not whether God is present, but whether we're paying enough notice to catch it. Busy days have a way of absorbing the very moments that might otherwise feel like grace.

    Pip: "Did You See God Today?" puts it directly: "Our lives are busy, and some days, we can become so distracted that we fail to see the Lord. The beauty of a sunrise is absorbed by worry about the upcoming day."

    Mara: So the upshot is that distraction isn't just a productivity problem — it's a spiritual one. The post reframes the question itself: instead of "did you see God today," ask "where did you see God today?" The shift from yes-or-no to active searching changes how you move through a day.

    Pip: That reframe is doing real work. It assumes presence rather than asking you to prove it.

    Mara: "A Month of Blessings" extends that same logic across a longer arc — an entire month rather than a single day. It asks readers to inventory October specifically: the challenges, the financial strain, the moments of rest, and where the Lord showed up through all of it.

    Pip: Gratitude as a closing ritual, basically. End the month by listing what held.

    Mara: The post anchors that in Psalm 100:4 — "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name" — and frames the exercise as a way to walk into November with momentum rather than just relief that October is over.

    Pip: Noticing daily, accounting monthly. The scale changes; the posture doesn't. Speaking of posture — how do you hold up when the day itself falls apart?

    Courage Through Disruption

    Pip: This segment is about what happens when the plan breaks — and whether an interruption is a problem to manage or something else entirely.

    Mara: "The Day was Disrupted" goes straight to a scene in Luke 8. Jesus is on his way to help Jairus when a woman in the crowd reaches out and touches his robe. The post quotes Luke directly: "Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

    Pip: And the point isn't the miracle — it's the posture. Jesus doesn't register the interruption as a cost. He treats it as the thing that was actually supposed to happen.

    Mara: Exactly. The post asks what it would look like to respond that way — to see an unplanned moment as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience, because someone in that moment might genuinely need it.

    Pip: "The Courage to Show Up Again" takes the disruption inward — what happens when the day that fell apart was yesterday, and now you have to face today anyway.

    Mara: It leans on Galatians 6:9: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." The post is honest that showing up again might just mean getting out of bed.

    Pip: Small threshold, real courage.

    Mara: "Put Down the Block" adds the third angle — the weight you're carrying into the disrupted day in the first place. Past mistakes, old grudges, unresolved guilt. The post uses the image of running a race while hauling a concrete block, and the argument is simple: you weren't built to carry that permanently.

    Pip: Disruptions are hard enough without the extra freight. Which raises the question of what you're running toward — and whether fear is deciding that for you.

    Embracing New Opportunities

    Mara: "Keep Shining" opens with a farmer and his wife who planted a church two hundred years ago — no headlines, no recognition — and that church is still active today. Jesus puts it plainly in Luke 16:10: "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones."

    Pip: Faithfulness as compound interest. The lighthouse in the post makes the same case — it doesn't guide ships with one spectacular flash; it just keeps the light on.

    Mara: "A Different Kind of Awesome" is the companion to that — it asks what happens when the opportunity in front of you is genuinely new and genuinely frightening. The promotion, the commitment, the change you keep postponing. The post doesn't dismiss the fear, but it does ask whether fear should be the one making the decision.

    Pip: Sometimes the wilderness is just the view from before you took the step.

    Mara: Notice more, carry less, keep showing up — that's the thread running through all of it.

    Pip: Same territory next time, probably. The ordinary days keep coming. See you there.

  • A Month of Blessings

    A Month of Blessings

    How has the Lord helped you in October?

    As we close out another month, dwell on this question for a moment. This month has been filled with changes and challenges, worries and anxieties, financial strains and a little rest. Go ahead and place your specific list here. In essence, October has been filled with life, and through it all, the Lord has been there.

    Maybe he’s given you wisdom to overcome challenges, or peace on those worrisome days. Perhaps he’s helped stretch the dollar a little more to get you by until your next pay day. The Lord has showed up in October, and Scripture encourages us to thank him.

    “Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).

    Make a list of October’s blessings, and spend some time thanking the Lord today. This will help you finish the month strong, and walk into November with a heart full of gratitude.

    Thanks for reading.

  • Keep Shining

    Keep Shining

    A decision made 200 years ago is still making a difference today.

    A farmer and his wife lived in a rural community. They wanted a place for their family, and perhaps a few neighbors, to worship. So, they did something simple but significant. They planted a church.

    They weren’t trying to make headlines. They weren’t looking for recognition. They simply wanted to follow the Lord, and provide a place where people could worship together.

    Two centuries later, the church they planted is still active. What began as a simple act of faithfulness has continued to impact lives long after that farmer and his wife were gone.

    Many of us dream of doing something extraordinary for God. There is nothing wrong with that desire, but sometimes, we become so focused on doing something big that we overlook the incredible impact of doing small things faithfully.

    Think about what that looks like in your life.

    • Reading Scripture daily.
    • Praying faithfully.
    • Treating others with kindness.
    • Honoring your commitments.
    • Serving others.

    These actions may not capture anyone’s attention or make headlines. However, repeated over time, they can make a tremendous difference.

    Consider a lighthouse. It doesn’t guide ships safely through the darkness with one spectacular flash. It does so by faithfully shining its light night after night. Some nights, its light may guide a ship away from danger. Other nights, no ship may pass nearby, but the lighthouse keeps shining because that is what it was designed to do.

    Our lives can work the same way.

    God calls us to be faithful in the ordinary moments, trusting him with the results. Jesus reminds us in Luke 16:10, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”

    Your consistent faith can encourage someone who is struggling. Your steady love can strengthen your family. Your faithful service can help a church grow. A simple act of kindness today may influence someone in ways you won’t fully understand until much later.

    Friends, don’t underestimate what God can do through a life of steady faithfulness. You may never know how far your influence will reach, but you don’t have to do something extraordinary every day to make a difference.

    Sometimes, your greatest ministry is simply being faithful with what the Lord has placed in front of you today.

  • The Courage to Show Up Again

    The Courage to Show Up Again

    Are you feeling defeated as you start your day?

    Yesterday was difficult. You feel like you failed at everything, and no matter what you tried, things didn’t go as planned. Now, as you face a new day, the temptation is to give up. “What’s the point of trying again when yesterday went so badly?” This may be your thought, but there is something powerful about showing up again.

    The Bible offers this encouragement:

    “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).

    After a difficult day, you may not feel like trying again. Yesterday drained your energy, shook your confidence, and left you wondering whether today will be any different.

    Yesterday is over though, and today is a new opportunity to keep going.

    You don’t have to face today in your own strength. The Lord promises to renew the strength of those who trust in him (Isaiah 40:31). When your strength is running low, you can turn to the Lord for the help you need to take the next step.

    You don’t have to face today alone. The Lord is with you. He knows what yesterday was like, understands what you’re facing today, and will be with you.

    Maybe showing up again means trying one more time. Maybe it means taking a small step toward a goal that seems out of reach. Perhaps it simply means getting out of bed, facing your responsibilities, and trusting God to help you through the day.

    Whatever today holds, remember this: You don’t have to win every battle today to be faithful. You just have to keep trusting the Lord and taking the next step.

    Friends, don’t give up. Don’t let yesterday define today. Your difficult day is behind you, and God’s faithfulness is still before you.

    By his strength, you can show up again today.

    Thanks for reading.