Life Through God's Love

Renewed to Rise, Called to Encourage April 23, 2026 André K. Dugger “but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.”” Isaiah 40:31 (CSB) You don’t see the wind; but you see what it does. An eagle doesn’t soar because of its own strength alone. It rises because it learns to trust the invisible currents beneath its wings. The wind lifts, carries, and sustains it to heights it could never reach by effort alone. In the same way, God’s encouragement often works quietly; unseen, but undeniably powerful. There are moments in your life when your strength runs dry. You try to push forward, but the weight is too heavy, the distance too far, and your energy too low. Yet God does not ask you to rely on yourself. He invites you to trust Him. When you place your hope in Him, He renews what you cannot restore. He becomes the strength beneath you; the steady, faithful “wind” that lifts your weary soul. God’s encouragement comes through His Word, His presence, and His promises. He reminds you that you are not forgotten, not abandoned, and not alone. Even when you cannot feel Him, He is working; lifting, strengthening, sustaining. But this truth doesn’t stop with you. Just as God lifts you, He calls you to lift others. There are people around you who are exhausted, discouraged, and close to giving up. They may not see the “wind” either; but God can use your words, your kindness, your presence, and your faith to become a source of encouragement in their lives. A timely word, a simple act of care, or a reminder of God’s promises can help someone rise when they feel like falling. You may never fully see the impact of your encouragement, just like you never see the wind; but heaven does. So, trust God to carry you. Rest in His strength when yours is gone. And then, as He lifts you, allow Him to use you to lift others. Because when God’s people become the wind beneath each other’s wings, lives don’t just endure; they soar. Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to stop striving in your own strength and fully trust God to lift you; and who is one person you can intentionally encourage today so they can feel His strength through you? Prayer: Heavenly Father,  Thank You for being my strength when I am weak and for lifting me up when I feel weary and overwhelmed. Help me to trust You more; to rely not on my own effort, but on Your power and presence in my life. Remind me that even when I cannot see You working, You are the One sustaining me and carrying me forward. Lord, place someone on my heart today who needs encouragement. Use my words, my actions, and my attitude to reflect Your love and truth. Help me to be a source of strength and hope, just as You have been for me. Teach me to lift others up, pointing them back to You; the true source of renewal and life. Thank You for never letting me walk alone. I trust You to carry me and to use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Faithfulness in the Fire April 20, 2026 André K. Dugger “Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke, I do not forget your statutes. How many days must your servant wait? When will you execute judgment on my persecutors? The arrogant have dug pits for me; they violate your instruction. All your commands are true; people persecute me with lies — help me! They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not abandon your precepts.” Psalm 119:83-87 (CSB) The psalmist paints a vivid picture of suffering: “ like a wineskin dried by smoke. ” In ancient times, wineskins exposed to smoke would become brittle, shriveled, and nearly useless. That is how deep affliction can make you feel; worn down, fragile, and on the brink of breaking. Yet even in such a state, the psalmist clings to God’s Word. His body may be weakened, his enemies relentless, and his days filled with waiting, but his heart refuses to abandon the truth of God’s commands. This is the mark of faith refined by trial; when everything else seems unstable, God’s Word remains unshakable. You may know the weight of such affliction, when lies, opposition, or hardship make life feel unbearable. Like the psalmist, you may cry out, “ How long, Lord? ” This is not a cry of despair but of faith, because it looks to God as the only just Judge and Deliverer. Christ Himself endured slander, persecution, and the threat of death, yet He never abandoned the will of His Father. Through His suffering and resurrection, you are given the strength to endure. When you are pressed, God’s Spirit sustains you. When you feel brittle, God’s Word renews you. When lies surround you, His truth becomes your anchor. Even when life feels as though it is slipping away, you can hold firmly to the truth that “ all your commands are true. ” Affliction may scar you, but it will never separate you from God’s love in Christ (Romans 8:38–39). Reflection Question: When has waiting on God felt long and painful in your life, and how can you strengthen your heart to remain faithful to God’s Word under pressure? Prayer: Father, when I feel worn down and fragile, help me to remember Your statutes. Even when I am surrounded by lies or pressed by affliction, please keep my heart anchored in Your truth. Thank You that Christ endured suffering and remained faithful, securing my hope and strength. Teach me to hold fast to Your Word no matter what comes. In Jesus’ name, amen.