Category: Choices

  • I Choose to Encourage: The Power of Words

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1 (NIV)

    Words are powerful.

    With a few carefully chosen words, we can inspire someone to keep going, mend a broken relationship, or offer hope in a difficult season. Yet words can also wound, discourage, and leave scars that last for years.

    Think about the words that have impacted your life. Perhaps someone spoke encouragement over you when you doubted yourself. Maybe a teacher, mentor, friend, or family member saw something in you that you could not yet see in yourself. Their words helped shape who you became.

    Unfortunately, many of us can also recall hurtful words that have lingered long after they were spoken. Words have a way of embedding themselves in our hearts and influencing how we see ourselves and the world around us.

    That is why John 1:1 is so profound:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

    John identifies Jesus as the Word. Before creation, before time itself, the Word existed. Through Him, God brought life, order, and purpose into the world.

    God chose words to create.

    Throughout Scripture, we see the power of God’s spoken Word. He spoke light into darkness. He spoke truth into confusion. He spoke life where there was nothing.

    If words matter so much to God, they should matter to us.

    As followers of Christ, we have an opportunity every day to reflect His character through the words we speak. Our conversations can bring healing instead of hurt. Our comments can build confidence instead of tearing people down. Our encouragement can help others see what God is doing in their lives.

    Encouragement is more than simply saying something nice. It is intentionally speaking truth, hope, and life into someone else’s journey. Encouragement reminds people that they are seen, valued, and loved by God.

    The world offers plenty of criticism, negativity, and division. Social media feeds, news headlines, and daily conversations can quickly become places where people feel attacked rather than uplifted.

    What if Christians became known for encouragement?

    What if our words reflected the heart of Christ?

    What if we paused before speaking and asked ourselves, “Will these words build up or tear down?”

    Every day presents opportunities to encourage:

    • Thank someone for their faithfulness.
    • Speak hope to someone who is struggling.
    • Send a text of appreciation.
    • Pray with a friend.
    • Remind someone of God’s promises.

    Small words can have a lasting impact.

    Today, choose to encourage.

    Let your words reflect the One who is called the Word. Let them bring light into someone’s darkness and hope into someone’s uncertainty.

    Because words are never neutral. They shape how we see ourselves, others, and God. They can unite or divide, heal or harm, inspire or discourage.

    May we use our words wisely and intentionally, choosing encouragement wherever we go.

    Reflection Questions

    1. Who has encouraged you with their words recently?
    2. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement today?
    3. How can your words better reflect the love and truth of Christ?

    Sometimes the simplest choice—choosing words that give life—can make the biggest difference.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

    This reflection connects with Day 13: “I Choose to Encourage” from the Today I Choose devotional. Each day offers practical encouragement and biblical truth to help you make intentional choices that strengthen your faith and impact those around you.

  • Irrevocable: Living in the Confidence of God’s Calling

    “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29 (NASB)

    Have you ever questioned whether God could still use you after a failure, disappointment, or detour in life? Perhaps you’ve wondered if you missed your opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose. Maybe you’ve looked at your circumstances and thought, “Surely God has moved on to someone else.”

    Romans 11:29 offers a powerful reminder:

    “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

    The word irrevocable means something that cannot be taken back, withdrawn, canceled, or reversed. When God gives a gift or places a calling on a person’s life, He does not change His mind. His purposes are not based on our perfection but on His faithfulness.

    That should bring great comfort to every believer.

    God’s Gifts Are Given with Purpose.

    God has uniquely gifted each of us. Some gifts are obvious, while others develop over time. We may be gifted to encourage, teach, serve, lead, create, give, or show mercy. These gifts are not accidents; they are intentional expressions of God’s grace in our lives.

    Too often, we compare our gifts to someone else’s and conclude ours are less valuable. Yet God never intended for us to all serve in the same way. Just as every piece of a puzzle has a unique place, every believer has a unique purpose within the body of Christ.

    The gifts God has given you are not random talents. They are tools designed to glorify Him and bless others.

    Life doesn’t always unfold as we expected. We make mistakes. We take wrong turns. We experience loss, hardship, and seasons of uncertainty.

    Yet God’s calling remains.

    That doesn’t mean we can live however we want and still experience the fullness of His plan. We have choices to make. We can choose obedience or disobedience. We can choose to follow Him or follow our own desires.

    God’s call is irrevocable, but our response requires intentionality.

    Each day we are invited to say, “Yes, Lord. I will follow where You lead.”

    Many people spend years asking, “What is God’s will for my life?”

    While God may not reveal every detail of the future, He does provide ways for us to discern His direction.

    1. Through Prayer

    Prayer is not simply presenting our requests to God; it is also listening for His voice.

    In a world filled with noise, we must intentionally create space to hear Him. Sometimes we rush into decisions before ever seeking God’s wisdom. Other times, we spend all our prayer time talking and never listening.

    God often speaks through gentle promptings, conviction, peace, and clarity that align with His character and His Word.

    The more time we spend with Him, the more familiar we become with His voice.

    2. Through His Word

    God will never lead us contrary to Scripture.

    His Word serves as our compass when we are unsure of the path ahead. It reveals God’s character, His promises, and His desires for His children.

    Many times, we ask God for direction while leaving our Bible closed. Yet some of the clearest guidance He gives is already written on its pages.

    When we consistently read, study, and meditate on Scripture, our hearts become aligned with His will.

    3. Through Obedient Listening

    Listening requires more than hearing; it requires responding.

    Sometimes God reveals His call one step at a time rather than giving us the entire roadmap. We want all the details, but God often asks us to trust Him with the next step.

    As we faithfully obey what He has already shown us, He often reveals what comes next.

    The question is not always, “What is God’s calling?” Sometimes the question is, “Am I listening and obeying what He has already said?”

    Romans 11:29 reminds us that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. He is not surprised by our struggles, failures, or delays. His plans are not fragile. His purposes are not easily undone.

    That does not mean we should become passive. Rather, it should inspire us to pursue Him more intentionally through prayer, Scripture, and obedience.

    God has gifted you for a purpose.

    God has called you for a reason.

    And because His gifts and calling are irrevocable, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that the One who called you is faithful to complete what He began.

    So today, listen carefully. Open His Word. Spend time in prayer. Take the next step of obedience.

    The God who called you has not changed His mind.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

    P.S. This post is an expansion of I Choose God’s Call from the Today I Choose 30-Day Devotional.

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  • When Life Feels Like a Puzzle

    Have you ever dumped a puzzle out onto a table and wondered how all those random pieces could possibly fit together?

    At first, the pieces seem disconnected. Some are upside down. Some appear insignificant. Others look like they belong somewhere else entirely. Yet the person assembling the puzzle trusts that every piece has a purpose because they have seen the picture on the box.

    Life often feels the same way.

    There are seasons when we can only see a handful of pieces. We see the heartbreak, the disappointment, the unanswered prayer, the unexpected detour, or the dream that didn’t unfold the way we hoped. Looking at those individual moments, it is difficult to understand what God is doing.

    But God sees the finished picture.

    What feels random to us is not random to Him. What appears broken is not beyond His ability to restore. What seems out of place is often exactly where it belongs in His greater plan.

    Romans 8:28 reminds us:

    “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.”

    Notice that Scripture does not say all things are good. It says God works through all things for good. Every piece matters.

    Some puzzle pieces are beautiful. They represent blessings, victories, answered prayers, and joyful moments. We gladly place those pieces into the picture.

    Other pieces are harder to accept. They represent grief, illness, loss, disappointment, and waiting. We may wish we could leave those pieces out altogether. Yet often those difficult pieces become the very places where God’s faithfulness shines brightest.

    If you’ve ever worked on a puzzle, you know that the edge pieces usually come first. They create a framework that helps everything else come together. In the same way, God’s Word provides the framework for our lives. When circumstances confuse us, His promises help us understand where the pieces belong.

    The truth is, we were never meant to assemble the puzzle alone.

    God is the Master Designer. He knows exactly where each piece fits. He knows why certain pieces arrived when they did. He knows why some pieces seem delayed. He knows how today’s confusion will connect to tomorrow’s purpose.

    Our responsibility is not to see the entire picture. Our responsibility is to trust the One who does.

    Maybe today you’re holding a piece of the puzzle that makes no sense. Perhaps you’re facing a situation that feels unfinished or unresolved. Remember that one piece is not the whole picture.

    Don’t judge God’s plan by the piece you’re holding today.

    Trust that the Author of your story is still working. Trust that He is placing each piece exactly where it belongs. Trust that one day you will look back and see how His grace, wisdom, and faithfulness were present all along.

    The puzzle isn’t finished yet.

    And that’s okay.

    God is still putting the pieces together.

    What piece of your life are you struggling to understand right now, and how can you choose to trust God with the bigger picture?

    Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Don’t Put a Period Where God Puts a Comma

    Have you ever reached a place in life where it felt like the story was over?

    The diagnosis came. The relationship ended. The door closed. The dream seemed lost. You looked at the situation and thought, This is the end.

    But often what looks like a period to us is only a comma to God.

    Throughout Scripture, we see moments when people believed the story was finished, only to discover that God was still writing.

    Joseph was sold into slavery…and then God.

    The Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea…and then God.

    Lazarus was in the tomb for four days…and then God.

    Jesus was crucified and buried…and then God.

    God specializes in writing “and then God” moments into stories that appear hopeless.

    That doesn’t mean every outcome changes the way we want it to. God’s sovereignty does not guarantee that life will unfold according to our plans. But His sovereignty does guarantee that He remains in control even when circumstances seem out of control.

    Yet God’s sovereignty does not negate our responsibility.

    Sometimes Christians use God’s sovereignty as an excuse for passivity. We tell ourselves, “If God wants it to happen, it will happen,” and then do nothing. But Scripture consistently calls us to trust God while also taking responsibility for our choices.

    You may not be able to control the outcome, but you can control your response.

    You may not be able to choose your circumstances, but you can choose faith over fear.

    You may not be able to change what happened, but you can choose forgiveness instead of bitterness.

    You may not be able to stop the storm, but you can decide where you anchor your heart.

    Our responsibility is obedience. God’s responsibility is the outcome.

    Many of us spend so much energy trying to control things we cannot control that we neglect the things God has placed within our hands.

    One of those things is people.

    How often have we exhausted ourselves trying to change someone else’s heart?

    A spouse.

    A child.

    A coworker.

    A friend.

    The truth is, you can often influence the ending of a situation, but you cannot change another person. Only God can do that.

    You can pray.

    You can encourage.

    You can set healthy boundaries.

    You can speak truth in love.

    But you cannot force transformation in another human being.

    Trying to do so will leave you frustrated, exhausted, and discouraged.

    Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is entrust that person to God and focus on your own obedience.

    And while we’re waiting for God to work, we need to remember another important truth: with blessings often come battles.

    The enemy rarely fights over territory he already owns.

    When God begins opening doors, growing your faith, healing your heart, strengthening your ministry, restoring your family, or leading you into a new season, resistance often follows.

    The enemy will attempt to distract, discourage, divide, and derail.

    Not because the blessing isn’t from God, but because it is.

    The battle doesn’t always mean you’re going the wrong way. Sometimes it is confirmation that you’re moving in the right direction.

    Don’t be surprised when opposition appears. Instead, put on the armor of God and keep walking.

    And that leads to one final thought.

    Don’t get out.

    Too many people leave too soon.

    They leave the marriage before God finishes His work.

    They leave the ministry before the harvest.

    They leave the church because of conflict.

    They leave the calling because of hardship.

    They leave the process because it feels uncomfortable.

    Now, there are certainly situations where someone else should leave—when there is abuse, danger, or unrepentant sin. Wisdom and discernment matter.

    But many times, the person who is ready to quit is actually standing on the edge of breakthrough.

    The enemy whispers, “Get out.”

    God whispers, “Hold on.”

    The enemy says, “It’s over.”

    God says, “I’m not finished.”

    The enemy points to the period.

    God points to the comma.

    If you’re in a difficult season today, remember this:

    God’s sovereignty does not eliminate your responsibility.

    You may not control the outcome, but you can control your response.

    You cannot change another person, but God can.

    Blessings often come with battles.

    And what feels like the end may simply be the place where God is preparing an “and then God” moment.

    So don’t put a period where God puts a comma.

    Keep trusting.

    Keep praying.

    Keep obeying.

    Keep believing.

    The Author is still writing your story.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Doing More or Becoming More?

    The Choice Every Christian Must Make

    In today’s world, we are constantly encouraged to pursue our dreams, follow our passions, and do what makes us happy. While there is nothing inherently wrong with pursuing goals and ambitions, followers of Jesus must ask a deeper question:

    Am I becoming who God created me to be?

    There is a significant difference between doing what you want and becoming who God wants you to become. The Christian life requires both. God has given us gifts, talents, desires, and opportunities to steward. But He is far more concerned with our character than our accomplishments.

    Too often, we measure success by what we achieve. God measures success by who we are becoming.

    The reality is that many people can build successful careers, lead ministries, grow businesses, and accomplish impressive things while neglecting the condition of their hearts. Yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that character matters.

    Your character is not separate from your destiny.

    It is your destiny.

    The person you are becoming determines how you will handle influence, relationships, challenges, victories, and disappointments. God is not simply preparing a destination for you; He is preparing you for the destination.

    This raises another important question:

    Are you working to win, or are you working to build your identity?

    Many of us spend enormous amounts of energy trying to prove ourselves. We want to win the approval of others, win the promotion, win the recognition, or win the argument. But followers of Christ do not work from a place of insecurity. We work from a place of identity.

    Our identity is not something we create.

    It is something we receive.

    Because of Christ, we are already loved, chosen, forgiven, and accepted. When we truly understand who we are in Him, we stop striving to earn what has already been given through grace.

    The goal is no longer to build an identity through performance.

    The goal is to live out the identity God has already spoken over us.

    This is why what captures our attention matters so much.

    Where your attention goes, your energy flows.

    Whatever consistently occupies your mind will eventually shape your heart. Whatever shapes your heart will influence your decisions. And your decisions will determine the direction of your life.

    If our attention is consumed by social media, comparison, achievement, entertainment, or the opinions of others, our spiritual growth will suffer. But when our attention is fixed on Christ, our hearts begin to reflect His character.

    Jesus gave us the picture in John 15 when He described Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches.

    A branch does not strain to produce fruit.

    It remains connected to the vine.

    The fruit is the natural result of the connection.

    The same is true for us.

    The question is not merely what are you doing for God.

    The question is: What are you building into your life to stay connected to Him?

    Are you creating space for prayer?

    Are you spending time in God’s Word?

    Are you worshiping beyond Sunday mornings?

    Are you surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow spiritually?

    Are you creating rhythms that draw you closer to Jesus?

    Connection to the vine does not happen accidentally. It happens intentionally.

    Every day, we are becoming someone. We are either being shaped by the world around us or transformed by the Spirit within us.

    The life God desires for us is not simply about accomplishing more.

    It is about becoming more like Christ.

    So today, pause and ask yourself:

    Am I only doing what I want to do?

    Or am I becoming who God created me to become?

    Because at the end of the day, success is not measured by what you built, earned, or achieved.

    It is measured by whether you faithfully became the person God called you to be.

    Stay connected to the Vine.

    The fruit will follow.

    With love and joy,

    Laura