We live in a world that often insists, “If you can’t see it, it isn’t real.” Our culture prizes what’s visible, tangible, and scientifically provable. But Scripture tells us again and again that there’s far more going on around us than we can perceive with our physical senses.
Unseen battles. Unseen forces. Unseen help.
Many of us—even those who follow Christ—drift through life unaware of the spiritual war being waged all around us. We get caught up in the stress of deadlines, the grief of loss, the uncertainty of our futures, and the pain of feeling alone. But what if we’re not alone? What if we’re just not seeing clearly?
📖 The Story of Elisha and the Chariots of Fire
In 2 Kings 6, Elisha’s servant wakes up one morning to find that their city is surrounded by an enemy army. He panics—and understandably so! From all outward appearances, they’re hopelessly outnumbered.
But Elisha responds with calm assurance:
“Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
What had seemed like certain defeat was, in fact, a situation completely under God’s control. Protection had been there all along—it just hadn’t been visible. At least not to Elisha’s servant, or to anyone who didn’t have eyes open enough to see.
👁️ Spiritual Warfare Is Real
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of what’s really going on:
There’s a very real battle happening beyond our sight. The enemy of our souls wants to discourage us, divide us, and destroy our faith. But God doesn’t leave us defenseless. He equips us and surrounds us with spiritual resources—even angelic protection—that we often overlook.
I find it humorous how Halloween and Christmas pageant costumes have devolved so far from the way they are depicted in the Bible. Nearly every time an angel appears to a human in the Bible, the first thing he says to the person is, “Don’t be afraid.” Based on this, I imagine that angels must be terrifying to behold—a far cry from a toddler adorned with a white robe and little wings.
As a case in point, there’s a passage in 2 Kings that depicts how terrifying angels must be. During King Hezekiah’s reign, Jerusalem was under threat by the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. Hezekiah prayed, and God sent an angel—who doesn’t even warrant having his name mentioned—who wiped out the enemy army in one night!
That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!
And I don’t imagine that Satan and the other fallen angels would be any less frightening if we could see them. Demons are probably very scary as well. Most likely, none of them are comical or even sexy, like they are often portrayed.
⚔️ We’re Not Fighting Alone
Psalm 34:7 gives us this encouragement:
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” — Psalm 34:7 (NIV)
Jesus Himself reassured His disciples (and us) of His presence, even when He returned to heaven:
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20b (NIV)
And Hebrews reminds us:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” — Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
You are not alone. Not now. Not ever.
🙏 Pray for Eyes to See
So, if you’re overwhelmed… If it feels like you’re surrounded by enemies—be they spiritual, emotional, or physical… If you’re feeling like there’s nobody to talk to about your trials or who understands your challenges… If you’re discouraged and wondering whether God sees what you’re going through…
Pray this simple prayer: “Lord, open my eyes.”
Ask Him to reveal the spiritual reality. Ask Him to show you the protection you didn’t realize was there. Ask Him to allow you to perceive the One who walks beside you, listening to your whispered prayers. Ask Him to help you trust—not just what you see—but what He has promised.
📯 Closing Thoughts
Let’s not go through life believing only in what we can touch or measure. Let’s not underestimate the reality of spiritual warfare—or the power of God’s help.
You may feel outnumbered, outmatched, alone, or overwhelmed. But there are chariots of fire all around you. There is a King who fights on your behalf. There is a Host of heaven that marches at His command.
Within the last eight days, I have set foot in Costa Rica, Florida, and now Colorado. In each of these places, I’ve been struck by the beauty and sheer diversity of God’s creation. Costa Rica teems with life—monkeys, sloths, birds of every color, plants growing in wild abundance. Florida bursts with coastal vibrancy—the hum of insects, the chorus of birds, and the breezes through palm fronds. And Colorado? Majestic mountains, pine forests, alpine meadows, and deer at the edge of dawn.
On the surface, Costa Rica’s terrain might resemble Colorado’s ruggedness, and its humidity might echo Florida’s tropical air. But when you pause to really look around, to really see what surrounds you, you begin to notice the intricate distinctions—the infinite variations that point to a Creator with boundless imagination.
God’s artistry is everywhere, if only we take time to notice.
But Creation Isn’t the Only Place We See Signs of God
We can see glimpses of Him in people, too.
Now, let’s be honest—it doesn’t always feel that way. Turn on the news and you’ll see stories of people hurting one another, giving in to greed, anger, and pride. This isn’t limited to any one country, political party, or religion. Every group has its share of people acting from their worst impulses, people caving into their worldly desires, people listening to the voice of the evil one above all others.
But look a little closer.
Every group, every nation, every religion, every walk of life also contains people who are trying to do good. People who are kind. People who lift others up, often quietly and without recognition. People who go out of their way to help a stranger. Who offer a word of encouragement or share a burden they didn’t cause. Sometimes they do this intentionally. Other times, they may not even realize how God is using them in that moment.
God often uses people to answer our prayers.
One of my favorite biblical examples of this is in 2 Kings 4. A widow comes to Elisha in desperation—her husband is dead, her debts are overwhelming, and creditors are coming to take her sons as slaves. Elisha tells her to gather jars and pour what little olive oil she has. Miraculously, the oil doesn’t stop flowing until every jar is filled. She sells the oil, pays her debts, and saves her sons. A divine provision, delivered through the actions of another person.
The Bible never reports whether Elisha ever learned how he (or God working through him) helped the widow. There’s also no record that the widow ever had the opportunity to thank Elisha for how he had helped her. I wonder if she at least thanked God.
No judgment here, though—I probably can’t even count the times God has provided for me or rescued me in some way, but I failed to thank Him for doing so.
These stories still happen. Maybe not with jars of olive oil, but with conversations, meals, shared time, unexpected answers, or resources that come just when we need them most.
How many signs of God are woven into our days—some breathtaking, some subtle?
Recall that in 1 Kings 19:11–12, God showed Himself to the prophet Elijah not in the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire. Instead, God caught Elijah’s attention in a gentle whisper.
How many signs of God do we miss because we’re distracted? Because we’re disengaged? Because we’re too busy scrolling, worrying, hurrying?
Looking at it from another perspective, how many times do we miss opportunities to be a sign of God in someone else’s life for the same reasons?
So, I think those are the invitations for us: to look more closely. To open our eyes, our hearts, and our schedules to notice the signs of God all around us.
In the sway of the trees. In the laugh of a child. In the kind word of a stranger. In the unexplainable peace that meets us in the middle of the storm.
Similarly, we need to open our eyes, our hearts, and our schedules enough to recognize times when God may be guiding us to provide a sign of Him to someone else.
When will you encounter someone who needs some extra money to help them get out from under the debt that’s crushing the life out of them? When will you meet someone who would benefit from your story about how God helped you weather the storms of your life? When will you see someone who feels invisible? Which person is the passing stranger who desperately needs a kind word, or just a smile?
God is always leaving signs. He is always giving us chances to be His sign to others.
When my kids were very young, family hikes often turned into tests of endurance—not just for their little legs, but also for their resolve. There came moments when they’d stop, sink to the ground, and fuss, convinced they couldn’t go any further. I’d kneel beside them, speak encouragement, show them how to keep going step by step. But sometimes, words weren’t enough. I couldn’t convince them that they could do just a little bit more.
That’s when I’d scoop them up, hoist them onto my shoulders or back, and carry them to the top.
God, our Heavenly Father, does all these things for us too—if we let Him. Let’s take a few moments to explore how our Loving Dad in heaven is so much better at this than any of us could ever be.
🤝 God Encourages and Guides Us First
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God challenges Joshua to lead boldly—reminding him that He won’t be alone.
Psalm 32:8 (NIV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God provides direction and encouragement before the need to intervene more drastically.
💪 God Empowers Us to Do More Than We Think We Can
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Paul reminds us that it’s not about our strength—it’s about God working through us.
Isaiah 40:29–31 (NIV) “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. … those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” God strengthens us so we can press on—even when we feel like we can’t.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul writes this after asking God to remove a burden. God doesn’t remove it, but instead empowers Paul to endure it.
🕊️ When All Else Fails, God Carries Us
Isaiah 40:11 paints this beautiful image of God as a shepherd:
“He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those with young.”
He cares enough to lift the weight we can’t handle, freeing us to keep going.
And through Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30 invites us into His strong arms:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Sadly, there are too many people who struggle with the idea of our heavenly Father being good because of the way they’ve experienced their earthly father.
Maybe your father failed you. Maybe he wasn’t there. Maybe he caused deep wounds. I understand how that can affect your view of God.
Maybe you can’t picture our Dad in heaven doing these things for us—encouraging us, empowering us, or carrying us—because you never had a dad who did those things for you.
But here’s the truth: the Father who holds us doesn’t change based on your history. He is perfect, loving, merciful, and never abandons us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, John 14:18). He gently corrects, never withholds, and meets us in the deepest places in our beings.
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.
You are dearly loved by a Father who never lets you down.
Your Heavenly Father Is Bigger Than Your Circumstances
Whether your “mountain” is physical, emotional, or spiritual, God is more than big enough to carry you. He’s the Dad who never tires, never doubts, and never leaves your side—even when you can’t go on.
🎯 What Should You Do Now?
Today, ask Him: “Father, will You guide me? Help me where I am weak? Will You carry me when I need that help? ”
Reflect on the areas where you’re weary. Where do you need His help most? Looking back over your life—or even the last few years—where has God encouraged you? Empowered you? Carried you when you thought you couldn’t go on? Thank Him for those previous victories, and trust that He will come through for you again.
Share a word of encouragement with someone else who might need reminding: You don’t have to walk alone—God’s got you.
Final Thoughts
Just like my kids needed me to encourage them, empower them, and even carry them sometimes, we all need that kind of strength, support, and love when life gets heavy. Whether it’s emotional exhaustion, physical limitations, or spiritual fatigue, remember: none of us has to do this on our own.
We have each other. Even better, we have a Dad in heaven who will never let us down. You can let yourself be encouraged, empowered, and carried by the only Father who can carry you all the way.
Happy Father’s Day, to all who have tried their best to give this kind of love.
Fear is one of the most natural human emotions. It can keep us safe—but it can also hold us back, consume our thoughts, and steal our peace. As followers of Christ, we’re not immune to fear—but we are invited to live differently. Scripture doesn’t deny fear; it simply calls us to something greater: faith.
My wife and I are on vacation in Costa Rica, and on a tour we took this morning, one of the people was wearing a T-shirt that said “Faith over Fear”.
That got me wondering what it looks like to live that way? What does it really mean to choose faith over fear?
God Is With Us—Always
Let’s start with one of the most frequent commands in Scripture: Do not be afraid. It appears over 300 times in the Bible. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a reminder we need regularly.
Isaiah 41:10 reassures us:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Fear loses its grip when we realize we’re not alone. God Himself walks with us.
Perfect Love Drives Out Fear
When fear rises, love can overcome it. Not just any love—God’s love.
The Apostle John reminds us:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
John, in 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
The more we internalize how deeply we are loved by our Heavenly Father, the less room fear has to fester.
Jesus Slept through the Storm
Mark 4:37–40 tells the story of Jesus and His disciples in a boat during a violent storm. While the disciples panicked, Jesus slept.
Unafraid.
When they woke Him, He calmed the storm with a word—but not before asking:
Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?
Jesus, in Mark 4:40 (NIV)
The message? Jesus is in the boat with us. Even when the storm rages, He is not alarmed. If He is at peace, we can be, too.
Nothing Can Separate Us
Fear often whispers to me, What if everything falls apart? What if I lose it all? But Scripture answers that with a bold assurance in Romans 8:38–39:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul the Apostle, in Romans 8:39 (NIV)
Not even our deepest fears can sever that connection.
Faith Isn’t the Absence of Fear
Faith doesn’t mean we’ll never feel afraid. It means we choose to trust God more than we trust our fears.
Psalm 56:3 puts it simply:
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
We may still tremble, but we cling to God’s promises anyway.
Our Ultimate Destination Is Secure
And here’s the bottom line—what ties all of this together.
As believers, our eternity is already secured. Heaven awaits. Heaven, which is so much more glorious and beautiful and peaceful than our best day in our favorite place on this planet.
We are children of God. We are sealed with His Spirit.
So what do we really have to fear?
Jesus says in John 14:1–3:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.
Jesus, in John 14:1-3 (NIV)
And Colossians 1:27 reminds us of this great mystery:
Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Paul, in Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
The hope of glory isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a guaranteed inheritance. Because of that, we can live boldly, love generously, and walk in peace.
Conclusion: What Do We Have to Fear?
So when fear knocks, remember this: You are never alone. You are deeply loved. You are held in the hand of the One who commands the storm. And your future is secure.
Faith over fear isn’t about bravado—it’s about surrender. It’s not pretending life doesn’t get scary—it’s trusting that even when it does, God is greater.
And if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 (NIV))
Whether we like it or not—God doesn’t give us a choice—when we declare ourselves followers of Christ, when we accept His glorious gift of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, we’re also stepping into the “uniform” of a Christ-follower.
What does that look like, though?
Is it a coat and tie for men on Sunday morning, and a properly long dress for the ladies? The right haircut, the right amount of makeup and jewelry?
Not even close.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with any of those things—if that’s how you choose to present yourself, that’s your call. But those things aren’t part of the uniform of a Christ-follower. If they were, most of Jesus’ disciples—and Jesus Himself—wouldn’t pass the dress code.
A Countercultural Uniform
Jesus specifically chose people who did not conform to the world’s expectations for “religious” people. Why?
Because His kingdom doesn’t operate by worldly standards. His is a kingdom where the inside matters more than the outside, and where the heart determines the uniform.
When Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day, He didn’t do it for wearing the wrong robes or saying the wrong prayers. He rebuked them because, while everything looked polished on the outside, they were spiritually dead inside. As He put it:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
That’s a gut punch. But it’s also a clear indicator: the uniform of a Christ-follower has nothing to do with appearances—and everything to do with action and intention.
So What Does the Uniform Look Like?
Over the course of my journey with Jesus, I’ve come to understand that the real uniform isn’t about what we wear or how we look; it’s about how we love—and why we love.
Jesus tells us plainly:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…”
Not love as the world defines it—fleeting, transactional, self-serving love. But love that looks like Jesus: sacrificial, unrelenting, and extended even to those we’d rather not love.
It means loving your neighbors—even the ones who won’t cut their grass.
It means showing grace to that driver who cuts you off—or drives 10+ miles per hour under the speed limit (I’m working on those myself).
It means loving those who don’t think like you, vote like you, or believe like you.
It means seeing the brokenness behind bad behavior and treating it tenderly instead of smashing it on the ground.
What It Means to Wear a Uniform
Whether it’s a soldier, a police officer, or an athlete on a sports team, a uniform communicates something before a word is spoken.
It signifies identity—this person belongs to something larger than themselves.
It implies accountability—their behavior reflects on the team or institution they represent.
And in the military especially, a uniform demands meticulous attention to detail. Why? Because sloppiness doesn’t just reflect poorly on the individual—it reflects poorly on the entire force. In some cases, it can even cost lives.
When you wear the uniform, you don’t just represent yourself.
It’s the same for us as followers of Christ.
We’ve been given a new identity, we belong to something far greater than ourselves, and our words and actions reflect not just on us—but on Jesus Himself. That’s why Paul reminds us:
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
Ambassadors. Representatives. People are watching.
Why It Matters
Here’s the thing: if people know you’re a Christ-follower (and hopefully they do), they’re watching. Not in a creepy way, but in a “Does this Jesus thing really make a difference?” kind of way.
When we treat others as Christ would, people get curious. They wonder what’s different about us—and that curiosity can open a door to faith.
But the reverse is also true.
When we act poorly—and worse, when we justify our behavior “in the name of Jesus”—we risk pushing people away from Him. That breaks God’s heart, and it breaks my heart, because I’ve seen it happen.
When Christians Behave Badly
My younger daughter has been deeply wounded by people who called themselves Christians—at key moments in her faith journey. These encounters drove a wedge between her and God. My wife and I continue to pray and gently guide her back into a relationship with Jesus, but there’s a lot of scar tissue.
Even in my own life, I was hurt by so-called Christians during my time at a Christian university. It rocked my faith early on.
But over time, I’ve matured. I’ve stopped judging God by the behavior of His followers.
It took me a while, but I finally realized how absurd it was to think I could judge Him—the One who sees the whole picture when I barely see a small section.
I’ve also learned to be slower to judge others. I don’t know what battles they’re fighting. They may be acting out of deep wounds or even spiritual deception—meaning, maybe they think they’re doing what they’re doing to glorify God, but they’re really following the prompting of the evil one.
Only God sees their heart. I can’t.
Right Action, Wrong Reason?
Now here’s the twist Jesus throws in (because He always takes it deeper):
It’s not just what we do that matters—it’s why we do it.
We’re not called to love people just because it’s the rule, or because it earns us points in heaven. We’re called to love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
Out of gratitude that He loves us in spite of our mess. Out of a heart healed by mercy.
Jesus told a parable about a servant who was forgiven an enormous debt, only to turn around and demand a small repayment from another servant. His master was furious. (See Matthew 18:21–35.)
We’ve been forgiven much. And Jesus wants our actions to reflect that—not as payment, but as response.
Trying to earn our way into heaven by “good deeds” misses the point entirely:
In the economy of God’s Kingdom, right behavior with the wrong motive is still wrong behavior.
Only God truly knows the heart—but we can pray for Him to reveal our motivations, to purify them, and to help us grow into people who reflect Jesus both in action and intention.
One Final Thought
I know this was a lot—but following Jesus isn’t supposed to be easy. He never promised that it would be.
When He said His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30), He wasn’t saying the path would be painless. He was saying that, compared to the crushing weight of legalism and guilt, life with Him brings rest and restoration—because we walk it with Him.
And that’s the best part. He promised not ease, but His presence.
So yes, we represent Him. And that’s a heavy responsibility. A difficult uniform to wear well.
But we don’t carry it alone.
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Christ in you. Not just beside you, not just above you—but in you.
That’s what transforms us. That’s what makes us better representatives. That’s what helps us wear the uniform well and proudly. And that’s the source of the hope we carry into a hurting world.
This Memorial Day weekend, I find myself reflecting on those who’ve gone before me—those whose sacrifices have shaped the world I live in, the freedoms I enjoy, and the faith that gives my life purpose.
As an American, I pause with deep gratitude to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to this country. From the beaches of Normandy to jungles in Vietnam, from the deserts of the Middle East to caves and crags in Afghanistan, countless individuals have laid down everything to preserve our freedoms and protect our way of life.
Many of them were young—barely more than boys and girls. Some had families. Some had dreams they never got to pursue. But they stood in the gap. They didn’t know my name, yet they fought for my freedom. That kind of selflessness humbles me. It’s worth remembering not just once a year, but as often as we enjoy the liberties their courage secured.
Freedom costs a lot. It has been paid for with blood, and I am thankful.
Grateful as a Follower of Christ
And I’m also grateful in a different way—as a follower of Jesus Christ.
I think about the early disciples and apostles, who left everything to follow a Rabbi from an obscure town. Many of them were persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and killed—yet they carried the Good News to the ends of the earth. Because of their faithfulness, the message of Jesus didn’t stop in Nazareth or Jerusalem. It spread across nations, across centuries, and somehow—miraculously—it found its way to me.
I think about Paul, writing letters of encouragement and correction from a prison cell.
I think about Stephen, who forgave his executioners even as they stoned him.
I think about missionaries throughout history—some of whom gave up comfort, country, and even their lives to make sure people they would never meet could one day know Jesus.
Their sacrifice helped open the door to my salvation, and I don’t want to take that for granted.
Hebrews 11 & the Legacy of Faith
In Hebrews 11, the author lists a long line of faithful men and women—some celebrated, some unnamed—who lived and died without seeing the full promise, but trusted anyway. The chapter ends with this powerful reflection:
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
We run the race today because they ran it before us.
Carrying the Torch
Whether it’s the freedom I enjoy as a citizen or the faith I cling to as a believer, I know it didn’t come cheaply.
This weekend, I’ll celebrate and rest and enjoy time with my family—but I’ll also remember. I’ll give thanks for those who gave everything—on the battlefield and in the mission field—so that I could live free and live changed.
And I’ll ask myself: What am I doing with the freedom I’ve been given?
Am I using it to serve others? To tell the truth? To love like Christ?
May we never forget the ones who went before us—and may we honor them by living with the same courage, conviction, and selflessness they showed.
Most of us who follow Christ are deeply familiar with the promise of eternal life. It’s one of the most foundational truths of the Christian faith—that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are forgiven, redeemed, and granted life forever with God in heaven, in paradise.
That’s exciting, to say the least. Not to mention the idea that it sounds way better than the alternative.
But then sometimes, Jesus talks about something that He refers to as abundant life, or having life to the full (depending on the translation):
He says this in the present tense, as though there is something more for His followers than just eternity with Him in paradise (as if that’s not enough!). Something right here, right now.
So, what does He mean by that? That’s what I’d like to explore this week.
Life… More Abundantly
The Greek word used here for “life” is zoē, which means not just biological existence, but the highest quality of life—real, genuine, active, and blessed. And “to the full” (perissos) means overflowing, more than enough, exceeding expectations.
Here’s one thing that comes to my mind when I hear this: we’re not talking about a big, fancy wine glass filled a quarter of the way with decent wine. No, friends, we’re talking about a big, fancy wine glass filled so full that it’s spilling all over the place. And the wine itself is exquisite, better than anything you’ve ever tasted.
So what is this abundant, overflowing life to the full that Jesus is talking about? And how do we live in it before we ever set foot in heaven?
I’d like to share some thoughts on how this journey has been for me.
More Than Heaven—Peace Here and Now
One of the greatest blessings I’ve experienced in my walk with Christ is His peace. Not just a fleeting sense of calm, but the deep-rooted shalom—the wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being that can carry you through life’s toughest storms. And I’ve experienced my fair share of storms–from stressful jobs, to losing jobs, to losing loved ones, and many others along the way.
And yet, as I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus, I’ve learned (of course, not perfectly) how to take Jesus up on this offer that He made to His disciples, and to us:
That promise has held me up through countless moments of uncertainty and stress. As I mentioned, I’ve walked through many stormy seasons, and yet time and again, God’s peace has met me in the middle of it. This is not the kind of life we endure—it’s the kind of life we overcome, because Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33).
He is training us and has shown us how to be overcomers.
Gratitude That Transforms
Another part of the abundant life Jesus gives us is the ability to live with gratitude. Not forced thankfulness, but genuine joy in the blessings we’ve been given—especially when they’re easy to overlook.
Christ has taught me to recognize beauty in the ordinary: a flowering hibiscus in my garden, a bike ride this afternoon with my wife, a giant grin or endless chatter from my two grandsons. Abundance isn’t about having more—it’s about seeing the morein what we already have, in the world around us.
That posture of gratitude has made my life truly rich, even when material resources were scarce.
The Right Perspective Changes Everything
Finally, abundant life means living with a kingdom perspective. Life on earth can be incredibly difficult. Jesus never said it wouldn’t be. But He did promise that when we align our view with God’s purposes, it changes the way we see our circumstances.
When I lift my gaze above the current challenge, when I remember that the King of the universe is not only aware of my situation but actively working all things for my good (Romans 8:28), it reframes everything. What once seemed impossible now becomes endurable—even meaningful.
It has taken me a long time to get to this posture of heart, but I’ve finally come to believe strongly that even when it seems like there is no way to get through or around whatever challenge I’m facing, God will find a way, or make one that I had never imagined.
So What About You?
Are you living with the expectation of eternal life but missing out on the abundant life available today? Or are you already engaging with this idea of living life to the full here and now?
Jesus didn’t come just to prepare a place for us in heaven—He came to transform our hearts, our outlook, and our daily lives today.
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Abundant life isn’t just about what we receive—it’s about who we know. And how that relationship changes everything.
What to Do Now
Take some time this week to reflect:
Where am I not living in the abundance Jesus promised?
Have I been missing the peace, gratitude, and perspective He offers?
How can I invite Jesus into the here-and-now parts of my life—not just the eternal ones?
Ask Him to open your eyes to the fullness of life He came to give.
And if you’ve experienced moments of God’s abundant life in surprising or unexpected ways, I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Or tell others—it’s a great way to convey how knowing Jesus has transformed your life.
Let’s encourage each other to walk not only toward heaven—but in the joy, peace, and richness of God’s presence today.
When I was small and fevered, Eyes heavy, body weak, She stayed up late beside me, With cool hands and whispered words, Read me stories into the night, Until the monsters lost their grip. She made me better.
When I said, “I can’t,” When fear clutched my lungs like a fist, She saw more in me than I could, Spoke belief into my soul, Tied my shoes, nudged me forward— Refused to let me quit. She made me better.
When I crossed the line, When my words were sharp or selfish, She didn’t look away. With firm love and tear-brimmed eyes, She corrected, shaped, forgave, Taught me that love sets boundaries. She made me better.
She’s gone—but not gone. I see her in the mirror, Hear her in my words, Carry her in my compass When I’m not sure what’s right. Wherever I go— She is with me.
And now I see her legacy Through the eyes of other mothers:
My wife, Loving our kids with a fierce, unshakable joy, A honey badger wrapped in grace, Fighting for their hearts, Holding them when they break. She makes them better.
My daughter, With Mom’s wisdom tucked in her pocket, Now raises little ones of her own, Sharing wonder and warmth, Passing on the quiet strength Of those who came before. She makes them better.
Even Jesus had a mom. She wasn’t perfect—how could she be? But she loved Him, Cradled the Savior of the world, Taught Him how to walk and speak. And maybe—just maybe— Mary made Him better.
When I thank God for my blessings, I’m grateful for the mothers, Who bind wounds and shape souls, Who pray over cribs and never give up on us, Who show us, more than anyone else, What God’s love looks like Wrapped in human skin.
To every mom, stepmom, grandmother, mother-figure, or spiritual mom—thank you for the way you love, serve, and shape the world one soul at a time.
And to those remembering a mother who is no longer here, may today be filled not only with tears, but with warm memories, quiet joy, and the enduring presence of her love.
If this poem touched you or reminded you of a mother in your life, I’d love to hear your story in the comments below. Let’s celebrate them together.
Moms don’t just raise us—they shape us. And through their love, we catch a glimpse of the heart of God.
There’s a peculiar detail tucked into the Resurrection story in Luke 24 — and every time I read it, I stop and think, Wait… what just happened?
It’s the moment on the road to Emmaus, where two followers of Jesus, one named Cleopas and the other unnamed, encounter the risen Christ but don’t recognize Him. He walks with them. Teaches them. Unpacks Scripture from Moses to the Prophets — the ultimate Bible study from the Word Himself.
I wrote a blog post about this five years ago, early in my blogging journey, called “Stumbling Toward Emmaus“. But I didn’t focus on the moment I want to unpack today. Here it is.
Unrecognized Jesus, Cleopas, and his unnamed friend arrive at their destination. Cleopas and his friend invite this stranger to stay for dinner. When Jesus breaks the bread… they seeHim.
And then — poof !— He vanishes.
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
What?? Why would Jesus disappear the very moment they realized who He was?
This feels like biblical nonsense. But as I said in the introduction to this series—nothing in Scripture is there by accident. So what is God trying to teach us in this odd little moment?
Did He Really Disappear?
It’s easy to picture this scene through a Hollywood lens: bright light, stunned expressions, and Jesus vanishing into thin air. But maybe there’s more happening than a miraculous disappearing act.
The resurrection marked a shift — Jesus was preparing His followers for the next chapter. He would soon no longer be with them physically, but that didn’t mean He would abandon them. In fact, He was getting them ready to recognize His presence without seeing Him.
Right after they recognized Him, they say:
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Even after His bodily ascension, Jesus promised His presence. And not only that—He promised the Holy Spirit, who would be with them and in them.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
In other words, Jesus was preparing His followers for life after the Resurrection—a life led by the Spirit, not just by sight. This Emmaus moment is a transition point, teaching us to see Jesus with the eyes of our hearts.
Why Emmaus? Why Them?
There’s something beautifully subversive about Jesus choosing to reveal Himself—not to Peter or John or His family—but to Cleopas and an unnamed companion. These weren’t the apostles or religious leaders. They were ordinary followers, disoriented, discouraged, and wandering.
And Jesus met them on the road.
He didn’t appear at the temple. Or atop the Mount of Olives. He came alongside two confused people walking away from Jerusalem, and walked with them, unrecognized.
Why?
Maybe to remind us that He meets us in our questions. In our confusion. In our disillusionment. In our walk away from hope.
And He’s patient enough to walk with us until our eyes are opened.
So… Why Did He Disappear?
Because they no longer needed to see Him to know Him.
The breaking of bread had revealed His identity. The Scriptures He explained had revealed His mission. Their burning hearts had testified to His presence.
He vanished — but He hadn’t left them. He was still with them. Just in a new way.
For Us Today
This story may feel like biblical nonsense on the surface—but it holds such a powerful truth:
We don’t always see Jesus. But that doesn’t mean He’s not there. The burning in your heart—the Spirit stirring in your soul—that’s Him. The Word opened to you, the bread broken, the friend who walks beside you—that’s Him, too.
And He promised He will never leave you.
So as we stumble toward Emmaus in our own lives—wondering what’s next, questioning what just happened, aching to see Jesus—we can remember: He’s walking with us already.
Even if we don’t recognize Him at first.
What about You?
Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t “see” Jesus—but later realized He had been with you all along?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Also—since this is part of the Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense series—if this reflection resonated with you, or you have other Bible passages that have always puzzled you, let me know. I’d love to explore them in future episodes.
Until next time, may your heart burn within you as He walks beside you — even if your eyes haven’t caught up just yet.
Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to take a minute to introduce this new series. Let me start by clarifying that I would never dare label anything in the Bible as “nonsense.” The Bible is the Inspired Word of God, true and trustworthy from beginning to end.
That said, if I’m being honest, I’ve stumbled across many passages throughout my journey with Jesus that have, at first glance, seemed confusing, puzzling… even nonsensical.
Early in my walk with Christ, I would often wrestle with a confusing verse for a few minutes, then shrug my shoulders and move on, thinking, Well, maybe someday this will make sense. As my faith deepened, I learned to pray in those moments, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal what God wanted me to see.
Sometimes clarity came quickly. Other times? Not at all. And I’ve come to be at peace with that.
Here’s Why
God tells us through His prophet Isaiah that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). If the Creator of the universe fits neatly into my human understanding, then He isn’t much of a God, is He?
So, I think it’s OK with God if certain parts of the Bible don’t make sense to us—in other words, if we think they’re nonsense, as long as we never stop trying to understand them, and as long as we don’t discard the rest of the Bible just because some parts of it are hard to understand (as I believe many secular people have done, to the extent that they have even explored the Word of God for themselves).
Anyway, I now believe that every confusing passage will unfold its meaning when God knows I’m ready to receive it—when I need it most.
To be clear, this series is not about poking holes in Scripture. I remain steadfast in my belief that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, the Absolute Truth, even if it contains passages that don’t make sense to me.
This series is about walking together through some of the verses that may have left us scratching our heads—digging deeper, praying for insight, and trusting the Spirit to reveal truth in His perfect timing. I pray that it encourages you—and reminds you that struggling to understand a passage doesn’t mean your faith is broken. It simply means you’re growing, and that you’re persisting in your journey with Him, even through the challenging and confusing parts.
And now, onto today’s post, the first episode:
How Can You Possibly Be Born Again?
One of the most famous — and initially confusing — conversations Jesus ever had was with a man named Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. In spite of being part of a group of religious leaders who always seemed to be trying to discredit Jesus instead of recognizing Him for who He was, Nicodemus actually seemed to be seeking the Truth and trying to discern whether Jesus really could be the promised Messiah. It’s recorded for us in chapter 3 of John’s gospel.
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, curious but cautious. And Jesus doesn’t waste time or mince words, seeming to sense Nicodemus’ seeking heart:
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
It’s a fair question! If you or I were hearing this for the first time, we’d probably ask something similar. And that’s exactly the point: Jesus used a shocking metaphor to crack open a truth that Nicodemus—and all of us—desperately needed to grasp.
To be “born again” is not about biology. It’s about spiritual rebirth. I know the term “born again” has been overused, to the point where we probably skate right past it, no longer pausing to ponder what this really means.
So, let’s unpack it a bit and see if we can re-infuse the term with the rich and deep meaning Jesus intended for it.
When a baby is born, it enters an entirely new world — one it had no power to create, and one it cannot survive in on its own. It cannot understand that world, nor can the baby control it.
Everything must be provided for a newborn baby: nourishment, protection, love, guidance. Birth is a radical break from what came before. It’s no wonder that one of a baby’s first actions outside the womb is to scream its head off. I always wonder if they’re trying to say, “Put me back! I liked things the way they were!”
But you can’t do that. Birth is a beginning. A starting-over. A brand-new life.
Jesus was telling Nicodemus—and telling us—that following Him isn’t about tweaking our old life, polishing it up a bit, or trying harder to be good. It’s about receiving a completely new life from God. A life so new that it requires a spiritual birth, as real and as complete as our physical birth.
We sometimes hear people say, “I’m trying to be a better person” or “I’m working on getting my act together.” But Christianity isn’t about self-improvement or cleaning up your act. It’s about dying to the old self—and being born again into the new.
Jesus uses other confusing metaphors to describe this, too:
Dying to ourselves (Luke 9:23)
Taking up our cross and following Him (also Luke 9:23)
We’ll unpack those powerful yet confusing ideas more fully in a future episode of this series.
But for today, the key is this: Being born again means surrendering the idea that we can fix ourselves—and receiving, by faith, the brand-new life that only God can give.
If this post resonated with you, or even if it stirred new questions, I’d love to hear from you!
And since this is the first episode of Making Sense of Biblical Nonsense, I’d also love your feedback about the idea of the series itself. If you like it, let me know — and if there are particular passages that have always left you scratching your head, suggest them! I’d love to explore them together in future episodes.
You can leave a comment below or send me a message — I’d be honored to hear your thoughts.
Until next time, keep seeking, keep asking, and keep trusting that in His perfect time, God will make all things clear.
Master's Canvas - Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter 