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In 1978, author Loren Eiseley published an essay called “The Star Thrower.” It recounts a beach walk by a narrator...

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Dresses at the Cloisters—Bringing Holy Art Alive

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

The Cloisters is a terrific museum of medieval art in my upper Manhattan neighborhood. I jog around it many mornings a week, but haven’t been inside in a while. Until recently.

Right now it’s hosting an exhibit sponsored by the Met museum–of which it is a part–of liturgical garments and fashion: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”

I’m clueless about fashion–just ask my wife–but I love religious art, and something magical seems to happen when you put these fancy dresses in the same rooms with sculpture, paintings, frescoes, stained glass windows and tapestries.

I found myself looking differently at ancient drapery next to new high-versions of the stuff that are (I guess) meant to worn.

In one exquisite Romanesque chapel the space is suddenly filled with a stunning white bridal dress complete with veil. All at once the room is returned to its sacred roots–a point Catholic columnist Ross Douthot made about the exhibit.

You see the room as a holy place and not just a bunch of old stones. More than one viewer seemed to be reminded of the recent royal wedding. I overheard one say, “Meghan Markle and Prince Henry…He’s the one who married up.” Made me laugh.

I think of medieval art as the YouTube and Netflix of its time. Most people couldn’t read. But they could see stories from the Bible come to life on the walls and in windows of their churches.

In another gallery I glanced at a dazzling dress that would seem meant for the red carpet and then compared it to what one of the Wise Men wore. If ever there was a red carpet moment, wasn’t it the Nativity?

I studied an exquisite Schiaparelli scrap of 20th-century embroidery–an angel’s wing–and then looked at how the nearby seraphim and cherubim were clothed in sculpture and stained glass.

The danger of putting holy art into museums is it can seem static, preserved under glass, meant only to be looked at with a critical eye. Relics of the past.

But this art felt like it was curiously and prayerfully present right now. How lovely to look at top-end designers like Dior, Chanel, Galliano, Balenciaga and sense them gazing at God.

The exhibit is up through October. If you’re visiting New York, don’t miss it. Both at the Cloisters and also at the Met on Fifth Ave where exquisite garments from the Sistine Chapel are on view.

Celebrating the Women of the Bible

Posted on by Pablo Diaz

March is an important month for all women. First, it is Women’s History Month, highlighting the contributions of women to history and contemporary society. On March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day to recognize social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

As we celebrate this month, we must also keep in mind the many inspirational women throughout the Bible. These women—both named and unnamed—have impacted my spiritual development through faith, courage, actions and words.

In the Hebrew Scripture, I’m drawn to Esther, an orphan raised by her uncle and who overcame many challenges. Eventually, she was providentially placed by God in the King’s palace. She displayed courage and political astuteness to prevent the genocide of her Jewish community. When in need of courage, Esther inspires me.

In the Gospel, I’m drawn to the story of the woman who goes unnamed. She had an illness with no medical solution for 12 years. When she heard that Jesus was in her town, she decided to visit him. She believed that in touching the hem of Jesus’ tunic, she would be healed. And she was. Her faith, determination and relentless hope serve as a reminder that everything is possible when we believe.

There are many women throughout the Bible who can lift us up. They teach us how to face and overcome the odds and keep our focus on God. As we remember all the women who have shaped and made a difference in our world, let us keep in mind these inspirational women from the Bible.

Lord, thank you for the women of the Bible and their stories of faith, courage and determination that continue to inspire us to live for You.

Bible Prayers for Aging with Grace

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

“Old age is no place for sissies,” my 90-something mom used to say, quoting that famous line from Bette Davis. I’m still in my sixties, but even now I’m beginning to understand what she meant. All the more reason to turn to the Bible for support.

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. (Psalm 71:9) Frustrated by something that used to be piece of cake but now is taking so much out of you? Be like the Psalmist. Let God know. He needs to hear.

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age… (Ruth 4:15) So maybe I can’t jog as fast as I did at 20…but there is a source, a heavenly source, looking out for me. Nourishment for the body as well as the soul.

The righteous flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon…In old age they still produce fruit. (Psalm 92:12-14) I’ve caught myself saying more than once, “I wouldn’t want to be in my 20s again.” Why? Because if anything, with age we acquire wisdom. And that’s what produces fruit.

Gray hair is a crown of glory, it is gained in a righteous life. (Psalm 16:31) Okay, it’s not just being older that is the advantage. It’s about learning from experience. Taking the right lessons. Loving the Lord and learning from God. That’s when gray hair can be a crown of glory. Take a look at my silvery locks!

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.(Psalm 71:18) I love this prayer. It’s such a potent reminder how important purpose is to life. And as the Psalmist says, no matter our age, we still have this divine purpose: To proclaim God’s love for all to hear.

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) Even at my age I feel like a work in progress. Every day offers another chance to grow in faith, to learn more, love more, trust more, pray more. None of us can know when the end will come—that’s for God to decide. Until then, we grow.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. (Proverbs 17:6) Some things are truly worth the wait. Like grandchildren. We had our first this summer, beautiful baby Silas, and we expect our second one in December, this one to be named Rick like me. Another Rick Hamlin? No, no, something even better. What glory awaits.

NEW RESOURCE! Comfort for Caregivers: 100 Devotions to Lift Your Spirit
In this new book from Guideposts, find the strength, hope, and encouragement you need as you care for an aging parent.

A Sign of Hope from God After a Fire

Posted on by Kaylin Kaupish

On Friday, June 17, 2022, contractors working on Balsora Baptist Church in Wise County, Texas, went on their lunch break. When they returned, the building was engulfed in flames. Firefighters tried their best to douse the blaze, but the church—parts of which were more than 100 years old—was completely destroyed.

The only things left behind were debris, charred wreckage— and an unexpected miracle. Fire crews and onlookers were shocked to see something standing tall amongst the smoking rubble: a cross.

“I watched the roof go down,” said the church’s pastor, Sonny Smith, “and as the smoke began to settle, the Cross stood in the smoke.”

Inspiring stories Balsora Baptist Church miracle cross stories of hope
       Photos provided by Balsora Baptist Church

According to Smith’s wife, Lanita, this cross was used by members for their prayer requests. “As prayers were answered, we placed the answered prayers on the cross,” she said.

Two days after the blaze, church members gathered near the church to sing and pray together. “Many members are in their 70’s and 80’s,” said Sonny. “They actually grew up there, were baptized there, had their children baptized there, their parents had their funerals there… My heart went out to them, but [when we saw] that cross standing, it changed the whole mood of those elderly members. They knew God was giving them hope that all was okay.”

The charred cross was placed in the church’s prayer garden, along with Bibles that survived the blaze. “It gave us chills,” said Lanita. “We knew without a doubt that God is going to walk us through. In good times and the bad, He’s there!”

Though the cause of the fire is currently unknown, congregants are eager to rebuild. Neighboring churches of various denominations reached out to offer help. Online, people from all over the world— from California to Switzerland— shared their thoughts and prayers for the community.

“Prayers for the congregation,” one user wrote. “I know you are heartbroken, but God will help you rebuild and renew your strength… that Cross is just the new beginning.”

6 Bible Prayers for Wisdom in a New Season

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

Many of us feel a heightened need these days for wisdom and direction from God: parents who wonder if their children should return to in-person schooling, employers agonizing over bringing workers back to the office, small business owners worrying about their bottom line, homeowners wondering if the time is right to sell their home, retirees fretting about changes to their fixed income and more.

Your need may feel urgent and overwhelming but whatever you’re facing, it’s not a surprise to God. He saw it coming, and His wisdom and direction is as available now, in this season, as it ever was. And His Word, the Bible, encourages us with the command, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5 NIV).

So however great and pressing your need for wisdom may be right now, these six prayers adapted from the Bible may help you to obey that command and move forward in the belief that God has heard and given generously to you in answer to your prayers:

1) Like the psalmist
Lord, Your Word says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 111:10 NIV). Help me to trust in You and follow Your precepts in every twist and turn of this season. Grant me good understanding and guide my steps. Amen.

2) Like Moses
I pray the prayer of Moses, the man of God: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NIV). However long this current season may be, use it to cultivate in me a heart of wisdom that will help me to serve You well now, and in whatever the future brings. Amen.

3) Like Solomon
O Lord, my God, as Solomon once prayed, I feel as though I am “only a little child” in what I am facing, “not knowing how to go out or come in.” Therefore please give me an understanding heart to discern between good and evil and make wise decisions. Amen (drawn from 1 Kings 3:7-9).

4) Like Daniel
God, I pray with Your prophet Daniel: Praise be to Your name, God, forever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours. You change times and seasons; You depose kings and raise up others. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, and ask You to give me wisdom and power, as You did Daniel. Amen (based on Daniel 2:20-23 NIV).

5) Like Paul
Heavenly Father, as the Apostle Paul wrote, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; help me to walk in wisdom toward others, making the best use of my time and resources. Amen (based on Colossians 2:3 and Colossians 4:5).

6) Like James
God, I know, as James wrote, that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Grant me that wisdom in all that I’m facing. Let those attributes guide my decisions and flow from them. Direct my steps and guard my heart. Amen (James 3:17 NIV).

Let these prayers help you to fulfill James 1:5, asking God for wisdom. Pick and choose from among them. Combine them. Amplify them. And trust “God, who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5 NIV), and let Him supply all you need from His abundant, heavenly storehouse of wisdom.

5 Prayers for Pentecost, the Church’s Birthday

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

Pentecost is the church’s birthday, Sunday, May 23 this year. The first Pentecost happened almost 2,000 years ago when the disciples gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Think about putting that many candles on a birthday cake. Talk about tongues of fire! Here are some of the lessons of prayer I take from what the apostles learned.

1) Come together. It’s easy enough to feel disoriented and lost as we come out of this pandemic, and yet, it hardly compares to how the apostles must have felt in those days after the Crucifixion. They had just seen their Lord and Savior nailed to a tree—and then risen from the dead.

They had plenty of reasons to fear what might lie ahead. Would the powers that be come after them with horrendous means of torture? (Yes, indeed.) How on earth would they survive?

On the 50th day after Easter, they gathered “in one place” as the book of Acts puts it—it was the Jewish festival of Succoth. Jesus hadn’t left any book or building. What He’d given them was each other. What we still have today. Prayer offers tremendous power when we come together.

2) Ask for understanding. People from all over the Roman Empire were present in Jerusalem for the festival. And they spoke countless different languages. It must have been overwhelming. What would the apostles say to the people? How would they be understood?

That was when there was a rush of wind from heaven filling the entire house. Tongues “as of fire” appeared among them, resting over them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit.

So gifted, they spoke to the crowd, and even though they were humble Galileans the words that came out could be understood by those foreign people in their own native languages.

Two miracles happened that day. First, that ability to speak in a foreign tongue that had never been studied or learned. Secondly, the ability to be heard. That’s always my Pentecost prayer. May I have that gift of hearing and understanding in all I do and say.

3) Be open to your unexpected gifts. The apostle Peter makes an extraordinary transformation in a matter of days. Remember what he was at the Crucifixion? How from sheer cowardice he denied that he even knew Jesus, not just once but three times.

In the book of Acts, he has been transformed. Who steps forward to address the crowd? Peter. Who will never deny Jesus again? Peter. Who gave a brilliant sermon that day? Peter.

Jesus saw potential in people whom no one else noticed. Lowly fishermen like Peter. My prayer: that we could know the hidden potential He sees in us.

4) Dream dreams. These words come from right out of Peter’s sermon. “…and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” And it’s not just because I’ve got gray hair and wrinkles, that I love this text.

It’s never too late to dream. It can startle and shock, and you can wonder how those dreams might ever be fulfilled. But dreams must be dreamed.

5) Celebrate and give thanks. “Happy Pentecost,” a French friend once said to me. No reason we can’t give each other the same wish, the way we say, “Happy Birthday.” This is a day of celebration. Give thanks for your faith community.

3 Ways to Spend the Summer with God

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

An online friend of mine wrote a prayer years ago that contained the phrase, “Come summer with me, Lord.” The phrase stuck with me. I think of it often, especially as summer arrives. It reflects the desire of my heart and suggests at least three ways I can “summer with God” in the weeks ahead.

1. Change Your Pace
The classic Gershwin lyric labels “summertime” as a season when “the livin’ is easy.” The pace is different. Slower, yes, and perhaps quieter. So, if you summer with God, look for those opportunities to change your pace and invite God into it.

Take a walk, for instance, instead of reflexively driving somewhere nearby. Take a break. Whether it’s a beach vacation or a weekend away—or just a quick picnic in the park—find a time and place for some “down time” in which to send up a few prayers. Or, as the Gershwin song suggests, grab a pole and go where the fish are “jumpin’” (and God might be “speakin’”).

2. Taste and See God’s Goodness
The psalmist David sang, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8, NIV). The sense of taste is one we often forget or neglect in making meaningful connections with God. But the tastes of the season can help us to summer with God.

Pour a tall glass of iced tea and summer with God as you sip. Slice a melon and pray for God to produce similarly rich fruit in your life. Invite friends to a cookout and pause a few times to mark the goodness of God in the gifts of food and friendship.

3. Soak in the Sunshine
When was the last time you closed your eyes and let the sun warm your face? Or counted the clouds in the sky on a sunny day? Sure, you may need to apply a little sunscreen—or you may live in a region that seldom sees the sun—but one of summer’s delights is the sunshine and shade that makes the outdoors so, well, “outdoorsy.”

Depending on where you live and your daily schedule, you may need to be more intentional to soak up the sun, but try finding a way to enact the words of Scripture: “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3, NIV).

I want this to be a different summer than many that have gone before. I want it to be a summer that not only includes God in my plans and experiences, but also one that includes me in His. I will say often, in the days and weeks ahead, “Come, summer with me, Lord.”

Why God’s Answer to Prayer Is Always ‘Yes!’

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

God’s answer to prayer is always “Yes!” I’ve heard some people say, “Of course God answers prayer. He’ll say ‘No,’ ‘Maybe’ or ‘Yes.’” I don’t buy that. I believe that God’s answer to prayer is always “Yes!” Always. And take note of that exclamation point.

It is for us to hear that “Yes!”

Sometimes our prayers are too small. It’s as though we don’t want to be disappointed so we ask for less than we really want. We hedge our bets. But really, who are we fooling? God knows the secrets of our hearts. Often better than we do.

Don’t ask for less. Pay attention to what God wants of you. Embrace it. Go for it. Have the courage to see that it’s what you want too.

I think of what I went through when I was launching myself out in the world after college. I wanted to be a writer, but I was sure I would be disappointed. I turned this way and that. Finally, I conceded that I would be a writer. Somehow.

I sent in a story to a little inspirational called Guideposts. The editor called me in to talk about it. It wasn’t right for publication, but he encouraged me to try again. I did. And did again. Eventually I got hired on staff.

Guess what? I’m still writing for that organization. Was I just lucky? I don’t think so. I was answering the call of my heart. God’s big “Yes!”

One of the crucial lessons Jesus teaches about prayer is persistence. Persistence through our disappointments and setbacks. In the parable of the importunate widow he tells of a widow who kept coming again and again to an unjust judge, seeking justice. Finally, the unjust judge gives in. “I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming” (Luke 18:5).

Jesus goes on to say, “And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (Luke 18:7).

Persistence gives us a chance to know ourselves in knowing our prayers. We have a better understanding of what we’re asking for.

In another parable Jesus describes a man who wakes up his friend in the middle of the night because he needs some bread to feed an unexpected guest. The friend tells him to go away. The door is already locked, and he’s in bed with his children. In the end the friend finally gets up and gets the bread. Why? Because of his persistence! “At least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs” (Luke 11:8).

Jesus is telling us to be persistent in prayer. Keep at it. Don’t give up. There is an answer God is trying to give us. Not “No” or “Maybe.” There is only “Yes!”

Does Your Prayer Life Need Some Spark? 3 Ways to Refresh It

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

Today’s guest blogger is author Lori Hatcher.

Sometimes prayer is boring.

There. I said it. Are you shocked? I’m just being honest here. And if you’re honest, you’ll probably agree. As lofty and magnificent as it is to pray to the God of the universe, if we do it often enough, sometimes our prayer times can grow a little, well, stale.

Several years ago, during a season of unemployment, my husband, David, and I started walking together in the mornings. In all our 30-plus years of marriage, we’ve never had schedules that allowed time to exercise together, but for three months we walked for an hour every morning. While we walked, we prayed.

After a few weeks, I noticed we were praying the same prayers, in the same order, for the same people, day after day. I knew repetition was necessary, but boredom was not. We put our heads together and brainstormed ways to infuse new life and joy into our times of intercession.

Whether you pray regularly with a partner or alone, these three practices can help jazz up your prayer time.

1) Use the alphabet to praise God.

David and I began most of our prayer times by praising God. Reminding ourselves of who God is reminds us that He is quite capable of answering our prayers and working on our behalf. Using the alphabet, we listed a character quality or attribute of God for every letter (X is tough). Then we turned each attribute into something for which to praise Him.

The psalmist prayed, “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:8).

2) Use the alphabet to pray for people.

Like chronicling the attributes of God with the ABCs, praying for people using the alphabet can also take your prayer time in a fresh new direction. Use the sequence of letters to prompt you to pray for a person whose name (first or last) begins with that letter.

3) Pray for people for whom you don’t regularly pray.

The only rule for this prayer approach is that you can’t have prayed for the person recently. Ask God to bring people to mind, and then pray for them as the Spirit leads you. When my husband and I pray this way, we’re always amazed at the people who pop into our minds— friends we went to church with 20 years ago, other people’s children, even patients of mine (from my work as a dental hygienist).

Trusting that the Lord knows these people need special prayer, we lift each one to the Lord. We’ll probably never know how God used our prayers, but we can be confident that He took note of them and answered their needs appropriately.

God calls us to prayerful persistence, and often such repetition can be a little dull. Thinking creatively and mixing up our routine every now and then can renew our enthusiasm. If your prayer life needs a spark, try one of these ideas or brainstorm one of your own.

Adapted from Refresh Your Prayers, Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise by Lori Hatcher

New Prayer Habits for New Parents

Posted on by The Editors

Praying as a parent can provide strength, guidance, and comfort. By taking a few moments each day to pray for your child, you can rest assured knowing that you are doing everything possible to help them grow into happy and healthy adults.

Pray before bed

New parents often have a lot on their minds and may find it challenging to pray before bed. However, studies have shown that prayer can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Praying before bed can also help to create a sense of peace and calm in the bedroom, making it easier to fall asleep. For new parents, praying before bed may be the best way to end the day and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Pray for your child’s health and safety

Any parent will tell you that there is nothing more important than the health and safety of their child. From the moment they are born, our instinct is to protect them from harm. We want them to grow up healthy, happy, and free from the worry and anxiety that comes with illness or injury. Of course, we can’t always be there to shield them from every potential danger. But we can do the next best thing: pray for their health and safety. By calling on a higher power, we ask for guidance and protection for our children. We may not be able to prevent all harm from coming their way, but we can rest assured knowing that we have done everything in our power to keep them safe.

Pray for your child’s education and future

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child is to pray for them. We all want our children to grow up to be happy and successful, and education is a key part of that. By praying for your child’s education, you are asking God to bless them with knowledge and understanding. You are also asking Him to give them wisdom as they make decisions about their future. And finally, you are asking for His protection, that your child will be safe from harm as they pursue their educational goals. As you pray for your child’s education and future, know that you are entrusting them into God’s hands. He knows what is best for them, and He will guide them along the path He has laid out for them.

Thank God for the good and bad moments of parenting

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. It is also one of the most challenging. There are good and bad moments, but each one teaches us something valuable about ourselves and our children. In the good moments, we feel like we are doing everything right. Our children are happy and thriving, and we are making a positive difference in their lives. These moments remind us why we became parents in the first place. In the bad moments, we question everything we are doing. We wonder if we are cut out for this parenting thing after all. We worry that we are making mistakes. These moments are challenging, but they also remind us that parenting is not always easy. It takes patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of love. So thank God for the good moments and the bad moments. They both help to make us better parents.

Pray for strength to get through the tough days

Parenting is hard. Some days, it feels like you’re never going to make it through. The newborn phase is tough, with all the sleepless nights and constant crying. The toddler years are challenging, too, with their tantrums and incessant energy. There are days when you just want to give up. But then you remember why you’re doing this: because you love your children more than anything in the world. You find the strength to keep going, even when it feels impossible. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and know that you’re not alone. Parenting is tough, but you can do it. Just pray for strength to get through the tough days.

Ask for guidance on how to best raise your child

New parents are often inundated with advice from well-meaning friends and family members. While it’s important to take this advice into consideration, it’s also important to remember that every child is unique and what works for one child may not work for another. The best way to ensure that you’re raising your child in the best possible way is to ask for guidance from a professional. A pediatrician or child psychologist can offer specific advice based on your child’s needs. In addition, many helpful books and websites offer general parenting advice. By seeking guidance from those with experience, you can be sure that you’re doing everything you can to raise a happy and healthy child.

Do you pray for your children? What tips would you add for new parents who want to start praying for their kids?

Keeping the Faith: Let It Go

Posted on by Ty'Ann Brown

In 2013, Disney released the animated musical Frozen. Its signature song—“Let It Go”—was an instant classic. It wasn’t just Idina Menzel’s astonishing voice but also the song’s powerful message: Sometimes to move forward in life, you need to let go.

Have you felt hurt, angry—maybe even frozen—when things haven’t gone the way you hoped and prayed for?

How do you cope when a relationship ends or a longed-for opportunity doesn’t materialize? Do you stew in anger or regret? Shut down and shut out the world? Or do you hang on tighter? After all, society bombards us with messages to never give up.

I’ve clung to people and situations, thinking, God, don’t ask me to give this up. But when I let go—and let God take over—I’m reminded that his plan is better than mine. Always. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Letting go is not easy. I think about biblical figures like Abraham, who was told by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain. Abraham entrusted his son to God, and in return, God promised to make Isaac’s descendants more numerous than the stars in the sky. When you clear space in your life, you make room for God to give you even more.

That’s something worth thinking about this season. During peak fall foliage, we see God’s glory. Then the leaves dry up and drift to the ground, allowing the next season’s growth. May you let go of what no longer serves you and let God lead the way.

For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Posted on by Rick Hamlin

It’s an age-old quandary. Why do some of the best people on earth sometimes experience the worst sorrow?

I mentioned to a friend at lunch that it’s been my experience that the “unrighteous,” as the Bible puts it, usually do end up with just desserts. All the ill-gotten gains in the world can’t help when their marriages fail or their children struggle or they don’t enjoy the loving support of family and friends.

But it’s harder to understand God’s purpose when you see good, faithful people experience unendurable trials.

All of this was going through my head when I pulled out my phone and clicked on iDisciple, an app full of Bible verses, sermons, music, devotionals. I read something from Charles Stanley:

“How do we know what the heavenly Father is like? By knowing Jesus. He is the only full expression and explanation of God.”

And this from Brad Mathias:

“We can’t stop the movement of time, we can’t stop the transitions of life. The change of seasons, the growth of our kids into adults and the relentless march of age as we grow and mature and start to slow as everything we know and seems familiar keeps on changing…The assumption that can destroy us all is the belief that things will always stay the way the are.”

So true.

I even found a devotional I had written for Daily Guideposts. I kept scrolling through iDisciple.

And then, as though my phone had heard the quandary I’d been asking myself, “Why does God let bad things happen to good people?” I stumbled upon something from Anne Graham Lotz, posing that very question.

She reminded me of Paul’s answer, Paul’s reassuring words to the Romans at a time when believers, both the nascent Christians and Jews, were living under a madman with absolute power, the emperor Nero. Why should the good suffer?

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). We can’t know the exact answer but we can trust.

An answer that has been around for 2000 years. Nice to have it on my phone.