What encourages me

This morning I was reminded of something simple and steady: life isn’t measured by how busy we look or how well we function on the outside. Scripture calls some people “alive” who are exhausted and broken, and others “dead” who look successful but are far from God. I’ve lived long enough to know that’s true.

Sin always promises freedom, but it quietly tightens the chains. Jesus never promised ease, but He promises life. Not a concept. A Person. The closer I stay to Him, the clearer the signal gets. When I drift, everything starts to dry out, even if the calendar stays full.

What encourages me is this: God doesn’t wait for us to fix ourselves. He moves first. He makes us alive even when we’re worn down or wandering. That’s mercy doing the work.

So today I’m choosing to abide, not perform. To stay connected, not just productive. To remember that real life flows from staying close to Jesus, the true vine.

If you feel tired, distant, or dulled, you’re not disqualified. Come close again. Life is still being offered.

#FaithfulStewardship #QuietEndurance #AliveInChrist #RuralFaith #KeepShowingUp