God’s blessings are many in my life these days. I’m so grateful. My family is in good health, and our needs and many of our wants are being met.

Yet even in the midst of good times, I can struggle. Emotional, mental, and spiritual battles aren’t necessarily seen on the outside. And many friends are going through hardships that have me praying to God on their behalf.

I’m still doing my study through Psalms in which I’m writing down specific things I learn about God from each chapter. I came to Psalm 91 last week and started digging into verse 4.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.“

We can find comfort and consolation in this verse!! I’m sure I won’t do it justice, but here are three thoughts to encourage us.

God protects us.

As birds protect their young from harm, so God protects His children. No matter what threatens us, He is there. Whether it’s an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship, God is able to shelter us and keep us safe.

His power allows His care to extend into every area of our lives. His mercy and tenderness cause Him to draw us close to Himself. There’s no better place to be when life’s storms are raging.

MacLaren’s commentary on this verse says “…protection consists, not in averting the blows, but in changing their character.” I love this thought because we know that God’s protection doesn’t mean we’ll never suffer. But through every struggle, He is right there beside us and can use it for our good.

God is our refuge.

We can find safety and security when we run to God. When I’m missing my daughter and loneliness creeps in; when I get a bad medical diagnosis; when some aspect of the future worries me, I can find the haven I need in Him.

I’ve found that it’s usually the hard times, the difficult trials that drive me closer to God. He is always available as our refuge, but it’s up to us to flee to it. When doubt and temptation assault us, His presence is exactly what we need. It is where we will find the peace that can seem so elusive.

The verse says that while we’re under His wings, we can trust. We may not understand all that is happening around us, but we can trust in His grace.

God’s faithfulness surrounds us.

It encircles us on every side. It is the shield that protects us from danger.

Because of the truth of who God is, we know we can trust Him. Since He is faithful, we don’t have to wonder if He will really come through for us this time.

His faithfulness is our defense against the enemy, Satan. When he tries to get us to doubt God, we can stand on the truth that His Word has never and will never fail us.

Whether you’re in peaceful waters or riding out a storm, meditate on what we learn about God from this verse. He will protect you, be your refuge, and surround you with His faithfulness.

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Have you been disappointed lately? I was reflecting on some disappointments I’ve experienced and recalled writing about this one when it happened. It was several years ago, but I still remember it vividly. (It involves a long travel delay and our 25th wedding anniversary.)

We’re never too old or too mature to experience unfulfilled hopes and unmet expectations. No matter our age or stage, life continues to deliver disappointments.

That sounds really dreadful (!), but hopefully we can learn some lessons from the story of Elisabeth, wife to Zacharias and mother to John the Baptist, in Luke 1. If disappointments are going to come anyway, hopefully we can grow through them!

I admit to making some assumptions here. Scripture never specifically says that Elisabeth was disappointed. But it would make sense that in the midst of a culture that placed a high value on producing children – especially sons – and continuing the family line, Elisabeth experienced disappointment when she didn’t bear a child.

Children were seen as a blessing from God. Barrenness was seen as a curse or a punishment. At least at some point, I can see Elisabeth feeling like she’d failed at her primary responsibility.

Our disappointment may not be related to having a family…or it may. I’ve been there myself. But regardless of the nature of our disappointment, I hope we can take to heart some of the lessons below.

Suffering disappointment doesn’t mean we’re out of fellowship with God.

“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” ~Luke 1:6

Elisabeth’s barrenness didn’t come about because she was living in sin. Scripture says she was righteous and blameless. Obviously she wasn’t perfect, but she sought to follow God and obey Him.

This reminds us that some difficulties we experience are just part of life. All are God-allowed – and certain disappointments can be a result of our own foolish decisions. Regardless, God knows and cares about each one.

Humility is often grown in the soil of disappointment.

“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” ~Luke 1:7

Years and years went by with no son or daughter for this Godly couple. How difficult it must have been to see their relatives and friends growing families, yet realizing as time went by that that likely wouldn’t be their story.

If everything is going great and all our needs and wants are met, we can be tempted to slide over into self-reliance and pride. A humble spirit comes a lot more easily when we’re in or have been through a situation that we can’t control.

In the midst of disappointment, keep on praying.

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” ~Luke 1:13

We have no idea how many times Zacharias and Elisabeth had prayed for a child over the years. But we do know that in His own time, God chose to answer that prayer. Not only did He answer, but Elisabeth became the mother to the greatest prophet born of women. [Luke 7:28]

Continue to have faith through a season of disappointment.

As far as we know, Elisabeth didn’t get the angel experience that Zacharias did. Likely she found out from Zacharias sharing the story in writing since he was unable to speak after his encounter with the angel. Yet in spite of her receiving the news second hand, we don’t see any indication of a lack of faith. Perhaps seeing what had happened to Zacharias due to his unbelief led her to accept the news right away!

If God fulfills our desire and alleviates the disappointment, recognize His hand and thank Him for it.

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” ~Luke 1:24-25

God chose to give Elisabeth a son and she acknowledged it as a gift from Him. What had been a reproach would be no longer. She rejoiced in God’s notice of her, and gave Him glory for this display of His power.

Whatever your situation, rejoice in the good news of others.

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” ~Luke 1:41-45

Elisabeth’s news was uber exciting! She was way past child-bearing years, but she was finally going to have a baby. Then here comes her young cousin Mary with the news that she is going to bear the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior!

What is Elisabeth’s response? She rejoices with her. If there were any feelings of being overshadowed, we don’t see them. She is only full of excitement for what is going to take place in Mary’s life.

It can be easy (at least speaking for myself) to outwardly rejoice in someone else’s good news while wishing on the inside that my own situation was different. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can be genuinely happy for the other person as we trust that God is in control and working what is best for us in our own lives.

When disappointments come, may God give us the grace to walk through them in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.

Related posts:

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Since I’m not naturally “crafty” I don’t make much with my hands. I admire those of you who sew, knit, crochet, quilt or do any of those type things!

My husband, on the other hand, enjoys woodworking. He’s built a number of pieces and is currently putting finishing touches on four bar stools that we’ll use at our kitchen counter.

I guess the closest I come to these skills is baking. At least the whole family gets to enjoy my finished product!

Typically we make things because we enjoy the process AND the end result. As I read the verse below the other night, a truth that I already knew but wanted to meditate on stuck in my mind.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” ~Revelation 4:11

There’s a similar truth in Colossians 1:16b.

“…all things were created by him, and for him…”

You and I were created for God’s pleasure. We were made for His enjoyment. He created us with our unique personalities and giftings. He delights in us because we are His creation. There’s nothing we have to do – or can do – to earn His love.

But as I thought about this verse a little more, I related this truth of God getting pleasure from us to how I receive pleasure from my relationship with my children. God is our Father, so I wanted to see how these two ideas could be related.

Here are eight ways we often receive pleasure as we parent our children.

Seeing our children get along with one another.

So maybe this doesn’t happen very often, especially in the earlier years of childhood. We only have two daughters, but whenever I’d see them playing together or being kind to one another, it would make my heart happy.

These days, our youngest certainly misses our daughter who’s off at college! They talked on the phone for over an hour one night recently, and she just mailed a care package of items she knew her older sister would enjoy.

How pleased God must be when He sees His children walking in harmony with one another! Gossip, anger, and bitterness don’t bring Him glory.

Watching our children participate in an activity they enjoy.

Whether it’s a sport or a musical competition or a pie-eating contest, we as parents are happy when our kids find something they enjoy and do well at it.

Each of us has God-given talents and abilities. How God must enjoy seeing us use those to bring Him glory!

Our children choosing to spend time with us.

When they’re little, our kids don’t really have a choice in the amount of time they spend with us! But the older they get, the more meaningful it is when our children choose to be with us. We don’t even have to be doing anything together; we could just be sitting in the same room reading our own books. But it’s nice to have them choose to be around us when they could be somewhere else.

How often do we make time just to be in God’s presence? Sometimes we may read His Word. Other times we may pray or meditate. Or we can choose to just sit and be still before Him.

The joy our children show when they like a gift we give them.

I confess to not being a great gift giver. I’m not good about noticing what someone likes and remembering their preferences when it’s time to give a gift. But occasionally my husband and I have given our girls a gift that they loved. We knew ahead of time that they were going to be so excited to receive it, and we anticipated their enthusiastic response!

What a sweet thought that our good God delights in the joy we feel when He blesses us, especially in a specific way.

When our children are thankful (without being prompted).

A “thank you” that comes after I remind my child to say it doesn’t mean nearly as much as one that just comes bubbling out of a grateful heart!

When we provide for our children, sometimes we may wonder if they just take it all for granted. I know it warms my heart when I hear the words or receive a note from one of our children that says “thank you.”

We know that it’s God’s Will for us to be thankful. [1 Thessalonians 5:18] I want my heart to be so overflowing with gratefulness for all He’s done for me that I am constantly expressing thanks to Him. Offering Him praise should be a priority for us.

When our children obey us.

Not a whole lot to say here! It’s thrilling when we ask a child to do something…and they just do it. No backtalk, no questioning, no delay.

Surely it brings God pleasure when we respond exactly that way to Him.

When our children actually want our opinion.

As our kids get older, they start making a lot of decisions for themselves. Sometimes we give unsolicited advice (ha!) but it’s rewarding when they actually come and ask for our guidance.

I wonder if sometimes we get too busy with our own agenda to take time to ask God about what we should do. Surely He delights in our asking for His wisdom.

Hearing our children say “I love you.”

Not saying it so they get something they want or avoid potential punishment, but an unsolicited “I love you.”

How often do we just say to God “I love you?” Not because we want a prayer answered or a special blessing, but just to let Him know we love Him.

So that’s the truth I’ll focus on this week…that I was created to bring pleasure to almighty God.

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If you’ve ever wondered whether other Christian women struggle in their walk with God like you do at times, today’s post will reassure you that I, for one, certainly do!

Recently I was in a situation where someone said something that rubbed me the wrong way. I was a little surprised at first and didn’t react outwardly. I just kind of sat with those words for a few minutes.

Now here’s what typically happens in circumstances like this (which could include any type of perceived hurt or injustice – maybe even directed toward my children – that gets me all worked up.) That offense gets into my mind and I go over it. and over it. and over it.

I think of what they said, and how I could have responded and how I’m going to act or what I’ll say the next time I see them. Or how I won’t say anything right now, but I’ll wait and bring it up later. Or how I won’t say anything at all, but for the next week, I’ll silently hold it against that person.

Well, that’s exactly what started to happen. My mind went into action and I began brooding over how I felt offended.

But I also began to realize that repeatedly hashing this over in my mind was not healthy. Dwelling on it was only going to make me more hurt and angry.

Out of nowhere (or so it seemed) in the midst of my hurt feelings, this passage, spoken by Jesus, came to mind. (Not in these exact words, but in my own summarized version.)

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” [Matthew 5:38-39]

No, I didn’t get a slap in the face. But the principle that spoke to me here was don’t be so quick to take offense. And beyond that, don’t seek to hurt the other person in return.

While I was provoked by what had been said, in a spirit of grace, I could choose to let it go. After all, how many times have I said or done things that offended God? Many, many times. Yet He forgives.

The Beatitudes at the beginning of Matthew 5 say blessed are the meek. Was I going to choose meekness or was I going to stand up for my own injured feelings?

I followed that up with Philippians 4:8. Allowing this hurt to fester in my mind was certainly not pure or lovely, virtuous or praiseworthy. Rather it was filling my mind with self-centered, resentful thoughts.

So did I immediately let it go? Honestly, it took me a few minutes. And it involved the realization that my human nature likes to hold a grudge and focus on my “offended-ness.” The “old man” that lives inside of me has a lot of power. But my “new man” knows the freedom I can live in if I will let it go. Otherwise, I leave room for a “root of bitterness” to take hold. [Hebrews 12:15]

However, I must have the Holy Spirit’s help, because I don’t feel strong enough to do it on my own. And I believe I had His help in this particular struggle. He reminded me of those verses to convict me that harping on what had happened was wrong.

For the rest of the day, I felt pretty good about this whole situation. I felt like I’d gained a spiritual victory.

But can you believe it? That night as I lay in bed, here came that disagreeable thought again! I had to fight it off once more.

That whole passage in Ephesians 6 which tells us we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood is so true. It’s unseen enemies that can slip in and defeat us. So we have to constantly arm ourselves with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God.

I wish I could say I’ve learned my lesson, but this is a constant struggle for me. How vital it is for all of us to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ [2 Corinthians 10:5]. May we all choose to listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting when our flesh wants to do its own thing!

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Years ago, we had a treadmill in our house. Well, it started out in the house, in a spare bedroom (pre-kids). Then it made its way to a corner of our bedroom, and finally out to the garage before we eventually sold it.

I actually like walking on a treadmill, but these days, it only happens if I have a little downtime during a hotel stay and want to fit in some exercise. And I have to admit that it can get a little monotonous. That belt is just cycling around over and over and over.

Sometimes we might feel that way about life. We get stuck in a rut, doing the same things the same way repeatedly. And we can get discouraged.

But as I was reading my Bible the other day, I found a boost of hope in Psalm 16:11.

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Here are three reasons this verse can give us hope.

1. We can rest in His guidance.

The first part of the verse says that God will show us the path of life. How thankful we are, most of all, that God has revealed to us the path to eternal life! That’s the most important one we can find. In John 14:6, Jesus tells us that He is the way to the Father, and through Him we find salvation.

Yet I believe God also shows us the path through our life here on earth. The Cambridge Bible commentary says, “‘The path of life’ is not merely a path which leads to life, but one in which life is to be found.”

Through circumstances, open and closed doors, by following principles found in His Word, by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we can trust God to show us the path in which we should walk. That’s where we’ll find the most satisfaction in this life.

We can have hope because we’re not left to figure out life on our own! God will direct us. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” ~Psalm 32:8

2. We will find joy in His presence.

As Christians, one day we will physically be in his presence in heaven forever. But even now, through prayer and the Holy Spirit that lives in us, we can experience a taste of that joy.

I would relate great joy to how I felt after FaceTiming last week with my daughter who’s away at college. It was exciting to hear that she was doing well and to catch up with what’s happening in her life.

But even that joy dims over time. A couple of days later, I wanted another update! However, in Christ’s presence, we can find joy that completely satisfies. What a thought, to be filled to capacity with joy! How that makes me want to spend more time with Him!

3. We can anticipate eternal pleasures.

I don’t know exactly what those eternal pleasures will look like. But when I think of all the pleasures we have here on earth where there is still sin and human nature to contend with, I know they must be wonderful pleasures. Earthly pleasures don’t last, but God has laid up for us an inexhaustible store of everlasting treasures.

This reminds me of Colossians 3 which is the memory passage I’m working on right now. In the first verse, we’re told to seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.

It’s easy to get discouraged if we only focus on the here and now. We have to purposely set our minds on heaven and the glories that await the children of God there. We can’t even grasp the undending delights of discovering God for eternity.

So if you need an infusion of hope today, meditate on these three truths from Psalm 16:11. God guides us, we find joy in His presence, and He offers us pleasures with him forevermore.

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Why would I be talking about change today? Because our younger daughter started 11th grade on Monday. And this weekend we’ll drop our older daughter off for her freshman year at college.

This will be a big life change for us. But whether we’re experiencing a major change or a minor one, we tend to want something comforting and familiar to hang on to. Situations like these are when all that I know about God theoretically needs to become really practical in my life.

What I believe about God colors everything. And there’s only one way to know what to believe about God and that’s by learning about Him through His Word.

Recently I started going through the Psalms and writing down characteristics of God I found there. Since I’m adjusting to change this week, I’ve chosen a few of the ones that are encouraging me to share with you.

God is omnipresent.

“Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” ~Jeremiah 23:23-24

God is here at home with me, and He will be there, nine hours away, with our daughter. When either one of us is hurting or lonely – or happy and excited! – He will be there to guide us through all of those moments.

While I may think that my physical presence offers her protection or makes her immune to hard things, it doesn’t. But God’s presence can provide all she needs.

God is sovereign.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” ~Isaiah 46:9-10

God knows and does what’s best. He will accomplish His purposes in our daughter’s life and in mine. Only He can write the story that will result in a life that brings glory to Him. She is in far more capable hands with Him than she is with me! All that happens to her is orchestrated by God.

God is good.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” ~Psalm 34:8

God is good. Because I know this to be true, I can trust that what happens in our daughter’s life is ultimately good…even when it looks hard from here. And I know that it’s best for me to step back and see what good things God will do in our family as we move on into the next stage of life.

God is faithful.

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” ~Deuteronomy 7:9

Every promise that God has made He will keep. I won’t be as available to help our daughter as I have been in the past, but God will be faithful to her. We can both grow in our faith by learning to trust and rely on Him more.

God is our refuge.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” ~Psalm 91:1-2

In spite of knowing all that is good about our daughter leaving home, I’m going to have moments when I need a place of safety, shelter, and comfort – more in an emotional sense than a physical one. God can give me those, along with peace in the midst of these changes.

God is love.

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” ~Jeremiah 31:3

God loves me and my daughter. As much as I love her, His love is even greater. He empathizes with my situation. After all, didn’t God make the greatest sacrifice of all when He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins? That same amazing love extends to each one of us.

What characteristic of God do you need to be reminded of today? God is so much more than I’ve listed here. He is holy, righteous, and just. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging.

Whatever trial you’re in – a broken relationship, illness, a financial burden, or just a season of life change like mine – God can meet our every need.

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We’ve all learned (hopefully long ago!) that there are plenty of things money can’t buy. I mean, I think we’d rather have money than not! But no amount of cash can purchase real love, more time, good health, lasting peace, or a host of other things.

The older I get, the more I value wisdom. Parenting teenagers has shown me more than anything else how valuable wisdom is! It’s something that’s so important to have, yet it can’t be bought.

As Christian moms, we desire Godly wisdom. But how do we know if the wisdom we have is actually Godly wisdom? I think James 3:17 defines it well.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

I thought it might be helpful if we examined each of these characteristics a little further. If our wisdom is Godly, it will have these eight traits.

1. Pure

True wisdom lines up with what the Bible says. It doesn’t have any sinful thinking mixed in. It’s faithful to the truth found in God’s Word.

2. Peaceable

True wisdom isn’t contentious or angry. We know from James 3:14, 15 that those are characteristics of earthly wisdom. Instead, Godly wisdom is willing to sacrifice – not the truth – but our own preferences and strong opinions.

3. Gentle

Does the wisdom we believe we have manifest itself in kindness? Godly wisdom is calm and rational. I would say that it always has the best interest of others at its core.

4. Approachable

The phrase originally used here is “easy to be intreated.” In other words, true wisdom isn’t stubborn or unyielding. Rather it’s characterized by meekness and patience.

5. Merciful

It should go without saying that wisdom that comes from God will be full of mercy. How blessed we are to have a merciful God! And just as He has pity and compassion on us, Godly wisdom will lead us to have the same for others. No grudges are held; instead, forgiveness is offered in abundance.

6. Fruitful

It makes sense that Godly wisdom would produce good fruit. Wisdom is generous, not selfish. Just like fruit, real wisdom is constructive, helpful, and worthwhile.

7. Impartial

True wisdom doesn’t discriminate. James already dealt with this in chapter 2, verse 9. He says that if we have respect of persons, we’re in sin. God’s wisdom applies to everyone equally, regardless of their wealth, race, gender, etc.

8. Sincere

This seems like a simple one to grasp. There’s no place in wisdom for hypocrisy. Rather, it should be transparent, without a hidden motive or agenda, not deceitful.

We need wisdom in every area of our lives. Thankfully God promises to give it to those who recognize they need it and ask for it in faith. [James 1:5]

Since I referenced parenting earlier in this post, let’s see how these eight tests could apply in a specific situation. Maybe my teenager asks to do something, and I’m not sure whether to allow it or not.

First, I look for a principle in God’s Word to give me guidance. I believe as we pray and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help, He can direct us.

Then I talk through my decision with that child calmly, whether it’s a yes or a no, allowing them to ask questions and express an opinion as long as it’s done respectfully.

And if the answer isn’t what they wanted, I can empathize, without changing what I’ve decided. I let her know that I want good things for her life. And if I’m expecting her to live up to a certain standard, I’d better be doing the same myself!

God is the author of all wisdom. If we want that wisdom, we need to fear Him [Proverbs 9:10], ask Him for wisdom [James 1:5], and believe that He will give it to us.

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I was in Starbucks recently, and after taking my order, the cashier asked for my name. I told her it was Tracey, and she asked, “Is that with an ‘-ey?”

Surprised that she guessed correctly, I told her yes, and mentioned that most people just spell it “Tracy.” Having it misspelled, especially by people who don’t know me, is not a big deal. However, it’s nice when someone does take the time to find out how to spell it right.

When it comes to the names of Bible characters, there are many we know well. Even non-church-attenders recognize names like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah.

While reading the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter one, I found an interesting person mentioned in verse five.  It says, “And Salmon begat Booz [Boaz] of Rachab [Rahab]; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”

Rahab, Boaz, Ruth, and Jesse are all names with which I’m familiar. But never before had I noticed Salmon.  The more I considered this man, the more I realized what an interesting person he must have been.

Salmon married Rahab, a known harlot from the city of Jericho. She wasn’t one of his people, the children of Israel, but a foreigner.  We have no details about the circumstances surrounding their marriage. It makes me wonder what emotions, if any, were involved. Was it love, sympathy, kindness, or some sense of duty that prompted him to take this unlikely woman as his wife?

Secondly, he was the father of Boaz.  We know nothing about Salmon’s character, but we’re told a good bit about Boaz in the book of Ruth. Boaz was a “mighty man of wealth” (Ruth 2:1), one who knew the Lord and showed compassion for those in need.  He was willing to take his rightful place as kinsman-redeemer and have Ruth for his wife.  Surely he learned some of these admirable traits from his father.   Like his father, Boaz married a woman who was an outsider.

While some Christians, today and in the past, have highly recognizable names, how many countless others have stories that are not recorded in history, yet have had a great impact for the cause of Christ? 

We know about David Livingstone and Amy Carmichael, but how many missionaries are faithfully serving in foreign countries in relative anonymity? Men like Billy Graham have been well-known, yet there are plenty of wonderful preachers who have never spoken to a large crowd.

Whether it’s an elderly widow who prays unceasingly for others, a young mother who spends her days pouring into the lives of her children, or a Christian businessman who has a vibrant testimony at work, God knows all about each one of them.

I’m thankful for the reminder Salmon is to us. We know so little about him, yet he’s listed in the genealogy of Jesus. In the same way, you and I don’t need to be well-known or full of talent to fulfill our place in God’s plan.  We don’t have to score hundreds of likes on Instagram or maintain a large platform to share the message of the gospel.

There’s nothing wrong with those things if that’s where God has put us. But our task is to surrender to His will, trusting that He knows how to work in our lives what is best for His kingdom. We just need to be faithful to do what He has called us to do.

So if you think that what you’re accomplishing today is small or unimportant, be encouraged by Salmon. None of us go unnoticed by God.

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• 5 Bible Promises to Pray Over Your Life Today