Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
Mark 1:12-13 (CSB)
I’m sitting at my dining room table, country music playing just a smidge too loudly behind me as my daughters have a dance party on what feels like the seventy-third snow day this month. I reach for my Bible, running my hand down the whisper-thin pages, and close my eyes.
Before I can even say hello to God, much less reflect on His holiness, one of my daughters is crying and the other is shouting about how it’s not her fault — she didn’t do anything! This time, I close my eyes, but in frustration, not reverence.
I settle this latest argument and suggest a litany of quiet activities my kids might enjoy for a while. Finally, peace. My hand hovers over my Bible, but – much as I’m embarrassed to admit it – I hesitate. My phone is sitting right there, just waiting for me, begging for my attention, promising to entertain me and numb all the irritations that have cropped up this day.
Even if I manage to ignore the pull of my phone, my mind and heart are still so prone to wander.
What time is my appointment this afternoon?
Did I return that message? I should do that real quick, right now.
Why is the cat crying? Guess I better give her fresh water.
That reminds me: I need to refill my water bottle.
Maybe I should try that devotional I bought a few months ago.
I’m just going to pay that bill online . . . and answer that one email . . . and check on that project . . .
When I began studying ways to prepare my heart for Easter, something many know as the season of Lent, I read everything I could find about the time Jesus spent in the wilderness. While accounts can be found in three of the gospels, the brief description in Mark is what resonated most deeply with me.
Thinking of Jesus, alone in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan, surrounded by wild animals was a breath of fresh air to my distracted, weary soul. I feel alone! I’m tempted all the time! And yes, at times it feels like I’m surrounded by wild animals!
When we struggle to quiet our lives and our hearts enough to focus on God, Jesus knows exactly how we feel. And what I know from passages in Matthew and Luke is that despite the desperate situation in which He found Himself, He resisted temptation. The angels served Him, He leaned on His knowledge of Scripture and faith in God, and He resisted.
So what does that mean for me, as I think about one more failed attempt at a simple quiet time? What does that mean for you, as you feel the hunger and isolation of wilderness or battle attacks from temptation of all kinds, as you long for communion with the Lord but feel unable to get there, to stay there, to remember why you were going there in the first place?
It means this: Our Lord and Savior isn’t just the One who can quench our thirst and ease our pain. He is worthy of our praise and adoration, but He also is intimately familiar with our challenges and our struggles. He knows the strength it requires to seek Him and abide with Him, and He knows that, without Him, we will perish in the wilderness.
It means that not only is Jesus our goal when we set aside time for Him, He is our solution for fighting through all the distractions and temptations that work so hard to keep us away. It means that no matter how barren and empty our personal wilderness may feel, we are not actually alone in our search for God. Just as the angels were with Him, Jesus is with us.
Let’s remember this truth as we look ahead to the Lenten season. Let’s prepare our hearts, joining with one another on this journey to the cross, and just in time for this, I’d love to introduce the newest (in)courage book to help us — Journey to the Cross: Forty Days to Prepare Your Heart for Easter. I wrote this book with women of all stages in mind so that we can better experience the power and wonder of Easter with more intentionality and depth.
Will you join us in this? We can’t wait to journey to Easter with you.
Whether you’re a lifelong believer or a new one, any woman looking to find more meaning in the weeks leading to Easter will find it in Journey to the Cross: Forty Days to Prepare Your Heart for Easter. Written by (in)courage contributor, Mary Carver, this book focuses not on your phase of life or circumstances but on your heart, making it a fulfilling read for women of all ages. It also makes a great gift, which God could use in the lives of your friends, daughters, or ministry partners to help them calibrate their minds and hearts for Easter. We can’t wait for you to have one of these in your hands – it’s now available wherever books are sold!
Friends, this book is ready to accompany you throughout the season of Lent — the forty days leading up to Easter. Let’s take this journey together.
Order your copy of Journey to the Cross today!
No matter how barren and empty our personal wilderness may feel, we are not actually alone in our search for God. // Celebrating the new book, Journey to the Cross, from @marycarver and @incourage! Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Mary,
Oh I’d love to win your book! I have found that when I slow down and prepare my heart for Advent, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning. I’d be doing well to do the same for Easter. Each year, I put one of those “Thank you Jesus” signs in my yard on the first day of Lent (yes, I’m THAT lady). Thankfully the HOA hasn’t asked me to take it down. It has given me several opportunities to talk to people, especially kids, that will ask me what I’m thanking Jesus for. Christ’s unfathomable sacrifice is worthy of us taking the time to reflect upon what He did for us/me.
Blessings,
Bev xx
I can just imagine the sign in your yard Bev!
Thank you so much for sharing! I enjoy reading your posts! God bless you and your family!
Mary,
I heard my mind yelling yes as I read your post. I’ve been struggling with distractions during prayer time. I’ve felt disconnected, God is quiet. Your book sounds great!
Thinking of Jesus, alone in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan, surrounded by wild animals was a breath of fresh air to my distracted, weary soul. I feel alone! I’m tempted all the time! And yes, at times it feels like I’m surrounded by wild animals!
This resonated with me this morning as I read! I too am prone to wander during prayer and forget that Jesus often took himself somewhere quiet (does the bathroom count ) to get away from distractions and focus. Thank you for sharing and uplifting my heart today!
Love the reminder that being with Jesus is my way to help me face and manage the distractions and temptations all around me everyday
A wonderful dose of encouragement t. Thank you.
I’ve been thinking about a devotional for Lent. Your book seems to be just what I need to focus better on Jesus. Thank you.
I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one who is so easily distracted when doing my devotions or my prayer time. WOW!!! The devil works overtime to find things for us to think about and to do when we are trying our best to BE ALONE WITH OUR FATHER. Thank you for making me feel normal. ha ha
This opener sounds like my life for the last 20 years! (7 kids) Talk about a journey in the wild! It’s difficult to explain feeling lonely in a crowd and craving the escape of numbness, but I think you may have touched just that point in this book! I’m excited to read it.
I too struggle with distractions during my prayer time. Your book sounds very encouraging!
This book sounds amazing. Lenten has always been something I have struggled preparing for – it sounds like this book might be it! Thank you for using your gifts to further the kingdom.
How i admire and how thankful i am for those whom God has chosen to put heart felt words into devotional books to share with all who need and so want to learn more and more how to be a better child and obedient servant of our precious and loving, glorious Father. I pray that this devotional will touch many, many lives.
Wow – it’s time to look to the cross and what it means for Christ to die – such great love.
Thank you for this opportunity to win your book to share with a friend.
Blessings on you this day.
I would love to get this!!!
Thank you for offering this book in a give away. I just want to pray ahead for those winners, to use this effectively and share with others who may need this book too. Blessings and love!
I too struggle with distractions during prayer time. With six of our seven kiddos still living at home, finding any time to be alone with the Lord can be difficult and challenging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and encouraging us with God’s Word and through the life of our Lord and Savior. We can take great comfort in knowing that He too struggled, yet because He is victorious so are we! Praise His Holy Name!
When I read, When we struggle to quiet our lives and our hearts enough to focus on God, Jesus knows exactly how we feel. And what I know from passages in Matthew and Luke is that despite the desperate situation in which He found Himself, He resisted temptation. The angels served Him, He leaned on His knowledge of Scripture and faith in God, and He resisted., I thought yes and amen. I want to lean into Him to resist the loneliness, to resist the temptations. Thank you for sharing!
My ladies group is about to begin studying the book of Numbers – Trusting God in the Wilderness. I love it when God confirms things for us. Lord, prepare my heart. Thank you.
I have been looking for a devotion for this Lent season!
Sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the giveaway!!
I can’t wait for Easter!!!
I find i am always having to wake up an hour before everyone else. We are living in a 2 bed apartment and there is only so much space for me to find time alone. And i def struggle with distractions. Always some toy to pick up, dishes to do or laundry to fold. Thanks for this reminder that we are not alone in the wilderness.
Thank you for the beautiful message today. I can only imagine the beauty of Jesus in you book.
I love the quote “Our Lord and Savior isn’t just the One who can quench our thirst and ease our pain. He is worthy of our praise and adoration, but He also is intimately familiar with our challenges and our struggles”.
Amen!
Have a blessed Lent season. And may many be blessed by your new book.
As I read I was thinking of the conversation my mom and I were having and how this book would be so great for us to do together.
Your devotion spoke to me in that I often feel alone in my search for Jesus’ presence. I would love to take the journey you have written about to search for Jesus in my everyday moments, to help me feel His presence in a more real way. Thank you for the opportunity for a give-away!!
Thanks for the reminder that Jesus had to focus on the right thing to do. Temptations have been around for a long time. Sometimes you forget about that and how easy it is to get distracted away from the path. Thank you for helping us focus on the right road to salvation.
What a wonderful idea…and you really resonated with me when you reminded us that Jesus knows we’re struggling to give Him time…. I would love to win the books, you are very generous
Mary-Frances
I could definitely relate to this post. My daughter is home from preschool today, and I’m trying to squeeze in some time for my devotionals and a hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately, the coffee is getting cold as my daughter crawls all over me piling clothes, books, and toys. I would love to enjoy the “Journey!”
What a great reminder that we are never alone. As our family is in need of 3 very specific miracles it is such a comfort that Jesus knows and sees! The book sounds incredible!
I can’t wait to read your book!
Thank you for those encouraging words! The last four years have been an extremely rough and painful road for our family. It’s so hard to focus at times on our Heavenly Father. Definitely feel like we are alone in the wilderness at times.
May you be blessed for your love and encouragement you have for others.
I am in the wilderness. Praise God that Jesus went through all the struggles and temptations. He is not a God far away from us or someone that saves us and that’s it. He is a God that understands all our emotions, struggles, temptations. excitements and much much more. To be precise, Jesus understands everything we are going through. Oh! That is so important to know. Amen!
I needed this…this morning!! I am so where you are in it. Raising 2 special needs teenagers, one who’s been having seizures for the last 2 yrs in his sleep and the other one battling depression; all while I’m trying to just find a quiet place with my Lord. No matter how early I get up one of them is right with me. I’m striving daily to keep my mind stayed on the Lord and not allow the spirit of heaviness to win the battle in my life as well as my son’s. This devotional would be great to help me!! Prayers are needed too!!
It is in this season that Gods enveloping beauty reminds me of hope, renewal and new life, but most importantly second chances.
Oh, how I look forward to this life enhancing transformation season and the opportunity to share it with someone with copies of Journey to the Cross!
I’d love to win a copy
Looks like a great devotional to try!
Thank you for hearing God’s call, Mary. Reading your voice is a treasure. I’d love to read more.
In our daily lives we become so busy getting wrapped up in the things that we think matter and make a difference but, they do not. I feel so much better when I slow down and take time to pray. It makes my day different and helps me to think things through. Someone told me recently, the time that we have is not Our time but God’s time to use us in a way that he sees fit! I hope you all have a wonderful day full of love and happiness.
Very interested in the book and this journey!!
What a wonderful post, I feel like I am going through a lonely season in the wilderness right now, being tested at every turn…. usually failing but I keep picking myself up and trying to be better. I know Jesus is with me and that He will use this for His Glory! I just need to keep swimming! I would love to win your book, I feel like I could learn much from you. Thank you for this post.
What a wonderful way to prepare for Easter! Thank you for your thoughts – I love this verse as it speaks to me personally!
Thank you Mary, This is what I needed this morning ❤️ We get overwhelmed with not being able to make that time for Jesus but it feels nice to know god is always with us no matter what and we just need to remind ourselves he knows our everyday struggles.
I am thankful for the comforting truth in this thankful for the truth in this statement: “Our Lord and Savior isn’t just the One who can quench our thirst and ease our pain. He is worthy of our praise and adoration, but He also is intimately familiar with our challenges and our struggles.”
With so many distractions in a day being a working mom with 2 young kids, we have to fight the world to make time with God. Bc life happens, kids fight, a bill needs paid and just like that an hour is wasted and you missed your time with God. Gotta slow down and search for time with God.
Would LOVE to win this book and one for my sister, to help prepare our hearts for Easter!
Would love to win a copy of your book. Quiet time is something I struggle with on a daily basis and also something my soul craves. Thank you for the opportunity.
“…He also is intimately familiar with our challenges and our struggles.” Those are comforting words. Thank you
I’d love a copy of this book for myself and a friend. Distractions are all too real. We need encouragement from others, such as yourself Mary, to remind us we are not alone and with Gods help we can keep on going.
I love the analogy, children are like wild animals. Lol. So true!
It’s so easy to get distracted. My daughter’s school is closed for the second time for flooding! I love the extra snuggles, but it sure does mess up my routine.
Thanks for the encouragement. That book sounds amazing!
It is really hard sometimes to focus on the eternal when the earthly constraints and temptations seek to pull us away. It is such an encouragement to remember that Jesus faced the same temptations as we do. He truly understands our challenges and stands waiting to provide what we need just when we need it.
Thank you for the loving reminder that Jesus understands my failures and struggles. His Presence gives me peace, and I will never give up my trust in Him. God is my strength and song.
What a great idea for a book! Love how Mary writes; would love to read!
A much needed read! Thank you for the chance to win this book.
Beautiful words in this devotional today!
I would love a copy of your book. I am in that place of walking through the wilderness with many animals surrounding me to cause complete distraction. I miss my quiet time with my Lord but I tend to let thoughts overtake me. Thank you for writing this book and preparing our hearts for Easter.
The description of Jesus alone, being attacked by Satan, and surrounded by wild animals really resonates with me this morning. I am caught in the middle of a battleground I never wanted to be a part of right now, and what makes it worse is that the attacks are coming from people who claim to represent Christ. I feel very alone in it. Thank you for the reminder that Jesus has already been there and can provide all the strength and wisdom I need to get through it.
I’m sitting here checking emails and yours pops up. It’s quickly followed by an email from Dayspring — an offer for your book — so I take it as a nudge from God that I need this book to help prepare for the upcoming Lenten season. Thanks for sharing your heart.
This book sounds like a much needed read for me. I feel I’ve been in the wilderness far too long!!
Thank you for the encouraging words!
Mary,
Thank you for putting into words the very real struggle it can be to have quiet time in this distraction filled world we live in. Great perspective and encouragement to know Jesus is very familiar with our struggles
Your book sounds amazing!
Renie
Yes I can relate the interruptions that always want to steal our attention away from what is truly life giving …our time with the Lord …
Thank you for writing so eloquently…
Mary,
Thank you for such a beautiful post. It can be so hard to quiet the temptation of the world and focus on what is good, right and true. Thank you for the reminder that Jesus knows this temptation and sits with me in this journey. In His light I am made whole. Many blessings,
Tristine
Having been raised Catholic and attended Catholic Schools, the season of Lent has always seemed dark and foreboding. For years, it seemed the focus was on ‘giving-up’ something, as if that small sacrifice would somehow resonate with Jesus’ ‘life-giving’ sacrifice. Thankfully, as my faith matures, I see that as just a small part of the Lenten Journey.
Mary’s new book “Journey to the Cross”, sounds as if it might be a fresher way to ‘walk the walk’ with Jesus on His way to our redemption. How blessed are we to have such a loving Savior. How blessed are we to have such wonderful faith companions like Mary to help us on our journey of faith.
Thank you for this encouragement this morning. Exactly what my soul needed to hear and thank you for a chance to win two copies of this book. God bless you!
Thank-you! I needed to hear this as I, too, struggle with the distractions of life. I am ordering this book (and if I win I will have two to share with friends)
Yes, I so agree with you. In the midst of two different studies with major teaching involved for one each week. The other study is getting ready to wrap up and we have 10 more weeks to go with the other study. It’s a total of 29 weeks. It is very good and thorough, but it also takes a lot out of me. I would love to read this and prepare my heart for Easter. Sometimes it’s so easy to make it all mechanical when you’re trying to stay caught up with everything and also working full-time with missionaries. Thanks for your generosity and thanks for writing this!
Too often I face things in my life and feel totally at a loss. Panicked. Unprepared. He is the answer! What a wonderful way to prepare my heart! I’d love to win this book!
I felt this on such a deep level while reading, not just because of the struggle to quiet my mind during intentional time with God but my struggle to keep my mind on God when the world around me wants to pull me away. My husband and I have had a really challenging past 2 years and some days, all of that consumes me to the point of feeling completely overwhelmed. My focus is on stopping the hurt and healing the pain. I lose sight of God and, if I’m ready to admit it, untrusting that He has his hand in this and is working things out for my good and his glory. So to me, the challenge is more than just quieting your mind and your soul during the few minutes or hours a day we give to God for prayer and study, but rather to quiet our minds and souls ALL day so we can give our full attention and entire life to God. Because at the end of the day, THAT is truly the point. Thank you so much for this message. It truly blessed me.
Hi! I’ve just discovered (in)courage and it’s been delightful to read the daily blog posts. Grateful for this ministry and excited for another Lenten season. I love some reflection time and can’t decide whether Advent or Lent is my favorite.
I feel like these were exactly my thoughts just yesterday morning. I feel so easily distracted. It’s definitely a struggle some days to stop and meet with God before I run around and do all the 100s of things that need to be done. This sounds like a great book for this Easter season!
I long for a closer walk with Jesus and to share such a gift with my prayer partner. Thank you!
Would love to read this spiritual book.
I totally get that phone/distraction trap. I work from home and find myself in a love: hate relationship with the connections and distractions it can bring to my life. I’d love to win the book.
Thank you for being vulnerable! It is too easy to say all the “right” things. I appreciate honesty. I would LOVE to win the book.
Would enjoy reading to prepare for the upcoming Season of Lent/Easter. Always looking for a devotion to guide me through.
I need a new devotional to get out of my quiet time rut!
Staying focused is definitely a struggle for me! A friend of mine shared this and it immediately piqued my interest. It sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to read it!
I’m looking big forward to reading this book! Thank for taking the time to prepare this for us!
This post was so me! Distracted and needing to abide. Thank you for your words!! Would love to read your book
This book looks great!
We all journey to Cross in differnt ways. We all can be tempted in different ways. We all have weekness I believe. But we have to be careful as Satan the Old Devil knows our weakness. He will use them against us if he can for us to sin. Do wrong in Gods eyes. Then when he got us to do the wrong. He will say ha got you. Then days later we feel guilty. By saying why did I do that or say that. When I know as Christian it is wrong in Gods eyes. God gives us away out so as not to be tempted to give in and not do it. It even says that in Gods word. We can go to the Cross. We can go Jesus in prayer when tempted. If find it too much. Know that not enough. Go get help from trusted Christian person God puts on your Mind so as you will not give into the thing you know God would not want you to do as Christian. That is wrong in his eyes and give into the Old Devil. So as you can give the Old Devil the kick in back side he needs. Be a concor over this temptation. Not give in too it. See your Journey to the Cross. See you putting your victory crown on top of the cross that you have one over this temptation. Jesus will be smiling down on you. With happiness. You can be so happy yourself. That you wone the victory over Satan the Old Devil. You in yourself will feel alot better. I been there. I done this. I now feel alot better. Have Jesus on my side and have prayed and not let Satan tempted me into giving into the temptation. I done what it says in the Bible and I now feel alot better. Plus I put on praise music which has help me alot. Told Satan where to go. I am Child of God no way is he going to tempted me in sinning into doing something wrong in Gods eyes. I Journey to the cross. With Jesus to help me. Jesus did. Jesus was tempted just like me and you he didn’t give him to the Devil. Jesus showed us away way out. I am glad Jesus helped me not give in. Jesus can do the same for you. Go him prayer and stand on Promises in his word the Bible tell them back to the Old Devil. Take your Journey to cross. Leave it with Jesus ask him to help you he will. If you need more help from trusted Christian as well Jesus will show you if you do. Get the help. Don’t give into it. You will be glad you didn’t. Love todays reading. Dawn Ferguson-Little. Xxx
It’s so hard to treat Lent the way we treat Advent – after all, there’s no Christmas tree, no presents! This book would go a long way toward rectifying that!
Thanks so much for the encouraging article about struggling to find the quiet place to seek God. It’s so hard. But so encouraging to know that he understands and is willing to help us. I tend to be so hard on myself for failing. Thank you
I needed this today. I was just sharing yesterday with my Bible Study leader how my mind wanders when I’m working on my lesson. Your book sounds wonderful.
What an encouraging devotional! I too struggle with keeping my mind focused during my quiet time with God. I’d love to win a copy of this devotional!
Thank you for sharing this thoughts with us. And I’d love to win this book which is going to be perfect for our family Lent devotional.
Oh my gosh, you just described my attempt at a quiet time to a T! Thank you so much for the chance to win, this sounds like a devotional I can definitely use.
Am looking forward to Lent this year. I have been in an emotional, spiritual, and physical (health) desert for many months now, so Lent will feel like home. I have high hopes that if I do Lent right, I might find my way out of this desert, if it’s God’s will. Prayers to all the (in)courage ladies!
Thanks so much for the opportunity! I have fibromyalgia and it is a distraction to reckon with. Could really use the encouragement! ❤️
You pulled me in with “journey to the cross” and “wilderness.” Those two ideas have been pulling me at me for years. I also continue to study not only wilderness living but where do we find Jesus when we are in that place. The book sounds amazing. Thank you, Mary, for not only writing what is on my heart but I imagine on the hearts of many.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so openly. It is always a comfort to know that we are not alone in our desire to have a close relationship with God.
This book and topic seems to bring together so many things I’ve been trying to work on in my relationship with God and making more time for rest and healthy rhythms. Would love to win a copy!
This speaks to my heart on so many ways and I can easily relate to the internal struggle with distraction and lack of focus. I am looking forward to unwrapping the truths in this book and seeking Him during the upcoming Lenten season.
My word for 2020 is “abide”. This book would be a perfect companion in my pursuit.
I always thought that now that I’m an “empty nester” (or almost, as the last one moves out next month) I would be able to have a “non-distracting” devotion time ~ HA! Definitely not so! I don’t have social media accounts, but even with my prayer journal lists I find my mind wandering rather than keeping focus on the Lord. The “Journey to the Cross” for the Lenten season sounds wonderful, and I’d love to win a copy. In His grace, Kay
❤️❤️
Thank you tô offering this book. I would love to get onde.
This book sounds like exactly what I need in my life right now.
I never understood the meaning of or reason Lent until I read your post. Now it makes perfect sense. I have been struggling with trying to find quiet time with the Lord and digging deeper into my relationship with Him. Your book sounds perfect.
This post feels like it could have been written by me. The loneliness, the constant pulling of my attention everywhere else but where I want it to be, even the being surrounded by little wild animals! The book sounds wonderful. I’m hoping I can get a copy.
This sounds so familiar. Reading is calm quiet place. Plus, Easter is my favorite holiday. I can’t wait to get this one!
It was great to hear the reminder that Jesus was also tempted by distractions but was able to focus on what really matters. Thanks for your honest postings reminding us we are all community, facing similar challenges.
I would love to win copies of Journey to the Cross. I would love to give the books to my granddaughters. Your post was just right for me. I have chosen Behold to Become as my words for 2020. I really desire to Behold (Focus) on Jesus to Become more like Him. It is very hard in today’s world to keep my attention from straying. Thank you for your post and the book.
This book is just what I need right now!!!! I can’t wait to read it.
This does sound like an amazing book and guide through the Season of Lent! So very special. Thank you for writing this book, and this devotional today ~ and for your encouragement in walking with and loving Jesus
Wow I would love to read (and gift!) this book! My sister in law (God rest her soul) called distraction-syndrome “monkey mind” because your thoughts and ideas and busyness jumped all over the place and back again… Would love to start Lent in peace!
I save my (in)courage email for the end of the day. Because of all the distractions the morning has. I would love to win the books. Thanks to all that contribute to this blessed page❤️
Temptatation!!! Yes, I will name it as that pull that takes me away from Jesus!! And Jesus was tempted too!! So glad to know He felt what I feel every day! Thanks for writing the book and blog! Hope I win!
Mary, you amaze me!
I have given up sugar (most of it) every Lent for the last few years. Your book will help me focus even more on Jesus this year. Can’t wait to read it.
Oh, how I’d love to win this book! I already have in mind who I’d like to share my extra copy with, too (and probably will need to buy a few more, too) 😉 Thanks for a great giveaway!
Only if I win one will I get one. I so need it, as I feel so alone as I struggle to minister to both my Mom and my husband’s Mom. Out of the last 30 days I have spent 9 nights in my own bed because I was staying with my mother-in-law. Prayers really appreciated.
Great thoughts in this post!
Thank you for writing this blog and this book. Our church is really encouraging us to observe Lent this year and my 2020 word is Abide. I’m going through a rough time right now and I feel Jesus calling me to come closer. Looking forward to this study! Appreciate the reminder that he understands our struggles.
Thank you for the encouragement and i have to admit i never really studied this part of Jesus’life, would love to read the devotional
My name is Tanya and I live in Moldova. I am not sure I fit for this give away, since I do not live in United States. But I’d really love to have a copy of the book to prepare well for Easter and one for my sweet friend, Svetlana 🙂
I would love to win this book! I am in college and I have been a believer my whole life but I am in a season where I want to get even closer to Him. For lent this year I want to spend every day in the word and I saw this and couldn’t think of a better way to do that!
I’d love to read and share your devo for Lent.
I would love to have this book. We all have busy lives and sometimes it is difficult to find the time for prayer. And then when you do your mind wanders to unfinished chores, telephone calls, etc. it is a discipline I need to learn. Focus is my word for 2020.
I would love to get this devotional for a friend and myself. I share IN DEED devotional with my Bible Adventure Volunteers. We meet weekly to teach children about God and memorize Bible verses. IN DEED encourages me daily in my Life Journey. May God bless your ministry and spreading the word.
Thank you for sharing this post!
Thank you for your encouraging words! I would love to have a new book for Lent and one to share with my good friend.
I would love to win this beautiful book and share a copy with my mom! The posts and devotionals from the (in)Courage community have always been uplifting and just what I need in the moment. Thank you for all you do to help us grow closer to the Lord! And thanks for chance to win!
Would love to win this book! What a great way to celebrate the Easter season! Either way I’m excited for the book and to grow in Christ this Easter
Looks like a wonderful devotional!
Would love this for lenten season to deepen my faith with God.
This would be the perfect devotion for me to read this Easter!! I’ve had a rough time trying to focus on my daily God time with kids and illnesses these last few weeks. I love the (in)courage community for helping me grow in my faith.
Mary,
Society makes it easy to be distracted. We have so much social media, our jobs, families, aging parents, church activities, school stuff for children, the list goes on & on. With so much to do it seems hard to make time to sit still quietly & feel God with us. Our prayers are rushed with simple requests very little thanksgiving, & praise. All that can make people feel empty & depleted. We need to fill up our spiritual gas tank as well as the car. This book seems like the perfect way to revitalize our souls & get us ready for Easter & the Cross. It makes us reflect on what Christ did for us. Everyone could use a dose of quiet now & then. Jesus went to wilderness to be alone with His father. We would do well to do the same.
P.S. Congratulations on the new book!!
Blessings 🙂
Hello Sisters , Your devotional sounds perfect for the preparation of Easter. I think the title, Journey to the Cross really hits the heart. We all need to examine our hearts as we prepare for the Father to the Cross to bring us new life. What can we all do in sacrifice to please Him? 🙂
Oh how I would love to win this! I have been and continue to struggle focusing on my quiet time with God. I have been in a valley and am fighting my way out. I find such encouragement from my (in)courage devotional bible. A great purchase!
Being a mom requires a lot of time spent doing things for others and I often find my yearning for those quiet times with God has become an internal yelling! I so need an “excuse” to slow down and spend time growing my intimacy with my God who speaks greatly desires knowing me intimately so when those temptations arrive I can stand firm in the Lord.
This book sounds amazing! Would love to win them to not only read one for myself but to give one away to one of my youth group girls that could really benefit from this book.
The scenario described by Mary is so me in younger decades. I am in my early 70’s and cannot use the “children” excuse, but it is just as difficult for me to practice a daily time with Jesus. I can find a bajillion other things to do. And, to pray, that is just as difficult. I found I have to pray aloud and with a list to remain on task.
This devotional sounds awesome! I would love to get it!
Thank you for your encouragement….
Dear Mary,
I would love and would be so grateful to win this book as I’m personally going through a bit of a difficult time in my life health wise. On top of that I’ve had to cut ties with family members who have not been supportive of my recent decision to leave my muslim upbringing behind to be a Christian. Recently, I have felt alone quite often – but I know that’s not the truth. I know that God, Jesus and the angels are always with me. His love and his loving words keep me going.
I would be honored to have this book in my hands to help keep me strong and focused on Him on my journey back to wholeness.
Warmly & sincerely,
Michelle
I am looking for a good book to do as a Bible Study at our church. I am looking for a book that not only brings people together but also offers them the hope we have in Jesus during the time of Lent. Is this the perfect book?
Thank you! I’m so excited to read this. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.
While I would love to win the 2 copies of this book, I will say this message was exactly what my heart needed reminding of today – ironically I am reading it several days late! Don’t you love how perfect God’s timing is?!
Thank YOU! Your book is great timing because I’m doing a study on the wilderness right now. Would love to share a copy with a friend.
Thank you for blessing me with your words that remind me Jesus knows our struggles, empathizes with our weaknesses, and gives us Himself. I would love to read this meaningful book and share it with a friend.
What a blessing to know JESUS experienced it all and He meets us in that desperate and lonely place. Beautifully written- I can so identify with the distractions! My 3 children are ages 9-14 and their school activities, sports, etc. have us all over the place. I love InCourage because the daily devotions meet me right where I am and still my heart bring encouragement and peace.