A few months ago, I found myself in a high-conflict divorce that was taking a toll on my emotional well-being and finances. As legal fees piled up and the demands of single parenting two teenagers increased, I often felt overwhelmed and anxious.
Amid this turmoil, I attended a healing retreat in North Carolina. Due to financial constraints, I had to book budget-friendly flights, which included a 14-hour layover on my return trip. On the last day of the retreat, feeling particularly anxious to get back home to my kids, I prayed to God, expressing my desire for an earlier flight.
The next morning, I received an email from the airline informing me that my flight had been rebooked to an earlier time at no additional cost! I was in awe and filled with gratitude. This experience was a significant moment for me, teaching me to rest and trust God with my worries. It was a reminder that even in the mundane details of life, God is actively working on our behalf.
The journey continued the next day as I prepared to return home and catch a connecting flight from North Carolina to Atlanta. As we approached Atlanta, the pilot announced that a heavy storm was causing delays, and we would have to taxi on the runway because all the gates were occupied. The likelihood of missing my connecting flight loomed large. Anxiety started to creep in again, but then I recalled two scriptures:
Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Choosing to trust in God’s sovereignty, I rested in His peace. While other passengers were visibly stressed about missing their connecting flights, I remained calm, reflecting on the miracle God had performed just twenty-four hours earlier. I trusted that He had the situation under control.
After several announcements about further delays, the pilot suddenly informed us that a gate had opened and we would be able to deplane shortly. Unbelievably, the gate we were assigned was right next to my connecting flight’s gate. Instead of a fifteen-minute dash across the airport, I had a mere fifty-second walk. I made my connecting flight just in time!
This experience amplified a profound truth: God is in control, even when circumstances seem impossible. When I shared these experiences with my kids and new friends from the retreat, they were amazed and encouraged at how God orchestrates everything. It wasn’t just about making my flights — it was about deepening my trust in Him.
Reflecting on these events, I’ve realized that learning to trust and rest in God’s promises in stormy seasons is a continual process. It’s not a one-time decision, but a daily practice of shifting our focus from our problems to His promises. Life is full of twists and turns, and our initial reactions might be fear or anxiety. However, we have the authority to refuse giving these emotions a place in our hearts. We have the authority to rest in God’s perfect peace.
Here are some practical steps that have helped me embrace God’s perfect peace through this stormy season of life.
1. Conversation with God: Regularly talking to God about our concerns and desires helps shift our focus from our problems to His provision. Open, honest communication with God allows us to lay our burdens at His feet and trust in His plan.
2. Scripture Meditation: One of my favorite meditations in the Bible is Isaiah 26:3. Holding onto Scriptures like this one provides a pathway to peace and trust. Meditating on His promises helps to realign our thoughts with God’s truth.
3. Rest in His Presence: Practicing stillness and acknowledging God’s complete control helps to cultivate a peaceful mindset despite troubling circumstances. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This truth helps us center our hearts and minds on God’s sovereignty.
To let the peace of God permeate your heart in a new way, start by creating moments of quiet reflection throughout your day. Begin each morning with a few minutes of prayer and Scripture reading, asking God to fill your heart with His peace. Whenever anxiety starts to rise up, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and repeat a Scripture that brings you comfort.
These steps are practical ways to experience God’s perfect peace. The same God who provided for me is working in your life too. When we remember His past faithfulness, it strengthens our faith for present and future challenges.
Are you currently enduring an exhausting and difficult season, unsure how to navigate it with grace and peace of mind?
Are you faced with relationship difficulties, financial hardships, job loss, health problems, or the loss of loved ones? Remember, God is greater than any storm we face. When we rely solely on our own strength, we invite stress and anxiety — but by embracing God’s perfect peace and surrendering our worries to Him, we will find true rest and assurance during all life’s storms.
I do notice that sometimes God works things out and other times nothing.
Did the others on the plane that may have prayed get their connecting flights or did they miss them?
If so why would God answer one prayer and not the other?
Please know I’m not trying to be mean but I have experienced this and do not understand.
Sue, just a note to let you know that I hear your heart and so understand where you’re coming from. I tend to think in this way many times, too. Wondering how one’s prayer can be answered but not the prayers of another. But I do think that’s what is so powerful about reading one woman’s story. This devotion is from Esther’s point of view…so it includes the situations that were surrounding her life and the way she witnessed God moving in her life. God is always working, even beyond the more obvious ways of seeing uttered prayers answered. I imagine, and I hope, that other passengers on the flight that day had other prayers answered or are in the process of seeing God work in situations they’ve entrusted into His hands. Praying the same is true in your life. That, even when some prayers are yet unanswered, others would be answered and give proof to God’s love and care…just for you, Sue!
Thank you for sharing your heart, Sue. I recognize it can be hard to understand God’s ways. As the (in)courage team shared, the story is from my point of view, and while I cannot speak for others on the plane, I know God’s ways are always higher than our ways and His faithfulness is not partial. I have experienced times when God didn’t show up as I expected but used every season for my good and His glory. Your honest question is valued, and I believe God meets us right in those places of confusion and pain. Blessings to you!
This message was a conversation I needed at this very moment with my God. Thank you for this post it resonates with me so very much x
Jas, I’m so glad to hear that this message resonated with you when you needed it. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing how it touched you. May it continue to bring you comfort and encouragement in your journey. Blessings to you!
He will keep you in perfect peace, just keep your eyes stayed on Him. Thank you Jesus! Thank you for being the great’I AM!’
Amen and Amen!
Thank you for this encouragement and great reminder of what I often tell myself but still habitually forget.. God knows what I need and He is faithful to provide! It’s so awesome how He orchestrates the details of our lives when we trust Him.
I like to meditate on Psalm 23, that my good Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters and restores my soul. And even when I’m walking thru a dark valley, I’m comforted by His presence when I remember to make time to dine at the amazing table He has prepared for me.
Praise God that He loves us and patiently walks with us in spite of our fearful, forgetful tendencies.
Thank you Mary Ann for your heartfelt response! It’s wonderful to hear how Psalm 23 brings you such peace and reassurance. God’s faithfulness and guidance are constant, even when we forget. May you continue to find strength and renewal in His refreshing presence.
Dear Esther, this is beautiful! What a faithful God we serve! You shared two of my favorite scriptures! I often quote “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on You, because he trusts in You “! My mind starts to wander often when I lie down to sleep and this scripture gets me focused. Thank you for sharing this with us. God bless you and your family.
Dear Claudia,
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I’m glad to hear that those scriptures resonate with you. I’m grateful that this message could be of encouragement to you and many others. God bless you and your family as well!
Dear Esther….The first paragraph of your devotion stunned me as it describes my story exactly, except I am 76 years old and my son is 54, and I have been trying to get this divorce settled for almost 2 years. Very emotional and then to top that, my son called me and told me he no longer considered me his mother and I could never talk or see my 12 year old only grandson ever again. So many heartbreaking things I have been going through, so I need to reread your devotion to see how you handled it as I have to go now for our Saturday morning Prayer, Share and Care meeting that we have every week. Thank you so much Esther and I need more time to look at the rest of your story. I have no other family and my husband almost killed me 2 years ago due to violent dementia. Hope that you and your family have a Blessed weekend and may I send you a big hug? Betsy Basile
Dear Betsy,
Thank you for sharing your story with me. I’m deeply sorry for the tough challenges and heartbreak you’ve faced. I’m right there with you; based on this wilderness season of my life, I’ve learned to lean fully on Him and keep my eyes locked on Him, even when things don’t make sense. Divorce and family estrangement can feel so unfair, but as Psalm 71:20-21 says, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.”
I hope this verse brings you some comfort and hope as you navigate this difficult season. Please know that I’m holding you in my thoughts and prayers. A big hug back to you, and may you find strength and peace in this time.
Blessings to you!
I’m reading this in a crowed hotel breakfast area. It brought tears to my eyes remembering that God is in “our daily.” I needed the reminder that regardless of how overwhelming daily life becomes, He is there. I appreciate your words today!
Jill, I’m so glad that my story blessed you. It’s incredible how God’s presence is felt in our daily lives, no matter how overwhelming things may seem. Thank you for sharing your heart, and may you continue to find comfort and strength in knowing He is always there. Blessings to you!
Thank you, Esther! I needed these reassurances right now. May you be richly blessed in your season!
Irene, I say Amen to your prayers, glad it was a blessing.
This is such an uplifting word that I need to add to my soul care toolkit! Blessings to you dear Esther for sharing your beautiful testimony and story.
Tope, I’m delighted to hear that the message resonates with your soul-care journey. May it continue to uplift and inspire you. Blessings to you as well!
Amen, thank you for this article and the story you shared. I’m so grateful for how God speaks to us.
Jenny, thank you for your encouraging words. May His voice continue to bring comfort and clarity in your life as He speaks to us. Blessings to you!
Esther, thank you for sharing your story with us at (in)courage! We so appreciate you!
Rachel, it’s an absolute honor to share my story with the (in)courage community. I’m grateful for the opportunity and appreciate your support!
Ester we all go through storm in our life. Some like you. Going through divorce. I been in there watching my late Mum go through divorce. She thought her Marriage was for life. At 25 years. My Dad did wrong. But she even though not saved. Because of her Grandkids for gave my Dad. So as when it came to their Birthday’s when alive and my Dad would be there at their Birthdays as well. She could say hello to him as well as her Grandkids. Not mind seeing our Dad. I was proud of her for doing that. But at first it hurt badly. But I prayed and God answered my prayers. So if a Family function came up. My late Mum could go knowing what my Dad did and knowing she had forgiven him. So it wouldn’t hurt seeing him again at it. So God answered my prayers. So she inbraced God’s peace. Didn’t even know it was God peace. That she was then able to and be there for my Sister’s and their kids her Grandkids. But God gave me a real peace to be there for my Mum when she first heard about what my Dad done. Know how to pray for her and know what to say to comfort her. During those early months. But watching her breaking her heart over what my Dad done. Asking herself what did I do wrong. Was it my fault he left after 25 years of very happy Marriage. I had to say no Mum don’t blame yourself. It just one of these things Dad did. I don’t know why Dad did what he did. It is never your fault. So God told me do what Joshua 1:9 says, Be strong and courageous and do not be afraid do not be discouraged for the Lord thy God is with thee. Tell your Mum that. Let her know God is with her and for her to remain strong. You keep strong as that verse say for your Mum too. I did that it helped both of us. I was proud of my late Mum even though not saved for forgiving my Dad. Keep you in prayer Easter for all you and your kids have gone through. Thank you for sharing your story. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland.xx
Thank you Dawn for sharing your heartfelt story and for your support. I deeply appreciate your empathy and the strength you showed for your mother during such a challenging time. It’s touching to hear how you prayed for her and offered comfort while also embracing God’s peace. Your mother’s journey of forgiveness and your support for her are truly inspiring.
Your reminder of Joshua 1:9 is both encouraging and comforting. I will keep that in my heart as I navigate my own journey. I believe God is turning the tide—shining a light on injustice and abuse that has long been hidden behind walls, whether in churches or homes.
Thank you again for your beautiful words and for keeping me and my kids in your thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless and guide you as well.
Dear Esther, thank you so much for your very encouraging words even as you experience them yourself. I am almost 78 and experience seasons of depression, anxiety and a debilitating back condition, plus some financial difficulties. But I look to the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth and trust in Him and His promises. He is merciful and faithful always. God bless you richly as you walk through this valley. He will bring us through and make all things work together for our good. Bless His Holy Name….. Jesus!!!
Dear Donna, It’s comforting to hear how you continue to trust in the Lord, despite the difficulties you’re facing. God’s faithfulness is always on time and never changes no matter what we are going through.
As you navigate through these seasons of struggle, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m confident that God will indeed bring us through our valleys and make all things work together for our good. Your strength and faith are a powerful testimony to His goodness.
May God bless you richly and continue to uphold you with His refreshing peace. Thank you again for your support and for sharing your journey with me.
Filippenzen 4:5-7
Jenny, thank you for your encouraging words. May His voice continue to bring comfort and clarity in your life as He speaks to us. Blessings to you!
Thanks so much for reminding me God’s grace and love
Glad it was a blessing!
God is so kind! I love the way He moves when we surrender our circumstances and our worries to Him. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
Yes God is kind! Glad to hear my story is a blessing to you! Have a wonderful month Becky!
Beautiful reminders and words. May we always be able to remind ourselves to trust and rely on Him and know that He is there for us.
Hi Sis!
Thank you for sharing such a powerful and encouraging testimony. Your experience is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and His deep care for even the smallest details of our lives. The way you trusted in God’s sovereignty, even in moments of uncertainty and anxiety, is truly inspiring.
I’m deeply moved by how you chose to shift your focus from the problems at hand to God’s promises. Your practical steps for embracing God’s peace—conversation with God, Scripture meditation, and resting in His presence—are invaluable tools for anyone going through a challenging season.
Your story serves as a powerful testament that God is always at work, orchestrating every detail for our good, even when we cannot see it. It encourages me to trust more deeply in God’s timing and provision, especially in my own moments of anxiety and doubt.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It has certainly strengthened my faith and reminded me to rest in God’s perfect peace, no matter what storms life may bring.
Hello Renee,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words! I’m truly humbled and grateful that my testimony resonated with you. It’s amazing how God uses our stories to encourage and uplift one another, even in ways we might not expect.
Your reflection on shifting focus from problems to God’s promises perfectly captures what I’ve learned through my own journey.
I’m encouraged to know that my story has strengthened your faith and reminded you of God’s unwavering presence in every season. He is indeed at work in the unseen, and I’m thankful that we can trust Him together. Let’s continue to rest in His perfect peace and lean on His promises, no matter what comes our way.
Blessings to you Sis!
Esther-thank you for your devotion this morning. What a wonderful reminder to wonderful to keep to myself so I shared it on Twitter.
Sending you joy, Lisa Wilt
Thank you Lisa for sharing on twitter! Together we shine the light of Jesus across the nations. Blessings to you!