In Genesis, Abraham and Sarah grapple with the pain of having no children. Although God promised they would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2; 15:5), the waiting became agonizing, and Sarah gave Abraham her servant Hagar in an effort to accomplish … [Read more...] about When Hope is Hard
Personal Holiness
An Identity in Christ
When I was in college, a large portion of my identity was wrapped up in what my professors thought of me. I desperately wanted to be seen as intelligent, and I would get nervous before meeting with them, pour myself into my work, and agonize as I … [Read more...] about An Identity in Christ
Hope After Eden
Perhaps one of the saddest scenes of the Biblical narrative is in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden. We read: …the Lord God sent Adam out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove … [Read more...] about Hope After Eden
Is God Faithful…Even Here?
On the day before Valentine's Day, I questioned if God was faithful for what felt like the silliest, most insignificant reason. I was making—trying to make—a pavlova (a large meringue topped with whipped cream and fruit) for a church party. I had a … [Read more...] about Is God Faithful…Even Here?
What Does the Bible Say about Gossip?
When we were in high school, my friends and I had a tough history teacher, whom I’ll call Mr. Smith. One day as we rode the bus back from a band competition, we vented about our latest grievance against him, sparing no mercy in detailing our dislike. … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say about Gossip?