Prayer and Partnerships: A Profile of the Committee on Discipleship Ministries

by Christina Fox, in category The PCA

CHRISTINA FOX|EDITOR Editor's Note: From its inception, the women in the PCA have loved on and supported the denomination in practical ways. One way has been through the annual women's ministry love gift. This year, the women's ministry of the PCA is praying for and partnering with the different agencies and committees of the denomination… Read More

Jan142019Jan 14 2019

When God’s Answer Is Different Than We Expect

by Christina Fox, in category Prayer

It was the answer to prayer I didn’t want to get. It was not only disappointing—it was costly.

It was one of those life situations that getting the answer I wanted would have had no grand effect on the universe, but have made my life (and my family’s life) quite lovely. Time, prayer, wise counsel, and careful planning had all gone into setting the stage. The answer I wanted would have allowed me to honor God in so many ways. The correct answer to my prayer was obvious, and I couldn’t wait to receive my blessing from the Lord’s hand.

But the answer that seemed so right never materialized. I felt as though God had failed me even though I had done everything right. I prepared for a season of action, yet God had me continue in this season of waiting. In between the sharp pains of disappointment, questions swirled like brittle leaves on a blustery day. Why had it turned out this way? Why did I have to suffer? Didn’t God care?

Sep172018Aug 13 2018

Grace Opens the Door: A Story of God’s Grace in Ministry

by Christina Fox, in category Prayer

LEAH FARISH|GUEST There I was in a bustling Middle Eastern city, and I had somewhere I needed to go. I was busy—or, as my Syrian friends say, “buzzy.” Maybe even a little bossy. I was getting ready for a conference for women who are leaders in their churches in Syria. Our American team was gathering… Read More

Jul22018Jul 2 2018

Prayer and Jesus’ Invitation to Ask

by Christina Fox, in category Prayer

RONDI LAUTERBACH|GUEST Is it hard for you to pray these days? Do the things you really want to say sound wrong when you try to pray? Do you end up talking yourself out of praying with the words "I can’t ask that”? Jesus knows we’re slow to pray. It’s a topic he often addressed with… Read More

Jun72018May 14 2018

The Hard Wait

by Christina Fox, in category Encouragement

KATIE POLSKI|CONTRIBUTOR I will never forget the first night we were able to leave for the evening without needing a babysitter. While it's sometimes difficult to watch the kids grow so fast, this part of the maturing process is pretty much awesome…until the phone calls start coming in. The ones that indicate the sibling fighting… Read More

Mar122018Jan 29 2018

A Prayer, After Mommy Yelled {Again}

by Christina Fox, in category Motherhood

DUSKI VAN FLEET|GUEST Jesus, My pride desperately wants to not need you again tonight. I apologized to my children 5 times in the past 5 hours for the same offense. It felt pitiful and redundant and ridiculous. I’m supposed to be different. I’m supposed to be modeling for them the behavior that I correct them… Read More

Oct122017Oct 2 2017

The $127 Prayer

by Christina Fox, in category Prayer

SUE HARRIS|GUEST Recently one morning, when I was finished praying, I heard the Lord speak. Well…he didn’t actually speak in an audible voice, but I clearly “heard” him as I considered who he really was. When I opened my eyes, it was as if he said, “That’s it? That’s all you’re asking? I’m the King… Read More

Apr32017Mar 31 2017

Accessories? or Necessities?

by Christina Fox, in category Spiritual Disciplines

RENEE MATHIS|GUEST “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” – Steel Magnolias Those who know me also know that I love a colorful scarf, sparkly earrings, or statement necklace. I’ve been known to choose a sport (or not) based on the accompanying attire. So it’s no surprise that… Read More

Jan122017Dec 9 2016

When Grief Makes Way for God’s Glory

by Christina Fox, in category Community

KARON WILLIAMSON|GUEST It was the typical Sunday morning. You know, getting the kids dressed, hair done, teeth brushed, some semblance of breakfast, get in the car, tell the kids to not touch each other or talk to each other, and answer as I do every Sunday morning, “No, son, I do not know what we… Read More

Sep262016Aug 20 2016

Praying for Our Prodigals

by Christina Fox, in category Motherhood

PATRICIA CURTISS|GUEST “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are,… Read More