Posts by Rachel Wojo
Today’s Truth
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry (Psalm 40:1 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Recently I saw a beautiful time lapse video. It began with placing a bulb in the ground and moving through every stage, from growing roots to peeking through the ground, then developing leaves. The buds formed, and ultimately, the flower petals bloomed. From seed to perfect blooms didn’t happen overnight. It took 83 days—almost an entire season of the year. To reach the premium point of completion, progress took place. Progress requires patience.
“Whatever you pray for, don’t pray for patience!” Perhaps you’ve heard that expression or even repeated it to a friend. My mom may have told me that once or twice when it was her turn to juggle a houseful of teenagers. But, of course, she was
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Today’s Truth
I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord (Psalm 119:145 NIV).
Friend to Friend
There is a drink that many people love, and maybe you’re one of those people. Coffee! Perhaps you enjoy a frozen caramel latte or a single cup of black coffee, or maybe you need a little cream like me. Whether dark roast or blonde, medium Columbia or Vietnamese blend, coffee is your thing. You’ve probably seen t-shirts and mugs with a little saying for coffee lovers of this nature. “But first, coffee.”
What is this shirt saying? It’s saying I’m a coffee lover. You give me coffee in the morning, afternoon, or evening, and I’ll do whatever is needed. It says coffee propels me into motion. It moves me. It fills me. It fuels me for the day.
All of
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Today’s Truth
But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat (Nehemiah 4:9 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Tossing and turning, I failed to sleep. Counting sheep was far from working. I felt overwhelmed by the news of my dad’s hospital admission and the following details, especially in the dark. Worry and fear threatened to create an avalanche of thoughts with destructive potential.
Thankfully, it’s possible to pivot. Instead of allowing the what-ifs and maybe’s to take over and wreak havoc. I pressed pause and whispered to my heart, “Stop, Rachel. Remember God is in control.”
What a critical split-second decision this was! Pressing pause on the tempting thoughts the enemy throws our way during a crisis or tragedy is essential for two reasons. It creates an interruption in negativity and prepares the way for prayer. I learned
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Today’s Truth
When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple (Jonah 2:7 ESV).
Friend to Friend
I rushed into the store to get last-minute items to host a birthday party. Reaching into my purse, a sudden sinking feeling washed over me. I forgot the list! Quickly I called my daughter. “I think I left my list on the counter. Could you take a picture of it and send it to me?” Within mere seconds, I had the list and could move on. If only every forgetful occasion could be remedied as quickly.
Have you ever remembered something when it was too late? A lunch when you’re already on the school bus. Medicine before the pain kicks in. Closing the car windows before the rain. Each of these situations yields consequences that could have been prevented
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Today’s Truth
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed (Psalm 107:29 NIV).
Friend to Friend
“Is there anything else you need?” the waitress asked. I thought to myself, “Lady, you have no idea.” Every part of me screamed, “YES! I have so many needs!” But instead, I answered, “More coffee, please.”
Have you been there? When the storms of life beat over our heads, our hearts grow anxious against the waves. Thoughts race in competition with truth; worry weasels its way in. The needs are high. We want safety. We need protection and provision.
Psalm 107 unfolds the God stories of various people groups and explains how the Lord transformed their pain into purpose. Each group of people exhibits a character flaw that reveals why their misery came upon them until we arrive at verse
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Today’s Truth
I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers (II Timothy 1:3 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Bone-weary and mentally exhausted, the morning had arrived, and another day had begun. I’m guessing you’ve been there. When the phone rang, I did my best to listen to the voice on the other end of the line.
My heart skipped a beat at the news of my loved one. It was cancer. Before I could finish the call, the phone vibrated again. Upon ending the voice conversation, I read the text: “How can I pray for you?”
The friend who sent the text had no idea of the news I was receiving when she sent it. She only knew that the Holy Spirit was prompting her heart to text me, and she obeyed. I’m so grateful that she did.
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Today’s Truth
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26 NIV).
Friend to Friend
She, too, had lost her daughter, though her circumstances were completely different than my own. Her note began: “I know you are a praying woman.”
Wow. I felt honored to receive her prayer request, but my heart sank as I read the desperate details. I whispered, “Jesus, have mercy. I don’t know how to pray for this new friend. I can’t wrap my head around her situation.”
The grief washed over me on her behalf, triggering a fresh flood of personal sorrow. I found myself weeping and wishing the world wasn’t filled with suffering and despair. I dried the tears with the backs of my hands, and a sigh escaped. Then a groan.
Perhaps you’ve experienced that same kind of groan.
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