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We delude ourselves when we think we have ultimate control over our lives. It often comes down to this: what we really want is to make our own plans and do our own thing. We don’t want anyone, including God, to impose His plans on us.

Your concern for others is commendable. You can be at peace knowing that once you have placed your faith in Jesus and His work on the cross and in resurrection on your behalf, your actions cannot “jeopardize” His covenant with you.

When I’ve been snorkeling, I often think how incredible it is to get a glimpse of all the things God governs that go on in the universe, 99.99999% of which we never see or think about!

God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). He uses our sense of human weakness and inadequacy not only to build our character, but also to manifest His strength and grace to us and through us.

You have two choices: you can trust His written Word that promises He will never leave you (and is, therefore, right where He always is…next to you, listening and loving). Or you can choose to turn your back on those promises and lean on your feelings instead.

Sometimes we read Scripture about rejoicing or trusting and think, Easy to say, but you’re not facing what I am. But few people have faced conditions as dire as Habakkuk, with the impending destruction of his nation, family, friends, and entire way of life.

In Psalm 72, Christ is indeed the one who rules over all. But those He rules over include human beings who are also rulers of the New Earth under Him.

There are people who reason, If I give generously, I’ll have to worry about where the money will come from to replace what I’ve given. But Jesus teaches that generous giving isn’t a cause for insecurity and worry. It’s a cure for it.

Jesus says, “Don’t give up! Pray for God’s help” (see Luke 18:1). Some readers will be suspicious of this because they’ve heard “Just read the Bible and pray, and that will solve everything.” No, it won’t solve everything, but nothing will be solved without it. Jesus knew what He was talking about.

God is not unjust; one day, all will be made right. I pray you can trust Him through this pain, and know that He is with you, and that He sees and He knows all.

Our perceptions—much more than our circumstances—are the building blocks with which we construct our lives. No matter what the circumstances and stress, our view of life determines our level of joy and contentment.

We recommend Jinger Vuolo’s book Becoming Free Indeed. She explains the problematic legalistic teachings, and also mentions Gothard’s moral failings.

The presence of God is the essence of Heaven. John Milton put it, “Thy presence makes our Paradise, and where Thou art is Heaven.” Heaven will be a physical extension of God’s goodness.

The more famous someone becomes, the harder it is to cultivate and retain virtue. The bigger your image, the more it tends to eclipse your character. In today’s social media world, instead of building character, many people just build image.