A Moment of Hope

Begin your day with a "Moment of Hope." This podcast is a compliment to David and Marilynn's weekday devotional - providing deeper insights and encouragement. Featuring Jenn Houston.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Be Kind 06/30/2025

The Fruit of the Spirit: Be Kind by David Chadwick The fifth fruit of the Spirit is kindness. The dictionary definition of kindness is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” What a rich word! In the Greek language (chrestotes), it is defined as excellence or uprightness. Kindness is a fruit that is mostly directed toward another person. Generally speaking, kindness is meant to benefit those who are in our immediate circle and those around the world. Kindness is what drives the bride of Christ to serve and to give our lives away. Kindness is what compels us to a life of sacrifice. Jesus calls his followers to serve, not to be served. Jesus himself “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). However, I will add, one will only be as kind to others as he or she is willing to be kind to himself or herself. You must learn to be kind to yourself so that your life will extend kindness to those around you. If you do not see yourself as a blood-bought, redeemed, purchased son or daughter of the Most High God, you will have a hard time treating others the way God sees them. As Paul said in Romans 2:2: “Let the kindness of God bring you to repentance.” As you are reminded of your own forgiveness, you will show goodness to others. You will be generous with others. You will be able to show both sympathy and empathy. Empathy is especially important because it allows you to jump into someone else's shoes and have a heart of understanding for their situation. Empathy is the ability to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. This, too, is an attitude of God. It is the kindness of God that draws us to repentance. Seeing God’s kindness should prompt us to change our hearts to be more like him, eschewing anything that is contrary to his will and character. As we pray and abide, may we all be driven deeper into the Spirit, who will then naturally give us more kindness toward others. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36925890

The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience is a Virtue… 06/27/2025

The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience is a Virtue… by David Chadwick Patience is a virtue… but it’s also a fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are an all for one and one for all package deal. Once you abide in Christ and Christ in you, you will bear much fruit (John 15:5). When we are abiding with Jesus, connected to the Spirit, we will operate in patience. The word patience in the Greek is makrothymia. It means long suffering or fortitude. It implies a willingness to be willing to wait in spite of what our eyes can see. In the Amplified Bible, patience is described not as “the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting.” Patience is proven in a heart that trusts every minute and second to God’s perfect, providential plan. It is evidenced in a heart that is yielded to God’s timetable for everything. As we learn to wait on the Lord and trust him in everything, our strength arises. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Even in the midst of chaos and destruction, we can remain confident that God has neither abandoned us nor his world. As we remain in the waiting room of faith, God builds us and makes us stronger. Do any of you lift weights? If so, you know that weight lifters are made stronger by lifting heavier weights. In the same way, followers of Jesus are made stronger by lifting heavier “waits.” Sometimes it is only in the waiting of God’s timing and purposes that our spirits become stronger and stronger. Dear friends, did you know that we are in a war? We have been called by God to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, much like David did when he was in great distress (1 Samuel 30:6). David knew the fruit of enduring and being long-suffering. In doing so, we can run and grow weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). I pray for God’s Spirit to be enlarged in each of your hearts so that more patience would come to your souls! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36925855

The Fruit of the Spirit: “Peace I Leave With You” 06/26/2025

The Fruit of the Spirit: “Peace I Leave With You” by David Chadwick The third fruit of the Spirit is peace. The movie Sister Act 2 has an incredible scene where the nuns perform the song “Ball of Confusion” in a nursing home. Every time I hear this song, I’m reminded that the chaos of humanity has always existed. There has never been a time in history where the devil has not desired to release a ball of confusion all over the world. As the song says, “So, round and around and around we go. Where the world’s headed, nobody knows.” But in the midst of chaos, Jesus entered the chaos of this world and said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). As God’s children, there are two aspects of his peace that we have access to when we are rightly and securely abiding in his Spirit. First, we have an eternal peace of knowing that we are no longer at war with God. He has reconciled us to himself. We are no longer his enemies. He now calls us friends (John 15:15). This peace accord with God, signed and sealed with Jesus’s blood, is irrevocable. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can ever separate us from his love! Second, we have a present peace that is available to us each and every day. Because of Jesus, his Spirit now lives inside of us. So, when storms come, we can now hear Jesus’s voice saying to us, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). Like any good Father, God desires to be on the boat with us as we face the storms of life. Jesus promises to be with us always. Forever. Until the close of the age (Matthew 28:20). He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). And now, we can approach the throne of grace any time, any place, as God’s friends. God’s peace now resides in us and because of Jesus, we are now at peace with him. From that place of peace, we can boldly ask him anything and know that he hears us and will answer our every prayer according to his perfect will. I pray for the Spirit to give you more peace today and each day moving forward until Jesus returns. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36925840

The Fruit of the Spirit: Choose Joy 06/25/2025

The Fruit of the Spirit: First Comes Love 06/24/2025

The Fruit of the Spirit: An Introduction 06/23/2025

The Fruit of the Spirit: An Introduction by David Chadwick The fruit of the Spirit is one of my favorite things to teach. In fact, every time I think about this topic, I immediately flash back to my daughter Bethany’s 6th birthday party. It was a “fruit of the Spirit” themed party. I dressed up as her favorite character called “Sunny Love Tree” and each child who came to the party was given a different fruit of the spirit. That party was one for the books! Much like I, as a Father, long to see my children walking in the light, Jesus longs to see his followers abiding in him. A life that displays the fruit of the Spirit is a life that has learned how to abide in Christ. In John 15:7, Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus knew that apart from him, his disciples could do nothing (John 15:5). Notice that none of these fruit are produced through human strength or effort. They don’t come out of your striving. They are the mere byproduct of a life that is fully surrendered and yielded to Jesus. Just as an apple tree doesn't have to work hard to produce apples, a follower of Jesus doesn’t have to work to produce love. It happens naturally as the root is connected to the healthy soil, which, in turn, produces healthy, luscious fruit. A life rooted in Jesus will produce the fruit of the Spirit. Finally, notice two things as we commence this study. First, “fruit” in the Greek is karpos - a singular term. ALL nine of these fruit should be evident in the life of a believer in Jesus. You don’t pick and choose which ones you have. Think of it more like a fruit salad than a bunch of individual fruits. Secondly, take note that it’s only through a connection to the Spirit, Christ in you, the Father upon you - all three persons of the Godhead - that produces this fruit. Faith is the connection point. Not human effort. So, as we walk through the next two weeks together, focus on abiding! If not, this fruit will never appear. As we examine each fruit, I pray that you will see the face of Jesus in each one. And that he will encounter you with his love and you will become more like him! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36925785

Fasting for Breakthrough: Guard Your Dream 06/20/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: Guard Your Dream by Marilynn Chadwick We’re wrapping up our series on “Fasting.” I hope you’ve experienced a breakthrough in some area where you've felt stuck. The Bible encourages us to pray and fast when we encounter stubborn resistance. Could it be that some battles are harder than others because the enemy knows the stakes are so high? My epiphany came one day in a parking lot, of all places. I was heading home after a quick run for coffee with my husband. From a distance, we saw what appeared to be an aggressive bird battle under some nearby cedar trees. As we got closer, we saw the target of this assault was a very large hawk. His noisy attackers were about half a dozen black crows. The angry birds darted in and out, fiercely attacking the hawk. I have heard that hawks can slice the eyes of their opponents with one swipe from their razor-sharp talons. I, for one, would never mess with a hawk. So what motivated a bunch of pesky crows to be so reckless in their assault? Looking closer, I realized the hawk had some kind of rodent in his clutches. The hawk’s "hands were tied," so to speak, and he couldn’t defend himself. The black birds knew it and so they were daring and relentless. Not to be outwitted, the hawk suddenly swooped up and sought refuge in the dense and prickly branches of a nearby cedar where he was finally able to enjoy his lunch, uninterrupted. So what’s the point? Those blackbirds didn’t attack the hawk just to ruin his day. That hawk had something the crows wanted. A nice meal in the form of a freshly caught animal. Predators come after their victims because they want what they have. Perhaps you feel as if you've been fighting unseen enemies that come at you from all sides like a pack of crows. The battle has been fierce. My question for you is simply this: What do you have that the enemy wants? Perhaps he wants to steal your dream. Even a dream that seems ordinary can have far reaching kingdom impact. The enemy doesn’t know your future, but he sniffs out your destiny just like those crows sniffed out the hawk’s catch. I think back to our long years of infertility and the fierce fight to have a child. I couldn’t have known at the time that I was waging a battle, not just for our firstborn daughter, but also for our next baby, a son. Then another son. Now ten grandchildren. Our daughter once remarked, “Mama, you didn’t know when you were going through infertility that you were fighting for all these people to be born.” The fight was fierce because the enemy wanted what I had. The promise of children. And grandchildren who would glorify God. And generations beyond those. But friends, I had something else the enemy wanted. And so do you. He wanted to steal my testimony. He wanted to make it impossible for me to tell the miraculous story of God’s healing which enabled me to have those babies and grandbabies. He wanted to rob me of the chance to encourage others who are waiting for answers to their own prayers. Quite simply, the devil wants to steal the story God is weaving through your dream. Or through this trial you're enduring so bravely. He wants to steal your testimony. Ultimately, he wants to steal God's glory. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836850

Fasting for Breakthrough: Are You Dangerous to the Devil? 06/19/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: Are You Dangerous to the Devil? by Marilynn Chadwick "Fasting is a little scary," remarked a friend who had decided to fast for the first time. She's right. Whether it's food, a favorite treat, social media or shopping, giving up something we depend upon can leave us feeling empty. Thirsty. Maybe that's why fasting is so powerful. I'm forced to switch my lifeline from food (or whatever) to God himself. I find myself hungrier for his Word and more receptive to his voice. Even Jesus chose to fast before his duel in the desert with the devil. He had just been baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. Afterwards, God spoke from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” What an amazing spiritual mountaintop experience! But notice what happened next: “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry” (Matthew 4:1,2 NLT). It was the Holy Spirit himself who led Jesus into the desert. A place of vulnerability and isolation. On top of that, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. Not exactly the breakfast of champions. Why would he physically weaken himself in preparation for the fight of his life? “The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread’" (Matthew 4:3, 4 NIV). The devil's first of three temptations hit Jesus right in the gut, so to speak. He tempts him to turn stones into bread. What could be wrong with that? Jesus could simply try out his divine power. Turning stones into bread wouldn't cost him any money or cause a scandal. And hunger after forty days with no food seems like a legitimate need. But Jesus, weak in body yet mighty Spirit, knew the fight with the devil was not over. His counterattack came straight from the Bible, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'." With each successive temptation, Jesus fired back at the devil with Scripture until the evil one finally slinked away in defeat. For forty days, Jesus had prepared for this time of testing by fasting, praying, pouring over God's Word. He was armed and ready. Power to contend with the devil didn't come from his human strength or logic, but from the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. I wonder if we hunger for the true bread of the Spirit? We nourish our bodies with food. We keep our cars fueled up. We recharge our smart phones and laptops. But are we humble enough to admit that we can't win our spiritual battles without God's Word? Jesus showed us how. We don't live by the "bread" of this world alone, but by every Word from the mouth of God. That's how we stay armed and dangerous to the devil. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836835

Fasting for Breakthrough: Breakthrough in Broken Places 06/18/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: Breakthrough in Broken Places by Marilynn Chadwick Fasting can be a powerful weapon in our prayer arsenal. Though I still have much to learn, I have noticed how fasting adds strength and precision to my prayers. The combination of fasting and prayer is like a one-two punch that has resulted in several spiritual breakthroughs in long-standing problems. But the most powerful testimonies I’ve ever heard about fasting came in a most unlikely place. The lesson is one I have never forgotten. Some time ago, David and I were invited to teach a group of men and women church leaders in Burundi on the subject of prayer. Burundi is a tiny nation in central Africa, often referred to as Rwanda’s twin. Its people suffered a lengthy civil war lasting over a decade. It was sparked by revenge killings and then a frenzy of killings resembling the horrific genocide in Rwanda. Burundi’s civil war was hidden from the eyes of the world—and lasted much longer. With a GDP per capita of $237, Burundi remains maybe the poorest country in Africa and, by some accounts, in the entire world. Amazingly, the believers in Burundi had remained faithful through it all. They were resilient. Even joyful. But Burundi was not the place I expected to learn my most memorable lessons on the power of fasting. David and I spent the afternoon sharing biblical insights on prayer and allowed time at the end for questions. One man raised his hand and stood up and asked, “Why did you not talk about fasting?” I looked around at their faces. I knew food was scarce—how could we talk about fasting when we weren’t sure they had enough to eat? But I underestimated the spiritual fervor of those men and women, all survivors of the genocide. They shared story after story of how God had intervened in miraculous ways—dramatic stories of provision and deliverance from evil attacks during the war, often through prayer and fasting. I left that encounter humbled and realized what a powerful tool fasting can be for believers in broken places—or for any believer when we face our own broken places. And I felt convicted that it’s time to stop losing wars we should be winning. For our homes, families, and communities. We can learn a lesson from believers in Burundi. Maybe we, too, can discover the power of prayer and fasting for breakthrough in our most broken places. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836790

Fasting for Breakthrough: How Esther Saved a Nation (Part 2) 06/17/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: How Esther Saved a Nation (Part 2) Continued from yesterday… God is never actually mentioned by name in the book of Esther. But throughout the story, we see Esther quietly responding to what I believe must surely have been God’s whispers. I don’t think the Lord would have entrusted the very survival of the entire nation of Israel into the hands of a teenager unless he knew she would listen and obey. Training our heart to hear God’s voice is one of our most important jobs as believers. We do this primarily through reading God’s Word and spending time in prayer. But for some reason, fasting helps us depend on God and sharpens our hearing. As we saw yesterday, Esther was devastated by the news of the king’s edict to destroy the Jews. But she was even more terrified by the request made by Mordecai. He asked her to appear before the king and beg for mercy. The risk for Esther was huge. Everyone throughout the palace courts knew the rule: If someone went to the king without being summoned, it was an automatic death penalty—that is, unless the king extended his golden scepter. It had been 30 days since Esther had last been summoned to appear before the king. Mordecai challenged Esther with these now famous words: “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther found strength from the Lord. She told Mordecai to have all the Jews gather for three days of fasting. She and her maids would do the same. When this was done, she assured him, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law” (v.16). Then she uttered words that are among the most stirring declarations in the entire Bible: “And if I perish, I perish.” At that point, Esther broke the back of the adversary. The fasting and prayer with God’s people set the stage for a miraculous and strategic series of events that brought about the salvation of the entire nation. Through her courageous faith, wisdom, and ingenuity, she exposed Haman’s wicked plot. The enraged king sent Haman to the very gallows he had built to hang Mordecai. The story of Esther is thrilling and full of suspense. Good triumphs over evil. And in the end, Esther influenced her husband, a pagan King, to deliver the Jews. The king promoted Mordecai to second in command in all the Persian empire. Esther ruled as queen. An ordinary teenager who dared to step out and obey God. She risked her life, and in turn, saved a nation. Fasting and prayer were part of the arsenal she used to make herself strong. Esther must have learned to hear and obey God during her years under the watchful eye of Mordecai. Perhaps that is where she also grew to appreciate the power of fasting and prayer. Somehow, she managed to remain surrendered to God, even while serving as queen. Her dramatic three-day fast put her in a place of utter dependency. In the end, it brought great power to her petition for the deliverance of her people. __________________ For more inspiration on fasting from the story of Esther, check out Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage & Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. Simply to order your copy. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836760

Fasting for Breakthrough: How Esther Saved a Nation (Part 1) 06/16/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: How Esther Saved a Nation (Part 1) God’s people owe their very existence to a young Hebrew girl named Esther. It’s true. God chose to work out his plan of deliverance for Israel through the courageous actions of an ordinary teenager. Sometimes I think we underestimate the power of a young person who loves God. Esther’s story didn’t start out pretty. The Jews had been taken from Jerusalem into captivity years earlier by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (Esther 2:5-7). Babylon was then defeated by Persia. When we first meet Esther, she’s among the Jews living in the Persian empire. They were a displaced people longing for home. Esther was raised by an older cousin named Mordecai. Described as “lovely in form and features,” her name had been changed from her original Hebrew name, Hadassah, to the Persian name Esther, or “star.” Scholars believe it was connected to the Babylonia goddess Ishtar. Even today, when a people group is captured, the conquering nation often strips away every form of national identity. We saw this firsthand during a missions trip to South Sudan prior to its independence in 2011. Throughout 20 years of civil war, the Arab extremist Islamic government in the north had attempted the genocidal extinction of Christians in southern Sudan. Roughly two million people died and millions more were displaced. One of the North’s many dehumanizing practices was to strip South Sudanese children of their Christian identity by giving them new Arabic names. They were forced to attend schools in which they learned to speak and read only in Arabic. Like the Jews of Esther’s time, this was part of a targeted attempt to erase both their heritage and religion. Esther was around fourteen when her story began. Life as a Jew in exile was all she’d ever known. That is, until she became the Queen of Persia. This startling turn of events happened after King Xerxes of Persia banished his previous queen, Vashti, for embarrassing him in public. The king’s advisors came up with a plan to bring beautiful young women from every province in the Persian Empire to the king’s palace. During her year of preparation, Esther won the favor and respect of all who knew her. The king was so impressed with Esther’s beauty and grace that he selected her to be his new queen. What the king did not know was that Esther was a Jew. Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret. We see her character and humility through her obedience and loyalty to Mordecai. In time, a sinister adversary rose up. Haman, the king’s highest-ranking official, despised both Mordecai and the Jewish people. He manipulated the king into signing an edict to slaughter every Jew in the Persian empire, which, at the time, stretched from India to Ethiopia. This move would wipe virtually every Jew from the face of the earth. When Mordecai learned of Haman’s genocidal plot, he pleaded with Esther to beg for mercy from the king. By this time, Esther had been queen for several years and was around twenty years old. Life as queen was no doubt more comfortable than life as an exile. But she had never lost touch with Mordecai or her people. To be continued tomorrow… ______________ For more inspiration on fasting from the story of Esther, check out Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage & Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. Simply to order your copy. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836745

Fasting for Breakthrough: The Swarm 06/13/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: The Swarm by Marilynn Chadwick The story is told about a group of Texas fifth grade school children who figured out a way to stop bullying in their classroom. Whenever a fellow student was being bullied, the other classmates would gather around the victim and simply stand without saying a word. This show of solidarity stopped the bullies dead in their tracks every time. The students nicknamed their tactic "The Swarm." I think we can learn a lesson about prayer and fasting from those school children. Let's be like “The Swarm” as we gather with brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. I believe our swarm of prayers and fasting can have a powerful impact, especially in the spiritual realm. If you want to stand strong, don't fast alone. I encourage you to get a family member or friend to fast with you. Share your prayer and fasting experience with your small group. What if we agreed to fast and pray together as a “swarm” for persecuted believers? Or what if we prayed specifically for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages? Every day of prayer and fasting can have purpose. During my first experiments with fasting several years ago, a friend and I would pray and fast on the same day. We would often trade prayer requests and sometimes we'd go for a walk to pray for our needs. It was good to have someone else in the boat. Plus, I discovered it helped to confess my own sin God had revealed to me and get that into the light. Remember, confession is a valuable part of fasting. Jesus was clear about the power of "a swarm" of believers in prayer. He promised that when we are gathered in his name, even just two or three of us, he is there with us. “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19-20). The Greek word for agree is symphone (from which we get symphony), meaning “together with the same voice.” This word can also be translated as “music.” I wonder if our fasting and prayers in one accord sound like music to God. I can imagine the unified voices of many believers around the country and even all over the world who are crying out to God in fervent prayer on behalf of Israel and especially the Israeli hostages. What could happen if we agreed to stand strong in solidarity with them through our continual swarm of prayer and fasting. Together. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836710

Fasting for Breakthrough: Stand Your Ground 06/12/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: Stand Your Ground by Marilynn Chadwick Yesterday, I talked about the importance of approaching a fast with humility. When we are feeling weak, it's easier to lean into God's power. By giving up food, or social media or whatever, we have little reminders throughout the day to pray. Think I'll fix myself a snack…oops…guess not. That's my trigger to pray for pressing needs. It's never easy to say "No" to hunger pains, or shopping, or social media. But fasting requires an extra measure of the Holy Spirit's strength. Especially if we're fasting for something of tremendous importance: the salvation of a loved one, deliverance from evil, healing from a dreaded disease, release from prison. You're also fasting and praying for strongholds in your own life to be defeated. Our battle is a spiritual one.The Bible says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood and things we can see, but against the "rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). "Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). Take a closer look at the spiritual armor listed in Ephesians 6:10-17. You'll realize the armor that we are "putting on" is Jesus. Friends, only Jesus can defeat the enemy of our soul. The Bible says we are to resist the devil and trust the Lord to gain the victory. That means that our fight is to stand firm in the faith that Jesus accomplished our victory on the cross. We are to stand our ground. Prayer and fasting drive that truth deep. A spiritual warfare tactic and my personal favorite verse to meditate on when praying and fasting is this short, power-packed promise from the book of James: "Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Be encouraged as you go about your fast. Be alert and watch for God at work, in even tiny ways. Like I've said, I don't know why fasting works. It just does. And remember, the devil is a defeated foe. So, while you are fasting, be sure to feast on God’s promises and stand your ground! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836685

Fasting for Breakthrough: When Fasting, Avoid This 06/11/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: When Fasting, Avoid This by Marilynn Chadwick "Give me some tips on how you fast,” a friend asked as she prepared herself for her first fast. Her question got me thinking. What have I learned that's made fasting a valuable part of my prayer life? I shared some of those tips with you yesterday. But I should point out that fasting does not make us super saints. In fact, Jesus cautions all disciples in his Matthew 6 tutorial on prayer against being prideful when we fast. Or when we pray. Or when we give, or serve, or do anything in his name. When you fast, Jesus warns, don't parade around your spirituality for others to see. Dress nicely, wear your makeup, go about business as usual. Then your father in heaven, "who sees what is done in secret" will reward you (see Matthew 6:16-18). Some very religious people were proud of their fasting. Jesus responded with this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evil doers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 9-14 NIV). Instead of making us proud, fasting should gently squeeze us into a posture of humility. We may find a heightened awareness of our own sin bubbling to the surface when we fast. This humbles us. So, confession and repentance naturally become part of our fast. In this way, fasting is like spring cleaning for our soul. Ponder the words about fasting from Jesus. Use this season of fasting and prayer to humble yourself. It's a good time for personal reflection and confession. And remember, God is pleased just because you are setting your mind to seek him (Daniel 10). Never forget how much God loves you. You’re not fasting to earn his favor. Rather, go boldly to that throne of grace and ask the Lord's help in areas you may feel stuck. The Bible teaches that fasting and prayer can help us break through stubborn problems. Fasting helps us cast those troubles into God's strong hands. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). Repent and receive his forgiveness and power. And remember, throughout church history, periods of repentance often lead to greater revelation, and ultimately to revival. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836670

Fasting for Breakthrough: Practical Tips 06/10/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: Practical Tips by Marilynn Chadwick Generally, fasting is from food, but it doesn’t always require total abstinence. The Bible includes the story of Daniel. While seeking understanding for a vision, Daniel fasted for three weeks (Daniel 10). During that time, Scripture tells us, he “ate no choice food, meat, or wine, and didn’t use lotions” (Daniel 10:1,2). Some today call this kind of partial fast, a “Daniel Fast.” Fasting doesn’t necessarily have to be from food. We read in Isaiah 58 about a powerful type of fast in which we pour our lives out to the spiritually and physically hungry of the world (Isaiah 58:10). “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter...?” (Isaiah 58: 6,7 NIV). It is possible to fast from things other than food, as long as it costs you something in terms of time, energy, comfort, or convenience. A creative friend once did a 21 day fast from social media. She called it her "antisocial prayer experiment." That kind of fast might be harder than giving up food! According to the Bible, fasting is part of a normal prayer life. When Jesus was giving his disciples some tips on prayer, he said. "When you fast…" not "If you fast…" (Matthew 6). The Bible is clear. Fasting sharpens prayer. Before a dear friend tried her first full day fast, she asked for some practical tips. I'm not an expert, but here are a few thoughts off the top: Staying hydrated is the secret to effective fasting. It helps to sip on water throughout using this lemon water recipe shared by a naturopathic physician: Squeeze the juice of 3-4 lemons into a half gallon pitcher of pure water and add 3 Tablespoons of pure maple syrup. You won’t taste the maple syrup, but it can help regulate blood sugar. I also have a cup or two of green tea first thing in the morning to avoid getting one of those nasty little caffeine withdrawal headaches. When the urge for food hits, that's my prompting to pray. I take extra time to read and meditate on the Bible. Fasting heightens my spiritual sensitivity and seems to sharpen my prayers in ways I don't understand. List any problem areas in the lives of those you love up close. Where do they feel stuck? Fasting can help you contend for their breakthrough. Fast and pray when suffering or injustice overwhelm you. The Israeli hostages grabbed my heart early on. Fasting and prayer has helped me share in their suffering in some small way and unites my prayers with others around the globe. Fasting helps us seek God in humility. We take our hands off the problem and put it squarely in God's hands. We remain dependent upon God knowing he is bigger than our problems. Mysteriously, fasting can even help us grow our faith. And the Bible is clear. Our faith always pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836650

Fasting for Breakthrough: Getting Unstuck 06/09/2025

Fasting for Breakthrough: Getting Unstuck by Marilynn Chadwick Do you feel stuck today? Maybe you need a breakthrough in prayer. Or relief from a stubborn problem. A breakthrough usually occurs after a long struggle against some kind of obstacle or enemy. A spiritual breakthrough can be described as that sudden leap forward in an area where we've been fervently seeking God. In short, a breakthrough is getting "unstuck." One way I've experienced personal breakthroughs in prayer is through fasting. I’m not sure why fasting adds power to my prayers. It just does. Jesus spoke of fasting as a normal part of one's prayer life. "When you fast," he said. Not "if you fast" (Matthew 6:16-18). I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a few too many spiritual battles lately. Seems like everyone I know these days is walking through intense trials. Some are fighting hard through painful circumstances, family conflict, financial struggles, or even long-standing illnesses. Many feel “stuck.” I’ve decided it’s time to get a fresh grip on my faith, look to God for strength, and refresh my commitment to fasting. It’s a powerful way to stand in the gap for those I love. And when combined with prayer and God’s Word, fasting is a great way to get unstuck. Let’s face it. As long as we live on planet Earth, we’re in enemy territory. That means we must always be watchful. Vigilant. Yes, Christ’s work on the Cross set us free from sin and death. But we must guard that freedom daily. I’m reminded of the old Revolutionary War saying, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” God’s Creation is good, but since the Fall, our world is crawling with enemies. There’s no denying it. And we live in an earthly body with demanding appetites and desires. Even if we manage to avoid the more obvious traps and addictions, our flesh still wants its own way. My friend’s three-year-old daughter once said it best, “But Mommy, all I want is what I want when I want it.” Our flesh seldom craves the things God asks of us. In fact, it usually craves the opposite. Bottom line? If I don’t control my body, it will control me. I’d rather sleep late than begin my day with a study of God’s Word and prayer. Yet I know from experience that my days just plain go better when I launch them with this “power hour.” In much the same way, I’d rather eat than fast, which also requires that I subdue my flesh. Maybe that’s what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of “disciplining my body, making it serve me” (1 Cor. 9:27 ISV). That’s where fasting comes in. From a purely physical standpoint, fasting cleanses the body and gives it rest. Spiritually, fasting goes beyond what we can see and somehow sharpens our “spiritual ears” and adds power to our prayers. Jesus himself fasted. Over the next few days, we’ll explore what the Bible has to say about fasting and how it can help us experience breakthroughs in prayer. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36836605

Men of Valor: David’s Mighty Men 06/06/2025

Men of Valor: David’s Mighty Men by David Chadwick David’s mighty men. They were a group of 30 or so men found 2 Samuel 23 (some scholars think there could have been as many as 37). We have already learned about his inner circle, Eleazer, Shammah and Jashobeam. But there were more mighty men who served David, somewhere around 30 or so. These mighty men fiercely loved and cared for their king. These were King David’s most fierce and loyal soldiers. They were true “men of valor.” The most respected of all of David’s soldiers, these 30 or so men were most likely chosen by David for their bravery, courage, skill, and loyalty to him. Amidst the larger army of King David, which undoubtedly numbered in the thousands, these 30 or so were like Seal Team 6. Special forces. Green Berets. The best of the best. The strongest and bravest of them all. I love how David’s ministry was a glimpse of what Jesus’s ministry would look like. Jesus fulfilled his mission as the greatest King. Much like David, he had his inner circle of 3, his 12 disciples, and 70 whom he sent out, and the masses. Different layers of his relationships had different purposes. In war, sometimes a large army is needed to succeed. However, there are other times when a smaller, powerful group of warriors can do more damage. A team of smaller numbers is sometimes needed to infiltrate a place and destroy an enemy with quick precision. That was the case with David’s mighty men. David had 3. And 30 or so. And thousands. All were necessary for David to be strong and victorious. Take note of David’s keen organizational mind. He strategically knew how to assimilate his army at several levels for whatever means necessary. He knew what it took to win the different kinds of battles he had to face. You’ve heard me say it before and I will say it again. The world needs more mighty men of valor! Men, it’s time to rise up and take your place in history to support the greatest King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is Jesus! Our Commander and Chief, the Lord of all the angel armies as well. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648565

Men of Valor: Benaiah 06/05/2025

Men of Valor: Benaiah by David Chadwick Benaiah is our next man of valor. Found in 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 27:5, he was the son of Jehoiada, a leader in David’s army, and one of David’s most trusted advisors. Much like many of our previously studied characters, he, too, is specifically called a “man of valor.” Every great leader needs trusted advisors around him or her. People who can see things that the leader can’t see. Those who know things the leader doesn’t know. People who have different strengths and insights into what is going on and can give sage counsel to the leader to help him or her make wise decisions. Benaiah was known for his bravery, strength, and loyalty. With only a club in his hand, he defeated an Egyptian giant with a spear who was on a mission to destroy Israel. Some think Benaiah was the most feared warrior in David’s army. He was able to dismantle the giant’s attack, take the spear away from the giant, and kill him with it. Go read his story and take note of his courage and skill! Against seemingly insurmountable odds, he reigned victorious! We all can accomplish anything with God’s supernatural strength. Leaders like King David need greatly gifted people around them who don’t want to usurp him and be king! They need people who will join them in the fight and be loyal no matter what. Interestingly, Benaiah was very helpful in passing on David’s reign to King Solomon. He remained loyal to David and Solomon. From all accounts provided, it seems that he simply loved the nation of Israel and wanted to see it prosper. He knew the best way that could happen was by serving and supporting a healthy and wise king. He executed several of Solomon’s enemies upon Solomon’s orders, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. He also served as the head of Solomon’s army. Fierce loyalty would describe him. As you’ve heard me say before, all leaders need a friend like this! And the world needs more men of valor like him as well. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648540

Men of Valor: Shammah 06/04/2025

Men of Valor: Shammah by David Chadiwck Did you know that in Ezekiel 48:35, God encourages Ezekiel, as Jerusalem is in ruins and God’s people await the rebuilding of the temple, that the name of the city would be Jehovah Shammah? It means “the Lord is there.” Shammah. It is a powerful name! A name that is mentioned several times in the Bible. In the face of desolation, this name should remind each of us of God’s ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). But it also reminds us of friends who are always there for us, as Shammah was for David. In Shammah’s story, he is also called “a man of valor.” Isn’t it incredible how many times this phrase shows up in Scripture? Shammah, along with Jashobeam and Eleazar, was another one of David’s three mighty men. As the Philistines attacked the Israelites, the Jews were overwhelmed by the battle and retreated. Has that ever happened to you? Sometimes, the fight can feel so intense and overwhelming. Victory seems elusive. The enemy tempts us to retreat and back down! But Shammah was not one of those people. He did not take Satan’s bait. Instead, Shammah courageously resisted the temptation to back down in the face of his enemies. He stood alone against the troop of Philistines and defeated them himself in a field full of lentils! He single-handedly defeated his opponents. Many scholars feel that Shammah was motivated to fight with such ferocity because the lentil field was a reminder of what sustained his wife and family. Some think Shammah owned a home on a lentil field. As he stood in the midst of the very sustenance he needed to care daily for those he loved most, many believe he felt a supernatural motivation to fight for his king and for his family. Men of valor fight for their families. They are protectors. They create safety and security for those around them. They live with the future in mind and seek to establish hope in the midst of hopelessness. May all men be like Shammah! This world certainly needs more men of valor. For you men reading this today, step up and become one of them! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648525

Men of Valor: Eleazar 06/03/2025

Men of Valor: Eleazar by David Chadwick Eleazar, the son of Dodo, is our next man of valor. As a side note, Dodo is not a name I would recommend naming your next child! 2 Samuel 23 gives the account of his story. Also called “a man of valor,” Eleazar was another one of the three mighty men in King David’s inner circle. He, too, was a Benjamite, from the tribe of King Saul. Like Jashobeam, I wonder if he had to decide where his loyalties would lie, either with David or Saul and take a stand. Eleazar was most known for fighting against the Philistines, along with Jashobeam and Shammah, the other two of David’s three mighty men. While fighting for so long with such intensity against the Philistines, he “stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword” (2 Samuel 23:10). This brought about their victory! I love the fact that Paul refers to the Word of God as a sword (Ephesians 6:17). In Eleazar’s story, even in the midst of his fatigue, it was almost as if his hand became a part of the sword to win the battle. Because of that, Eleazar went on to be the key for that victory! I pray that all of us, and with the work of our hands, will become one with the sword, the Word of God, obeying its every command, so that we too may reign victorious in the battles of our lives. Eleazer was also among the three who broke through the Philistine lines in Bethlehem to get a drink of Bethlehem’s clear, clean water for King David when David was camped in the caves of Abdullam. David was so moved by their efforts that he, in humility, poured out the water as a drink offering to God. He said, “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” He refused to enjoy the water while his friends risked their lives for him. David was showing true servant leadership, not desiring to use his men for his glory but to serve them for God’s glory. A loyal, good, and competent friend is more valuable than gold! Eleazar was that kind of friend to David. The world needs more men of valor like Eleazar who fight for one another, protect one another, and seek to honor one another and the Lord! My prayer for you men, today is this: may the God of all hope inspire you to develop hearts of loyalty. May your valor be displayed through your willingness to stand up for those around you. May you always be a man who chooses to stand with conviction for God’s truth over popular opinion. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648490

Men of Valor: Jashobeam 06/02/2025

Men of Valor: Jashobeam by David Chadwick Jashobeam. Also known in 2 Samuel 23 as Josheb-Basshebeth, his name means “the people return” or “dweller among the people.” He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27. He is today’s man of valor. Jashobeam was one of King David’s three mighty men. A close friend and bodyguard to the king, he truly was one of the friends David could trust and return to again and again during times of joy and sorrow. He was also in charge of the first division of 24,000 men. As Jesus had an inner circle of three (Peter, James, and John), so did King David. Could it be that this is a model for us all when it comes to friendship and relationships? To look at three very close friends whom we can trust explicitly with our hearts? I certainly think there’s a lot of wisdom in considering who these people are in your life and recognizing the faithful few who you can go to and trust for wise advice, encouragement, counsel, and wisdom. I would also go on to argue that if you’re married, your spouse should be one of these three! Men, nothing can replace the closeness and intimacy you will find with a godly wife who you are able to turn to in good times and in bad times. Let’s get back to Jashobeam. He was from the tribe of Benjamin, which was the smallest tribe of all the 12 tribes. But did you know this is the tribe from which King Saul came? Most assuredly, he made his loyalty known when he chose David to be the next king over the man who came from his same tribe. Jashobeam’s father was a descendant of Korah, one of the chief architects of the rebellion against Moses in Numbers 16. Jashobeam’s father and patriarchy in his family heritage must have clearly decided to reverse the curse and not follow in the rebellious ways of his father and produced a proud son who was extremely loyal to his leader, the king. David likely loved his loyalty to him as king and depended upon him greatly in his inner circle for wisdom, advice, and counsel. He is described in the Bible as a “man of valor.” The world needs more men of valor like him! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648465

Men of Valor: Jephthah 05/30/2025

Men of Valor: King David 05/29/2025

Men of Valor: King David by David Chadwick King David was described as “a man of valor and a man of war” in 1 Samuel 16:18. Take note that David is referred to as a man of valor even when was still a young boy, much like we saw yesterday with Zadok. It’s no wonder he went on to take on a bear and a lion when he was a mere shepherd boy. He developed valor as a young man in the pastures so he could lead in valor in the palace. Think for just a moment. Where is God developing you right now? What are the “pastures” in your life where you are training and developing yourself for future battles? Places that seem hidden from the public eye, but places you need to govern before God gives you more influence. God is always giving us opportunities to build character and to strengthen ourselves. Like any good father, he disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6). Was David’s valor what led him to fight the nine foot giant named Goliath? David didn’t think twice about running straight TOWARD the giant in battle. David had no fear! I would certainly think his patterns of valor encouraged his courage in battle. David is described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). But I would argue he was also a warrior after God’s own heart as well. He spent the majority of his life fighting and battling for righteousness, purity, holiness, and victory, even in spite of his many challenges, sins, iniquities, and setbacks. Think about this for a moment. Even after committing adultery with Bathsheba, having her husband killed, and then lying to cover it up, he entered into deep and remorseful repentance, showing his deep love for God. Let this be an example that summons all young men, especially, wherever you may be, to seek to become men of valor. You are never too young to be used by God and to cultivate a life of valor. You, too, can run toward the giants and slay Goliaths in your own spheres of influence. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648435

Men of Valor: Zadok 05/28/2025

Men of Valor: Zadok by David Chadwick Zadok is today’s man of valor. 1 Chronicles 12:28 describes him as “a young man mighty in valor,” who had 22 commanders under him that were from his father’s house. Just from this verse alone, we can see that Zadok was esteemed within his family and given leadership on a greater scale because of his faithfulness. He clearly must have been a very well respected and highly skilled warrior. Two particular things strike me about the story of Zadok. First, he was a man of great courage, but also skilled. You can have all the courage in the world, but lack discipline and practical skills and you will be highly ineffective. I can think of many examples of people who are willing to run into battle, but have not become skillfully trained in using their sword. In their lack of skill, they become highly dangerous in battle! A skilled warrior must know when to fight, when to be still, when to strategize, and when to take action. It is imperative that you learn how to be skilled in your valor. Be discerning. Be wise. Learn the art of discretion. It could be a matter of life or death. Secondly, Zadok was a “young man.” Yet he commanded others, perhaps as many as 22 other soldiers. I would suppose that many of these soldiers may have been older, even stronger than Zadok. I immediately think of Paul telling Timothy not to be despised because of his youth. Just because someone might be younger does not mean that he can’t be given positions of leadership in battle. As God told David, man looks at the outward appearance, but God is always looking at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This lesser-known, yet valorous warrior named Zadok was a crucial part of conquering the Promised Land for God’s people. That land was needed later for the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus. Valor is a theme for all believers. Young and old. Men and women. All races. All nations. Anyone can choose to learn to be a person of valor. God can and will use you mightily! Stand firm! Be strong and courageous! Jesus needs you in his army. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648405

Men of Valor: Joshua’s Mighty Men 05/27/2025

Men of Valor: Gideon, A Mighty Man 05/26/2025

Men of Valor: Gideon, A Mighty Man by David Chadwick Some years ago, my wife, Marilynn, wrote a book called “Woman of Valor.” The concept of becoming women of valor has become a theme very near and dear to her heart. Her book has recently been revised and she and I both feel it has very much been written for these days in which we are living! Valor is a character trait that God’s people must develop. I want to continue to build on last week’s women of valor theme and look at several men of valor. We are going to start by looking at the story of Gideon, a man who God called a mighty man of valor. You will find Gideon’s story in Judges 6. The Midianites overtook Israel and placed them in bondage. One of the things the Midianites would often do is swoop down on Israel during the harvest season and steal all of the food they had harvested. Aware of the Midianites’ evil tendencies, Gideon hid as he sought to harvest his food. Suddenly, as Gideon was hiding, an angel of the Lord came to him. Some wonder if this appearance was a theophany - an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. The angel of the Lord looked at him and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.” The word valor means courageous. Strong. Gideon was acting in the opposite of valor when the Lord referred to him as a mighty man of valor. Yet that’s the beauty of this story. God does not look at who someone is, but who they can become. God did not see a coward. He saw a mighty warrior inside of Gideon. He prophesied and Gideon rose up to be exactly that: a mighty man of valor. Ultimately, Gideon ended up being the one to mobilize the Israelites’ army of 300 (against the Midianite army of 32,000!) and defeat them. Gideon became a renowned judge of Israel, tore down the primary altar of the godless Baal, and is looked at today as a man of valor. I pray that each of you will learn to see yourself as God sees you. Not the world. Not others. Inside of you there just may be locked up a mighty warrior! ____________ To order a copy of Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick, please /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36648365

Women of Valor: Love Makes us Brave 05/23/2025

Women of Valor: Love Makes us Brave by Marilynn Chadwick I agree with Indiana Jones: “I hate snakes!” Maybe some of you share my distaste for these slithery reptiles. A while back, when cleaning our garage, our son found a small copperhead hiding behind a box. My first response was, “Yikes! Go hide!” My next thought was, “Go get ‘em!” I grabbed the nearest gardening tool and went after that snake with a warrior-like vengeance, sending him into the grave! Why? Because he was in my garage…near my kitchen door…a threat to my home and family! Though I’m scared of snakes, my love for my family made me brave. Maybe you can relate. Is there a time when you did something that scared you in order to protect someone you loved? If so, you were showing courage, or what the Bible often refers to as valor. As you have learned by now, I’m captivated by the Hebrew word for valor, chayil. In the Orthodox Jewish Bible translation, chayil is used to describe the famed Proverbs 31 woman. “Who can find a woman of valor?” (Proverbs 31:10). Clearly, she was part nurturer and part warrior. Chayil is used to describe David’s mighty men of valor. It is also used to describe a reluctant hero named Gideon. Simply put, “valor,” or chayil, is personal bravery in the face of danger—especially courage in battle. In its nearly 100 uses in the Old Testament, chayil most often depicts warriors. I believe we need to become courageous men and women of valor as we face today’s battles: addiction, divorce, poverty, injustice, domestic violence, child abuse, abortion, poverty, unemployment, pornography, human trafficking, joblessness, homelessness, racism, persecution, terrorism. I’m sure you could add to this list. As I listen to conversations with men and women of all ages, stages, and walks of life, I’m hearing a recurring theme —their heart’s desire to be strong for their families and communities. In short, they long to be courageous so God can use them to change the world. Is God calling you to have more courage? Remember, it’s love that makes you brave. I pray that God’s daughters reclaim what it looks like to walk biblically as women of valor! ___________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36492430

Women of Valor: A Warrior Mom 05/22/2025

Women of Valor: A Warrior Mom by Marilynn Chadwick I still marvel when I remember the beautiful young mother I once met in a tiny country in a forgotten corner of the world. She was a survivor of the horrific genocide in Burundi that had exploded alongside Rwanda’s frenzy of killings. I’d been invited to teach on the subject of prayer to a group of church leaders and pastors' wives. All were survivors of the war and no strangers to prayer. So I asked if any had personal stories to tell. One by one, the women stood and shared stirring accounts of God’s miraculous power during times of great danger. Finally, this young mother rose to her feet and began her story. She had eight children, she told us, and lived in the countryside. One day she left her children in the care of a neighbor so she could gather vegetables. Later that day, her neighbor rushed out to tell her that her two-year-old son had suddenly fallen ill and died. She paused—then haltingly resumed her story. “Desperate and afraid, I suddenly remembered how Elijah prayed for the widow’s little boy who died,” she said. “The boy finally came back to life.” So I cried out to God, “You did it for Elijah—do it for me!” She prayed and prayed and prayed. “Finally,” she said quietly, “I could not look at my son any longer, so I went outside.” She faltered for words. By this point, I’m thinking of what to say to her. How do I comfort this woman who had obviously lost her child? And how do we respond when our prayers are not answered the way we want? However, I was not prepared for what happened next. “I went back inside,” she continued slowly. “But this time, when I put my hands on my little boy’s lifeless body and began to pray, he suddenly coughed and sputtered and sat up—he was alive!” A hush fell over the room. I was face-to-face with an ordinary mother who lived oceans away from me. But I knew I was in the presence of a woman of great faith. A true warrior. A hero. Now, you may be thinking, Her little boy wasn’t really dead. Or Why didn't God heal my sick child? A story like this raises many questions for which I don’t have answers. But I do know this: In a place like Burundi, where they have tasted death up close and where doctors are nearly nonexistent, believers sometimes experience a dimension of God’s grace I seldom see in my safe, suburban world. I’ve heard similar stories firsthand from war refugees in the Middle East and slum dwellers in India. Such women remind me that faith is a fierce fight. I walked away from that encounter in awe, but also challenged. I realize God doesn’t always heal or deliver or raise someone from the dead. But I was inspired by the way this young mother fought for the life of her child. She was courageous. Persistent. And she encouraged me to keep on fighting the fight of faith, even when things may look hopeless—and to never be too quick to give up on God. _________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36492415

Women of Valor: Ange, Courageous Hope 05/21/2025

Women of Valor: Ange, Courageous Hope by Marilynn Chadwick Have you ever faced a trial so painful you couldn’t endure the weight of it? A trial so dark that the enemy taunts you with lies whispered in the dark: God is not listening to your prayers. Why else would He seem so silent? When all seems hopeless, I find encouragement from believers who have passed through the furnace and come forth with faith shining. Their stories inspire me to hold onto my hope. I want to share one such story with you. I met Ange during one of my first missions trips to Rwanda. Most everyone I met was a genocide survivor with a hard story to tell. But it was Ange’s journey of agony-turned-into-hope that gripped my soul. Ange was in high school when genocide broke out in Rwanda in 1994. She and fiancé, Emanuel, fled on foot to the neighboring Congo. They married and had baby Edna. The brutal war spilled over into the Congo. Soldiers attacked their refugee camp and Emanuel and Ange, with eighteen-month-old Edna on her back, ran terrified into the forest. They became separated as they fled for their lives. A few days later while Ange was gathering firewood, soldiers kidnapped little Edna. Ange ran frantically through the forest searching for the soldiers. She discovered the baby had become sick and died. Ange’s heart and her hope were shattered. She hid in the forest for weeks with no clean water, food, fire, or shelter. As she describes it, “It was like we were dead, but still living.” Ange made her way to Kenya with the help of a relief organization, still searching for her husband Emanuel. She cried out, “Oh God, You know my beloved first born was taken away. And you know how I could be happy if I could find my beloved husband! Please Lord, I hope you have not forgotten me.” Ange continued to seek God’s purpose for her own life while she waited for her dream to be fulfilled. Sensing a call to ministry, she began attending Bible college in Kenya. God gave Ange hope, encouraging her with these words: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5). Ange continues her story, “One day, I received the amazing news that my husband was alive! It was like a dream! I stayed up all night praising and thanking God!” After eight long years, Ange and Emanuel were finally reunited on November 14, 2004. God soon blessed them with a baby boy they called Cherubim. When I first met Ange and heard her story in 2008, she had just given birth to twins Joshua and Geoffrey. Ange loves to encourage others to hold onto their faith when times look darkest. I hope you will be strengthened by her story and this prayer from her heart to yours: “May God bless you and help you to be patient in every situation you may pass through. Glory be to the Lord JESUS. Amen!” ____________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36492380

Women of Valor: Jesus Brings Freedom 05/20/2025

Women of Valor: Jesus Brings Freedom by Marilynn Chadwick Jesus is kind to all people—especially women. Just ask my friend Anya. Raised as a member of the “untouchable” caste in India, Anya knows what it means to be treated as “less than.” For centuries in India’s cruel caste system, untouchables were regarded as less than human. Women were treated even worse. People of higher castes would cross the street to avoid walking on the sidewalk with an untouchable, not even wanting to be touched by their shadow. But Anya heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. She realized only Jesus could pay the penalty for her sins—not endless sacrifices to the 300 million gods in India. She believed the good news that all people were created equal—to be known and loved by God. Through a series of miracles, Anya went on to attend college and graduate school, finally earning her PhD! She is married, has a family of her own, and now works with an organization that gives hope to other women caught in poverty and oppression. The life-changing message of Jesus liberates their hearts. Then education opens the door to worthwhile work and reasonable wages—transforming entire families and villages throughout India. It’s the same story wherever we go. Jesus can set people free, whether in India with its harsh conditions, or surrounded by the comforts of America. My friend Heather experienced the freedom only Christ can bring when she stepped out of her comfort zone to obey God. “I used to struggle with anxiety and times of depression,” confessed Heather. “At times, fear paralyzed me and held me captive. I remember crying out to God, begging him to heal me and rescue me from this mental prison.” But it wasn’t until Heather put her faith into action that she started to be free of the anxiety and fear. Heather’s story happened years ago when she was teaching the little kids one Sunday morning. She was talking to them about Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” “I was really passionate and encouraged the children to have no fear, because God was always with them. As the words were coming out of my mouth, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, ‘Heather! Do you believe what you are telling them? You have these irrational fears about so many things.’” One fear in particular, she shared, was going on a mission trip. “Don’t you believe that I will be with you wherever you go!?” “I was floored,” she exclaimed. “I immediately sensed God was calling me to go on a mission trip. I knew I had to go!” Heather trusted God would be bigger than her fears. She tells of her very first mission trip to the Dominican Republic. “God gave me a peace beyond all understanding. While on the trip, I experienced such joy because I was in the will of God! Now I go on a mission trip almost every year. Choosing to trust God when he calls you to do something crazy and scary allows you to experience blessings you could never dream up on your own!” True freedom comes as we step out and obey. Another heroic character trait of a woman of valor! ____________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/36492370

A Moment of Hope

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