Scripture: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:10-12
Devotional:
Have you ever stepped out to do something good, only to be met with resistance, criticism, or even hostility? It’s a painful reality that good deeds are not always met with appreciation. Sometimes, they invite opposition. But why?
Because we live in a world where good and evil are at war. Every act of kindness is a declaration that darkness will not have the final say. Every moment of compassion is a small victory against the cruelty of this world. And yet, the enemy does not sit idly by.
It can be discouraging when our efforts to help others are misunderstood or rejected. The enemy whispers, “Why bother? Just walk away.” But God calls us to stand firm. He reminds us that we do not battle against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to discourage, divide, and destroy.
Imagine a world where no one showed up to fight evil with good. Where sadness had no answer in joy, sorrow no relief in kindness, and despair no comfort in love. That is what happens when we choose to retreat, when we allow fear or frustration to silence the good that God has placed in our hearts.
But the Spirit calls us forward. Step in front of opportunity before it passes you by. Give what you can, even when it’s not easy. Stand strong, even when opposition comes. Do not fear, for God’s strength upholds you.
Yes, good deeds may invite difficulty. But they also invite the presence of God. They bring light where darkness looms. They plant seeds of hope in places of despair. And in the end, they reflect the love of Christ—who faced the ultimate rejection for the greatest act of love.
So today, choose to keep doing good. Choose to keep showing up. Choose to fight darkness with light. And when the enemy whispers that it’s not worth it, let your heart reply: “I will not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. I confess that at times I feel discouraged when my kindness is met with resistance. But Lord, I know that I am not fighting against people, but against the darkness that seeks to overcome good. Strengthen me to stand firm. Equip me with Your armor so I may continue to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Help me to show love, joy, and mercy, trusting that You are working through every act of kindness. I surrender my fears and frustrations to You, and I ask for the courage to keep walking in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
We were at a park where many homeless gathered. We bought burgers and fries from 5 Guys…and were handing them out. A woman with her daughter and grandchild stepped off the bus…and started arguing with some guys that had some burgers and fries. She wanted theirs. I tried to tell her…”We can get you some too”…but that wasn’t her interest. She just wanted to argue, apparently. I stepped away and said…”No good deed shall go unpunished.” What does that mean?
It is said “No good deed shall go unpunished”
For this is just the way the world works… …it is what it is
Because for every action there is a counter action… …the Good deed of Joy brings Sadness …the Good deed of Happiness brings Sorrow …the Good deed of Peace brings Turmoil …the Good deed of Healing brings Woundedness …the Good deed of Fulfillment brings Emptiness
And so, I commit to do no Good deed… …to prevent the certain punishment that follows …thus I am justified for my inaction …I am not held accountable to Evil …I am satisfied
And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers… …do you expect the actions of Goodness to go unanswered? …as if Evil will stand still to allow Goodness to prevail? …that Evil will simply bow down…and be trampled upon? …that Evil will surrender…simply because a Good deed is done? …have you not heard there is a war raging between Good and Evil? …if no one stands against Evil… …if you don’t show up… …who will?
…and the light grows dim …and it vanishes …and the darkness surrounds me …and the emptiness engulfs me …and in the quietness …I cry out…but there is no answer
In the desolate wasteland of Evil… …I see Sadness…but there was no Good deed of Joy …and I see Sorrow…but there was no Good deed of Happiness …and I see Turmoil…but there was no Good deed of Peace …and I see Woundedness…but there was no Good deed of Healing …and I see Emptiness…but there was no Good deed of Fulfillment
And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers… …step in front of opportunity, before it passes you by …don’t walk…but run…into the stadium of Mercy …simply do what you can …give Joy as you can …give Happiness as you can …give Peace as you can …give Healing as you can …give Fulfillment as you can
…and then…stand strong against the shouts of Evil…for they will come… …do not be afraid …do not be defeated …but know the Good deed done today is a blessing of much needed Mercy to a hungry soul
Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the (evil strategies) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”
Most people will show sincere gratitude when they know someone cares…
Scripture: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Devotional: There are moments in life when we feel like we’ve reached the end of the road—when the weight of our mistakes and the burden of our circumstances leave us broken and searching for hope. April 3, 2014, was one of those moments for me. I had traveled to Oklahoma City to escape the wreckage of my life, and for a brief moment, the energy of OKC Thunder and my favorite player, Kevin Durant, allowed me to forget my pain. But reality waited for me the next day.
Sitting on the dry boat ramp at Lake Hefner, I felt like my surroundings mirrored my heart—parched, empty, and at a dead end. With headphones on and tears streaming down my face, I cried out to God. I played a song, “Word of God, Speak to Me” over and over, its lyrics piercing my heart. It was there, in the silence and solitude, that I realized running wasn’t the answer. I needed to face my pain and give it to God.
As I sat at the edge of that ramp, it struck me: I had been carrying a burden I was never meant to bear alone. For so long, I had tried to fix things in my own strength, only to end up more broken and exhausted. The end of the road wasn’t an ending—it was an invitation. An invitation to surrender my shame, my failures, and my heavy heart to the One who could truly heal me. The dry conditions of the lake mirrored my soul, but I was reminded that God is the living water, able to quench the deepest thirst and bring life to the driest places.
Sometimes, the hardest part of healing is letting go of the mask we wear. We cling to an image of strength, afraid to admit our struggles. But healing begins when we strip away the facade and come before God as we are—broken, messy, and desperate for His touch. That day at Lake Hefner, I didn’t need eloquent words or polished prayers. I just needed honesty, and God met me in my rawest, most vulnerable moment.
Have you felt like you’ve reached the end of the road? Maybe your heart feels heavy with regret or your circumstances feel insurmountable. Let me encourage you: God’s grace is sufficient for you. He doesn’t meet you with condemnation or shame—He meets you with open arms and unshakable love. He invites you to lay down your burdens and trust Him to do the work you cannot do on your own.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for meeting us in our brokenness and offering the gift of Your grace. When we feel like we’ve reached the end of the road, remind us that You are there, waiting to restore us and lead us into new life. Help us to lay down our burdens at Your feet and trust in Your redeeming power. Let Your love transform us, and may our lives testify to the miracle of Your grace. Thank You for never leaving us where You find us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
Have you ever wanted a miracle But felt unworthy to plead
Have you felt like a lost cause weighed down, never to be freed
All you could do was crawl in a hole Never to be heard from or seen
Giving up a life of purpose Giving up hope to be clean
Shouting out to God in your anger Why not me Lord, why am I not deserving
If you were truly a God of love and compassion You are the one I would be serving
Walking away into the night Your heart hardened, you have no regret
Your hopes crushed to have a Savior Someone who loves you, who will pay your debt
Have you ever seen a miracle in the life of another soul
Have you ever witnessed the gratitude that comes by making one whole
It’s a beauty that’s indescribable A gift from the One above
Filled with so much awe and wonder It is truly a gift of love
That gift is yours for the taking All you have to do is ask
But you will never be able to come clean If you continue to wear your mask
How do you break free from yourself From the bondage that’s keeping you a slave
You have to lift your hands to the one above For He is the only one who can save
Come to the living water’s edge And feel the power of healing
It is a miracle you can receive The love of the Savior revealing
You will be free from your own bondage To be made whole again
Give Him your burden, completely your burden He will cleanse you from all your sin
Have you ever seen a miracle in the life of your own soul
Have you ever poured out your gratitude that comes by making you whole
It’s a beauty that’s indescribable A gift from the One above
Filled with so much awe and wonder It is truly a gift of love
Have you longed for a miracle, felt unworthy to believe? Burdened down by guilt and shame, no hope to be relieved. In the darkness, you have wondered, “Can I ever be made whole?” Jesus stands with arms wide open, He’s the Savior of your soul.
(Verse 2)
Have you seen a heart surrendered, healed by mercy’s gentle hand? Felt the joy of restoration, love you cannot understand? Bring your pain and all your burdens; leave them at the cross tonight. Let His power make you righteous, shining pure in holy light.
(Chorus)
Have you seen a miracle, felt His love that sets you free? It’s a gift beyond all measure, full of grace and majesty. Come and drink the living water, let it wash your fear away. Jesus breaks the chains that bind you; He’s your miracle today.
(Verse 3)
Have you felt the weight of sorrow, like a chain you cannot break? Every step feels weak and heavy, every move a deep mistake. Jesus sees your every struggle, and He whispers, “You are Mine.” Through His grace, the chains will shatter; you will rise in love divine.
(Bridge)
Lift your hands and call upon Him; He will meet you where you stand. Every tear and cry of sorrow, He will hold within His hand. Feel the freedom in His presence, leave your past and walk His way. Jesus loves you and redeems you; He’s your miracle today.
(Verse 4)
Have you walked in endless darkness, longing for the morning light? Felt the pain of isolation, thinking hope was out of sight? Jesus calls you from the shadows; He will lead you by His hand. Step into His glorious promise, to the life that He has planned.
(Chorus)
Have you seen a miracle, felt His love that sets you free? It’s a gift beyond all measure, full of grace and majesty. Come and drink the living water, let it wash your fear away. Jesus breaks the chains that bind you; He’s your miracle today.
(Outro)
He’s your miracle today, Jesus is your miracle today.
She arrived 12 weeks early in the middle of the night
They swooped her away and took her out of sight
The doc came back at 3 AM with a warning
There’s a 50/50 chance she won’t see the morning
But she proved them all wrong day after day
She was a fighter refusing to give up her way
Mommy and daddy held to their dreams of hope
Prayin’ hard every hour was the only way they could cope
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in anordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
She could fit in a shoe box with plenty of room to spare
Daddy couldn’t take his eyes off her, watchin’ her gasp for air
Hooked up to wires and tubes and wrapped in her cocoon
It was clear she wasn’t comin’ home anytime soon
But the day did come when she was strong enough to thrive
They took their baby girl home, thanking God she was alive
They gave her all the love and attention every baby needs
And if that wasn’t enough, they prayed for strength on their knees
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
She grew up so quick and turned into a sweet beautiful girl Her contagious quirky smile with those pretty blonde curls She was feisty and funny and loved to get attention Accepting everyone as her friend without pretension
Life wasn’t easy for her, she struggled to make the grade
But she didn’t give up or quit, in spite of the hand she played
She was no ordinary girl in an ordinary town
She’d be there for you, and never let you down
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
The clouds rolled in, the storms were fierce and strong In her teenage years she struggled to belong At every twist and turn there were obstacles to overcome Her heart became broken, she was empty, she grew numb
It was easier for her to quit than survive another day
And the unordinary girl gave up, she lost her way
The voices in her head told her she had failed
Rather than keeping her shit together, she bailed
[Bridge] She thought she had it made All her plans were laid But she reached the baracde And then she was swayed To the dark side
Her dreams were dismayed She lived her life afraid She’d been played And so she strayed To the dark side
Daddy fell into the trap that was waiting on him to wane
He turned to his bottle and lines on the table to numb the pain
It was more than he could take, his little girl’s plight
And he lost the will to live, he lost the will to fight
He turned his back on his family, giving up on all that once mattered
Where was Jesus now? Now that his life was shattered
Everyone around him left because they couldn’t stand the sight
Of a man who withered into nothing, refusing to seek the light
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
Like every pearl that grows from a grain of sand
So too this beautiful woman was shaped by God’s hand
For He never left her side in spite of her struggles and pain
It’s always through hardship and failure that we find true gain
She found her daddy at the bottom of his cave
Drinkin’ his way to oblivion, drinkin’ his way to the grave
She reached down in the pit and pulled him up to stand
They held each other tight, and walked out of the cave hand-in-hand
[Chorus]
She is a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She isn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It’s up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it’s clear real fast, daddy can’t save his little girl
Let It Rain – Original in Studio Composition and production of song by Kenn Mann.
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Devotional: “Let It Rain: Embracing God’s Grace for Healing”
As we pause in quiet reflection, we encounter a profound invitation: to lay our burdens at the feet of God, who knows each heartache, each moment of fear, and each tear shed. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” speaks to the core of our human experience, reminding us that it is not just permissible but necessary to cast our anxiety on Him. This is an active surrender, a trust fall into arms that are stronger than our frailty.
Many of us walk through life with ice coursing through our veins during desperate times—fear, longing, and uncertainty can freeze the warmth of hope. In the darkest moments, that icy grip tightens, leaving us feeling isolated, as though we are the only ones carrying such heavy burdens. The vivid imagery of “daggers cutting through the heart” resonates; we can relate to the sharp pain that those we love—loss, disappointment, even the weight of ingratitude—can inflict upon our spirits to the point we may not even know how to pray; where to start, if we were to pray.
As we contemplate these experiences, we reach deep into our hearts to find these questions: Can I ever feel whole again? Will the pieces of my brokenness ever fit together? Often, the flame of indifference threatens to smother our spirit’s light, leaving us questioning whether healing is, in fact, possible. Yet, in those very moments of doubt, we are reminded that God’s grace is a healing rain, falling softly upon us, renewing our spirits and washing away our tears and our fears.
The prayerful plea, “Lord, let it rain,” is an act of faith. It is a yearning for the divine intervention that can only come from above. When we invite God into our pain, we make room for His transformative grace. The rain symbolizes not just healing, but a restoration that refreshes the parched ground of our souls. As it pours over us, allowing it to saturate our spirits means letting go of our fears and embracing His promises.
In moments when we feel overwhelmed, we must remember that God is not distant; He is closer than we may realize. He understands our struggles and invites us to seek Him. It’s in acknowledging our vulnerabilities that we find the strength to rise from our despair. In our moments of shame or grief, God’s mercy floods us with the assurance that we are not defined by our past but by His unchanging love.
When we think of the heavens testifying as grace falls, it serves as a reminder of the larger picture. The world outside may seem heavy with trials, but the rain—a metaphor for divine grace—brings new life and hope, promising us that even through our toughest seasons, God is still at work. There is a promise in the storm; it nurtures the ground, allowing beauty to emerge from dust.
Built on this truth, we can approach each day with renewed anticipation. When wrestling with doubt, let us turn our thoughts to moments of connection with God—a prayer whispered in despair, the warmth of a friend’s embrace, or the gentle reminder of nature’s beauty. Each of these serves as a testament that connection is possible even in our darkest hours.
Finally, as we submit our hearts before Him, let each day serve as an opportunity to “let it rain.” Seek out the grace that renews and replenishes, allowing your heart to become fertile ground for love and peace. When we embrace this grace, we come into a closer relationship with our Creator—ready to live not just for ourselves but to embody His love and mercy to others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You, burdened with grief and discomfort. I offer up my heart, casting my anxieties upon You, knowing that You care deeply. Let Your grace rain down over me, refreshing me in my darkest hours, and healing my wounds. Bring relief from the shame and sorrow that sometimes weighs me down. Help me to find solace in your love and the promise of new beginnings. May Your mercy flood my spirit and transform my pain into purpose. Thank You for holding my heart in Your gentle hands. Amen.
Closing Thought
As we conclude this time of devotion, remember this: the grace of God is like refreshing rain—abundant, sustaining, and deeply healing. Each time you feel the weight of distress, call upon Him to let it rain. He promises to transform your sorrows into joy and to bind up every broken heart. The journey of healing begins with surrendering to God’s grace, trusting that He is leading you toward wholeness. Carry this truth with you: “Lord, let it rain in my life, and renew my heart with Your love.”
A Writing
Ice flows through my veins
Fire burns through my soul As the thought of losing you longs to take control
The pain of a million daggers Are cutting through my heart I’ve tried to pray but not sure how to start
Lord Let it rain Let your grace pour over me And now my heart can see You’re healing every pain
Let it rain You’re bringing me relief Please free me from this grief and every shame Lord let it rain
I wonder deep inside if I’ll be whole again Can you take these broken pieces so I can finally mend There’s a flame of indifference deep inside of me Can your flood of mercy somehow set me free
Let it rain Let your grace pour over me And now my heart can see You’re healing every pain
Let it rain You’re bringing me relief Please free me from this grief and every shame Lord let it rain
Fallin’ Fallin’ from the sky Let the heaven’s testify
I’m bowing down to my king I beg for this one thing
Let it rain Let your grace pour over me Now my heart can see You’re healing every pain
Let it rain You’re bringing me relief Please free from this grief and every shame Lord let it rain …Lord let it rain
Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner; “Living Waters Edge” Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas
