Every time I turn on the news these days I'm wondering "What now?"
How do we hold our Faith steady when the headlines tell of horrible things happening in sacred spaces, Christian leaders are under threat, and deep divisions are tearing at the fabric of our society? In Michigan just this week, a church was attacked on a Sunday morning in a violent act that left lives shattered and left Christians across the nation stunned.
We’re still reeling from the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah a couple of weeks ago— a sharp, tragic reminder that no one is immune from danger in this fallen world. Not even those who are just trying to have a conversation and are surrounded by security.
It’s tempting — so tempting — to respond with fear...
to want to retreat into quiet corners and to worry, “Is this just the beginning?” But sisters, we're not meant to live in fear!
Yes — we should be alert. Yes — we should pray and watch. The Father tells us
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
He knew that we would be in a hostile world…and He didn’t want us to be ignorant of the evil that is around us. Hiding our heads in the sand is not an option – even if it seems like the most peaceful action sometimes.
But we should not be anxious. The Father promised that He is with us always.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
To the end of the age…otherwise, until He returns and calls us home!
The world is absolutely scary – especially if all you watch is the news – But we do NOT have to live in anxiety and fear!
We're to be Ready, Not Afraid
Jesus said...
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
That means we live in a tension: between the everyday and the eternal.
We are pilgrims in this world. Our home is not here. Let me say it again… THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME! The brokenness, threats, darkness, evil deeds — they all point us back to the need for Christ’s return. And I don’t know about you- but I long for it daily!
Fear can paralyze, but faith reassures. Worry whispers, “You’re not safe.” Faith answers, “He is my refuge.” Sometimes the hardest part is stopping our thoughts long enough to see them for what they are- but we must train ourselves to do so through the ‘renewing of our mind’ as scripture says…daily.
Every day matters. The news may feel like it’s accelerating, but we are called to “redeem the time.” (Ephesians 5:16) We must use the days we’re given wisely — in love, in prayer, in service, in sharing the gospel. As the days grow darker it’s more important than ever that we are sharing the light of the gospel!
I know I’m guilty of thinking that Jesus returning was something that would happen “someday…maybe my grandchildren’s grandchildren would see it…” Now I wake up every day thinking ‘this could be the day!’
So I want to encourage you today: don’t let headlines steal your joy! Let them drive you deeper into Christ. Let them remind you that the days are short and the harvest is ripe!
To help you do that I have 5 really practical things that I know will bless your soul regardless of the circumstances!
Strengthening Our Faith in a Shaky Season
5 Practical ways to strengthen our faith
1. Daily Scripture + Reflection
When the news cycle feels overwhelming, our minds need an anchor — and there’s no stronger anchor than God’s Word. Setting aside even ten minutes each day to open your Bible, read a short passage, and jot down a reflection can change the entire course of your day. Scripture reminds us of who God is: unchanging, faithful, and sovereign over every single part of our life and of world events…even the headlines.
Pair your reading with a journal entry or a prayer, and you’ll begin to see how truth quiets fear. Think of it like charging your cellphone… If you don’t charge it first then when you’re frightened and need to make a call because you’re anxious and afraid it’s not going to work the way you need it to. (Don’t hear me wrong…God will always hear the cry of His children…but I’m sure you know what I’m trying to say)
If you do nothing else…do this one thing! But keep reading…the other 4 are really helpful too!
2. Pray Specifically
It’s easy to pray broad prayers like “Lord, help the world” — but something happens when we pray with detail and intention. Pray for the specific families impacted by violence in Michigan. Pray for our leaders in the church to stand firm with wisdom and courage. And pray for young believers who may be wrestling with fear after hearing about these events.
Specific prayer sharpens our focus, and it grows our compassion. It reminds us that God is not distant from us — He is present in the midst. And while we may not always see immediate answers, prayer shifts us — it steadies our hearts and reminds us that the Lord is still in control.
3. Remember Martyrdom Is Rare — Fear Should Not Be the Norm
It’s true that Christians throughout history have endured persecution and even martyrdom. But it’s also true that most of us, especially in the U.S., are not likely to face it. We are incredibly blessed to live in a country where even if we face persecutions of our faith, the result may be discomfort…but not death.
The enemy loves to whisper lies that magnify fear, making us imagine the worst at every turn. Instead, we need to remember that while we are called to be ready for suffering if it comes, we are also called to live in peace and joy today. Fear should not be the atmosphere of our lives — faith should be.
When anxiety rises, remind yourself:
The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
4. Be Light Wherever you are
You may not be able to change national headlines, but you can change the atmosphere in your home, your neighborhood, and your church family!
Smile at the cashier. Invite a neighbor over for coffee. Write a note of encouragement to your pastor or a young mom at church. Small acts of light create rays of hope in the darkest places. And here’s the beautiful part: fear loses its grip when we step into action. When we are actively doing things, our mind doesn’t have time to focus on the other negative things.
The enemy wants us silent, hidden, and paralyzed — but every act of love and service is a declaration that Christ’s light shines brighter. You may not think your influence is big, but in God’s kingdom, the small and faithful things matter most!
5. Keep Eternity in View
When the news feels heavy, zoom out. This world is not the end of the story! Our lives are brief — a vapor, as David says
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
— but eternity stretches forever. Remembering eternity changes how we view suffering, fear, and even death. It reminds us that nothing is wasted, and that one day every tear will be wiped away. When you keep eternity in mind, it helps you invest your time wisely today.
Instead of doom-scrolling headlines, you might choose to read Scripture with your kids, call a friend who needs encouragement, or volunteer at church. Living with eternity in view doesn’t dismiss today’s troubles — it places them in perspective.
A Word to the Brave Women Reading This
You don’t have to be “fearless” to follow Jesus — you just need to be intentional. Use your days, your voice, your friendship, your presence. Let your life say: “Even in storms, I trust You.”
If you’re feeling uncertainty creeping in, I’ll leave you with one anchor verse:
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; he saves the crushed in spirit.
We do NOT need to keep ourselves… we are not overcoming in our own power or just sheer determination… The Lord holds us, keeps us, is sovereign over every single second of our lives… and there is nothing in this world that can alter what He has planned for us! Not the world, not the demons, not Satan himself…
Rest and breathe sweet Sister…God is holding you!
Read More Encouragement here:
