Hi there. I’m back from a month of reflection and rest. I’ve been praying for you and I’ve missed you! I’m glad to be back. Here’s today’s devotion:
There have been times when my heart ached because of a difficult or disappointing situation: a bad decision that led to painful season, an unexpected happenstance that created an unresolved circumstance, a health issue that hung on for far too long. A chapter that I did not like. Have you ever felt that way too?
The Shunammite woman in the Old Testament had both good and bad chapters recorded in 2 Kings 4. It all started when she invited the prophet Elijah to join her and her husband for a homecooked meal. She knew that he was a holy man, so decided to add a room onto her house where he could stay when passing through town.
Elisha was so grateful for her kindness, he wanted to do something special to show his gratitude. She assured him that she didn’t need a thing. She had plenty of money, a fine husband, ample farmland, a nice home, and a good standing in her community. But Elisha wouldn’t let it go. He asked his servant, Gehazi, if he had any ideas. “Well, she doesn’t have son, and her husband is old,” he replied.
Elisha called her back to his room and announced, “About this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.”
“No, my lord,” she objected. “Don’t mislead your servant, O man of God!”
Elisha wasn’t misleading her at all. The next year, she gave birth to a son. That’s a good story! I like that story!
A few years later, the boy experienced an excruciating headache. As his mom held him in her lap, the boy died. That’s a bad story. I do not like that story.
The boy’s mom got on a donkey and went to find Elisha. She wouldn’t leave until he agreed to returned to her home. Elisha went in the boy’s room, shut the door, and prayed to the LORD. Then he got on the bed and lay upon the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hand. As he stretched himself out upon him, the boy’s body grew warm. Then Elisha got up, walked around, and stretched out on the boy’s body again. That might seem a bit odd for us readers, but all I know is the boy was healed. He sneezed seven times and then opened his eyes.
That’s a good story! I like that story!
We are all going to have good chapters and bad chapters in life. We’re going to have times when we think, I do like this story and other times we think, I do not like this story. The key is to not get stuck in the difficult chapters but keep moving to the flow of the Author’s pen.
Never let anyone, including yourself, put a period where God puts a comma. Often the twists and turns of the plot won’t make sense until we’re on the other side of this life. Until then we trust that He is always working, even when we can’t see it. Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17 NLT). Our limited vision doesn’t allow us to see God’s strategic maneuvering, but we must believe that He has a plan. God is still writing your story.
Father, some chapters of my story are so difficult. However, I know You can use all the broken pieces to make a magnificent masterpiece. Help me not get stuck in a bad chapter due to disappointment or discouragement, but to keep moving forward, knowing there is more to be written. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Leave a comment and give the chapter you’re in right now a title. Let’s share. (By the way, I’m glad to be back.)
Do you feel like you’ve been stuck in a bad chapter, unable to move past it? Perhaps today’s the day you take the first step toward being free. If you need help in this area, or know someone who does, When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapters Could Become Your Greatest Victories will show you how. Consider purchasing two copies and go through the pages and the Bible study with a friend.
Click here for a FREE download of 10 Bible Verses to Assure You God is Always Working Behind the Scenes.
Comments 95
Serving at Home
Author
Great title.
Glad you’re back. Have missed your devotions.
My story has brought me to who I am today, cleansed, forgiven, redeemed, loved, kind, honest but there are still days I wonder..there are good days and there are days I wonder why Lord. Hardships and bad decisions in life brought me to be the God loving woman I am today. Do I still think back, yes, I do but knowing that my Lord holds my hand leading me forward gives me the peace and assurance I need to live a Godly life.
Author
Yes He does.
Today i am dealing with a, little sadness a lady passed at 54 my home church members are passing .it has made things challenging but I know this too shall pass and new beacons of light are coming ..
Welcome back, Sharon! You were missed. I hope you were able to rest and reflect. ❤️
It’s hard to describe the chapter I’m in right now. Thanks for asking that question – I need to take time and reflect on that and figure out where I am. I do feel like I’ve been stuck here for some time and I need to move forward.
Author
Time to get unstuck…let go, move forward, live bold.
Infidelity
Praying for you. God is love.
Sharon, welcome back! I have truly missed your devotions as I am positive everyone else has too! The title of my chapter that I am in right now is “It’s a New Day”. I am growing in the Lord and I feel closer to Him than ever before. His word is so precious to me and I hunger to hear His still small voice every day. Life and walking with the Lord is so good! Thank you Sharon for your wonderful devotions that help me along this life-long journey! You are appreciated and prayers for you my dear friend for the love you have for people to care enough to share your story with us!
Author
I like that title!
Thank you Sharon for this timely Word, truly a fresh serving of Bread of Life. The life chapter I’m currently in is titled “the “ite” fight”! Literally, for after several years of odd and unexplained symptoms, I was diagnosed with a parasite infestation. YES! Those were the written words in my patient portal. For many months now, I’ve been on med rounds, along with detox treatments and diet modifications. My ongoing praise to God and prayer for myself is like He did in the Old Testament, that He also do in me: drive out the ites!
Author
Oh my word! I bet you were shocked!,
Welcome back Sharon!! Your words of encouragement and spiritual guidance were missed. Praying for God’s blessings and covering over you and your family.
Author
Thank you!
This devotion was so timely for me!! Thank you for these words of encouragement.
Glad you are back. Relaxed & Refreshed!
Know where I have been in my life and know that God will continue to sustain me through it till I go home to be with Him!! ✝️🙏❤️
I’m in a hard season. It’s definitely had It’s good times. Two happy weddings last year and now a precious grandson to light up my days. But I’m at the stage we need to put mom in care soon and there are questions every corner. I can’t see the future but my God can. I am trying but not doing overly well at focus on God and his faithfulness.
Whew! Did I need to hear this today! I am in a chapter of my story that I would call “Frozen and paralyzed”
My family just uprooted everything we know 2 months ago and moved to another state. It has been especially tough on my 16 year old son. He is experiencing some pretty intense anxiety and panic attacks. And it’s breaking this Mama heart! I feel so frozen and paralyzed in this season. I want to fix and control everything, but God is really showing me who is in control; and spoiler alert, It’s not me!!! That’s a hard pill to swallow. Please pray for my family, especially my son.
Ugh… there’s a part of my life where the issue is quite heartbreaking and the comma is a very long pause. Those times sure to test one’s faith.
God never puts his pen down.
He never looses it either, so
He is never not in control of everything.
There is comfort in these truths and in your message Sharon.
You are a breath of fresh air.
Glad your back. You were missed, thanks for your prayers.
Thank you for your encouraging words 😊
Trying to move forward… Proverbs 3:5-6 is my go to scripture.
Moved to a new province for a ministry position for my husband. Two weeks after arrival husband’s right foot amputated below the knee. Lost ministry position due to amputation. Not working as I’m his primary caregiver ( lots of appointments and now I’m learning to drive in the city. ) Facing fears I didn’t know I had. Overcoming! Praise the Lord. Finances really low do not cover all expenses. Relief in area as God answers prayers… prosthetic fully paid for!!! Waiting for his fitting. Prayed in a house was specific..answered prayer! Praise the Lord. A rough time but trusting the Lord… Moving forward …it’s a daily walk with the Lord. Appreciate prayers. It’s a new chapter of our story… An adventure I wouldn’t want to be on without the Lord. God bless…
Working mom & wife
Right now I am in a season of working full time while still trying to tend to my tender teenage boys’ hearts and souls and being the wife that God has designed me to be. While working outside of the home has been rewarding (at least financially) some days I feel empty and not able to fully pour out into my family as I once did before I started working full time. Finding balance has often left me feeling drained and empty emotionally physically and mentally. I need to allow God to pour into me what I need to get through my day and realize that if something is left undone it is okay. Tomorrow is another day.
Having Hope in the waiting room is my seasons title.
Welcome back Sharon! I appreciate your dedication and devotionals.
God continue to bless you and bring you strength in your season.
My current chapter title would be “Stepping Out in Faith.” I made some bold and brave new choices this year for the betterment of my spiritual walk with Jesus. It has been somewhat rocky but remarkably rewarding. God is faithful and has sustained me.
Sharon, I’m so glad you enjoyed your spiritual reflection and rest. Welcome back! You have been an encouraging and inspiring sister in the faith to me for the past ten years. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Season of should I leave or stay in this marriage!
Lots of disappointments and hurt!
I’m waiting to hear from God but it’s hard!!
Sharon so glad you are back
We certainly missed you, but understand how important it is to take time for ourselves and our well being!
Im in the chapter of “Be still and know I am God”. So guilty of always trying to go before the Lord and think I have to work everything out on my own! But I stay in God’s word and keep pressing on as the Lord leads and guides me! Thank you Jesus✝️
I seem to be stuck on grief as I lost my 21 year old son 10 years ago. I have moments when I am still paralyzed by the grief, however , as a Christian I am clinging to God. I don’t feel I will ever get over this loss. I will say that I am in a far better place today than 10 years ago.
Welcome back! I pray God continue to bless you and your family. Awesome word! I purchased a bag and on the front it says ” God is still writing your story, Stop trying to steal the pen. I just thought that was so awesome especially when I look back over my life and think how I could have been stuck in one of those difficult chapters. “But God”🙏🏽I praise Him each and every day I’m blessed to move forward 🙏🏽Thank you for your encouragement always.
Welcome back!
Glad you had a great time resting in the Lord.
Great reflection. God will never use or use a “comma” about each one of us until we are in His embrace forever!
Leaning on Him.
(Grateful for His wisdom and guidance.)
And welcome back!
Thank you for this post. It’s right on time. I’m in a very bad chapter. I needed the encouragement.
This is great! Welcome back I have missed you! I am so happy you are back and rested.
Welcome back!
So glad you are back! I was going to try to find an email address for you to check in. You do not know me, but I really enjoy reading your devotionals. Thank you.
I read this book, “When You Don’t Like Your Story” a few years ago. You had an online study, which was excellent. Today’s devotional a good reminder for me. I plan to read another one of your books, “Listening to God Day by Day”, to start the new year 2026.
Welcome back! You were so missed.
I’m in an agonizing chapter of my life, concerning a family situation that is taking a huge toll on my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. I really need to turn a page and see that this chapter is over. Please pray for me. I really can’t hold on much longer. I don’t want to lose every ounce of hope. TY
I’m so glad you’re back! I needed this devotional today!!! My chapter is called “Heartbreak: The Deepest Kind”
It’s so good to have you back, Sharon! Your devotional is timely. My husband had his neurologist appointment this week. The doctor told him that he is now in the last stage of MSA-P. There is no cure.
My title is a devastating one:
My Husband has a Rare Disease and Doesn’t Have Much Time Left
Lord bless you and your husband and family..
Thank you for coming back! You have been missed. This devotional is so timely for me.
In addition to our 44 year old daughters death in April, my husband has an incurable, rare disease called MSA-P. At his doctor appointment this week, we were told that he has reached the last stage of the disease and doesn’t have much time left.
My title is: The Pain is Unbearable
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I have experienced struggles since May… a torn rotator and the painful 4 months of healing it required… and now 2 days ago “shingles”… my brother was diagnosed with Myeloma 2 weeks ago. It’s been a rough 5 months
I didn’t like the part of the story where my husband died suddenly, leaving me alone and almost destitute.
I like the part of the story where God became my Protector and Provider.
My title for this chapter? “My Engine Is Stuck In Neutral”
Welcome back Sharon. . Today’s topic is actually what I’m experiencing now. I thank God for using you to remind me of God’s work behind the scenes. I’m encouraged. Thank you
I have just come off of brain surgery (7 hours surgery) and am in the recovery stage. My eyesight and balance are still in need of healing mercies. Please pray for that. Meanwhile, God has blessed me with strength and the beauty of relationships and food so I don’t have to do any.cooking just yet.
This is exactly what I need right now. Our Lord is so wise.
THANK YOU
This devotional hit home for me. Thank you so much for reminding me that God is the author and still writing my story
I was so happy to see you in my emails today. I really missed you and look forward to your devotional. Hope you got rested last month.
I am in a good story right now but it’s after about a year of a bad story
So happy to have you back, Sharon — I’ve missed you!
So happy to have you back, Sharon — I’ve missed you!
My friend is going through hardship herself. Ive been in the hardship for MANY years and I’ll say today I am loving the book He is writing. Now I just want my friend to be on the good chapter, too.
I’m challenged by this scripture and the story itself. I’ve been in the city with my daughter for almost 4 weeks now awaiting her student study visa and to see her off to school.
The visa is still under assessment for the last weeks and I am impatient. Few times I tell her to follow-up and other days I’m reminded in scriptures to be patient and not give up but to trust and believe in God’s time, that God is working something out. How soon that I don’t know and classes have already started for my daughter.
This is my last week of stay at BTA (Bible Translation Association) mission ground and brethrens here are praying supportively too. It’s a challenge see and experience the good and bad. But I know my God never fails and He’s always by my side, not forsaking me.
I needed this. Thank you
Shannon,
I have been praying for you too and glad you are back. Yesterday I read a similar story. In 1 Kings 17:17-21 with Eiijah.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and life experiences with us.
Agape,
Cathy
I have spent from April 23-July 28 in the hospital, much of the time in ICU with Sepsis! All my organs shut down and I was in shock getting to the hospital! But God saved me thru His angels in medicine! Now my chapter is moving forward even with the health issues that linger! Your devotional hit the spot! One of my godly friends says all the time to me that God is still writing my story!
Author
The start of a new chapter!
The title of the chapter I am in is titled “The Nest, Arrivals And Departures” located around page 57.
Author
Too cute!
It’s great to have you back.
Sharon,
I look forward to your devotionals each week & was waiting for your return! I think it’s wise to take a break & refresh your spirit in the Lord. I’m thankful for the reminder that God is writing my story…because I feel like I’m in limbo. Just waiting for God to reveal His plan for us,; waiting for breakthrough in the lives of my 2 prodigals & waiting for direction about if we should stay at our church. So many questions…each day I try to surrender these things to the Lord & trust Him that He is sovereign over our lives & at work even when I see nothing happening. Thank you for your encouragement & timely truth today. God bless you & your ministry.
Love the message! Thank you💕
Uncertainty
Sharon, It’s wonderful to have you back to share with us. You always have great wisdom to share that gives encouragement.
I am 57 years old, I am working toward my associates degree in accounting (2 yr). This is my 5th semester, and I wonder, what was I thinking?! I knew this was a God thing, because I didn’t like school at all. I am doing very well grade wise, but I struggle whether or not this was Him, maybe I was just trying to prove to myself that I can do it. Anyway I am exhausted to the point of just about giving up. I have been praying and asking for strength and courage to keep moving forward.
Thank you Sharon for this devotion, it really helped me.
Title: Walking blind
This chapter has been a series of bold steps of faith in my life and I have seen God move in ways I never knew before and I have also suffered tremendous loss in relationships both family, community, and friends. It is also a chapter of transition which has a lot of uncertainty. I have been on this nearly 2 years now and I am spent. I just want the chapter to end. I know it will, need grace to keep going on every day.
Missed you! Love you and your devotions! Glad you got some well needed rest. God bless!
I missed you, welcome back.
My title right now….
Remain steadfast!
Welcome back. I have definitely missed you and your devotions.
We are where we are meant to be.
Glad you are back! I missed your thoughtful messages! Blessings to you!
You were missed! I love your thoughtful writings!
New Beginnings
Breaking Circles
Welcome back!!
I loved this devotional ❤️
I was just thinking yesterday about how I’m in one of the most enjoyable seasons of my life. I love where I live, the teenage stage of my 2 girls; the financial provision my husband is bringing in, the friendships I enjoy, etc. But I remember a time in 2021 when my house was overrun with little cockroaches impossible to get rid of; my hair was all falling out from a Covid illness 3 months before; my husband did not have work for a couple of years; people were divided & wearing masks, etc. During that time, I would anoint myself with oil and just cry out to God. He was so faithful to get us through.
I don’t know how long this happy chapter of my life will last. But I know I am always in God’s care.
Author
So excited you are in a happy chapter🎉🎉🎉
I’m learning to let go of the not so great chapters. I’ve found that looking back on them is exhausting even now. That alone gives me new perspective for today.. good, not so, or still waiting on things I desire. Every season has a reason <3
I am glad you’re back too! 🫶🏼
I’m glad you’re back!!!! This really spoke to me but in such a reassuring way. I’ve been dealing with a thyroid problem for over 50 years that was stable…until a year ago. The values took a nosedive and a few other things along with it. I am having an angiogram to place a stent in the left renal artery that they discovered had more than 60% stenosis or narrowing. I’m so very thankful that I didn’t allow fear in but just trusted God to take care of it. I’m thankful for the wisdom of the doctors and that He led me to the right ones. Thank you for the encouragement you are and such a blessing to so many!!!! God bless!!!
My title will be overcomer!!! Not that I have overcome yet, but I need to live by faith.
This was so appropriate for me as we are in a very difficult situation with our
granddaughter Faith. She has been in the hospital for a month and needs a miracle. Thank you so much!
Welcome Back! Pray your time off gave ample time for rest, reflection and peace.
Thank you for this return devotion. God is faithful if we keep our eyes on Him. This has been a difficult transition for me but see God’s hands working thru everything. He led us here and will see us thru.
My 24 year old son was in a horrible motorcycle accident in July of this year. He sustained serious injuries including a skull fracture, epidural hematoma of the brain, broken hand, fingers, broken leg, ankle and heel. But for God! He is alive and well! He is currently home after a 2 1/2 month hospital stay. His has no neuro cognitive dysfunction. he is regaining use of his hand and the doctors are doing everything they can to teconstruct and save his leg. He is scheduled for surgery in late November/early December where he is scheduled to get a bone graft in the area that he is missing bone. It’s been a difficult chapter for him and the family but we are forever grateful for God’s grace and mercy. Please pray for a successful surgery and outcome. Our God is so good!
Sharon, I am so glad to see you back and I hope time away was
sweet. I truly enjoy all that you share and I forward it to other ladies. Blessings, Tricia
Welcome back Sharon and God bless you for reminding us on how not to get stuck in the “bad” chapters of life. I am encouraged to think He is up to something and it’s beautiful even before I see it. Hallelujah!
My chapter is having an ailing husband dealing with chronic pain most of his life. Also, my sister in law, Kim is battling bone cancer. We are thankful God’s got this and we look for the joy we have been given despite the circumstances. I missed you and love your devotions, stay well and faithful.
My chapter would be titled “Be Still and know……”
I lost my best friend and the love of my life suddenly 420 days ago. It is the most difficult struggle. We did everything together and enjoyed our life. Every day is a struggle without him. I have always had a deep faith. This has changed all areas of my life.
The grief is overwhelming and crippling. Being still is difficult because that is when I miss him the most.
In the stillness, I am reminded of how God loves and cares for me. I have a very supportive family and church family who are walking this chapter along with me. I struggle with how to grow in faith when I feel so weak in every area of my life.
I also understand that grief is a process that I have to go through until the next chapter.
For now, I have to be in this chapter. To be Still and Know, and then with God’s help I will be given direction for the next chapter. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share.
Sherri, I am so very sorry for your great loss. I have a neighbor who is going through a similar experience and I never know what to say. Today I found a song that really spoke to my heart and I wonder if it will help you. It’s called “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it (but have tissues nearby). Though sad, its message is clear–your husband is safely in the arms of Jesus (the only One with scars in Heaven).
God bless you, dear sister.
I’ve missed you. Thank you for sharing your season and how God can turn not so enjoyable into enjoyable.
Welcome back Sharon!! I was very happy to find you in my email again!!
The title to my current chapter is “I Do Not Like This Story!”
I was reminded this weekend though to remember to be thankful for the victories along the way!
I am thankful for an amazing husband while praying for his upcoming knee surgery! I am thankful that my brother in law survived heart surgery while praying for his recovery! I am thankful my sisters cataract surgeries went well while praying she can start driving again to help take care of mom! I am thankful to still have my 92 year old mom while praying we can find a solution to her back pain! I am thankful to be healed from an infection while praying I can continue to take care of everything and everyone around me! Amen!!
Your words of encouragement are extremely helpful! Thank you so much!!
Hello Sharon, Thankyou, for this inspiring note!
We are all under construction, always becoming and increasing in the Glory of God. God is still in control and has our backs in life! God is our ready writer and the author of our story! God Controls not people over our life!! We are so blessed!!!!
I am devastated by fire from lightning strike to my home but gratefilul, blessed and so thankful.
“Help Me Raise These Kids”
My life right now is peaceful and exciting too. I am enjoying quiet times plus wonderful family times with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren .
Hi Sharon.
I’m so glad you’re back. My husband and I have been on a sabbatical this whole year. It has been a tough one!! Well, it’s been a tough couple of years…… though still working on healing,trusting and not walking in shame I can joyfully and freeli say my title is No Longer In Hiding!!
For 20+ years I have kept secret a season in my marriage I am not proud of. Even when confronted I would deny it. I made things right with God but never my husband. I was convinced it was for his good. Needles to say a couple years ago I began asking the Lord to create in me a clean heart. So He began cleaning out the junk. ALL of it. 🤯 .It has not been easy by now means. Even though I had all that ugly stuff coming out of my mouth my Heavenly Daddy peeled it with peace and hope. I have to remind myself and the enemy from time to time but that is no surprise.
I have flipped through many bad chapters in my book. Ones I hate. But my Daddy never left me and He is proud of me.