If a mistake or the unexpected happens—a misdialed number, a wrong turn, a missed meeting—instead of worrying or wishing it hadn’t happened, trust God and say a quick prayer of thanksgiving. Often our mistakes turn out to be a detour that brings blessings.

Sometimes God calls us to wait and not act. Our job is to continue to trust Him along the way. To surrender our will for His, to exchange our timing for His, knowing that He holds every moment in His hands.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Give thanks daily for your blessings. Get in the habit of thinking happy thoughts. Go out of your way to make other people happy. There is your formula for real happiness and enthusiasm.”

Barnabas helped new believers by encouraging them to keep the faith during difficult times. When you are in need of encouragement, follow Barnabas’ instructions and have unshakable confidence by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Jesus promises you an abundant life. His endless blessings flow to you, filling you with His light. No matter what circumstances you face, trust that all is unfolding in the perfect way for you. Have faith!

God’s Word has a way of honing in to your weaknesses and helping you strengthen your resolve. He knows that change can be uncomfortable, and it takes bravery and strength to overcome cravings and do the right thing.

God invites you to come to Him and He will restore and replenish your energy. He will refocus your mind and heart. He will satiate your weary soul and you will awake feeling comforted and loved.

Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “Human nature is not fixed, and for this we should thank God day and night! We are still capable of change. We can become something other than what we are.” Because of God, we can change our thinking, change our actions and change our lives.

God told His people dozens of times “Be strong.” Perhaps He tells us this because He knows He asks grand things from us, but also because He knows it can be human nature to be discouraged. Are there big plans in your life that you abandoned because they seemed too challenging? Revisit them now with God’s Word to propel you forward.

Building sandcastles is sometimes used as a metaphor for wasting your time. Yet sandcastles serve an important purpose; they allow us to create something that we know will not last; they encourage us to savor the present moment.

It can be challenging to rely on God’s wisdom when you don’t fully understand His ways. But when you recognize that your human insight is not as brilliant as God’s, you can release your insecurities and trust His plan.