We will all face a time, or many times, in our lives when sitting in ashes is appropriate. God gives us time to grieve, but He never intended for us to dwell in ashes of grief forever. He wants to help you overcome your situation and show you how beauty can arise from your darkest trials and tribulations. ⁠Beauty Rises Again: From Brokenness to New Beginnings

How often do we put other things before God? Moses reminded the Israelites to seek God first which is a good lesson for us still today. Elijah didn't find God in a natural disaster but through a still, small voice. God has something to say to you! Won't you open His Word and seek Him today? This podcast is a chapter taken from my latest devotional book, "Dwell with Me: Growing in Your Spiritual Walk with Jesus." For more resources, check out my blog at www.whitneysparks.org.

When we feel hurt, we can often hide our pain from other people. But God knows. In Genesis 16, Hagar gave Him this title, "You-Are-The-God-Who-Sees." My friend, God can see your pain and He stands ready to bring you out of your brokenness into new beginnings. Check out more free resources at www.whitneysparks.org.

Come with me as we look at how to draw near to a loving God and learn how to shine His light in a dark world by becoming His hands and feet. For more free resources, check out www.whitneysparks.org.

Whether you have been marked by scars on the outside or some that nobody can see, God knows and He stands ready to cover you with His grace.

For more great resources, check out my blog at www.whitneysparks.org.

Sometimes during our time of pain and grief, we think nobody can relate to our situation or cares about us. My friend, I am here to share with you that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you so much that He wants to see you through your struggles. Will you let Him help in you in your difficult time?

The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is portrayed as the epitome of wisdom, strength, and dignity. She is industrious, managing her household with care and providing for her family. Clothed in strength and honor, she speaks with wisdom and kindness. She’s a business-savvy woman who trades and plans for the future, yet her true beauty lies in her reverence for God. She is praised not just for her accomplishments, but for her character — a woman who fears the Lord and lives with purpose. Let's see how Ruth compares to this woman of virtue.

In Ruth chapter 1, Ruth is introduced as a Moabite widow who chooses loyalty and love over comfort and security. After the death of her husband, she refuses to abandon her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and famously declares, “Where you go, I will go… Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” Her steadfastness sets the tone for a story of faith, devotion, and redemption.

Join me in 1 Samuel 2 as we look at the prayer Hannah prayed to God. You would think it would be geared toward Samuel, the son she always wanted, but her prayer is filled with praise for the joy given to her by the salvation of Jesus Christ. Check out www.whitneysparks.org for more episodes.

In this episode, we witness Hannah dedicate her child and give him back to the Lord just like she promised Eli the priest. How hard would that be to give back the child you prayed for only to see him once a year? Our children are on loan to all of us. They were God's kids first!