Digging Deeper – Shavuot or Pentecost

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 27, 2024

 

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)

 

“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 23:22 (ESV)

 


SHAVUOT OR PENTECOST

Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, is celebrated 50 days (seven weeks plus one day) after Passover. This holy day is a celebration of the wheat harvest and a remembrance of God’s giving of the law to Moses at Mount Sinai. We often use the Greek name for this festival: Pentecost.

Pentecost holds special significance for us as Christians because it marks the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in the early church. Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come, and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit would empower and grow the church in its early days.

It is fascinating that on the same day they celebrate the harvest, God commands His people to leave grain at the edges of their fields for the poor and the sojourner. A big part of being truly thankful for God’s blessings is demonstrating generosity with the gifts He has given us.

Now, take a moment to reflect on these two ideas.

First, consider how God has blessed you and how you can express your thankfulness to Him by being a blessing to others. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have many opportunities to help those in need. How will you give back this season?

Second, remember that the Holy Spirit is still at work in the world today. Sometimes, we become so focused on ourselves that we fail to listen to the Spirit, let alone allow Him to work through us. Pray that God will use you in supernatural ways this season to demonstrate His love to the people around you.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper – First Fruits

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 26, 2024

 

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, 11 and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb a year old without blemish as a burnt offering to the Lord. 13 And the grain offering with it shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a food offering to the Lord with a pleasing aroma, and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, a fourth of a hin. 14 And you shall eat neither bread nor grain parched or fresh until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Leviticus 23:9-14 (ESV)

 

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (ESV)


And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

 


FIRST FRUITS

Yesterday, we reflected on the Passover festival. We saw how it commemorated God’s emancipation of His people from Egypt and pointed forward to Christ’s work on the cross. Today, we will focus on the festival of First Fruits.

First Fruits was celebrated shortly after Passover. This feast was a time of thanksgiving for the first harvest of the year—the barley harvest. Bringing an offering of the first fruits of their harvest was not only an expression of gratitude for what God had already done but also an acknowledgment of the future harvest God would provide as the growing season continued.

In Paul’s writings, he compares Jesus to the First Fruits. Jesus represents the beginning of a new harvest. Because of Him, we have much to look forward to as His work continues in and through us.

Take a few moments today to thank God for Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Then, thank Him in advance for the blessings and the life that will come because of what Jesus has done for us.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper – Passover

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on November 25, 2024

 

“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it[b] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Luke 22:14-20 (ESV)

“…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)


“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

 


PASSOVER

As we enter this Thanksgiving week, we reflect on all that God has done this year and remind ourselves of how blessed we are. We remember God’s goodness to us.

In traditional Jewish holidays, we see a recurring refrain: take time to look back at what God has done and thank Him for what He is doing. As we go through this week, I would like to bring a few of these holidays—ones that date back through the history of God’s people—to our attention and consider how we can learn from these long-held traditions.

I think it is fitting to start with Passover. Passover is the celebration in which the Jewish people remember how God set them free from bondage in Egypt. The name comes from the final plague in Egypt, where the angel of death passed over the land and struck down the firstborn in each household. The only exception to this judgment was for the houses where the Jewish people, following God’s command, had placed the blood of a spotless lamb on their doorposts. This final act of judgment broke Pharaoh’s will, leading him to release the children of Israel from slavery.

Thus, the Jews celebrate Passover to acknowledge that God saved them when they couldn’t save themselves. Passover is also a celebration of the founding of Israel as a nation. Before Passover, they were slaves; after Passover, they became a nation.

It is also important to note that at Passover, Jesus initiated the remembrance we now call the Lord’s Supper. As He and His disciples reflected on that great deliverance in Egypt, Jesus revealed that a new covenant was coming and that His blood would save them.

Today, take a moment to celebrate your salvation in Jesus. Thank Him for saving you from the bondage of sin when you could not save yourself. Thank Him for being the perfect Lamb whose blood redeems us.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper: Dwelling at God’s Altar

Avatar photo Sarah Jefferson on November 22, 2024


“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.”

1 Peter 5:10 (CSB)


DWELLING AT GOD’S ALTAR

 

So what do we do with this suffering Peter is warning us of? He tells us in verse 9, “Resist him, firm in the faith…” But how do we resist this lion looking to devour our souls? 

 

Psalm 84 says, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of Armies. I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord;  my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Even a sparrow finds a home and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young — near your altars, Lord of Armies, my King and my God.” 

 

What an interesting choice to talk about the sparrow and the swallow. These are interesting birds because they’re nothing birds. In Jesus’ day, they had very little value. And they were messy. 

 

Have you ever been out on a boat, maybe on Allatoona? If you go under an overpass, the bridges that cross the lake, and look up, you’ll see these mud nests. Those are sparrow nests.

 

These birds would build their nests in little nooks and crannies around the temple, and they were a mess. They were loose, misshapen nests made of whatever they could find, or they were made out of mud. But there they were–near His altar. 

 

He could have written about any beautiful, prized, put-together bird here. Birds with nests that are planned, polished, clean, and fully put together. Birds that hold worldly value, whose soar demands the respect of others. But he chose the sparrow and the swallow. Why do you think that is? 

 

Because that’s you, and that’s me. And that’s the call He has placed on our lives! Bring your mess, your filth, your unpolished world, and live your life near His altar–and dwell there.

 

I did a word study of altar. Are you ready? [Altar]: a place of sacrifice AND thanksgiving, a place where God brings change. 

 

We resist the devil and stand firm in the faith when we build our lives at His altar. When we allow Him to empower us in the hard seasons, whatever it is, and determine to set our hearts on following Jesus, wherever He leads us. When we suffer and weep–because we will–He takes our tears and makes them refreshing–and a place of blessing. We’ll look back and see we moved from strength to strength, empowering to empowering, one situation at a time. Why? Because we’ve camped our lives–every aspect of it–on Jesus, at His altar–His place of transformation. 

 

Only Jesus can do that. There’s no other route, no other way, no other choice that can give you this kind of “return” on obedience, surrender, and sheer determination to follow Him. 

 

Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: The Enemy’s Prowling, So Expect Suffering

Avatar photo Sarah Jefferson on November 21, 2024


“Your adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 (CSB)


THE ENEMY’S PROWLING, SO EXPECT SUFFERING

 

As a writer and fellow lover of words, I absolutely love Peter’s writing style. He uses strong words and powerful language to communicate his message. He cuts to the chase, calling Jesus’ followers up not only to the reality of the calling on their lives but also to the beauty in it all.

 

But as we read his description of the enemy, I can’t help but wonder why Peter was writing like this. He’s concluding his letter that essentially tells Jesus’ followers, “Hey, Jesus suffered, and you need to prepare yourself that you’re going to suffer too.” 

 

Prowling, by definition, means to move about or wander stealthily in search of prey. Perhaps, Peter learned that lions prefer to do their hunting when it’s dark. Maybe he was taught that lions also like to hunt during storms because the noise of the wind, rain, and thunder makes it hard for their prey to see or hear them coming. It’s even possible that Peter observed lions stalk their prey. All of this is true of the nature of lions. 

 

Or, maybe Peter wrote like that because he had lived it.  

 

Remember, it was during the Last Supper (Luke 22) that Jesus said to Peter, “Look out, Peter. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And Peter replies proudly, likely with the same emotionally charged boldness he had in the garden, “Lord, I’m ready to go with you to prison and even death.” And can’t you just imagine Jesus’ face falling and his voice lowering a bit, looking deeply into Peter’s eyes, saying, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you even know me. 

 

It can be easy to look at pages and scripture and honestly just feel like it’s all unrelatable. But if we strip away the modern ways of the world, the pages of scripture are filled with fallible people like you and me. While Peter wasn’t perfect, he’s the same man Jesus said he would build his church on and even the gates of hell could not overthrow (Matthew 16).

 

If you follow Jesus–and you should–you will suffer. Peter strongly warns us that the enemy is real, and he’s looking to sink his teeth into those who don’t see him coming. But the other thing I hope we see is that Peter is the gift the Lord gave us to show us he’s not looking to use perfect people–he’s looking to use the bold, repenting, and willing. Don’t allow your past sin to keep you from leaning into all God is calling you to.

 

Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Humility Lightens Our Burden

Avatar photo Sarah Jefferson on November 20, 2024


“All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exact you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 (CSB)


HUMILITY LIGHTENS OUR BURDEN

 

Since 2020, I feel like we have been frogs in the pot of ever-increasing tensions among Americans. We certainly are not lacking for things to divide us. 

This passage from 1 Peter encourages us to embrace humility as both a garment we put on and a posture we take before God and others. To “clothe yourselves with humility” calls us to make humility a visible part of who we are. We are all image-bearers created to display God’s glory regardless of our circumstances. When we approach others with humility, we’re choosing to respect and value them, acknowledging that everyone is worthy of love and respect in God’s eyes. God honors this attitude by extending His grace toward us in ways we may not even expect.

God’s promise here is beautiful and freeing, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time.” This is not about looking down on ourselves or pretending to be less. It’s not about pretending at all. This call to humility is about real about who we are and our need for Jesus and surrendering our plans and purposes for our lives believing His are better. When we submit to His timing, we can rest knowing that He will lift us up and fulfill His purposes in our lives at just the right time.

Finally, Peter reminds us to “cast all your cares on him because he cares for you.” Early in our marriage, I distinctly felt the Lord telling me, “Sarah, before you complain about Curtis, just tell me.” What I have learned through bringing all of my concerns in marriage, parenting, work, and friendships to him is that most often, He’s inviting me to see Him more clearly and know Him more fully. Humility means recognizing that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. When we let go of pride and self-sufficiency, we make room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to strengthen and support us in all He’s calling us to, experiencing His care in a deeply personal way.

Peter’s warning about suffering, followed by casting our cares on the Lord, isn’t a coincidence. We are only able to suffer well when we allow the Lord to carry the heaviness of all that’s hard in our lives. As Christ-followers, we must develop our prayer life so that whether we are struggling in sin or weighed down by our circumstances, we run to our Father to tell him.

In his book Desiring God, John Piper wrote, “Prayer is not a task to be completed, but a relationship to be cultivated.” Today, let’s lean in and ask God to clothe us in humility, trusting His mighty hand and resting in His profound love for us. There’s a dying world that needs to experience our kindness and love for them in order to see the hope we have in Jesus.

 

Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Humble Submission

Avatar photo Sarah Jefferson on November 19, 2024


“In the same way, you who are younger be subject to the elders.”

1 Peter 5:5 (CSB)


HUMBLE SUBMISSION

 

Peter opens the chapter by talking directly to those in leadership within the church and commanding them to shepherd the flock. That is to say, their jobs are to preserve and protect the sheep–that’s you and me. It could be easy to read a passage like this with a hand on our hips posture, looking at church leadership passive-aggressively to do just that. And there’s no denying this is within their job descriptions.

 

However, there is an important aspect worth considering. Are we willing to follow? You see, church leaders can only lead to the degree to which their sheep are willing to follow. While some may consider submission a four-letter word, Jesus’ life and ministry modeled a life of humble submission, ultimately calling us to the same. So, what does humble submission look like for those of us who are members of this body of believers at NorthStar?

 

A willingness to be known. 

In a world of perfectly filtered squares, social media has led us to believe highlight reels are real life. The truth is, there are no perfect churches, marriages, children, schools, and the list goes on. But as we struggle in those areas, we must be willing to be real so that church leaders can come alongside to love and lead us. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is how we love one another and spur each other on to the deeper things God is calling us to.

 

A teachable spirit.

Being known isn’t the answer to this humble, submissive spirit if we aren’t also willing to be teachable. This isn’t easy. Yet, Proverbs 12:1 tells us plainly, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” As we grow in our knowledge of God’s word, we allow sanctification to have its way in our lives as we allow others to encourage us to love and respect our spouses, to parent our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to view our time, talents and treasures in a way that glorifies the Lord. 

 

A posture of prayer. 

We are undoubtedly living in times when we are seeing Christian leaders, in their humanity, fall short of God’s call on their lives. In one story, a pastor admitted he was leading from an empty place. Are we praying intently for our leaders that they would be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and that God would give them a hunger and thirst for His word? Are we asking for an extra measure of boldness to preach all of God’s word, even when it steps on our toes? Are we covering their marriages and families, asking that God might protect them and be glorified in their lives? 

 

Yes, Peter is calling our church leaders up, but he is calling us up, too. God’s created order within the church gives us the freedom to love God, love others, and live sent in a world that desperately needs the hope we have in Jesus.

 

Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Christ’s Grace Shaped Peter’s Leadership

Avatar photo Sarah Jefferson on November 18, 2024


“Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

1 Peter 5:2-3 (CSB)


CHRIST’S GRACE SHAPED PETER’S LEADERSHIP

 

Peter doesn’t mince words when he speaks to leaders within the church. He calls them to shepherd but clarifies that they should do so willingly and set an example for those they lead. But why would he place so much emphasis on the way they shepherd?

 

Perhaps his own failures lurked as a not-too-distant memory. He was the disciple who walked on water with Jesus, yet all too quickly rushed to defend Jesus in the garden. In John 6, when some of His disciples found it hard to follow and accept His teachings, Jesus asked the remaining disciples if they wanted to go away too. And Peter replies so authentically, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Later, he would deny three times even knowing Jesus.

 

However, I believe Jesus’ words and example had a far more lasting impact on his ministry than any of his failures. During the Last Supper, Jesus says, “Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).

 

Jesus isn’t simply telling Peter of a specific sin he will commit but ultimately speaking of a life of suffering to come for the sake of Jesus’ call on his life. In his kindness, Jesus adds his prayer that his faith would not fail so that he might strengthen his brothers. 

 

Fallible as he was, Peter was a pivotal leader in building the church. In Matthew 16, Jesus told him, “On this rock, I will build my church.” Peter made mistakes, but God’s plans and purposes prevailed, and even the powers of hell could not overcome them. And Peter is now imploring fellow leaders to understand and walk out the high calling of leading God’s chosen people.  

 

This is convicting in a time when churchgoers often take the posture of consumers, looking to pastors and leaders to perform, entertain, and lead perfect lives without sin or struggle. Yet Peter’s life shows us that pastors and leaders within the church can deeply love the Lord, be eager to serve, and still show their humanity. 

 

Paul encourages church leaders in Titus 1 to “Hold to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able to both encourage with sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.” As our campus transitions through the Whatever It Takes campaign, it will be easy to focus on minor inconveniences. Yet we have this glorious opportunity to model Jesus by praying for our church leaders that their faith would not fail, that their work might strengthen the members, and that they might hold fast to God’s word. That’s doing whatever it takes. That’s the foundation God uses to build eternity in the hearts of those who still need Jesus.

 

Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper – The Thick of It

Avatar photo Courtney Miller on November 15, 2024

 

So, if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)


THE THICK OF IT

 

When we are in the thick of suffering or trials, it can be so hard to feel God’s presence. Our pain and suffering can easily overtake us if we allow it, following us through every moment, tapping on our shoulder. It’s in these moments—at our breaking points—that we must make a choice. Do we succumb to our emotions and circumstances, or do we lean into the only One who can sustain us?

For me, in these challenging seasons I’ve walked through, choosing to lean into God is truly just that—a choice. Sometimes I find myself lacking the genuine desire to seek Him. It can feel like too much work, and selfishly, I’d sometimes rather wallow in self-pity and despair. It just feels easier. But we serve a God who is for us. The very purpose of His Spirit is to guide us through life—our Helper.

In these heavy seasons, seeking Him may initially feel like a checklist: just do what you need to get it done. But I promise, anyone who has ever chosen to truly seek Christ finds Him, just as it says in 1 Chronicles 28:9. In every trial I have faced, God has made Himself known. It may not happen immediately, but He reveals Himself through the dedication of spending time with Him each day. Looking back, these are some of the most spiritually rich seasons of my life. When everything else seems stripped away, only Christ remains. He will strengthen you for the journey, and you will find joy amidst your trial.

 

Courtney Miller is the Special Needs ministry Director at NorthStar Church. She was born a Texas girl, but has lived in Georgia the majority of her life (Go Dawgs!). She married her husband, Chris, in 2012. They have two children with a third on the way. 

Digging Deeper – Searching for Peace in Our Suffering

Avatar photo Courtney Miller on November 14, 2024

 

Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:13 (NLT)


SEARCHING FOR PEACE IN OUR SUFFERING

 

In February 2018, I had a miscarriage at ten weeks. It was devastating, and the circumstances surrounding it made the experience even harder. About a month later, I went to a monastery for a silent retreat. When we truly tune in to what God is saying in the silence, when we quiet the noise even for a few moments, He will make His presence known and speak to our hearts in just the way we need. He longs to spend time with us, revealing Himself in many ways—through visions, thoughts, and situations. Often, He speaks to me through situations and experiences.

One night during the silent retreat, I made myself a cup of jasmine tea and sat reflecting on God and how He was beginning to heal my hurting heart. As I drank my tea, He began to speak to my heart, and I journaled the thoughts He was giving me:

“Steep yourself in Me. Smell My sweet aroma. Breathe it in. Feel My presence. I am with you. Picture My field of flowers. Spring is coming. Beauty lies ahead. Walk with Me into the meadow. The sweet smell of jasmine is all around you. Let it bring joy to your heart. Let the dark, cold winter be over by just breathing Me in, for I am with you. I have always been here. Let Me fill you with My warmth. I will thaw out your cold, dry bones.”

I love that we can find God in every moment—like drinking a cup of tea—when we are truly listening. What a wonderful reminder that, whatever season of life we are walking through, He is there to meet us if only we listen. He gently reminded me, “Find Me in the nuances of your day. I am in all things. I will reveal Myself to you in all things. Simply tune in to Me.”

Our peace is found in God alone, even through trials and suffering. We simply must seek Him.

To tie a bow on my search for peace, one year later, in February 2019, our daughter was born. The Lord very clearly revealed her name to me in a prayer of thankfulness: she would be named Everly. Since names hold great significance to me, I looked up its origins. Everly means “from the boar meadow.” Little did I know, when He spoke those words to me during the retreat, that in bringing peace to my suffering, God was also giving me the promise of new life through my precious daughter, Everly.

1 Peter 4:13 tells us, “Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” Through suffering, His glory has been revealed in the wonderful joy of my daughter Everly’s precious life.

 

Courtney Miller is the Special Needs ministry Director at NorthStar Church. She was born a Texas girl, but has lived in Georgia the majority of her life (Go Dawgs!). She married her husband, Chris, in 2012. They have two children with a third on the way.