The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Sometimes life’s challenges feel overwhelming—but God is always at work in us. This Christian devotional explores how trials and difficulties refine our character, strengthen our faith, and deepen our hope in Christ. Rooted in Romans 5:3–5, it reminds believers that endurance through hardship produces lasting growth and a confident assurance of God’s love.
Highlights
Trials develop endurance and refine character

Hard circumstances strengthen confident hope in salvation

God’s love and the Holy Spirit fill our hearts even in suffering

Endurance through trials brings glory and honor to God

Faith is refined like gold through testing and perseverance

God works in us even when we cannot see the outcome

Scripture passages provide hope, purpose, and reassurance

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Full Transcript Below:
God Working in Us
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” - Romans 5:3-5
Maybe what God is doing is working in you, I told my friend. I had run out of ideas. I didn’t know what to suggest. Her circumstances were not easy, and I could hear the frustration in her voice and tears on the other side of the phone. God must have a plan right now. In a season where she didn’t know what God was doing, I was sure He was doing something.
I had heard this idea at church recently, that during challenging circumstances, God works in us. He works things out in us and through us. Whenever I go through trials or hard times, Romans 5:3-5 have been my favorite verses. It says that when we go through trials, it develops within us endurance and strength of character. There is something good that can come out of our suffering.
One time, in particular, I can remember these verses speaking to me. During quarantine, sickness hit our home. At the same time, our air conditioner stopped working (it was late summer). I got a painful bite from what I guessed to be a horsefly. Then, our ceiling started leaking due to a storm. Surprisingly, at that point, I took it in stride, because so many things had been happening. I found my strength in the Word, in God. I turned to my Bible and read this passage from Romans aloud. If nothing else, I could trust that there is a purpose behind the hard things that happen. God is still doing something. He can work in us.
Not only does God develop endurance and strength of character in us, but this passage in Romans says that “… character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:4). This encourages my heart. Paul continues, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” There is a purpose for our struggles, and we are reminded that our loving God is trustworthy.
In this time of trial, my friend has also said that God is refining her. In 1 Peter, there is a passage that says, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:7).
There have been many moments in my life that I haven’t understood, but the changes within myself have been worth it. His saving me and growing me brought me to the closeness I have with God and a better understanding of the Gospel.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Another passage to lean on during hard times is James 1:2-4: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
How can the passages in Romans and in James encourage you during challenging times? Are you going through a hard time right now? Let His Word give you hope.
Lord,
Thank You that we always have hope in You. Thank You that there’s always a purpose for our suffering and that You are working something out in us. Thank You for what You are developing in our hearts. Lord, draw near to and comfort those who are suffering right now.
In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Further Reading:
James 1:2-4
1 Peter 1:7
Ephesians 3:16
Colossians 1:11
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
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Feeling vulnerable, exposed, or weighed down by the words of others is a universal experience. This Christian devotional explores how God provides a shield of protection around us, guarding our hearts and lifting our heads when we feel isolated or criticized. Rooted in Psalm 3:3, this devotion reminds believers that God is our ultimate protector, ever-present and actively surrounding us with favor and strength.
Highlights
God is our shield, lifting our heads high when we feel down

His protective favor surrounds us in ways we often cannot see

The Psalms describe God as a shield repeatedly, showing His faithful care

We don’t need to shrink, retaliate, or be consumed by shame

Leaning on God enables us to prevail, persevere, and press forward

Confidence and strength come from God, not our circumstances

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Full Transcript Below:
Your Shield of Protection
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
But You, Lord, are a shield around me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head. (Psalm 3:3 NASB)
Have you ever received a comment, observation, or insinuation that left you feeling vulnerable or exposed?
Don’t you wish at times you had a protective shield you could hide behind, or at least have in front of you to catch those piercing arrows or darts, even the unintentional ones, that leave you feeling sad or defeated?
My daughter is an only child who has always been quite independent and never needy of a man in her life, and never feels alone until someone (who means well, of course) asks her if she’s “in a relationship yet.” And after they express their confidence that she’ll one day “find a husband and be happy,” she can tend to feel singled out as inadequate or incomplete, even though she’s very content with where God has her, and is not striving for a relationship.
A friend of mine who is recently divorced and knows a closeness with God she hadn’t experienced while married, will suddenly feel awkward and unprotected when someone mentions her “struggle” and expresses their sympathy—or judgment—for her predicament.
And a young mom I know feels isolated and alone when she faces a decision concerning her toddler that other moms might criticize or at least not agree with. When there doesn’t seem to be any right or wrong answer or anyone to walk her through the right answer for her situation, she feels inadequate and lacks confidence in either choice.
Oh, how you and I need a protective shield. Something to guard our hearts from even unintentional comments that feel like arrows piercing our hearts. And oh, how our God has already provided.
David sang in Psalm 3:3 (NIV): “You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Our God is a shield of protection around us and the One who lifts our heads high when we would otherwise hang them low—feeling outnumbered, outclassed, outvoted, or just left out. Because He is a shield of protection around us, He enables us to hold our heads high in God-confidence.
David also sang in Psalm 5:12: “You bless the righteous person, Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.” That means God’s protective shield around us is also a shield of favor. Do you realize, as His child, you remain in a circle of God’s favor that protects you in ways you can’t imagine? In Psalm 139:5, David must’ve been describing God’s shielding circle around him when he sang, “You have encircled me behind and in front, and placed Your hand upon me.” God, as a protective enclosing shield, goes before us, moves alongside us, and guards our backs.
David continued his description of God as a shield in Psalm 7:10 when he sang: “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.” God, Himself, is our shield.
And in Psalm 18, David described God as a shield of refuge when he said the God who is his rock, fortress, and deliverer, is also his “shield and the horn of [his] salvation, [his] stronghold” (verses 1-2). After describing God’s mighty rescue of him, David proclaims in verse 30: “As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the Lord is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” And in verse 35, David declares his personal praise to God as his shield of support when he sings, “You protect me with your saving shield. You support me with your right hand. You have stooped to make me great.” (NCV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
When someone says something to make us feel awkward, isolated, or alone, you and I don’t have to stoop down to their level for a cutting comeback or wilt inside with a sense of awkwardness, embarrassment, or shame. God has already stooped for us and toward us to be our shield and protector. In the New English Translation, the end of verse 35 reads: “You give me your protective shield; your right hand supports me. Your willingness to help enables me to prevail.”
The God of this Universe is willing to help you. And just by knowing that, you and I are enabled to prevail, press forward, and persevere on the path He has placed us on.
Go to the book of Psalms in your Bible and highlight every time God is described as a “shield.” I found more than a dozen descriptions of Him as a shield, and it encouraged my heart and made me feel strong and protected.
Remember your shield of protection wherever you go, whatever you do, whatever you may hear.
Further Reading:
Psalm 84:11
Psalm 91:4
For more on connecting more closely with God, your shield, see my books, The New Loneliness and The New Loneliness Devotional.
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org
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Life is not accidental—it is sacred, intentional, and God-given. This Christian devotional explores the biblical truth of the sanctity of life and why choosing life matters more than ever in today’s culture. Rooted in Deuteronomy 30:19, this devotion calls believers to honor God’s design by valuing life at every age and stage.
Highlights
Life is a sacred gift intentionally created by God

Scripture calls believers to actively choose life over death

Every person is made in the image of God and has inherent value

Our words have the power to influence life or destruction

Biblical truth affirms life from the womb to the grave

God’s design for humanity does not change with culture

Christians are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

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Full Transcript Below:
Why Life Is Sacred
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19
Why are so many people choosing death over life these days? If asked, many individuals might disagree, not realizing what they are doing.
Still, when we consider our culture’s views on the sacredness of life, we see the reality that individuals are choosing abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, suicide, and more.
Because death is a popular choice for so many people, it’s more important than ever for us to speak out and help lead others to choose life over death.
As Christians, we recognize that those who reject Jesus are choosing death, rather than receiving the life God gives us.
A Day Set to Choose Life
Every January since January 22, 1984, many Christians observe Sanctity of Life Day, a day set aside to commemorate God’s priceless and sacred gift of life.
The United States' 40th President, Ronald Reagan, first issued the national proclamation setting aside a day to honor life and remember the millions of lives ended through abortion.
It’s a day to remember those who can’t speak for themselves, committing to pray for and protect their life at every age and stage. Proverbs 31:8 urges us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Like Deuteronomy 30:19 urges, we, who are believers in Jesus Christ, are daily called to choose life over death, to believe that life is sacred.
So, how do we put this into action daily? By choosing life through the words we speak, write, and communicate about it to ourselves, friends, family, community, and the world at large.
Speaking Influential Words
As Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Whether we realize it or not, the words we choose to speak and write influence those who hear and read our words. Because they do, it’s vitally important, a matter of life and death, that we celebrate and support life for those around us.
Choosing God’s Truth
God describes the very beginning of humankind, of their sacredness of being made in His image, as Genesis 1:27 describes, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”
Christians who replace biblical truth with other ideologies are choosing creator-less options, calling God a liar, along with removing the need for a Savior and devaluing life.
But as believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to embrace and cherish the sacredness of life, of the truth of being formed in the image of our amazing Creator, who breathed His breath of life into us.
There should be no doubt in our hearts and minds about who created us, the One who formed us with His own hands and has called us priceless in His sight. As Genesis 2:7 explains, God is very clear about where humans began and by whose hand. “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Sanctity of Life Remains
Nothing changes God’s truth about life and the sacredness of it, despite the world’s efforts to promote abortion, assisted suicide, and selecting and euthanizing those who have physical and mental issues and disabilities, various illnesses, and the elderly.
God’s plan for each individual is life, as Psalm 139:16 describes: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
Men and women, from the womb to the grave, are God’s glorious, sacred creations. As Psalm 8:4-6 describes, “What is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of Your hands; You put everything under their feet.”
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How are we speaking about life? Are we sharing with others the sacredness of it?
Further Reading:
10 Things Christians Can Do to Celebrate Sanctity of Life Day
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Fear doesn’t wait for permission—and neither do life’s hardest moments. This Christian devotional offers biblical encouragement for finding strength in Christ when you’re facing overwhelming circumstances. Rooted in Philippians 4:12–13, it reminds us that big faith isn’t about our ability to endure—it’s about trusting the God who carries us through big things.
From unimaginable loss to prolonged suffering, many believers face trials that seem impossible to survive. Yet again and again, Scripture and real-life testimony point to the same truth: Jesus is the source of strength. Like the apostle Paul, we learn that contentment and perseverance don’t come from personal resilience, but from leaning fully on Christ’s power when ours runs out.
Highlights
Big faith isn’t self-generated—it’s rooted in trusting Jesus

God’s strength carries us when our own strength fails

Contentment is learned through dependence on Christ

Faith grows deeper when life grows harder

God remains present in both abundance and need

Jesus is faithful to do exactly what He promises

Your faith is enough because God is more than enough

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Full Transcript Below:
When You Need Big Faith to Face Big Things
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13
I’ve watched people face things I can’t fathom. I’ve seen young friends lose spouses and parents and babies. I’ve watched couples on the brink of divorce after extreme betrayal, then bounce back. I’ve sat with women who have battled more health issues than I can imagine. I’ve witnessed others who have taken on more tragedy in a couple years than I hope to endure in an entire lifetime. And I’ve wondered time and again how in the world they kept it together. Because they certainly seemed too. I have a strong faith. But how would my faith stand up against some of the hardest things I can hardly even contemplate.
And I’m going to go ahead and tell you the common thread in these situations. Each of these individuals, who encountered the incomprehensible, pointed to Jesus. It was their faith in him they say held them up and together.
But how about you? How solid has your faith felt in really difficult times? Or if you don’t think you’ve gone through such treacherous waters as mentioned, how do you think your faith would hold up if you were to? Do you, like me, hear the story of Paul in the New Testament—who shares enduring the worst of the worst, yet still rejoices in Jesus—and wonder, how in the world did he do it?
But here’s what we have to remember: It’s Jesus. He was how. He is how. The longer I’ve lived I’m learning that it’s true. He really is who he says he is. He really does do what he said he’ll do. I have first-hand experienced his profound power and peace. Because though I am weak, he is strong. It’s not my power that gets me through it. It’s his. It’s him. And same for you. If you call him your Lord and Savior, he’ll be with you as well. If you look to and lean on him, if you place your faith in him, he will carry you just like he has carried all of his children through hard things. He really will. I’ve read about it, heard about it, and believe it more each day as I see it over and over in my own life.
It is God who gives the strength. In Philippians Chapter 4 Paul remarks, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. He says he knows what it is to be in need. And does he ever. Yet he learned to be content. He learned how to withstand extreme trials and suffering while keeping the faith. And he doesn’t say it is by his strength he did this, he says it is by God’s strength.
God reminds us time and again throughout his word that he will never leave us. He reminds us of his mighty power that resides with us and within us. This was true for Paul, it’s true for me, and it is true for you. It is your faith, it is God, that will strengthen you and hold you. And your faith is big enough to face big things, because God is big enough to get you through them.
I hope this gives you some encouragement today. I understand it’s hard to imagine being able to endure the most difficult traumas and tragedies of life. Those are the things that we all fear. But the truth is, God is who he says he is. He is our ultimate protector, provider, and peace-giver. And God will do what he says he’ll do. He will care for us and carry us.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
So today, tomorrow, or someday down the road, if you face something that looks too big, that you doubt and wonder how and if you will get through, look to the Lord, lean on the Lord. And know that it is he and his strength that remains in you and will get you through. This is a promise that you can count on. Always.
If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!
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Fear doesn’t disqualify us from being used by God—it often marks the starting point. This Christian devotional explores how Moses transformed from a hesitant, fear-filled man into one of the most courageous leaders in Scripture, revealing how God grows faith through daily dependence. Rooted in Deuteronomy 34:10–12, this devotion offers hope for anyone longing to move from insecurity to confidence in Christ.
Moses didn’t begin his calling with bold faith. In fact, he pleaded with God to choose someone else. Yet over time, as he repeatedly turned to the Lord instead of his fears, God shaped him into a leader marked by courage, intimacy with God, and unwavering trust. His story reminds us that spiritual growth isn’t instant—but it is possible.
Highlights
God often calls people who feel unqualified and afraid

Moses’ courage was developed, not instant

Faith grows when we consistently turn to God in moments of fear

Fear deepens when we dwell on problems; peace grows when we seek God’s presence

True confidence comes from intimacy with Christ, not personal strength

God’s power is revealed most clearly through surrendered hearts

You don’t have to stay stuck in today’s insecurity

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Full Transcript Below:
From Fearful to Courageous
By: Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading:
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. - Deuteronomy 34:10-12, NIV.
Today’s passage, when understood in light of Moses’s full story, assures me that I can start afraid and end as a confident, influential, and powerful woman of God. While I’m nowhere near as faith-filled and courageous as I long to be, I’m encouraged knowing that I don’t have to remain stuck in today’s fear and insecurity. That’s not to say I expect my journey toward peace to feel easy or simple. Nor do I anticipate a smooth, linear trajectory where all fretting and overthinking steadily decrease day by day. Unfortunately, I’m much too inconsistent for that. The more I follow the examples set by the heroes of faith, however, the greater my intimacy with Christ, understanding and reliance on His truth, and trust in His care.
You see, whenever I read Moses’ legacy, so beautifully preserved in Deuteronomy 34, I can’t help but think back on the man revealed in Exodus 3 and 4. If you’re familiar with the Old Testament, you might remember his not-so-courageous response to his awe-inspiring and miraculous encounter with God Almighty. After forty years living as a Prince in Egypt, he killed a man and fled to the land of Midian, where he remained as a fugitive.
Perhaps assuming he’d forfeited whatever dreams he’d once held for his future, he soon settled into his new life, where he spent his time as a family man tending his father-in-law’s herds. Then one long, quiet, monotonous day, something captured his attention—a bush that kept burning without turning to ash. As he stepped closer to investigate, the voice of God Almighty called out from the foliage, engaging him in a life-changing conversation. The Lord told him that he’d heard the desperate cries of His enslaved people and was sending Moses to set them free. Understandably, this ignited anxiety within Moses. God responded through a series of miracles that displayed His power and authority, but this wasn’t enough to still Moses’s quaking heart. His fear of Pharaoh, the earthly ruler the Lord wanted him to stand against, was so great that he actually told God no, stating,
“Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else” (Ex. 4:13, NIV).
Eventually, however, he obeyed, and in the decades that followed, developed an unshakable faith able to withstand an approaching army, a militant raiding people group, constant complaints and revolts from those he led, near stoning, betrayal from his siblings, and all the hardships that came with wondering, for four decades, through an inhospitable wilderness enroute to an unknown land.
What strikes me most, however, is the stark contrast he portrays compared to his fellow Hebrews. Like Moses, they began doubtful and afraid. Unlike him, they remained stuck in their unbelief and fear. Moses, on the other hand, grew so faithful and courageous; today’s passage memorialized him as, at that time, the greatest prophet known to man.
Clearly, the difference wasn’t in their circumstances. He and they endured the same hardships and witnessed the same miracles. It also wasn’t in their makeup. He and they were both human and therefore experienced the same range of emotions as you and me. When we consider their stories closely and in full, we see the difference arose from how they responded in times of crisis. Whereas the people turned to one another with grumbling, complaining, and catastrophizing, thereby exacerbating their own and each other’s fears, Moses consistently turned to God.
He sought the Lord’s help, comfort, guidance, protection, and provision. But most importantly, he simply sought God, because in His presence comes power, protection, and peace.
Intersecting Life & Faith:
Our world often feels chaotic and uncertain; tumultuous situations naturally evoke anxiety and fear. But you and I were created for peace and joy—not in the absence of trouble, but rather, in the presence of Jesus, our Prince of peace. The more we seek Him, read and reflect on His truth, and rest in His loving embrace, the greater our faith and the weaker our anxiety and fear.
Further Reading:
Psalm 27:1
Isaiah 41:10
1 John 4:18
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