The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 reveals a powerful cycle: God comforts us in our pain so we can extend that same comfort to others. He isn’t distant from our struggles—He meets us in them as the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” What we receive in those seasons isn’t just for survival—it’s preparation for impact.
Highlights
God meets us in our struggles with real comfort and compassion
His comfort is meant to flow through us, not stop with us
Personal pain can become a source of empathy and connection
You don’t need perfect answers—presence and care matter most
God redeems कठिन experiences to help others heal
Your struggles don’t disqualify you—they often prepare you
Sharing your story can bring hope to someone else’s situation
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Full Transcript Below:
Pass God’s Comfort Along
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV
Ever since my husband had a kidney transplant years ago, I’ve been grateful to God and to the wonderful man who donated the lifesaving kidney. But the tremendous blessing of a successful transplant comes with a downside: lots of medications to prevent organ rejection – and each of those medications can have serious side effects. Over the years, the stress of dealing with chronic illness has been hard on our marriage, because the stress of health concerns never ends. But I’ve discovered that the more I turn to God for comfort when dealing with this stressful situation, the more I receive comfort from God that I can then pass along to other people who are dealing with chronic illness in their marriages. God even seems to arrange for me to meet people like that sometimes, to create opportunities for us to talk and encourage each other. I don’t enjoy dealing with an unending sickness in my marriage, but I have to admit that doing so has made me a more compassionate person – someone who tries to comfort others whenever I can.
What kind of suffering are you going through right now? Whatever it is, you can rely on God to comfort you.
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Bible describes God as the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” Comfort is a central part of God’s character. When you’re discouraged, stressed, or exhausted, God cares, and he makes it a priority to comfort you.
But these verses don’t stop there. They reveal that God comforts you so you can comfort others. What you receive from God is meant to bless others after it blesses you, as part of the powerful process of God’s love flowing through your life into other people’s lives.
That can be challenging, especially when you’re still in pain. You may be tempted just to hold onto comfort once God gives it to you. That’s understandable. Healing takes time. But God gently invites you to see that your own experiences – especially the painful ones – can help others deal with the pain in their own lives.
Think about the last time you were comforted by someone else who had gone through a challenge that was similar to one you went through. That person knew what your pain felt like, so he or she probably blessed you powerfully with understanding and encouragement. Just as you’re grateful for the comfort that person shared with you, you can be the reason why someone else who’s hurting is grateful in the future.
God never wastes your pain. While God never causes your pain, he does redeem it. The comfort you receive during hard times teaches you empathy. When you allow God to work through those places, your story becomes a source of encouragement for someone else.
When you pass God’s comfort along yourself, you won’t have all the answers or be able to say something perfectly wise. But if you just show up without judgment, listen well, and encourage people by telling them how God has comforted you in similar circumstances, God will work through you to do the rest. In the process, the people you share God’s comfort with will find the fresh hope they need!
This is especially important to remember if you feel like your struggles disqualify you from helping others. They don’t. Often, they’re actually what qualify you. God’s comfort doesn’t just patch you up and send you on your way. It transforms you into a more compassionate person whom God can work through to shine light into the darkness of this fallen world.
So, when you receive comfort from God, don’t rush past it. Let it sink into your soul. Then, when the time is right, let it flow out to others who need to know that God is with them and will help them in their own suffering.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How did God comfort you during a hard challenge you went through recently?
Do you know anyone right now who’s suffering while dealing with a similar challenge? If so, how can you plan to reach out to comfort that person with what you’ve learned from when God comforted you?
What’s one simple way you can share God’s comfort this week with anyone you know is dealing with any kind of painful challenge?
How does viewing your struggle as a qualification to help others change your attitude toward your pain?
Further Reading:
Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:15
Matthew 5:4
Psalm 34:18
1 Thessalonians 5:11
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God’s nearness isn’t just a theological truth—it’s a personal experience that meets us exactly where we are. Deuteronomy 4:7 reminds us that we serve a God who draws close whenever we call on Him. In seasons of uncertainty, waiting, or emotional weight, His presence often becomes more meaningful than the answers we’re seeking.
Prayer isn’t only about outcomes—it’s about connection. While we may come to God hoping for clarity or resolution, what He often gives first is Himself. In that nearness, we find peace, strength, and reassurance that we are not alone. Even when circumstances don’t immediately change, His presence steadies us and reminds us that He is already at work.
Highlights
God is near to us whenever we call on Him
His presence often matters more than immediate answers
Prayer is an invitation into relationship, not just requests
God prepares and strengthens us before we face कठिन moments
His nearness brings peace, comfort, and clarity
Scripture reveals God’s compassionate and personal nature
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Full Transcript Below:
His Nearness Is What I Needed
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
“For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” - Deuteronomy 4:7
I have recently been reading a book by Wendy Blight called Rest for Your Soul. In it, she talks about prayer. She describes a time when she was calling out to God amidst a struggle and didn’t hear from Him:
“I had a choice to make. I could believe what I was studying, reading, and learning, or I could allow anger, fear, and doubt to continue ruling my soul. What I came to realize during that time (though it was a decade-long journey) was that God was with me. And over those years, though my circumstances didn’t always change, my courage to stand firm in them rose because I knew I was not alone” (Rest for Your Soul).
A few pages later, Wendy writes, “Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He may not fix everything at that moment. In fact, He probably won’t. But it’s an invitation to come and sit with the only One who can give you rest in the middle of the mess” (Rest for Your Soul).
What I started to wonder about prayer is if maybe it isn’t about getting an answer from God for a particular need, but about recognizing His Presence and experiencing Him, that prayer is about communication with God.
I went through some mental health testing earlier this year. I had been awaiting the results, eager to get the treatment I needed. Yesterday morning, I woke up and read my Bible, as usual. What was different was how present God was with me. Every scripture I read, I felt like God was speaking directly to me, to my heart, like it was just for me. I could hear Him, feel His presence. I was touched and grateful.
Later that day, I got part of the news I had been awaiting for weeks. I received my diagnosis. As I processed this, I realized that a reason God had been close that morning is that He knew what I would hear that day—He knew I would hear the results of my testing. He wanted me to know He was there.
More than hearing a specific word, what I needed, what I cherished most, was God’s presence, to know He was with me. His nearness is what I needed.
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 34. In it, David says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18). God knows when we need Him, and He shows up.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Bible also shows that when we pray to the Lord, He draws near. In Deuteronomy, it says, “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7). The Psalmist also writes, “I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:1-2). He listens to our prayers and draws near to us as we pray. He is a personal God.
Just like I could feel His nearness as I read the scripture yesterday morning, I could also sense His heart—we can learn more about who He is in that place of nearness. Psalms 103 says, “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (Psalm 103:8). This description of God is found throughout the Bible. David also describes how God is as a Father: “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:13-14). Have you ever had a time when you felt God’s presence so close to you? Did you learn anything in that place of nearness about Him?
Something I think about is when I got the initial call to do testing. God was in this. It felt like the answer to a prayer I hadn’t prayed—I had such peace about it. I also think about how the plans fell so perfectly into place for me to go out of town and do the testing. God had been in the whole process, and He continued to be close.
Has there been a time in your life when you have walked through a difficult season but sensed the Lord’s Presence with you? What did that feel like? Was He steadying, comforting, or encouraging? In Psalms 34, David writes, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time” (Psalm 34:19). We are righteous through Christ. He will come to help us every time
Further Reading:
Psalm 145:18
James 4:8
Jeremiah 29:13
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 13:5
Deuteronomy 31:8
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“Follow your heart” sounds inspiring—but Proverbs 3:5–6 offers a better path: trust God over your own understanding. Scripture reminds us that the human heart can be unreliable (Jeremiah 17:9), often shaped by emotion, culture, or pride rather than truth. Real clarity comes not from looking inward, but from surrendering fully to the Lord and allowing Him to direct your steps.
God doesn’t just redirect our paths—He reshapes our desires. As we stay rooted in His Word, He aligns our hearts with His will, replacing confusion with conviction. Instead of chasing what feels right in the moment, we’re invited to follow the One who sees the full picture and leads with perfect wisdom.
Highlights
“Follow your heart” is cultural advice, not biblical direction
The heart can be deceptive and influenced by emotion or pride
True guidance comes from trusting God, not personal understanding
God transforms our desires as we seek and obey Him
Scripture renews our minds and anchors our decisions in truth
Following God leads to clarity, purpose, and alignment with His will
Obedience often requires surrendering plans we once held tightly
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Full Transcript Below:
Forsaking Following Your Heart
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).
Shortly after college graduation, I became a born-again believer in Jesus Christ; I repented of my sin and surrendered my life to Christ, committing to take up my cross and follow Him no matter the cost. Yet I still wanted to pursue my original plan to become an actress in Los Angeles. As a Christian, I believed I was called to be a light in a dark place, so I was supposed to use my talents for Christ in Hollywood. I was receiving mixed messages from trusted believers because they kept telling me to trust God with the plans to pursue my dreams. This just led to more confusion.
Trust God with my plan and my heart’s desires?
Again and again, the phrase “follow your heart” was echoing through my mind. This phrase seems to be very popular in American culture, even among Christian circles. You can find these three words boldly displayed on T-shirts, on Instagram graphics, and even heralded by some influential professing Christian leaders.
“Follow your heart…” - just a harmless motto, right?
It sounds really encouraging, doesn’t it?
Yes, very encouraging, almost Disney-like, but definitely not Biblical!
The Lord spoke these words about the heart through the prophet Jeremiah:
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV)
As Christians, sometimes we fall into the trap of giving man’s words more weight than the Word of God. I wanted to encourage us to look to the direction found in scripture for those who are God’s children. A very familiar, but powerful passage found in Proverbs gives the believer wisdom:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
If we put our trust in anything or anyone but the Lord, we will constantly be disappointed and led astray from God’s perfect will for our lives. We must trust in the Lord with all of our heart, which should never be filled with more of this world than God’s Word. I’m so thankful that during that time in my life, while I was faced with a major decision, I kept my heart full of God’s Word, which helped me renew my mind so that I was filled with faith to trust God when He began changing my desires to follow and obey Him most of all. One month after I decided not to move to Los Angeles, realizing that pride was actually driving my desire to pursue an acting career, I was introduced to my now-husband, and the rest is His Story.
My advice to you, beloved one, is do not follow your heart- follow God instead. He knows what you need more than you do. Trust Him with your entire heart and let him mold it to look more like His. He will never lead you down the wrong path!
The culture around us often loudly proclaims how important it is for us to pursue our dreams and destiny by listening to our hearts and following them. But God’s word is very clear: our hearts can often bring confusion, and the only One we can trust to follow is the Lord. If you are born again, God has given you a new heart in Christ, yes, but your flesh is always at war with God’s desires and longs to lead you away from God’s will. We find God’s will in His Word, so we must ask the Lord to help us have a hunger to hide it in our hearts so that we will not sin against Him. God’s word is what renews our minds so that we are able to walk in obedience and look more like Christ to the world, so that they may know that His ways and thoughts are higher and better than man’s. The Lord can help us not to lean upon our own understanding and trust Him above all, not our hearts’ desires. Let us be diligent to ask the Lord to mold our hearts to more closely resemble Jesus.
Further Reading:
Psalm 143:8-10
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Trusting God during conflict and injustice isn’t passive—it’s deeply intentional. In Genesis 26:19–22, Isaac faced repeated opposition as others claimed the wells he and his servants dug. Instead of fighting back, he chose to move forward in faith, trusting that God would provide space for him to flourish. His story reveals a powerful truth: God’s plans will prevail, even when others come against us.
Highlights
Isaac faced repeated conflict but chose trust over striving
Not every battle requires a fight—some require faith and surrender
God’s provision cannot be blocked by others’ actions
Trusting God often means releasing control and resisting retaliation
Scripture shows both times to act and times to be still
God is faithful to restore, provide, and make room in His timing
Even in injustice, God is working for our good and His glory
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Full Transcript Below:
Trusting God's Plans to Prevail When Others Come Against Us
By Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading:
Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” (Genesis 26:19-22, NIV).
Have you ever had someone use your kindness and integrity against you? Or betray you in some way, and you wanted to fight back, but sensed God telling you to trust Him to rectify the situation?
For years, I watched my husband endure the painful effects of slander and parental alienation. He was married before me to a woman who was verbally and psychologically abusive. When they divorced, his ex told his children that he’d abandoned them and didn’t love them. Then, once he married me and he and I gave birth to our daughter, his ex told his kids that we were his “replacement family.”
While he diligently showed up for them and financially provided for them, that negative narrative became their reality. To say this devastated him would be a huge understatement. And the cruel injustice of it all angered me. I vacillated between feeling frustrated with God for not intervening on my timeline, and trusting that one day He would make things right.
That was decades ago, and while my husband, sadly, remains estranged with some of his children, he’s been able to rebuild (and is rebuilding) his relationship with one of his daughters. He’s also been able to connect with three grandchildren, something we’d previously feared might never occur.
I reflected upon my husband’s experience and God’s faithfulness this morning as I read Genesis 26. This occurred after Abraham’s death and well into Isaac’s adult years. Like his father before him, he endured what Scripture terms “a severe famine” and moved to an area of Gerar, presumably in search of food and access to water. The Lord, likely alert to the anxiety this would’ve caused, told Isaac not to go to Egypt (with its constant access to the Nile). He also promised to provide for and bless him.
This reminds us that God knows precisely how to comfort and strengthen our fearful souls! In the middle of Isaac’s life-or-death crisis, He spoke powerful assurances to his soul. These divine commitments probably allowed him to remain calm and faith-filled later, when the people of the land continually sabotaged or laid claim to the wells his servants dug or reopened. This occurred three times, during which Isaac could’ve fought back. He might even have been successful. Genesis 26 tells us that He became quite rich and powerful (vs. 13, 16).
Instead, he simply moved on, and once he reached the place he later called Rehoboth, he dug another well, and “This time there was no dispute over it” (Gen. 26:22b). Recognizing God’s provision, he proclaimed, “At last the LORD has created enough space for us to proper in the land” (Gen. 26:22, NLT).
Intersecting Life & Faith:

Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying Christ-followers should never advocate for themselves. Throughout Scripture, we see numerous instances when God directs His people to stand firm against evil, advocate for and defend others, or take hold of a blessing He provided. Ancient Israel taking possession of the Promised Land is a perfect example. But there are also times when he invites us to “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). This seems to be how he directed Joseph, introduced in Genesis 37. It also appears to be how He led Isaac in the chapter surrounding today’s passage.
Did you catch how God spoke truth and assurance to Isaac before the well events? This reads like He was saying, in essence, “You don’t have to fight and strive for your survival, because I, Almighty God, will bless you.”
He says the same to us. He is bigger than any injustice we’ll face or betrayal we’ll endure. He is faithful to protect, defend, and provide for His children. Sometimes, He invites us to play an active role in that protection or provision. Other times, He asks us to trust while He works the situation for our good and His glory, just as He promised in Romans 8:28. Regardless of how He leads, we can trust in His attentive care. He is the God of abundance, who owns all, sees all, and remains sovereign over all. But more than that, He is a God of tender, merciful love who sees our pain, heals our hurts, quiets our fears, and tends to all of our needs, physical, spiritual, and emotional.
If you are struggling with a present or past betrayal or injustice, perhaps reflect on and rehearse this passage:
Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:1-4).
Further Reading:
Psalm 37
Genesis 26:12-25
Genesis 41:37-43; 50:15-20
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Acts 8:18–23 gives a sobering look at Simon the Sorcerer—a man drawn to spiritual power but not transformed in heart. His story is a reminder that not everything that looks spiritual is rooted in God. Even today, appearances, influence, and charisma can sometimes mask motives that aren’t aligned with truth.
Discernment is essential in a world full of voices claiming authority. Scripture calls believers to test what they hear against God’s Word and to pay attention to fruit, not just presentation. True spiritual leadership reflects humility, repentance, and alignment with Christ—not control, profit, or self-exaltation.
Highlights
Not everything that appears spiritual is genuinely from God
Simon’s story reveals the danger of pursuing power over transformation
Discernment requires evaluating teaching against Scripture
Jesus teaches that spiritual truth is revealed through “fruit,” not appearance
False teaching can be persuasive, charismatic, and still misleading
God calls believers to wisdom, testing, and spiritual awareness
True faith is marked by humility, repentance, and Christlike character
Links & Resources:
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Full Transcript Below:
Encountering Modern Day Simon the Sorcerers
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’” - Acts 8:18-23
There are many false teachers who distract us from the true Gospel. These individuals tend to be charismatic, confident, and deceptive in their dealings with others. How many megachurch pastors have we seen step down from positions of authority because of scandal? As followers of the Lord, we must be discerning. It takes time, focus, and a close walk with Jesus to recognize wolves dressed as sheep.
God will help us discern true followers of the Lord from those who are not. Unfortunately, there are many people who claim to be Christians, only to disown Him through their actions. While we cannot judge someone’s salvation, we can weigh what they say and do against Scripture.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Simon practiced sorcery (Acts 8:9). His acts amazed the people, and he often boasted of his greatness. The people of Samaria believed he was someone special, even calling him “the Great Power of God” (Acts 8:10). However, once Philip shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they rejected Simon the Sorcerer and followed Jesus instead (Acts 8:12-13).
In Acts 8:18-23, we see the true condition of Simon’s heart. He wanted the same ability to give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom he laid his hands. Peter was angered by Simon’s desire and rebuked him, urging him to repent and turn to the Lord. Simon’s actions revealed that he was “full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
There are many leaders within cities, organizations, and companies who are similar to Simon the Sorcerer. Although we are told Simon believed Philip’s message of the Good News of Jesus Christ, he was still influenced by the sin within him (Acts 8:13). His main focus was power. Peter could see through Simon’s duplicity, and we need to ensure we are doing the same.
As followers of Christ, we must be aware of those who claim to be believers but peddle the Word of God for profit. We must also be cautious of anyone who professes faith but denies Jesus through their actions. Jesus tells us, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:15-17).
Anyone who denies the Lord in their actions or tries to use the Gospel for monetary gain should be rebuked. If they are a true follower of the Lord, they will turn to the Lord in repentance and ask for forgiveness. However, if they continue in their wicked ways, it is right to assume they never knew the Lord.
Have you come across anyone who is like Simon the Sorcerer? What are some ways you can become more discerning of leaders and individuals? How can you gauge their heart?
Pray with me:
Dear Jesus, please give me discernment to know who Your true followers are and who are not. Uncover the Simons in my life. Guide my heart away from false teachers and toward You. Bless me with the confidence to rebuke these individuals, as Peter did, and give me the boldness to stand up for You. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
Further Reading:
2 Peter 2:1-3
1 John 4:1
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
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