That’s What God Had for Me Today - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - September 5, 2025

Audio By Carbonatix

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV). 

This past week, I wasn't feeling the best. My thoughts were drowning between allergies, a mile-long to-do list, and an addiction to productivity. Usually, when I wear myself down like this, I keep going. I push myself to the breaking point until I end up sick, injured, or mentally fried. But on a Thursday evening, I pressed into the discomfort and sat with it. 

Old Amber would've had a cow. That hour could've been spent working out, doing more chores, or being extra productive. But what if not doing was exactly what God had for me that day? What if He's been trying to get me to understand that I don't need to prove myself or my worth to Him, myself, or even my husband? Because it's not my work that saves me or makes me holy. Christ alone does that. 

So, on a limb, I hooked my dog Oso up and took a slow and casual walk. Instead of checking emails on my phone, I paid attention to my surroundings. I chatted with Oso. I soaked in the warm sun shining on my back. And then, I saw her. 

Linda has been living in our condo longer than I have, but I met her last year shortly after her husband passed away. She has cancer and is receiving treatments, so I've been praying for her. Today, she was standing in the middle of a large grass area with her dog Molly. I felt compelled to say hello.

Walking over, Oso was more excited than me. But immediately, I knew this was what God had for me today. Linda asked me questions about my career and family as she told me about hers. She said how proud she was of my husband and me. And then, she told me her cancer treatments were no longer working. Because her blood isn't strong enough, she can't continue treatment. 

As Linda and I wrapped up our conversation, I sensed the exhaustion in her eyes. I wanted to pray for her, but I knew she needed to go, so I told her we would be praying. It's my prayer that the next time I see her, I will pray with her right then on the spot. 

On the rest of my walk, I prayed for Linda and her family. I asked God to heal her blood and make her body strong. I also asked him to open my eyes to what He might have in store for the rest of my day. I was already exhausted—mentally and physically, but in the gentle whisper, He confirmed that this, that moment, was what He had in store for my day. 20 minutes tops of a spontaneous conversation with Linda. Nothing more and nothing less. But a conversation that probably made her day. 

I've read verses like Colossians 3:23-24 hundreds of times in the context of work. Like I mentioned, I struggle with working too much, and that's something I'm actively working on improving. But on Thursday evening, I saw that verse of the day in a new light. Because God doesn't ask me to prove my worth, he asks me to care for myself and others through small, intentional pauses where we prioritize presence over productivity, where we listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit rather than the noise of our world or our own anxious and fervently busy minds. 

Instead of forcing myself into old habits and patterns, this walk with my dog led to a meaningful encounter with my neighbor. It's something I couldn't have planned, but it was exactly what God wanted for me that day. 

If you struggle to prioritize God's ways and plans over your own, I want to encourage you that you're not alone. But I also want to ask you to listen to God's small nudges. The Lord often guides us not through dramatic visions or fully mapped out plans but through gentle nudges—like taking a walk instead of overworking. It's obedience to these nudges that can lead to unexpected blessings for others and ourselves—we just have to be willing to listen, surrender, and obey. 

God also works through ordinary moments because that's everyday life. My conversation with Linda only further illustrates that point. While it's good to serve God with our work, serving God can also be as simple as showing presence, kindness, and empathy. It's offering a prayer when you see someone in need, or pausing to talk to someone who you know is hurting. 

No matter how much work we do, the gift of being present is something we can never purchase. The good news is that rest, small acts of presence, and prioritizing relationships can be spiritual acts. Productivity doesn't always equate to purpose, but rather our greatest purpose often comes in the pause. 

This week, I'd encourage you to reflect on these questions:

• When did you last sense God nudging you in a small, ordinary moment? Were you obedient or disobedient? Why?
• How can you be present for someone, even in the midst of your struggles?
• What would it look like to let go of “productivity guilt” and trust God with small choices?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, when we're tempted to overwork or follow our own plans today, please remind us that your way is better. We know, Lord, that your work isn't always loud or showy, but often in the moments of stillness and pauses. Sometimes, what you have for us in a day is less about trying to prove ourselves and more about resting in who you've already declared that we are. Help us to see dog walks, conversations with neighbors, or a shared moment of prayer as just as valuable. For that is enough. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/aire images

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!