Brandon Martel

At some point, most of us wrestle with a big question:
“What is God calling me to do with my life?”
We hear a lot about “finding your calling” in church circles, but sometimes it can feel confusing or overwhelming. Are we supposed to have it all figured out? What does it actually mean to have a calling? Let’s take a moment to look at what this really means from a faith perspective.

Your Calling Is About Who You Are in Christ
First, your calling isn’t just about what job you have or what title you carry. At its core, your calling is about who you are because of Jesus.
Every believer shares a primary calling: to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37–39). No matter where you live, what career you pursue, or what season of life you’re in, that never changes.
Beyond that, God gives each of us unique passions, gifts, and opportunities to live out His love in specific ways. Some people are called to teach, some to encourage, some to serve behind the scenes, and some to lead. Whatever it looks like, your calling is a way of participating in God’s work in the world.

It’s About Faithfulness, Not Fame
In a world that celebrates big achievements and public success, it’s easy to think our calling has to be something impressive or flashy. But God’s definition of success is very different.
Faithfulness is what He’s looking for—faithfulness in how you serve, how you love, and how you steward what He’s given you (Luke 16:10).
Your calling might look like raising a family, mentoring a student, praying faithfully for others, running a business with integrity, or serving quietly in your local church. Every act of obedience matters deeply to God.

Your Calling Grows Over Time
Many people expect their calling to be revealed in one big moment—a “burning bush” experience like Moses had (Exodus 3). But often, our calling unfolds gradually. It grows as we walk with God, step by step, season by season.
Sometimes your calling might shift or expand as you move through different stages of life. That’s normal! The important thing is to stay close to God, trust His leading, and be open to where He’s guiding you next.

How Do You Start Discovering It?
If you’re wondering where to begin, here are a few questions to pray over:
-What gifts and passions has God placed in me?
-Where do I see needs that stir my heart?
-When have I felt most used by God to bless others?
-What do other believers affirm in me?

Sometimes God uses other people in the church family to help us recognize our gifts and nudge us toward opportunities to serve. So don’t be afraid to ask for wisdom and listen carefully when someone encourages you to step into something new.

The Bottom Line
Finding your calling isn’t about chasing a perfect plan—it’s about walking faithfully with Jesus and using what He’s given you to glorify Him.
It’s about asking daily, “Lord, how can I serve You today?”
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out at once. God is patient, and He promises to guide your steps as you seek Him (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Raising resilient children is one of the greatest gifts we can give as parents. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties, adapt to challenges, and thrive despite adversity. From a Christian perspective, this involves not only psychological strength but also a strong foundation in faith.

The Biblical Foundation of Resilience
The Bible speaks often about perseverance and overcoming hardship. James 1:2-4 encourages believers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Teaching our children to trust in God during difficult times is key to helping them develop resilience.

The Role of Secure Attachment
Developmental psychology emphasizes the importance of secure attachment in early childhood. According to attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969), children who develop a strong emotional bond with a primary caregiver are more likely to have higher self-confidence and emotional stability. As Christian parents, we can provide this by being a consistent, loving presence in our children’s lives, modeling God’s unconditional love.

Teaching Emotional Regulation
Psychologist Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development highlight the need for children to develop autonomy and confidence (Erikson, 1950). When children face challenges, they need guidance in managing their emotions. A biblical approach to emotional regulation includes:
– Teaching children to pray and seek God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
– Encouraging gratitude and positive thinking (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
– Helping them name and process their emotions in a healthy way

Encouraging a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Carol Dweck (2006) introduced the concept of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This aligns with the biblical principle that we are constantly being shaped by God (Romans 12:2). Encouraging children to see failures as opportunities for growth helps them build resilience.

Cultivating a Strong Community
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Resilient children are supported by strong relationships with family, church, and mentors. Being involved in a faith-based community gives children a sense of belonging and security.

Practicing Problem-Solving and Responsibility
According to psychologist Albert Bandura’s social learning theory (1977), children learn by observing and imitating role models. By involving children in problem-solving and encouraging independence, we teach them to handle challenges confidently. From a biblical perspective, teaching responsibility aligns with Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Conclusion
Resilience is both a psychological skill and a spiritual strength. By fostering secure attachments, teaching emotional regulation, encouraging a growth mindset, cultivating community, and instilling responsibility, we equip our children to navigate life’s challenges. Most importantly, we teach them to rely on God, knowing that He is their ultimate source of strength and hope (Isaiah 41:10). Raising resilient kids is not about shielding them from hardship, but about giving them the faith and tools to face it with confidence.

Easter is not just a historical event-it is a call to action. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave them a mission: to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The resurrection was never meant to be kept to ourselves, it is news that must be shared.
Jesus’ Final Words – A Call to Go
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples,
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
This command, known as the Great Commission, is still our mission today. We are called to share the gospel with those around us, living as witnesses of the resurrection.
The Power to Fulfill the Mission
Jesus did not leave us alone in this task. He promised to be with us always and sent the Holy Spirit to empower us (Acts 1:8). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), equipping us to share His love with the world.
What This Means for Us
Easter should change how we live. Are we living as people transformed by the resurrection?
We are called to share the gospel. Who in our lives needs to hear about Jesus?
We don’t do this alone. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit as we fulfill this mission?
As we move forward from Easter, let’s not let the message fade. The resurrection is not just something we celebrate once a year—it is the foundation of our faith and the mission of our lives.

Easter is not just about the cross—it’s about the empty tomb. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, His death would have been in vain. But because He rose again, we have hope, victory, and the promise of eternal life.

The Empty Tomb – Proof of God’s Power
On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus’ followers found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:1-6). The angel declared, “He is not here; He has risen!” This moment changed everything. The resurrection was proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But because Jesus did rise, we are no longer bound by sin and death.

The Hope We Have in Christ
Jesus’ resurrection assures us of three powerful truths:
-Victory over sin and death – Death could not hold Him, and because of that, we have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
-New life in Christ – Just as Jesus rose, we too can walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
-A living Savior – Jesus is alive and active in our lives today, interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25).

What This Means for Us
Because Jesus rose again:
-We have hope in every circumstance. No matter what we face, the resurrection reminds us that God brings life out of death.
-We are called to live differently. How does knowing Jesus is alive change the way we live?
-We can share this hope. Who in our lives needs to hear about the resurrection?

This week, let’s celebrate the victory we have in Christ. Next week, we’ll look at the mission Jesus gave us—to go and share the good news with the world.

At the heart of Easter is the cross. It was on the cross that Jesus bore the full weight of our sin, experiencing unimaginable suffering out of His deep love for us. Understanding the significance of the cross helps us grasp the extent of God’s love and the cost of our salvation.

The Pain and Shame of the Cross
Crucifixion was one of the most excruciating and humiliating forms of execution. Jesus endured severe physical suffering—He was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a wooden cross (Matthew 27:27-31). But beyond the physical pain, Jesus also bore the weight of sin. As He hung on the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, He experienced complete separation from the Father.

The Greatest Act of Love
Despite the agony, Jesus willingly endured the cross for us. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His sacrifice was not just for the righteous but for all who would believe in Him.

What This Means for Us
The cross calls us to:
-Recognize the cost of our salvation. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
-Live in response to His love. How does the cross change the way we live?
-Share this love with others. Who needs to hear about Christ’s sacrifice?

As we reflect on the cross this week, let’s live in gratitude for what Jesus has done. Next week, we’ll celebrate the hope of the resurrection and what it means for us today.

As Jesus approached the cross, His final moments with His disciples were filled with profound lessons. From the Last Supper to His time in Gethsemane, we see a Savior who models humility, love, and complete surrender to God’s will.

The Last Supper – A Call to Servanthood
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples. But this was no ordinary meal—it was a moment of deep significance. Jesus took bread and wine, giving them new meaning as symbols of His body and blood (Luke 22:19-20). He was preparing His followers for what was to come.

Yet, before the meal even began, Jesus did something remarkable: He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5). In that culture, washing feet was a task for servants, yet Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to serve others.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
This act was a powerful lesson: true leadership is found in humility and service. Jesus calls us to follow His example, putting others before ourselves.

The Garden of Gethsemane – A Prayer of Surrender
After the meal, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing the suffering He would endure, He was overwhelmed with sorrow. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
In this moment, Jesus showed His humanity—He felt fear and anguish. But He also demonstrated complete trust in the Father. His prayer reminds us that surrendering to God’s will is not always easy, but it is always best.

What This Means for Us
As we reflect on these final moments of Jesus’ life, we are challenged to:
Embrace humility. How can we serve others as Jesus did?
Trust God in difficult times. When we face hardship, do we submit to His will like Jesus did?
Remember Jesus’ sacrifice. The Last Supper points us to the cross. How does this deepen our gratitude?

This week, let’s take time to serve others and surrender our struggles to God. Next week, we’ll look at the cross and the immense love and sacrifice Jesus displayed for us.

Easter is the most significant event in the Christian faith, but to fully appreciate its impact, we need to understand why it was necessary in the first place. Why did Jesus have to come? Why did He have to suffer and die? The answer lies in humanity’s deepest problem, sin.

The Reality of Sin and Separation from God
From the very beginning, humanity was created for a relationship with God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in perfect harmony. But when sin entered the world through disobedience, that relationship was broken (Genesis 3). Sin created a divide between humanity and a holy God, one that we could not bridge on our own.

Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No matter how hard we try, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Sin’s consequences are serious—Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” But that’s not where the story ends.

God’s Plan for Redemption
Even in humanity’s rebellion, God had a plan. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of this plan unfolding. The sacrificial system in Israel pointed to the need for atonement, but these sacrifices were only temporary. Prophecies throughout Scripture pointed to a coming Messiah—one who would bear the sins of the world.

Isaiah 53:5-6 prophesies about Jesus’ sacrifice:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

This passage, written hundreds of years before Christ, foretold the suffering He would endure for our sake. Jesus came to do what we could never do on our own—restore our relationship with God.

Why Easter Matters
Easter is not just a story of suffering; it is a story of victory. Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sins, but His resurrection proved that the payment was accepted. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The cross was the turning point in history, and the empty tomb was the proof of God’s triumph.

What This Means for Us
As we approach Easter, take time to reflect on why we need a Saviour. Recognizing our own sinfulness is not meant to bring us shame—it is meant to point us to the grace of God. When we understand the depth of our need, we can better appreciate the depth of His love.

This week, consider these questions:
Do I recognize my need for a Saviour, or am I relying on my own efforts?
How does knowing that Jesus died for me change the way I live?
Who in my life needs to hear about the hope found in Jesus?

As we continue this journey toward Easter, let’s prepare our hearts with gratitude and awe. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’ final days before the cross and what they teach us about surrender and trust in God.

Starting to read the Bible can feel overwhelming. It’s a big book (actually, a collection of 66 books!) filled with history, poetry, prophecy, and teachings. Whether you’re new to Christianity or just looking to develop a deeper habit of Bible reading, here’s a guide to help you get started.

1. Start with the Right Mindset
Reading the Bible isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about growing in your relationship with God. Approach it with a heart ready to learn and be transformed. Pray before you begin, asking God to help you understand His Word.

2. Choose a Readable Translation
Some Bible translations are easier to understand than others. If you’re new to reading the Bible, consider starting with translations like:
– New Living Translation (NLT) – Easy to read and engaging
– English Standard Version (ESV) – A balance of readability and accuracy
– New International Version (NIV) – A widely-used, clear translation

3. Start with the Right Books
Instead of starting at Genesis and trying to read straight through (which can get difficult in books like Leviticus), consider these options:
– Gospel of John – A great introduction to Jesus’ life and teachings
– Psalms – Full of prayers and encouragement for daily life
– Proverbs – Practical wisdom for everyday living
– Romans – A solid foundation of Christian beliefs

4. Use a Reading Plan
A reading plan can help you stay consistent and provide structure. Some great options include:
– The YouVersion Bible App – Offers various reading plans and devotionals
– The Bible in One Year (by Nicky Gumbel) – Helps you read through the Bible with daily commentary
– Chronological Bible Reading Plan – Reads the Bible in the order events happened

5. Take Notes and Reflect
As you read, write down key verses, thoughts, and questions. Ask yourself:
– What is the main message of this passage?
– How does this apply to my life today?
– What is God revealing about Himself?

6. Find a Community
Reading the Bible is even more powerful when you do it with others. Join a Bible study group, discuss Scripture with friends, or find an online community where you can ask questions and share insights.

7. Be Patient and Consistent
Understanding the Bible takes time, and that’s okay. Even if you don’t grasp everything right away, keep reading. The more you engage with God’s Word, the more it will shape your life.

8. Pray for Understanding
The Bible is God’s Word, and He wants you to understand it. Ask Him for wisdom, guidance, and insight as you read. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Starting to read the Bible is one of the best decisions you can make. It will strengthen your faith, give you direction, and bring you closer to God. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the journey of discovering His Word!

Have you ever felt like asking questions about faith makes you a bad Christian? Maybe you’ve wondered why suffering exists, how prayer works, or what a particular passage of Scripture really means. If so, you’re not alone. The good news is that God welcomes your questions.

A Faith That Invites Questions
From the very beginning, God has invited His people into a relationship built on trust and discovery. The Bible is full of people who wrestled with God, sought understanding, and asked hard questions. Job, David, Habakkuk, and even the disciples all expressed doubts and struggles. Instead of turning them away, God met them in their questions.

Jesus Welcomed Questions
Jesus never shied away from the tough questions people asked Him. When Nicodemus came to Him at night, unsure of what it meant to be born again (John 3), Jesus didn’t dismiss him—He engaged with him. When Thomas doubted the resurrection, Jesus didn’t rebuke him but invited him to see and believe (John 20:27). Jesus meets us where we are, even in our uncertainty.

Faith Isn’t Blind
Faith isn’t about ignoring doubts or pretending we have all the answers. It’s about seeking truth and trusting that God is big enough to handle our questions. Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding as though searching for hidden treasure. Our questions can actually deepen our faith when they lead us closer to God.

How to Ask Questions in a Healthy Way
1. Bring Your Questions to God – Pray honestly. He knows your thoughts already, so invite Him into your search for truth.
2. Seek Wise Counsel – Talk to pastors, mentors, and fellow believers who can help guide you through Scripture.
3. Study the Word – The Bible has stood the test of time and is full of answers for those who seek them.
4. Be Open to Growth – Sometimes, we don’t get the answer we want right away. Faith is a journey, and God shapes us through it.

God is Not Afraid of Your Questions
No matter what you’re wrestling with, God is not intimidated by your doubts. He invites you to seek, knock, and ask (Matthew 7:7), and He promises to be found. So, don’t be afraid to bring your questions to Him—He welcomes them, and He welcomes you.

What questions have you been afraid to ask? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to walk this journey by yourself. Let’s seek Him together.

We’ve all been there—pouring out our hearts to God, asking for healing, guidance, or a breakthrough, only to be met with what seems like silence. It can be frustrating, discouraging, and even faith-shaking. If God loves us, why doesn’t He answer? Does He even hear?

The Reality of Unanswered Prayers

The Bible is filled with stories of faithful people who experienced seasons of unanswered prayers. The Apostle Paul pleaded with God to remove his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), yet God’s answer was not removal but sufficient grace. Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, asked if the cup of suffering could pass from Him, but He ultimately surrendered to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42).

God’s silence does not mean He is absent or indifferent. Often, unanswered prayers are not truly unanswered—they are answered in ways we do not expect or understand. Sometimes, the answer is “not yet” or even “no” because God sees the bigger picture that we cannot comprehend.

Why Doesn’t God Answer the Way We Want?

1. God’s Timing is Different from Ours
We want quick solutions, but God operates outside of our timelines. What seems like a delay is often preparation for something greater.

2. God Knows What is Best
Just as a loving parent won’t give a child something harmful, God sometimes withholds what we ask for because He has something better in store.

3. God Uses Waiting to Grow Our Faith
Faith is not about getting what we want but trusting in who God is. Seasons of waiting teach us dependence, patience, and perseverance.

4. God is Working Behind the Scenes
Just because we don’t see an immediate result doesn’t mean God isn’t moving. Many times, His work is invisible to us until much later.

How Do We Trust God When Prayers Seem Unanswered?

– Keep Praying – Jesus encouraged persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1-8). Even when it feels futile, keep bringing your requests before God.
– Remember God’s Faithfulness – Reflect on times in the past when He has provided, even if it wasn’t in the way you expected.
– Trust in His Character – God is good, loving, and sovereign. If He withholds something, it is out of wisdom and love.
– Surrender to His Will – Like Jesus in Gethsemane, pray with open hands, trusting that God’s will is ultimately best.

Hope Beyond the Silence

God’s silence is not rejection. Sometimes, what we see as unanswered prayers are actually the groundwork for something greater than we could imagine. Our role is not to understand everything but to trust the One who does. Even in the waiting, even in the silence, He is working—and He is with us.

What prayers are you waiting on God for? How can you trust Him more in the process?