Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

---

No Returns: Trusting God With What He Gave Us

I often use online platforms to get things I need. That means I sometimes have to return things. Size, material, and fit cannot truly be assessed when an item is not physically available. Then there are times when I need to return something simply because I changed my mind or just do not like what I purchased. Sometimes returns are easy, sometimes they are a hassle, and sometimes returns are not allowed at all.

I thought about that as I prayed for my children.

I longed to be a mother all my life, and I have been blessed with the gift of motherhood.

There are days, though, when what I envisioned and wished for is not what I get. There are days when I am not sure if I am cut out for motherhood. There are days when it is overwhelming.

There are no returns, though, so I have to stay the course.

The same is true with the trials we face. We do not usually see them as gifts. The journey and path on which God has placed us come with days of questioning, wondering, anxiety, and so many other feelings we did not sign up for when we accepted the call.

But there are no returns.

James 1:2–4 says it this way: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

We must learn to abide and be content in whatever state we are in because it is working for our good. God’s plan is best, and although it will include trials and “gifts” we may want to return, we are still blessed because the gift was tailor-made for us. That means He loves us just that much.

If God allowed it into our hands, it is because He already fit it for our purpose; it’s intentionally made just for us.

Lord, help us to trust You with every part of our journey, even the parts that feel heavy, unexpected, or hard to carry. Teach us to abide, to grow, and to believe that what You have allowed is still working for our good. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rest Beyond the Break

It’s spring break for many. We look forward to it. Some make travel plans, while others schedule appointments and long to-do lists to catch up.

But I’m sure there are many like me who feel overwhelmed when it’s time to rest.

I know it sounds outlandish, but I struggle with rest.

I once heard someone say, “Sometimes you don’t know what to do with peace when you’ve been so used to war for so long.” Oh, that thing hit me.

Here’s the truth: resting in my home is not the same as resting in Jesus.

My home can be in disarray. My to-do list can be pages long. Those things may frustrate me, but they don’t have to disturb my spirit.

But when I can’t rest in the Lord—that’s where the real weariness comes in.

Psalm 61:1–2 reminds us, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

The encouragement for us today is simple: find rest.

Yes, rest your body—but more importantly, rest your spirit.

Because true rest isn’t found in a break from responsibilities…it’s found in being anchored in the peace of God.

Isaiah 40:29, 31 declares, “He giveth power to the faint…they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

We can step away from work and still be weary—but one moment in God’s presence can restore what rest alone never could.

Lord, when our hearts are overwhelmed, lead us to You—the Rock that is higher than us. Teach us how to rest in Your presence, not just pause from our responsibilities. Renew our strength, quiet our minds, and settle our spirits in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resurrection Sunday: Our Living Hope

Today represents everything for those of us who follow Christ—and it offers hope to those who have not yet answered the call of salvation.

Today reminds us of the depth of God’s love for us and the obedience we are called to as we follow Christ.

Jesus endured the agony of the Cross so that we could be reconciled to the Father. That sacrifice is why we have faith in the power of His blood and His bodily sacrifice.

Salvation is a gift. A gift given freely to us, but purchased at a great cost by the Giver. It comes without strings attached—but it does come with a call: to follow, to abide, and to live according to Christ’s legacy.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25–26)

So today, let us remember the true love and power of the Cross and the victory that came with it.

The grave did not win. Death could not hold Him. Because Jesus obeyed the call of the Cross is why our hope is secure. 

The power of the Resurrection is alive and reigning in us today—because Jesus lives!

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation and the sacrifice that made it possible. Help us to walk in the power of Your Resurrection, to live in obedience, and to never lose sight of the hope we have in You. Strengthen our faith and draw us closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.