God’s protection: Timothy B. Horne was serving as a missionary in Ecuador when a confrontation with a gang member turned violent. While aware of God’s presence, Timothy didn’t have time to say a specific prayer — instead, God’s hedge of protection surrounded him and four friends who might have otherwise died in the street in front of their church. 

Everything was going according to plan for Keela Dee Vaughn’s career as an English professor when she lost both her teaching job and a part-time gig she juggled between classes. Keela did everything she could to get a sense of direction back, and letting go of control proved especially challenging — until she realized God’s plan for her was greater than any five-year plan she could create.

Hope in God: Ebony Nicole Jones was floored when doctors said her baby was not going to make it. Her first son, Hunter, only lived for ten hours. As she grieved her son’s death, she leaned into her belief in Jesus — and she discovered hope in God. “He was beside me,” she writes, “And he is beside me now.”

What does it mean to be loved by God? Denise Swatsenbarg felt God’s love as a child. She understood John 3:16 (NIV), “for God so loved the world,” and that God loved her, too. But Denise’s ability to sense God’s love faltered after she was abused. She struggled for years until, as an adult, she prayed the ”Our Father” and knew she needed to write a forgiveness letter.

God answered my prayer: Evan Wechman was diagnosed with severe anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), causing him to battle fear and worry, including what happened to his dad after he passed away from COVID-19. After giving his life to Jesus, Evan began praying daily — and asked for a sign to know with certainty that his dad was OK. On Easter Sunday, God answered.

Does God give second chances? Becca Hurt’s body went into liver failure after she dulled her pain, depression, and anxiety with alcohol. Doctors gave Becca eight weeks to live, yet God wasn’t done. He made a way where Becca didn’t see a way, saving her life.

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted while caring for her dying father, a friend suggested Tamra S. Schmitt visit a Christian retreat center to "be still" with God. The digital detox and time with God helped renew and strengthen her spirit.

While living with single-sided deafness, Sarah Smith sought refuge in Scripture. Despite struggling to hear or understand what people said, Sarah started hearing God’s voice as she immersed herself in his promises of peace, strength, and protection.

In her story, Renee Batts wrestles with the question, "How do I know God is real?" during a challenging season that included a divorce and, five years later, meeting a man who seemed like an answer to her prayers. When Nick passed away suddenly, Renee was devastated — and left wrestling with her faith and belief in God all over again. God answered in an unexpected way.

In this story, Carrie Carrie M. Holt shares her journey learning to trust God through the ups and downs of Toby’s numerous hospital visits and surgeries. Toby was born with spina bifida.

Sandra Allison felt God's call to return to teaching after a devastating Florida school shooting. When a cancer diagnosis threatened her health, she saw a vision of Jesus that brought her peace and confidence.

If you’re struggling after the loss of a father, you’re not alone. Mary Grace Johnson shares the story of a farm accident that took her daddy, and her grief and struggle with depression. Yet God found a way to redeem her story. Mary shares of Jesus’s love and the confidence she has in seeing her daddy in heaven.

How did God answer your prayer in an unexpected, surprising, or funny way?  Readers share stories of God’s comfort during a season of waiting.

Dawn Schneider shares inspiring, real life miracle stories of how she her prayer for a miracle was heard while on vacation, among other times. ‘God answered my prayer.’

Explore a heartfelt story of a divine appointment when the author felt God's invitation to pray during a surprising encounter at a doctor's appointment.

Stories of God’s divine timing: Readers share ‘God Wink’ moments in the routine of life.

Many years ago, Tracy Souza’s students left a Post-it Note on her desk. She carries it still, as a reminder that God leaves messages of hope and love even in the simplest of moments.

Trust God’s plans: Heather Henson’s cross-country trip to Western Australia rekindled her dream of seeing whales. Grieved by a whaling museum and past traumas, she chose to trust God's plan.

Sonya Joy Mack had dreams for her and her mother’s future together filled with milestones and travels. But a grim diagnosis changed everything. After years of grieving and asking God for answers, she found that her pain served a greater purpose.

When Amanda Chirelli graduated from high school, she didn’t know what opportunities lay ahead for someone with Cerebral Palsy. Putting her trust in God, He took her down paths she didn’t imagine possible.