It’s good for us to read this story again, to wonder at its depth as well as its simplicity, and to think what it means for ourselves as well as those in our care.

Maybe I’ve never prayed so long because I never faced a decision as large as the one Jesus was anticipating.

It’s so easy to become accustomed to the ordinary. And when God intervenes, we hardly know how to respond.

Scripture tells us he “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Frankly, I find that difficult to grasp.

Here we see the humility, the deity, and the example of Jesus. Ultimately, it’s a story to bring us hope.

Which part of Nehemiah’s pattern would you do well to imitate first?

Will we be as faithful as they were now that we’re living with trial every day?

In Jonah’s words of distress from the pit of his suffering, we can find help for our own prayers today.

Few caregivers have chosen an option as severe as running away from their responsibilities at home. But what about the opportunities before them outside their front door?

Elijah had given his all, but still his problems kept coming. It was a situation different from—but also similar to—what caregivers sometimes face.

Fire from Heaven. Consuming force. Slain enemies. Conquering hero. What courage or hope can we take from a blockbuster story like this one?

Most caregivers sooner or later will admit something close to what Solomon said to God: “I don’t know whether I’m coming or going.” All caregivers do well to repeat what Solomon sought from God next.

David stayed true to the commitment he and Jonathan had made to each other, long after Jonathan was gone. What can we learn from such an example of faithfulness?

“I told Siri I was lonely, and she apologized. So that was nice.” But when it comes to caregivers and friendship, we all need better than ‘nice.’

Samuel looked at a long line of possibilities before he found Israel’s future king. How could that encourage us with the choices we’re forced to make?

God knew kings were a bad idea for Israel, but still he led in their choice for a king. Amazing.

It’s easy to be consumed with coping. We do well to stop, acknowledge God’s blessing, and find a concrete way to thank him for what he’s done.

We’re learning how to give. After all, we’re caregivers. But today’s Bible story leads us to ponder if we’ve yet been called upon to give as much as Hannah did.

We may have as many questions as conclusions about the remarkable story in today’s text. Read Judges 7 and ponder what God did—and why.

It’s almost shocking that the ancient Israelites turned away from God. But then I look at myself, and I begin to understand.