What a simple prayer in a tough moment reminds us about coming back to God.

Australian singer, Guy Sebastian, is rightly famous for winning the first season of Australian Idol back in 2003, and then going on to have a stellar career with ten albums totalling seven million sales and nearly two billion streams on Spotify so far. He is, some two and a bit decades later, still the most successful by far.

There was an article about Guy that caught my eye in the Sydney Morning Herald in which he and his wife talk about the legal wrangle he found himself in when his former manager was charged with stealing a truckload of his money. It’s a pretty raw account of what happened.

And it starts this way:

When Guy Sebastian found himself sobbing in a toilet cubicle of a NSW courtroom, where he was giving evidence against his former manager and friend, Titus Day, he began to pray. “Then I felt guilty,” says the musician as his wife, Jules, gently places her hand on his arm. “It was like, ‘Ah, I’ll just say a prayer when [things] hits the fan.’ I haven’t prayed for so long [and now I’m] just asking for help when things are rubbish.”

Guy has gotten stick down the years for having abandoned his faith when he got famous. He was pretty churchy back in the day, as were many of the Idol singers who had cut their teeth on stages in the megachurches across the country.

There were puff pieces on his faith in all the women’s mags, and for a while it was kinda cool again to be churchy and then that faded (though here we are again. Go figure!)

A bunch of us felt a little discomfited that Guy began to distance himself from his faith as he became more famous. And not out of anger, but more out of concern, given there’s a parable by Jesus in there somewhere, something about soil and seed and weeds.

But, leaving that aside,  Guy’s instinct to pray when things got tough is totally right.

Yet his guilt is not.

We’ve all been there

Why do I say that? Because we all recognise Guy’s dilemma. We’ve all been on that sliding scale of prayerlessness. And then suddenly things are rubbish and we find ourselves praying and we’re thinking in that self-loathing way, “How lame am I? I’m just asking God for help cos I’m out of my depth and in a bind!”

Have you not been there? I know I have. I well remember as an early 20-something having train wrecked a couple of years of my life, standing in the shower one morning and saying:

“Okay Lord, I’m going to get up every day and live life for you this time. And every day I’m going to ask you to help me.”

Results? Good at times. Sketchy at other times. Very, very good when I was diagnosed with a terrible illness. Not so good when life was frustrating me and I wasn’t getting what I wanted (and I was pretty sure God didn’t want me to get what I wanted either, which invariably turned out to be a good thing looking back on it). But here’s my takeaway:

Don’t let your guilt for not praying keep you from praying!

Our Heavenly Father loves to hear our prayers and isn’t standing with folded arms, tapping his foot in annoyance and asking “So, now that you’re in trouble you turn up. Is that right?”

That’s actually what WE would be like, but not God. By contrast Jesus presents his Father as one who loves to give good gifts to his children, even his wayward children. And God loves us to pray.

I recently interviewed former Ridley College Principal, and one time rector of St Jude’s in Carlton, Melbourne, Peter Adam, about his wonderful book on prayer, ‘Prayerfulness: Cultivating a Bible-enriched prayer life.’

Right at the start of it, he says this, and it moves my heart:

God likes talking and God likes listening. God likes talking to us, and God likes hearing from us when we talk to him. God talks to us when we read his word, The Bible. And God listens to us when we pray – that is, when we talk to him. God likes talking to us and listening to us, because God like us, and because he has made us to relate to him (and to each other) by words.

God likes us and likes hearing from us. Perhaps when you’re at the stage Guy Sebastian is, ostensibly far from God, it’s easy to think that God is far from you.

But we know he is close to each one of us. He was there with Guy in that toilet cubicle in a New South Wales court house, as an earthly judge determined whether he was being ripped off or not.

God wants to hear from you!

So whether it’s a toilet cubicle, or a virtual pig pen in a faraway land, or even that office you’re sitting in, or that kitchen window you’re staring through wondering just why the fan’s been hit so many times, God still wants to hear from you! Amazing, but true.

And more than that, he is wherever you are at the moment. That is how God is because that is who God is. If a cross is not too low for God to turn up at, then you slumped over the bowl sobbing your heart out isn’t too low for him either.

And as we know, God whispers in our pleasures, but shouts in our pain. CS Lewis reminds us of this. Perhaps Guy’s pain is God’s way of drawing him back to Himself. One can never tell.

And perhaps that’s true of you today too. You haven’t prayed for so long, and now here you are asking for help when things are rubbish.  And in God’s economy, that’s totally okay, as this famous prayer from Hannah in 1 Samuel 2 reminds us:

“The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.

He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honour.”

Or to put it differently, the one who left the throne of heaven, isn’t ashamed to be with you as you cry ugly tears, deep in the midst of your own mess. Angels might not have brought you here (let the reader understand), but God may well have done. And he can raise you back up again. You only have to ask him. Guilt free.

Article supplied with thanks to Stephen McAlpine

About the Author: Stephen has been reading, writing and reflecting ever since he can remember. A former church pastor, he now trains church and ministry leaders, and in his writing dabbles in a number of fields, notably theology and culture.

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Have you ever had a dream that God has given you that you have given up on?

It feels like you have been waiting so long that it is dead and buried. But what if it isn’t dead? What if the dream is lying dormant?

Every March in the area we live in, beautiful pink Easter Lilies, also known as Belladonna Lilies, pop up.  They always catch my eye. They bloom for a season, then are gone until the next year. Just because I can’t see their beautiful flowers doesn’t mean they are gone forever. They are just dormant. 

Dormant Season

Many plants have a dormant season, including Easter Lilies. The season’s flower dies off, but the bulb remains. In the bulb is everything that the plant needs to grow again, when conditions are right. 

A dormant season isn’t a waste. The bulb is deep in the earth, absorbing the nutrients that it needs. It’s removing waste from the season that’s been and preparing to grow again. Dormancy protects the plant from extreme temperatures and allows root development in preparation for the coming season. 

Our dreams are often like that. I have wanted to write for as long as I can remember. When I was in my teenage years, I used to write children’s books in my head, plan stories, and write poetry as a creative outlet. I wanted to write more publicly, but I never felt like it was the right time. As time went by, I would write journals, blogs, and stories. It was a way of processing, but I never published anything publicly until the last few years. 

When I think about why I didn’t do it before now, it feels like a season of dormancy. God was preparing me. Many things needed some work for it to be the right time, myself included. Ten years ago, I would have wilted at the first sign of criticism. I was too insecure to give my work to others for feedback, so I could improve. My self-image was so poor that I thought no one would care about anything I had to say. I was not ready to write then, and it would have crushed something so precious in my life before it even began. A season of dormancy has allowed for sustainability. 

Strengthen Our Roots

Sometimes it feels so long since we had the promise from God or felt hope that the dream in our heart could be achievable, that we give up on it. We think it’s dead and buried, and there is no hope for us. Trust that there is a right time for you, and the waiting is enabling you to prepare. In dormancy, we can strengthen our roots, learn to trust God deeply, and work on ourselves. If you are waiting to start working towards a dream, consider that it may not be dead; it’s just dormant. 

Article supplied with thanks to Lorrene McClymont.

About the Author: Lorrene McClymont is a writer and photographer from Hope Images. On her blog ‘Moments to Rest’, she shares about rest, faith, and family.

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Many of the toughest battles are fought quietly in the mind.

Life often has a way of presenting us with many challenges we didn’t see coming. Some of these can be external, where we have little control. But many of the toughest battles are fought quietly in the mind. We can find ourselves becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and worn down by consuming thoughts that feed our doubts. Living the Christian life means learning the practice of overcoming doubt with God’s Word, anchoring ourselves in truth when uncertainty tries to take hold.

Joyce Meyer reminds us of the holy and living power that we have in Christ Jesus. When we truly take hold of the truth and base our identity on God’s Word, the enemy loses his influence. Joyce encourages believers to take hold of the spiritual weapons God has given them so they can live with freedom and confidence in Christ.

Using God’s Word to Overcome Doubt and Fear

How much time do you spend speaking the Word of God out loud? For many of us, it isn’t nearly enough. When the truth is not spoken consistently over our lives, it becomes easier for doubt and overwhelming thoughts to creep back in, slowly distorting our vision.

The truth is, the battle against these consuming lies has already been won. Through Christ, we have the victory. What remains now is our responsibility to boldly declare that truth and actively practise overcoming doubt with God’s Word. Joyce stresses the importance of speaking this truth, focusing on the good things that God has done for us.

“When you do this, you’re feeding your faith instead of feeding your doubts.”

Rather than falling into the enemy’s traps, we turn our hearts towards Jesus and allow the truth of who He says He is to pull us out of discouragement. Choosing God’s Word over fear strengthens our faith and renews our minds.

Praise as a Weapon in Overcoming Doubt with God’s Word

Praise also serves as a powerful spiritual weapon. When we sing, we should sing with intention and purpose, declaring God’s victories over our lives. Praise shifts our focus away from fear and helps us see ourselves through the lens of who God has called us to be.

As we praise God, we reinforce the truth of His Word in our hearts. This practice strengthens our ability to stand firm and continues the process of overcoming doubt with God’s Word, even in challenging seasons.

Developing Spiritual Strength to Stand Against Doubt

Standing against the enemy requires a holy and determined spirit. We cannot simply remain passive when lies try to take root in our minds. Joyce reminds believers that Jesus died on the cross to give us complete victory, and that victory is available to us today.

Referencing Romans 10, she explains that “whosoever will” receive God’s promises must hear the Word of God. Faith grows when we consistently expose ourselves to the message of Christ and learn to stand firm in truth when doubt arises.

Why God’s Word is Medicine for Your Soul

The Word of the Lord is not simply information to be learned, but nourishment for the soul. Just as the body cannot thrive without healthy food, the spirit cannot thrive without consistent time in Scripture.

Rather than approaching Scripture as a task or obligation, Joyce encourages believers to develop a genuine hunger for the Word. God’s truth brings life because it meets us where we are, addressing the places that need healing most.

“It has inherent power in it that will heal your life.”

Over time, reading Scripture doesn’t just inform us. It strengthens us, helping us to stand firm when challenges come and reminding us of who we are in Christ.

The Victory is Won

The challenges we face may not disappear overnight, but the way we face them can change. Joyce encourages believers to be intentional about what they feed their minds and spirits, knowing that God’s Word has the power to restore, renew, and transform.

As we choose to speak truth, praise with purpose, and hunger for Scripture, we position ourselves to walk in the freedom Christ has already secured for us. In doing so, we discover that the Word truly is medicine — bringing clarity, strength, and life in every season, and leading us continually towards overcoming doubt with God’s Word.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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It’s possible to build a financial plan that’s both resilient and biblical. True wealth is built over time. 

Many Christians wonder how to build wealth that lasts without compromising their faith. In 2026, with economic uncertainty, market fluctuations, and rising costs, planning for the long term can feel overwhelming. But building a financial plan that is both resilient and biblical is possible. 

The first thing to understand is that wealth isn’t just about accumulating money, it’s about stewardship. Scripture encourages believers to plan wisely, save diligently, and give generously. A long-term plan is not a sign of doubt in God, but an act of faithful preparation. 

Why Resilience Matters More Than Returns 

Life rarely goes as planned. Unexpected events like job changes, health challenges, or market downturns can quickly disrupt finances. 

Jesus teaches in Matthew 7 about building your house on a solid rock. Similarly, aligning your finances with God’s principles creates a foundation that can withstand life’s storms. The goal is not to chase the highest returns but to build financial resilience that protects your family and allows you to serve God faithfully. 

What Does the Bible Say About Planning Ahead? 

Some Christians worry that planning for the future shows a lack of faith. But the Bible tells a different story. 

In Proverbs 13:22, it says: 

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” 

This verse encourages forward-looking stewardship. Planning for the future, saving for your family, investing wisely, and preparing for emergencies, is an expression of faith, not doubt. 

Four Pillars of a Resilient Financial Plan 

Building a long-term plan starts with four key principles:

1. Margin: Live Below Your Means

Create room in your finances by spending less than you earn. A simple framework is the 80-10-10 rule: 80% for living, 10% for saving, and 10% for giving. Margin allows you to handle unexpected expenses and give generously.

2. Protection: Prepare for Life’s Risks

Emergencies happen. Having an emergency fund (about 3–6 months of expenses) and appropriate insurance protects you from unexpected setbacks and ensures your family is cared for if something goes wrong.

3. Consistency: Build Faithful Habits

Wealth is built little by little through steady, disciplined habits. Automate your savings, practice regular giving, and stay consistent. Over time, small, consistent actions make a significant difference.

4. Diversification: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 

Investing in a variety of assets protects your finances from market fluctuations. As Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, diversify because we don’t know what challenges may come

Avoiding Short-Term Thinking 

We live in a results-driven culture that pushes quick wins and instant solutions. But financial success is achieved in seasons, not overnight. 

Patience, consistent saving, and long-term planning are critical. Christians are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, using money to serve God, bless others, and leave a lasting legacy, rather than chasing immediate gratification. 

Keeping Money From Becoming an Idol 

Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and money. Wealth becomes dangerous when it dominates our priorities or becomes the measure of success. 

The solution is to step back and ask: 

• What is the purpose of my wealth? 
• How am I using it to serve others? 
• What legacy will I leave? 

When we see money as a tool we get to use for godly purposes, it stays in its proper place. 

Preparing Without Predicting 

It’s tempting to try to predict economic downturns, market crashes, or global events. But no one can foresee the future. 

The goal is not to predict, but to prepare: 

• Spiritually: Trust God with what you cannot control. 
• Practically: Build margin, save consistently, diversify, and protect your family. 

A combination of spiritual and practical preparation creates a plan that is resilient and faithful. 

Final Thoughts 

The Bible does not condemn planning or saving for the future. Instead, it calls believers to stewardship, wisdom, and faithful preparation. 

True wealth is built over time: 

• Faithfully: Trusting God in all things 
• Wisely: Making disciplined, practical decisions 
• Purposefully: Using resources to bless others and advance God’s kingdom 

In 2026, Christians can build long-term financial plans that are both resilient and rooted in faith, creating security, freedom, and the ability to give generously. 

Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.

About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.

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When approval becomes a trap.

I was talking with a friend the other day. She has just taken on a new role in her workplace. She knows she needs to speak up more in meetings. She knows she doesn’t because she worries what people think of her.

I thought that the opinions of other people didn’t bother me so much. How wrong I was!

I started thinking about a work context where I am more than happy to contribute my ideas. I began to realise that a lot of that desire is driven by a need to prove why I’m in the room. I worked this out from the way I respond when my shared ideas encounter feedback. I take it way too much to heart. This is because in rejecting my idea, they are also rejecting me.

Both my friend and I have fear of other people’s opinions – it just manifests itself in different ways. In some situations it keeps me talking – while for my friend, it keeps her silent.

What is FOPO?

Fear of other people’s opinions – or FOPO- is a term coined by high performance psychologist and author Michael Gervais. FOPO is having an unhealthy fixation on what other people think of us. It can be distracting, limiting or even debilitating. It can stop us putting forward new ideas (or in my case, being overly sensitive to the reception of ideas), speaking up in meetings, having difficult conversations, or trying something new.

FOPO traps us into devoting our energy, attention and focus on attempting to manage what other people think of us. Which, when you think about it, is a losing battle because we really can’t control other people’s opinions. And it’s exhausting. As another friend of mine says: “You’ll be that puppy dog constantly after the next pat on the head. And that’s quite an exhausting way to live, and it’s really unpredictable and inconsistent.” Devoting our energy, attention and focus in this way means we are less able to bring our best selves into the room.

So what’s the solution?

Do we just need to be braver? How do we become braver?

It strikes me that what we need is something to anchor ourselves for those times we can get buffeted by the opinions of others. And it’s best to work out what those anchors are when the waters are calm.

The anchor could be, for example, the opinion of a trusted friend or mentor. That can give us perspective and help us to filter or assess the opinions in the room. Or it could be something we say to ourselves in opinion-threatening situations. For me, I can remind myself that my ideas should be more about the good of others and less about others feeling good about me.

While that thought might anchor me in the moment, it comes because of an even deeper anchor it is attached to. As a follower of Jesus, there should be something even more important to me than the opinions of other people.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:4-7

Jesus says the only one who should be feared – and rightly feared – is God himself. And yet that fear is from a place of safety and security because of how valuable Jesus’ followers are to God.

I find those words both challenging and comforting. Challenging because I need to fear God more than I fear people. Comforting because I am valuable to God – I matter to him. The way for me to become braver is to fear God more, because then the opinions of others will matter less.

Knowing that my worth comes from God means I am freer to act for the good of others, and so I can bring more of my best self into the room. Sharing my ideas becomes less about wanting others to feel good about me, and more about what is good for others. It then becomes a less opinion-threatening situation. And I can then more thoughtfully and calmly assess the feedback on my ideas.

Questions

1. Have you observed any FOPO behaviours in yourself?
2. What could your anchors be in opinion-threatening situations?
3. How could you see this making a practical difference?

Article provided with thanks to City Bible Forum.

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NDIS funding changes are increasing pressure on families. Here are practical ways churches can support people with disability and their families.

According to ABC News, the NDIS minister Mark Butler said funding amounts for social and community participation would be “reset” to 2023 levels, around $500 a week, with measures aimed at preventing further “runaway growth”.

Budgets for social participation activities are expected to be progressively reduced from October this year, pending the passage of legislation in June. These supports often fund group programs, outings and community engagement, meaning many families could face fewer opportunities for connection and inclusion.

As formal supports shift, the role of the local community becomes even more important. Churches are not only a place to worship God, but also a place of belonging. This creates an opportunity for churches to step in with practical care, inclusion and genuine connection.

Create a culture of welcome

Inclusion starts before any program begins.

In practice, this can be as simple as having a team that is attentive and prepared, greeting people personally, offering help in a natural way and making it clear who to approach for support. Some churches create quiet or sensory-friendly spaces where people can step out if needed or ensure there is consistency in who families interact with each week so trust can build over time.

Jesus consistently made space for those on the margins. Churches are called to reflect that same heart.

Make spaces accessible

Physical accessibility is essential. This includes ramps, accessible bathrooms and clear signage.

Accessibility also goes beyond buildings. It includes how services are structured. Clear communication, predictable routines and sharing what to expect ahead of time can help reduce anxiety. Small adjustments such as lowering volume levels, providing captions for online content or simply making spaces easier to navigate can make a significant difference for someone trying to engage.

Train and equip volunteers

This might look like running simple workshops, offering practical guidance on communication or creating a clear approach to how volunteers can respond when someone needs support. One of the most effective ways to learn is by listening directly to people with disability and their families, allowing real experiences to shape how a church responds.

Volunteers can also access formal training online. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission offers free courses and certifications that help build understanding and practical skills when supporting people living with disability.

You can explore training here.

Support the whole family

Families of people with disability often carry a significant emotional and physical load.

Support can extend beyond Sunday services. It may include pastoral care at home, personal catch-ups during the week, involvement in small groups or simply spending time together and studying the Bible in a more informal setting. For many families, these moments of connection outside the church building are where real support is felt most deeply.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

For many families, this kind of consistent and relational support is what makes the greatest difference.

Involvement in church life and serving

Inclusion is not just about access. It is also about being part of something.

Often, when people are given the opportunity to give rather than only receive, it shifts the focus away from limitations and towards purpose and contribution.

This can mean adapting roles, creating space for different abilities and recognising the value each person brings into the life of the church.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV)

When everyone has a place, the whole community becomes stronger.

A community that reflects Christ

While systems like the NDIS play an important role, they cannot replace the power of genuine community.

For churches, this is an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in practical ways. To see people, to include them and to walk alongside them.

Where a church may not have the resources or programs to meet every need, there is also value in looking beyond its own walls.

In a time when some supports are being reduced, the presence of a caring and consistent community can make a real difference in everyday life.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Article supplied with thanks to Salt 106.5.

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When we run into trials in life, sometimes we stop using our God-given gift.

Each of us has a God-given gift or ability, something that we’re able to do better than just about anyone else. But when we run into opposition and trials in life, sometimes the first thing we want to do is stop using that gift. We stop living out who God made us to be.

Berni Dymet encourages us to discover the hidden gems within ourselves. God’s gifting can actually serve as a springboard for achieving our dreams – no matter what obstacles we may face.

Though life can present its share of challenges, adversity doesn’t have to keep us from making the most out of our unique gifts and blessing others. Although it’s easy to be discouraged, we can trust God to bring good out of every challenging situation.

Using Our God-Given Gifts

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:6, to rekindle the gift of God that is within us through the laying on of hands. Then in 2 Timothy 1:14 it says to guard the good treasure entrusted to us with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

‘Timothy was struggling amidst the adversity of pastoring a growing church,’ says Berni. ‘He was at risk of losing sight of his God given gifts. So the Apostle Paul writes to him, exhorting him to rekindle that gift. Why? Because adversity was tearing away at him.’

The Bible tells us distressing times will come. Yet it seems that Timothy, perhaps like us, wasn’t expecting adversity. It’s not something we hope for or look forward to. And invariably one of the biggest impacts on us is that sense of surprise.

‘But Paul says this is the reality,’ says Berni. ‘This is what’s going to happen. Don’t be surprised. People are going to come against you. They’re going to be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, haters of good. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.’

Encourage And Comfort Those Around Us

We don’t expect to find those people in our churches, families or workplaces. But Paul is warning us they are there. Adversity is not an excuse to give up on doing good. We can’t give up using our God given gifts to love, bless, encourage and comfort those around us.

‘I believe this is reality,’ says Berni. ‘In the harsh light of day with people like this around, God is calling us to rekindle the gift that He placed in us when He hand-crafted every strand of our DNA in our mother’s womb. I know without a doubt that for some, the dream of using their God given gift has grown cold.’

Just imagine where we would be today if Jesus had turned back from the cross because it was all too hard. Adversity is the very place where we are called to grow and exercise our gift. We are to use that gift from God to make a difference in other people’s lives.

‘Adversity is not our excuse for giving up on our God given gift,’ says Berni. ‘It’s the trigger to use it even more to bless others. Because where there is opposition and adversity, more love and more grace is actually required.’

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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Sometimes, everything goes smoothly in life. But can there be beauty in the waiting, when God asks us to stop, wait and pause?

The Green Light Experience

Green light experiences are those moments when things are moving ahead, doors are opening, plans are coming together, the kids are happy and healthy.

“But what do you do when life hits a red light?” asked Pastor Brad, also known as The Shearing Pastor.

“Those times in life when a job opportunity stalls. If something goes wrong, a relationship you thought was going to work out just stops. Something you’d hoped for. And it feels like you’re sitting at a red light. I’ve noticed that we rarely ever question green lights, but we always sit at the red light, asking, ‘Why?’

Why We Wait

As a shearer and a pastor, Brad considered to his sheep.

“There’s a thing in the shearing and sheep industry called low stress stock handling. It is about getting sheep from one destination to another.”

In the old days, shepherds would scream at the sheep and use scare tactics, chasing them to the point where the sheep were terrified.

“With low stress stock handling, the farmer simply positions himself and moves the sheep from one destination to another by his presence, rather than fear.”

Low Stress Stock Handling

According to Brad, this process takes longer because the sheep have to stop and wait- just like people at a red light- but the results are better.

“When the sheep get to their destination they are calmer, more relaxed, and it’s easier for both them and the shearers.”

They Who Wait

Overall, Brad’s encouragement is to stop asking, “Why?” the next time you find yourself at the red light. Consider the fact that perhaps it isn’t rejection. It could be protection.

“Who knows what is around the corner?” asked Pastor Brad. He referred to the scripture in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

“Maybe the red light isn’t for just stopping, maybe it is for strengthening you as you wait. Over the years, I’ve learned that the waiting times are never wasted when we trust in God.”

“Always resist thinking that it’s rejection. It may just be protection.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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From failure to unexpected hope

In 2012, a story rocked the art world and made headlines worldwide. It centred on a mural by the nineteenth-century artist Elías García Martínez, painted on the wall of a small church in the Spanish village of Borja. A tender portrait of Christ gazing to heaven, this beautiful piece was flaking through age and in desperate need of restoration.

That’s where Cecilia Giménez stepped in. Picking up her paint set, the amateur artist tried her hand at restoring the mural herself—to catastrophic effect. Soon Martínez’ gentle brushwork was replaced with what looked like a crayon drawing of a monkey in an Eskimo suit. Nicknamed ‘Monkey Christ’, the botched job went viral, and as the world laughed and conservator’s wept, Giménez retreated to her bed, ill from the stress of global condemnation.

An Unexpected Twist

Left there, the Monkey Christ story could be a tragic tale of amateurs overestimating their abilities. But Giménez’ heart seemed in the right place. Widowed young, she’d raised two disabled children alone, and in her village, everyone stepped in to fix what was broken. She’d only been trying to help.

Cecilia Giménez died December 2025, aged 94, prompting journalists to return to Borja, where they found the story had taken an unexpected twist. With her newfound fame, Giménez’ own artworks had started to sell, with the proceeds of which she donated to charity. The little village of Borja had become a tourist destination, with thousands flocking to see the internet-famous painting, and the income from that now supported a care home for the elderly. The ‘worst restoration in history’ ended up restoring many peoples’ lives.

Hope for Your Next Miss-Step

It isn’t the first time a positive has emerged from a tragedy. And at the centre of the story is the face of Christ—disfigured this time from paint, and originally from a crown of thorns. Once ridiculed, unexpected twists follow wherever he goes, which is why Christians like me love him. And that, for me, sounds a note of hope for our own miss-steps and botch-ups:

When he’s in the picture, a catastrophe can become the raw materials for a miracle.

Article supplied with thanks to Sheridan Voysey.

About the Author: Sheridan Voysey is an author and broadcaster on faith and spirituality. His latest book is called Reflect with Sheridan. Download his FREE inspirational printable The Creed here.

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Psychologist Anna Ponnudurai reflects on how Scripture and neuroscience intersect.

Registered psychologist Anna Ponnudurai says the Bible’s description of the human mind is both poetic and profoundly accurate.

Referring to Psalm 139:14, Anna explains that our brains are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

“It’s just a beautiful passage in the Bible about how our brains are so connected and created,” Anna said.

“It was designed by God and it’s the organ of thought, emotion and decision making. So it’s God’s incredible design for relationship and growth, really.”

Throughout Scripture, the importance of the mind is repeated. Anna points to Romans 12:2, which speaks about the renewing of the mind.

This ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity. While it begins in childhood, it continues into adulthood. But Anna is clear – change takes time.

“That takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort. It takes a lot of practice,” she said.

“What we really ruminate on, what we think about, really matters. We actually have a lot more power over our thoughts, over our behaviour than we realise.”

Anna believes that, with intentional effort, we can learn to shape our thinking.

“Yes, we do have the power to control our thoughts,” she said.

The Bible also urges believers to guard what enters their hearts and minds. Anna says this wisdom is highly relevant in today’s world.

For those wanting a practical starting point, Anna offers a simple reflection exercise.

“Every time you think of something, every time you hear something, ask: Is that thought real? And what do I want to do with that?”

It’s a small but powerful question – one that reflects both biblical wisdom and modern neuroscience.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2. Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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