The Connection Corner

Peace That Overcomes Panic

Proverbs 19:23 — Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

Life can flip in one second.

One minute you’re planning your day. The next minute you’re in an ambulance.

That’s what happened to my friend Laura. She had a heart attack recently, and when you hear the word “heart attack”, everything in you tightens because we all know what that can mean.

But here’s what I need you to hear today. God did a miracle.

Doctors ran the tests. They checked everything, and there is zero heart damage. None!

I mean, we’re all stunned. It’s the kind of outcome that makes medical teams pause and say, “We don’t see this often.”

And I keep thinking about something Scripture says: “Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.”

Now that doesn’t mean people who love God never walk through scary moments. Clearly Laura did. Sirens still sound. Ambulances still roll. Hospital rooms still fill with worried families.

But something deeper was holding her. Reverence for God anchored her soul in a way that nothing could shake. And when life flips in a second, that kind of foundation matters.

Because the truth is, we don’t get to control when the ambulance shows up. But we do get to decide where our hearts rest before those moments ever arrive.

Nothing—not fear, sirens, or hospital rooms—can take away the peace God gives. Because when you fear the Lord by loving Him well and anchoring your hope in Him, the outcome is peace. And that peace isn’t based on your circumstances.

It’s rooted deeper than that.

So, maybe today you feel like something just knocked the wind out of you. Maybe your world feels shaky.

But what if this is your reminder? Look to our holy and mighty God, and keep living for Him. Because the same God who protected my friend Laura’s heart is holding yours right now too. That peace is not fragile, friend.

It’s unshakable.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

When life feels uncertain or scary, where does your mind go first—fear or trust in God?
What does “fearing the Lord” look like in your everyday life right now?
Can you think of a time when God gave you peace in the middle of a difficult or unexpected situation?
What would it look like to anchor your heart in God before the next hard moment comes?
Is there something in your life right now that feels shaky? How can you invite God into it today?

April 30, 2026/by Denise Pagano

The “Brrr” Before the Breakthrough

Brenda Price, Daily Devotional

Isaiah 41:10 — Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

This Spring, are you doing pickleball or water aerobics?

I’m doing water aerobics, and I love it. It is so good and so much fun.

One of the ladies in my class encouraged me to start swimming laps in the Olympic-size pool we have at the gym. But she warned me ahead of time.

“It’s cold when you first get in.”

She was not kidding.

My goodness—that first step into the water was a shock. I almost turned around right there. Then I looked up and saw how long that pool was, and I thought, “Oh I don’t know if I can do this.”

But step by step, I slowly went in.

It was cold, but before I knew it, I was cruising along. Oh my goodness—I’m actually doing this. I finished the laps. I felt strong. I felt accomplished.

I really did.

And honestly, I think following God can feel a lot like that first step into the pool. Sometimes what He calls us to do feels intimidating. It can feel cold. It can seem longer than we expected when we’re standing at the edge.

Most of the things God grows in us begin with a step that feels uncomfortable.

But when we take that first step and trust Him, something surprising happens. He meets us there. He says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” He steadies our hearts, stays right beside us, and strengthens us—just like He promises. Strength for every lap.

He never promises it will be easy. No, no.

But He does promise He will be right there with us the whole way.

And maybe today there’s something in front of you that feels like that cold pool a little—something that makes you hesitate. It looks harder and longer than you expected.

Remember that sometimes it just takes easing one foot into the water.

And then the next.

And when you do, eventually you’ll discover you’re not swimming alone.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What is something in your life right now that feels intimidating or uncomfortable—like that first step into cold water?
What fears or doubts tend to hold you back from taking that first step?
Can you remember a time when God met you after you stepped out in faith? What did that teach you?
What would it look like to trust God for “the next step” instead of the whole journey?
How does knowing God is with you and strengthening you change the way you face what’s ahead?

April 29, 2026/by Brenda Price

From Fan to Follower

Daily Devotional, Kirstie Ford

Mark 8:34 — Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”

Before I was a follower of Christ, I was a fan of Christ. When I think of my “Jesus Fan” era, one of my favorite Christian music artists—Tiffany Hudson from Elevation Worship—comes to mind. Let me elaborate.

I have attended many concerts, admiring her voice from a distance. Every one has been sold out, which means I’m no different than the thousands of people in the room who admire her.

I know every word to every song she sings. I follow her on every social media platform you can think of. I know a lot about her, but I don’t personally know her. I don’t have a personal relationship with her.

Being a fan is more about admiration than commitment.

For many years, I was comfortable being a fan of Jesus. I didn’t want the responsibilities of a follower. I believed in Him, admired Him, and even spoke His name—yet I struggled with fully surrendering my life to Him.

While I carried the label of “Christian,” my everyday choices, my speech, and my character behind closed doors told a different story. People look at the outside, but God looks at the heart, and my heart was far away from Him.

I was active in church life: attending regularly, serving, joining small groups, and investing in marriage retreats. Through the world’s eyes I looked like a disciple, but deep down I knew I wasn’t. But I didn’t quite fit with the world anymore either. Jesus had set me apart from it.

Yet Jesus never called people to be admirers in the crowd. He called them to follow after Him—to deny themselves, take up the cross they’ve been avoiding, and follow Him.

It is only by the grace of God that I can confidently say I am no longer a fan, but an unashamed follower of Christ. In March of 2023, I dropped my nets, just like Peter, to follow Him. The responsibilities that I once viewed as burdens, I now see as an abundant life. The character that was questionable behind closed doors now carries a holy conviction.

So, I challenge you to ask yourself this:

If someone found out you follow Jesus, would it surprise them—or make perfect sense? Would they say, “Wow, that’s surprising!” or “Oh, that makes sense?”

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as more of a fan or a follower right now? Why?
Is there an area of your life where you’ve been resisting surrender to God?
What does “taking up your cross” look like for you in this season?
Do your daily choices and private life reflect your faith publicly?
What is one step you can take today to follow Jesus more intentionally?

April 28, 2026/by Kirstie Ford