The Connection Corner

Right Place Right Faith

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

When Shelby Anders boarded the flight, she expected nothing more than pretzels and a nap. She had clocked enough hours in the ICU that week to last her a while.

But just after takeoff, a commotion started a few rows ahead.

“Somebody help! He’s not responding!”

Shelby didn’t think. She stood.

“I’m a cardiac ICU nurse,” she said, already leaning over the man. He was slumped, face colorless.

Shelby started compressions. Her arms knew the rhythm, but her heart felt the weight. An ER doctor joined. Then another nurse. They moved like a single unit, strangers with the same mission.

The man’s wife—Melanie—was shaking. “Lord,” she whispered, “I need You.”

The minutes stretched long. Too long.

And then, it happened. A heartbeat. A breath. A sign of life.

When the plane touched down in New York, paramedics waited on the tarmac. The man was still alive. His wife held Shelby’s hand for a moment before following the stretcher. She didn’t say much—just “Thank you.” But the look in her eyes said the rest.

Someone called her brave. Someone else called her a hero, but reflecting on the experience later, she shared, “I don’t see myself as a hero. I just see it as being the hands and feet of Jesus. That’s why I do what I do.”

Maybe you’re not a nurse on a flight. Maybe your gift looks more like cooking, listening, or driving someone around. You were created with something this world needs. Do not underestimate those gifts God has given you. He may not call you to save a life at 30,000 feet—but He may use you for something only you were made to do.

May 28, 2025/by Bri Dunn

Wait and Watch God Work

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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.”

There’s something about the ocean that resets your soul. It’s loud and wild and unpredictable—but it pulls you in anyway.

During a trip to Gulf Shores, Sarah and I found ourselves right in the middle of the chaos— sunscreen in our eyes, seagulls calling overhead, and a couple of nephews ready to conquer the waves.

We handed them boogie boards and waded out together. We tried to explain how it worked. “You’ve got to wait,” we told them. “Not every wave is the right one.”

Our nephews tried. Sort of. But mostly they jumped at whatever came first. Some waves faded too soon. Others knocked them over like bowling pins. But every so often, one would lift them and send them gliding all the way to shore.

I stood there watching, grinning like crazy, when it hit me: They’re not frustrated when they fall. They’re excited to try again.

That got to me.

Because I’ve been in waiting seasons too. Not on a beach—but in life. Hoping God would give direction, open a door, answer a prayer. I’ve tried to push ahead, force momentum, make things happen. But faith is not about forcing waves, is it? It is about showing up in the water—hopeful, ready, and willing to wait for God’s timing.

So, I am learning to wait differently. Not with crossed arms, but with open hands. Like a kid at the beach, bracing for the next ride.

And maybe you are, too. If you’re waiting on something—don’t give up. You are not forgotten. Stay ready. Keep watching. The tide is turning.

May 27, 2025/by David Hall

Why I Stopped Running My Life

Daily Devotional, Sarah Hall

Psalms 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”

That summer, I packed for camp hoping for a little break—one last deep breath before senior year swept in with all its questions. College applications, future plans, expectations from every direction—I was already feeling overwhelmed.

Towards the end of the week, I found myself standing among other campers in the sanctuary. The worship band played gentle music as the pastor delivered the closing of his sermon. Then he paused to let these words hang in the air.

“There is someone,” he said, “who needs to completely surrender their life plans to the Lord.”

I froze. My throat tightened. That was me.

Still, I didn’t rush to respond. I was scared. Surrender sounded beautiful in theory, but terrifying in practice. What if God’s plans were different than mine? What if surrender meant giving up something good?

Later, I sat across from my camp leader and let the tears come. I confessed I didn’t know what to do next. My mentor listened with compassion, guiding me through my doubts and helping me understand what true surrender meant.

It wasn’t about giving up my future; it was about trusting God with it, believing that He knew better than I ever could.

Looking back, it has not always been easy. Trusting God can be hard, especially when the future still feels so unknown. But over time, I have learned that surrender isn’t about giving up my dreams—it’s about trusting that He will guide me.

And for you? Maybe it is not your whole future you are wrestling with. Maybe it is just one decision. One burden. One thing you have gripped too tightly. What if your next right step is simply choosing to trust the One who has already seen the rest of your story—and loves you enough to walk with you every step of the way.

May 26, 2025/by Sarah Hall