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On Purpose

Promoting Biblical Literacy and Disciple Making

Visit the On Purpose Blog to learn more about knowing God intimately, loving Him deeply, and serving Him on purpose

Devotional - The Day of Long Night

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

In our rushing and preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ, I am reminded that there are people in our circles who are hurting. They are suffering for so many reasons. Perhaps it is the pain of a fresh loss or a distant memory. Physical or emotional separation; financial distress over job uncertainty; loneliness. I am one of those people. It’s true that I find joy in every day. It is equally true that I find sorrow on this Winter solstice day.

Today is the time when daylight is short, and the darkness of night is long. Ugh! This darkness of Winter could easily consume me. But God! God designed this day just as he designed the others. It has me thinking not all darkness is bad. Afterall, God gave us the nights to be restored through sleep. Perhaps this day of long night was designed to give us rest before the festivities of Christmas day? To cause us to pause. To allow us to feel all the feels. To know that this year we will also face a newness that comes with changes we may not have chosen. To embrace the memories and traditions that once were with tears and with joy.

God placed the Winter solstice smack dab in the middle of this season. Now, I can find some joy in that! We are halfway through.

Oh Lord, I pray that on this day of long night, those who have fresh wounds and those with memories of past sorrows will let you hold us through the darkness. That we will embrace the rest you have for us today and emerge somehow refreshed with the new dawn.

That we will take heart for you have overcome! (John 16:33)

Cindi Raymond

Author, Speaker, Leadership Mentor

I am a follower of Jesus Christ, wife, mother, and grandmother with a heart for women to know God intimately, love Him deeply and serve Him on purpose. With Proverbs 20:5 as my life mission, I encourage generations of women to acknowledge and fulfill their anointing.

Passion and Purpose

I have a deep desire to draw the hearts of women to the heart of God by promoting Biblical literacy and disciple-making. Though the road has had more than a few bumps and detours, I have learned to navigate leadership with humility. With a gift for conference speaking, mentoring, and consulting; my purpose is in challenging women to discover, acknowledge and live-out their purpose with intentionality. One of my biggest strengths lies in the ability to “keep things real” – I bring simplicity to the complex and joy in the mundane.

Blessings in Disguise

Have you ever had a blessing in disguise? Our biggest blessings often come disguised in hard times, difficult circumstances, broken relationships, or shattered dreams, but the Bible promises us that He will turn all things good for those who love the Lord. This is the hope believers cling to when the storm is so treacherous that we can’t see the next step. These stories will bring you hope and encourage you to look for your own blessings in disguise.