The journey of this earth-life and faith isn’t linear. It’s marked by ups and downs, twists and turns, still waters and dark valleys. There are seasons of great clarity and energy, and also seasons of waiting, questions, or uncertainty.

All this to say, beautiful friend, if you are in the swirl of it all and wondering why things aren’t easier, you are not alone.

Life is wild and difficult and beautiful. Through it all, Jesus doesn’t leave us. Even in the darkest times when it feels like He is gone, He is there. I don’t always like the way He is there… but He is always there. And there is always hope ahead.

Often we only hear the stories of victory. We humans sure love a happy ending. But, to be honest, those stories don’t nourish me when I am in the middle of dark days. When I am not yet sure I will see a victory. When the questions are bigger than the certainties.

We need to share the stories of how we keep surviving and breathing and not giving up.

Telling our stories of resilience, hope, endurance, contending, doubt, struggle, wrestling, losing hope, and waiting for answers… is life-giving to ourselves and others. I am utterly sure of this. Our half-finished stories are like manna in the wilderness. We are nourished and we can keep moving forward towards the promises we have not yet seen.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, longed for direction, or needed a quiet space to rest, you are welcome here. I hope that you’ll find rest, nourishment, and hope here.

Hi, I’m Justine. Merciful Days is a space for reflection, encouragement, and reminders that God is at work. Through honest words and faith-filled reflections, I hope you find the courage and energy to keep breathing, keep hoping, and keep seeking God.