GREECE!

Greece is on the horizon, and I'd love for you to be part of this journey with us. Below you'll find a devotional I put together that connects each day's events with Scripture. I hope you'll follow along, spending a few moments each day reading and praying with us.

I also want to ask for your prayers in a personal way.

It seems that every year, right as ministry begins to ramp up, I face something that tries to distract or discourage me. I truly believe it's spiritual warfare.

The first year, my oldest son experienced multiple seizures for the first time and had to be rushed by ambulance to Birmingham—twice. The next year, I underwent meniscus surgery. The following year, at 44 years old, I had my wisdom teeth removed at the worst possible time. I had been invited by ESPN to join a live broadcast during one of our games—an incredible opportunity—but I could barely smile because I was recovering from surgery.

This year has brought a different challenge. Over the past few years, my voice has become increasingly raspy—not ideal for someone whose calling is preaching and public speaking. More recently, I developed a blister in my throat, along with severe pain in my side, neck, and extremities, along with headaches and low grade temperatures. After a CT scan of my neck and throat, an ultrasound of my abdomen, and rounds of blood work, the doctors have determined that I'll need to have my gallbladder removed when we return from Greece.

Through it all, I'm reminded of 1 Peter 4:12–13:

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you... But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

When God is at work, the enemy often tries to distract, discourage, and derail. We shouldn't be surprised—but we should be prepared.

I also think about Job. Satan claimed that Job only loved God because of the blessings he had received. God allowed Job to be tested, and after losing his wealth, his health, and so much more, Job still declared:

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

That's my prayer as well. I pray for God's protection over my health, my family, and our team. But even more, I pray for a faith that remains steadfast no matter the circumstances—a faith that can honestly say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Thank you for praying for us as we prepare for this trip. Your prayers mean more than you know. We serve a faithful God, and He is good.

Blessings,

See the devotional below.