This morning I was sitting at our campsite at Chain O’ Lakes, coffee in hand, watching the fire crackle, and just taking in the quiet of nature with my son Keagan. There’s something about mornings like this; no rush, no noise, just the fire and the woods, that makes it easier to slow down and hear from God.

As I was reading, I came across this verse:

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:16

That hit me right where I’m at. Honestly, I’ve felt a bit blind lately, like I’m walking down a path I don’t fully recognize. You know those trails you take at a state park, some wide and familiar, and others where you’re not quite sure what’s around the bend? That’s how life feels at times.

But the promise in this verse is what stopped me. God doesn’t just leave us wandering. He says He will guide us, He will light the way, He will smooth out the rough spots. That doesn’t mean the path isn’t unfamiliar or even a little scary. It just means we don’t walk it alone.

This morning was a good reminder for me: even when I can’t see what’s ahead, He already knows the way. And I suppose that’s what faith really is, trusting that the God who made the trail is the same God who’s walking it beside me.

If you’re facing something unfamiliar right now, I hope this verse reminds you of the same thing it reminded me of today: you’re not forsaken. He’s guiding you, step by step

Where in your life do you feel like you’re walking down an unfamiliar path right now?

How might God be bringing light to that situation, even if it feels uncertain?

What “rough places” in your journey can you trust Him to smooth out?

“Lord, thank You for promising to guide me even when I feel blind or unsure of the path ahead. Help me to trust You with each step, believing that You will bring light to my darkness and smooth out the rough places. Remind me that I am never forsaken, because You are always with me. Amen.”

The post Unfamiliar Paths and God’s Promise appeared first on The Buca Blog.

This morning, my reading took me to a story I’ve heard plenty of times, the one in Matthew 14:22–36 where Peter steps out of the boat and actually walks on water.

In a nutshell, here’s what happened:
The disciples are out in the middle of the lake, the wind’s going wild, and suddenly Jesus comes walking toward them on the water. Peter says, “If it’s really you, tell me to come.” Jesus says, “Come.” And Peter steps out, literally walking on the water, until the waves and wind start looking a little too real. Doubt creeps in, he sinks, and Jesus pulls him back up.


Here’s my take on this:
So many times in life, opportunities are staring me right in the face, but I’ve passed them up or put them in the back burner, not because they weren’t good, but because I second-guessed myself. Sometimes it’s doubt. Sometimes I tell myself I don’t have time. Sometimes I think maybe there’s something better waiting. And if I’m honest, sometimes it’s just that I’m worried about what other people might think if I actually went for it.

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And here’s the thing and it’s a big thing and one that I catch myself doing too often, worrying about what other people think is one of the best ways to stay stuck in the boat. We get so hung up on this, whether it’s a spouse, a family member or relative, a friend, it even a co-worker. This topic should probably be saved for another blog post… So let’s move on.

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What this story reminds me:

There’s never going to be a “perfect” time.

You almost never feel fully ready before you start.

The voices in your head (and sometimes from other people) will always try to talk you out of it.

Failure isn’t the enemy, sitting still is.

—

Maybe you’ve got something right now that’s been sitting in the back of your mind. A decision you’ve been putting off. A conversation you’ve avoided. An idea you’ve pushed aside because the timing, the money, or the confidence isn’t there yet.

The reality? That “perfect moment” you’re waiting for might never come. And the longer you stay in the boat, the easier it is to convince yourself that the leap isn’t worth it.

—

My challenge for today:
Write down one thing you’ve been delaying. Then take one step, however small, toward it. Make the call. Do the research. Send the email. Whatever it is, just move.

Because the regret of wondering “what if” will always weigh more than the risk of finding out.

The post Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out Anyway appeared first on The Buca Blog.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4

This morning, my devotional centered around one simple but powerful idea: letting go. The verse it pointed me to was Ecclesiastes 3:4, and it hit home for me. As I kept reading through the rest of the chapter, something became very clear; God really has made a time for everything. That includes feeling.

Now, I’ll be honest; emotions aren’t the easiest thing for me! If you know me, you know I’m more of a thinker than a feeler. Somewhere along the way, I’d say it started on my childhood, I started treating emotions like something to manage or control rather than something to accept. After all, it was something I saw growing up, not just from my family and friends but from the community I was raised in.  But today, I was reminded that feelings are a part of God’s design. They’re not a problem to fix, they’re a gift to embrace. That concept has often been difficult for me to understand.

Ecclesiastes tells us there’s a time for all of it: the joy and the sorrow, the laughter and the tears. There’s even a time to dance,  something I never do but should do more of, metaphorically or literally. Maybe you can relate. If you’re like me and in that middle stretch of life, emotions can start to feel a little more complicated. We carry responsibilities, regrets, memories, and hopes and sometimes all at once.

But what if part of maturity and faith is learning to let go of the idea that we always need to keep it together?

What if tears don’t mean we’re weak, but honest?
What if laughter isn’t an escape, but healing?
What if mourning is a path to deeper peace?
And what if dancing even just in our spirit is how we step into the joy God designed for us?

Although it’s been a difficult journey to understand my emotions and the emotions of the people I love and live with, I’m learning that it’s okay to let my emotions show up without judgment. I don’t have to hide them or push them away. God isn’t thrown off by my sadness or discomfort. And I don’t have to be either.

So today, I’m choosing to lean into Ecclesiastes 3:4. I’m asking God to help me be present in whatever season I’m in, to laugh without guilt, to cry without shame, to mourn with hope, and maybe even dance a little more freely.

Wherever you are today, whatever you’re feeling, let it be. God made time for this too.

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A Simple Prayer for You and I

Father, thank You for reminding me that You created time for every season — even the ones I struggle with. Help me stop resisting the emotions You placed in me. Teach me how to feel without fear, to let go without shame, and to trust You with what I don’t fully understand. Whether I’m weeping or laughing, mourning or dancing, help me know You’re with me through it all. Amen.

The post Letting Go: Making Peace with Our God-Given Emotions appeared first on The Buca Blog.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Have you ever read this verse and thought, “Why don’t I feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined?” If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with fear, self-doubt, and moments of weakness. Even though we know God has given us His Spirit, walking in His power can feel like an uphill battle.

But here’s the truth: God’s Spirit is already within us, equipping us with power, love, and self-discipline. The challenge isn’t that we lack these attributes, but that we often forget to access them. So how do we live in the reality of 2 Timothy 1:7?

1. Recognizing Fear for What It Is

Fear often disguises itself as caution, insecurity, or hesitation. But God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear! When we recognize fear creeping in, we must remind ourselves that it doesn’t come from God. Instead of entertaining it, we can reject it and replace it with faith.

2. Leaning Into God’s Power

God’s power isn’t something we generate on our own—it comes from Him. When we feel weak, we need to remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Relying on God’s power means praying for His help, stepping out in faith even when we feel inadequate, and trusting that He will sustain us.

3. Choosing Love Over Fear

Fear and love cannot coexist. When fear grips us, it often makes us focus inward—on our inadequacies, our failures, or our worries. Love, however, turns our focus outward. When we shift our mindset to love—loving God, loving others, and even loving ourselves as God does—we push fear aside and step into God’s purpose.

4. Practicing Self-Discipline Daily

Self-discipline isn’t just about willpower; it’s about aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s truth. When we make time for prayer, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with encouragement, we strengthen the discipline to walk in God’s Spirit. Every small step of faith builds spiritual endurance.

Encouragement for Today

If you don’t feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined today, take heart—you’re not alone. But remember, these attributes aren’t feelings; they are gifts from the Holy Spirit. Even when you feel weak, God’s Spirit within you is strong. Keep stepping forward in faith, and over time, you’ll see His power at work in your life.

So, take a deep breath. Let go of fear. Trust in the Spirit that God has given you. He is with you, always.

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