Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

Still Seen Still Heard (Faith in the Dark)

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. – John 19:39 ESV
Nicodemus didn’t come with a testimony. He didn’t arrive with a miracle story or a bold proclamation.
He just came.
And for a while, it looked like he faded into the background. We don’t hear from him after his quiet conversation with Jesus—until much later.
When Jesus is laid in the tomb, then Nicodemus reappears.
Bringing myrrh and aloes.
Bringing honor.
Bringing love.
Not with words, but with sacrifice.
He stepped out of the night—not to preach, but to serve. Not to be seen, but to give.
Maybe that’s where you are. You’ve walked with God, but feel unnoticed. Your faith has been quiet. Your acts unseen. Your voice soft. You wonder if it even matters.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5 ESV
Let this truth steady your soul like a candle in the dark:
You are still seen. You are still heard. You still matter to Jesus.
God saw Nicodemus. God sees you.
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. – Psalm 34:15 ESV
He sees the questions you’ve asked in secret. The prayers you’ve whispered. The quiet ways you’ve honored Him when no one was looking.
Faith doesn’t need a stage to be sincere. Sometimes the boldest belief is lived in the shadows—until it quietly steps into the light.
So take heart. Your quiet faith is not forgotten.
Psalm 56:8 says You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
Jesus knows. Jesus cares. Jesus sees.
Ask Yourself
Have I believed the lie that God forgets me?
Where in my life do I need to remember that I am still seen and still heard?
Let’s pray together.
Lord,
Thank You for being the kind of God who sees in the dark.
When I feel overlooked—You are watching.
When I feel unheard—You are listening.
When I feel unseen—You call me beloved.
I don’t need to shine to be Yours. You are Light enough for both of us.
Amen.

From Shadows To Light (Faith in the Dark)

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” – John 3:21 ESV
Nicodemus came to Jesus in the shadows.
But shadows don’t stay shadows when you’ve been with the Light.
We meet him first in John 3—coming quietly, seeking truth under cover of night. Then again in John 7—cautiously speaking up for Jesus among religious leaders. And finally, in John 19—boldly stepping forward after the crucifixion, carrying burial spices and helping lay Jesus in the tomb.
Publicly. Openly. Unashamed.
His journey wasn’t fast. But it was real.
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. – Proverbs 4:18 ESV
Faith doesn’t always erupt like fireworks. Sometimes it unfolds like sunrise—slow, steady, and full of grace.
Nicodemus didn’t make a loud conversion speech. Jesus never pressured him to. But transformation was happening the whole time.
From whispered questions to quiet defense to undeniable devotion—grace was growing into boldness.
for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light – Ephesians 5:8 ESV
And it’s the same with us.
Maybe you still feel like you’re in between—still unsure, still stepping cautiously, still learning what it means to be fully His.
That’s okay.
Nicodemus reminds us that Jesus honors the journey. He sees every step, even the small ones. Especially the small ones.
Faith is not measured by speed. It’s measured by direction.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14 ESV
If you’re moving toward Jesus—even slowly—you’re moving into the light.
And the light changes everything.
Ask Yourself
Where in your life are you still hiding?
What would it look like to step into the light—even just a little?
Let’s pray together
Jesus,
You never rushed Nicodemus—and You’re not rushing me.
Thank You for walking with me through every hidden corner of my heart.
I want to live in the light… but I’m scared.
Give me courage. Give me clarity. Give me one small step.
Amen.

Whispered Prayers (Faith in the Dark)

From Faith In The Dark on YouVersion
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. – Psalm 5:3 ESV
Nicodemus opened his mouth and said one word: “Rabbi.”
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t a sermon. It wasn’t even a clear confession of faith. But it was something.
That one word held more than syllables—it held longing. It said: “I see something in You.”
“I’m not sure who You are… but I want to know.”
“I’m here, even if I’m afraid.”
Sometimes, that’s all we can offer. Not a polished prayer. Not a perfect performance. Just a whisper. A sigh. A name.
But here’s the grace:
Jesus hears whispered prayers just as clearly as shouted ones.
He’s not waiting for volume. He’s listening for sincerity.
Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. – Isaiah 65:24 ESV
We don’t need the right words—we need a real heart. Nicodemus came at night, in quiet curiosity, and Jesus still welcomed him into a profound conversation about truth, rebirth, and eternal life.
Maybe you’ve been quiet lately. Maybe your prayers are broken, halting, or hesitant. That’s okay.
The heart behind your whisper holds more power than you think.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18 ESV
God isn’t moved by spiritual performance—He’s moved by faith. Even when it feels small. Even when it sounds like barely more than a breath.
One word is enough when it’s honest.
One whisper can open the door to revelation.
So speak. Or sigh. Or simply show up in silence.
Because even whispered prayers carry the full attention of heaven.
Ask Yourself
What has been your most honest, unfiltered prayer lately?
Write it again—without editing.
Whisper it again—without shame.
Let’s pray together
Jesus,
You hear the words I never say out loud.
You see the thoughts I barely know how to form.
Thank You for listening, even when I’m hesitant…
even when I’m hurting…
even when all I can say is, “Help.”
Let my whispered prayers rise to You like incense.
Let Your peace whisper back.
Amen.

Seeking Without Shame (Faith in the Dark)

From Faith In The Dark on YouVersion
a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. -Isaiah 42:3 ESV
Nicodemus didn’t just come at night—he came with reverence.
He called Jesus, Rabbi. He acknowledged the miracles. He even said, “God must be with You.” His heart was drawn in, but his actions were cautious. Though he was curious and respectful, he wasn’t ready to follow Jesus openly.
And Jesus didn’t shame him for that.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1 ESV
Sometimes we think real faith should look bold right away. We wonder, “If I truly believed, wouldn’t I be louder about it? More committed? More public?” But Nicodemus reminds us that spiritual hunger doesn’t always equal spiritual maturity—and that’s okay.
He was still learning. Still watching. Still wondering. And Jesus gave him room to grow.
There is no shame in that.
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” – Romans 10:11 ESV
We all start somewhere. Some come running, others walk slowly. Some shout their faith, others whisper their doubts. What matters is the direction of your heart—not the volume of your voice.
Jesus honors seekers. He doesn’t rush us. He doesn’t require perfection before presence. He simply invites us in.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 ESV
So if you’re approaching with questions… if you’re not quite ready to go all in… if your faith feels quiet or cautious—take heart.
Nicodemus shows us that coming to Jesus with honest curiosity is enough to begin a life-changing conversation.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. – Psalm 34:5 ESV
There is no shame in seeking. Jesus sees it. Jesus welcomes it. And Jesus will meet you in it.
Ask Yourself
Where have I felt shame about not being “bold enough” in my faith?
How can I let Jesus meet me in the middle of my seeking?
Let’s pray together
Lord, sometimes I feel behind.Like I should know more. Believe more. Be braver. But You don’t rush me.You walk beside me—even when I come at night.You call me “beloved,” even when I call You “teacher.”Keep me hungry. And help me trust the slow path to boldness.
Amen.

When Faith Comes at Night (Faith in the Dark)

From Faith In The Dark on YouVersion
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” – John 3:1-4 ESV
Nicodemus didn’t come with a crowd.
He came at night. Quietly. With questions. With a flicker of faith and a heart full of wonder.
He wasn’t trying to hide from Jesus. He was trying to get close—without the eyes of others watching. His approach wasn’t bold or loud, but it was real. Sincere. Risky in its own way.
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. – Psalm 139:12 ESV
Faith doesn’t always show up with confidence. Sometimes, it shows up with curiosity. A whisper that asks, “Is this really You?”
Nicodemus came seeking truth, not attention. And Jesus met him with grace and revelation. He didn’t shame him for coming in the dark. He didn’t demand a louder faith. Instead, He spoke about being born again, about the Spirit’s work, and the love of God so deep He gave His Son for the world.
Faith often begins like this—in quiet moments, uncertain steps, and secret prayers. Before it becomes bold, it begins with a question.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
If your faith feels small or hesitant right now, you’re in good company. Jesus welcomes seekers. He honors even the faintest light of belief. You don’t need to have it all figured out to come to Him.
Nicodemus reminds us that even a quiet knock on the door of truth can open into a conversation that changes everything.
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. – Jeremiah 33:3 ESV
So come, even if it’s in the dark. He will meet you there.
Ask Yourself
What questions have I been holding back from asking Jesus?
Let’s pray together
Jesus, I don’t always come boldly.
Sometimes I come afraid, with doubts I don’t know how to say out loud.
But I’m here. In the dark. Seeking You.
Will You meet me here?
Amen.

God Is Not Done (Good Things)

God’s not dead and he’s not done! Your life may look or feel like an unfinished painting—a huge mess with pieces missing.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
God wants you to know that although you may not be able to see it, He is still at work. He’s still doing a creative and brilliant work in your life and in the lives of those you love. Just because you can’t see the finished product doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be a masterpiece.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6 ESV
Philippians 1:6 refers to the unfinished work of God and tells us to be confident that He who began a good work will complete it. So, rest assured: God is still active and hard at work in your life.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. – Psalm 84:11 ESV
Nothing and no one can stop God’s favor in your life! Even if you feel like your painting is a mess, God can use that mess to bless the people in your world.
There is more in mind for you—more favor, more blessing, and more good things!
Think about it: How does knowing God has unfinished work in your life give you hope?
PRAY: Thank you God for starting a good work in me and promising to bring it to completion. Your favor is flowing into my life and I pray you will help me recognize when it is flowing through my life to help others. Give me an opportunity this week to encourage someone in their journey. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Anchored In Goodness (Good Things)

You may have heard it before: life is hard; God is good. This statement is far more than a cliché: it’s a strong and solid theological truth.
Some incredibly smart people have wrestled with such questions as, “if God is good, then why does this happen? Why is injustice allowed, and why can life be so hard?” Those really smart people concluded that life is hard AND God is good. One doesn’t cancel out the other. They call it “theodicy.”
Most people assume that because life is hard, God must not be good—but that’s not the case. It’s not an either/or scenario. A few years ago, I decided that even when I couldn’t answer the “why?” part of that statement (“If God is good, then why ____?”), I decided that I would eliminate the “if.” In other words, I choose to believe that God is good . . . no matter what.
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.”– John 16:33 ESV
You can anchor yourself in God’s goodness too.
Start watching for the goodness of God despite the circumstances. Maybe the door gets closed on one opportunity, but maybe God has something better in store that we have to walk through a different door in order to access it. This has happened so many times in my own life that now I expect it.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 ESV
When something doesn’t go my way, I remind myself of God’s track record and I start watching for the next opportunity that will uncover God’s ultimate plan through the process.
Being anchored in the goodness of God isn’t always going to be a rational thing. It’s a stubborn, unrelenting determination not to let the hardships of life downsize the bigness of God.
Think about it: What are ways you can remind yourself to watch for God’s goodness despite the circumstances?
PRAY: God, thank you for helping me get anchored in your goodness. Give me strength today to stop wondering and start watching for your favor in every situation. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Becoming a Good Finder (Good Things)

For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. – Psalm 5:12 ESV
Seeking God’s goodness daily helps us to expect good things to show up in our lives. God’s goodness isn’t hiding, and his favor doesn’t make limited appearances . . . we just have to have eyes that seek to find. We’re not always keenly aware of God’s favor, which is why the Apostle Paul prayed for his friends to be enlightened.
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, – Ephesians 1:18 ESV
Paul wrote to the church of Ephesus and told them he was praying that the “eyes of [their] heart may be enlightened.” Here’s the deal: favor surrounds us. When I start looking for good things in my life, I realize they can be found everywhere even in unlikely places. Sometimes when God’s favor is the least visible, it is functioning at it’s best on our behalf. Train your eyes to see the good and watch the good revealed around every turn.
God’s favor can be drawn to you by your attitude and mindset, and it can be kept from you by the very same. Favor may be impartial from one person to the next, but that doesn’t mean it’s compatible with everyone’s attitudes and mindsets.
for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. – Proverbs 23:7 ESV
When we choose to be a good finder, it increases God’s favor in our lives.
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. – Luke 11:34 ESV
Think about it: How can you begin to retrain your mind to focus on good things?
PRAY: Thank you God for giving me the ability to retrain my mind so that I can see more of the good that is part of my life. I want to become a good finder so that I can think and expect more of your favor daily. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Family Favor (Good Things)

God’s favor flows as naturally into our lives as a father’s favor flows into the lives of his children. (And He is the greatest picture of a father you could ever dream of or imagine.) God loves you. He considers you his kid, and that makes you a generational recipient of his blessing.
and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV
Don’t feel like you need to apologize to people, or legitimize God’s goodness to those that may not understand or agree. There are always people waiting to criticize your victory or ignore your timely blessing, because they felt someone else was more deserving.
In fact, if you’ve ever felt that someone doesn’t deserve a blessing they’ve received (hey, we’ve all been there . . .), you’re probably right! But here’s a sobering moment of truth for all of us: we cannot resent undeserved favor in someone else’s life if we’re going to welcome it in our own.
When we start to understand that favor is an expression of God’s grace, we are able to comprehend that the favor that we receive—exactly like grace—is disproportionate to what we deserve.
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. – Ephesians 1:4-6 ESV
Think about it: What are some examples in your life where you’ve received unexpected or undeserved favor?
PRAY: God, thank you for being a Father to me. No matter what my earthly dad has been like, you are a generous Father and have ongoing favor in store for my future. Teach me today to accept the family favor that you have put on me as your kid. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

No Goodness Apart From God (Good Things)

From Believing God Is Good No Matter What by Kevin Gerald on YouVersion
Some people assume God is angry most of the time and that his favor only lasts a moment, but the Bible tells us it’s just the opposite! You are always the apple of His eye even when you feel like spoiled fruit.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5 ESV
God has moved on from that bad thing you did or that terrible thing you said. He may have been angry or disappointed in the moment, but He’s moved on. Have you? You don’t have to worry about falling out of favor because of a failure.
God’s goodness is ongoing and never runs out. His favor is always around us, on us, and with us; God’s favor is forever!
In fact, goodness does not exist apart from God; it did not originate on it’s own—aside of, or apart from him. It’s definitely not something that originates with human beings (Do you have to train your children to be bad, or good?).
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17 ESV
God is the source of all goodness and all good things. Some people still separate good from God, which can deteriorate mankind’s need to thank, honor, and worship him.
This study is about starting the journey to train your eyes to see the otherwise unseen goodness of God and what his favor looks like in your everyday life. For the next 5 days you will begin to see your life through the lens of God’s favor.
I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. – Jeremiah 32:40 ESV
Think about it: What are some good things in your life that are easy to overlook?
PRAY: God, thank you for being present in my life. Help me to open up my eyes to see that you are the source of all good things and that you bring favor into my life everyday. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.