Encouragement for Today

July 2, 2025 Will It Ever Get Better? ERICA WIGGENHORN Lee en español

“He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior …” Titus 3:6 (CSB)

I crawled into bed feeling defeated. As I turned out the light, I turned over in my mind how I felt like the light of Jesus within me seemed equally snuffed out. I wanted to be a good person, wife, mom, friend … or fill in the blank with any other role in my life. No matter how hard I tried, I seemed to end each day with regret or worry.

Will I ever learn to trust God and experience the peace He promises? Or is daily anxiety over my loved ones, the future, and difficult relationships my forever reality?

I felt stuck in a cycle, battling the same defeating emotions and situations.

Is this as good as the Christian life gets?

The world offers us no few opportunities for jealousy, bitterness, loneliness, frustration, and insecurity. With screens telling us everything we don’t have and everything we ought to worry about, it becomes increasingly difficult not to become distracted or emotionally derailed. We might feel like we simply have to wait for heaven, hoping we can finally experience lasting change in eternity.

But what if we can learn to live full of love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control here and now?

That’s where God’s beautiful promises in the book of Titus provide real hope and practical help rooted in the gospel: “He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out His Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5-6, CSB).

Titus teaches us God’s growth plan for our lives. We are not meant to shrug our shoulders in defeat nor sit idly by as we wait for heaven. We have tools to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He works within our lives to bring lasting change, renewal, and guidance.

The world insists things get better from our own efforts, but God promises that He will be faithful to transform us. The work of salvation has already been done by Christ!

But that doesn't mean there is nothing for us to do. Paul's letter to Titus invites Christians to experience not only the joy of receiving God's grace but the joy of living out our faith.

Jesus’ sacrifice has saved us, and the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit continually renews us. And not just a smidge at a time — He lavishly gives us grace as we desire to grow and change!

Oh, friend, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck … this isn’t as good as it gets. This is the beginning of a new day. Change is coming. Let’s pursue the good plan God has for us and step into the light of His promises.

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You are actively renewing me. Help me to seek Your plan to grow and change me and my circumstances instead of trying to do it all myself. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If your faith has felt like just another box to check off lately, we’ve got good news! Is This As Good as It Gets? A Study of the Book of Titus is the fresh start you need. Here are the details: Five weeks. Short daily readings. Zero pressure. Just honest truth that meets you where you are — whether you’re doing laundry, waiting in the carpool line, or squeezing in quiet time with coffee in hand. Grab your study guide, invite a friend, and let’s study Titus together!

ENGAGE

Connect with Erica on Instagram for her “All Good Things” Giveaway with some of her favorite summertime items!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” (CSB).

How does God’s love for you renew your hope that He has good plans for growth and change within you?

© 2025 by Erica Wiggenhorn. All rights reserved.