“and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:31 (NIV)
Life had been hard for some time. Circumstances I had hoped and prayed would change were getting worse. My stamina to endure the emotional and physical toll was plummeting. Exhausted, I resigned myself to accept, It is what it is.
Then, inexplicably, over a few weeks, incremental changes happened that I hadn’t expected. And before I knew it, I found myself in a steadier season that was not quite so hard. Maybe you’ve been there before, too — the moment when you realize, Oh, I think I made it through! It’s not over yet, but maybe I’m past the worst part.
In my relief, my husband and I boldly booked a trip for the two of us to get away for a couple of quiet days. But one conversation and some disappointing news swiftly changed our plans. It was clear we weren’t going anywhere because we were needed at home.
I had a million frustrated and tired questions for God. I didn’t want to read my Bible or pray. But I knew I needed to do something with my thoughts or I’d slide into despair. So I forced myself to listen to a sermon from a Bible teacher I knew who had been through a similar struggle. She read Deuteronomy 1:30-31, pausing on today's key verse:
“and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
She asked, “When do you carry your children?”
I have four children, so the list of reasons for carrying a child was not far from my mind. I’ve carried my children when they’re tired, afraid, sad, in need of protection, discouraged, or throwing a fit. I’ve also carried them simply because they asked to be carried. Now that they’re older, I may not physically carry them, but I “carry” them emotionally and metaphorically in many ways. I will never stop “carrying” my children.
As I mulled over the question and verse, I realized this moment was a clear invitation from God to let Him carry me in my hard season. He was calling me to stop trying to walk on my own and instead walk into the embrace of His protective, loving, and capable arms.
I desperately needed to be carried then — and honestly, now too. I also needed the voices of people who would point me back to Jesus instead of inward to my own spiraling thoughts. I’m forever grateful that God sends those voices and His Word to intercept us at just the right time. I’m not fully out of the difficulties yet, but I know I am being carried.
As the CEO of Proverbs 31 Ministries, I want you to know we are committed to being that voice for you and millions of women around the world. You may be entering an incredibly hard season, or maybe you’ve been in it for a while, but you are not alone. We are sitting right next to you, pointing you back to the Truth in God’s Word.
And friend, one of those truths is this: You are carried, you are loved, and you are never left behind. When life feels heavy, your heavenly Father is waiting with open arms to carry you the rest of the way.
Father, thank You for carrying us when we are too weary to walk on our own. Help us trust You when life feels heavy, and remind us that we are never alone. Give us courage to rest in Your care and faith to keep looking to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
You know those moments when something just feels off and you can’t quite shake it? You replay it, overthink it, try to figure out what to do next. There's a woman in that exact kind of moment right now. And what meets her there matters. Because of you, she can open God’s Word and find something steady and true to hold on to. We’re nearing the end of this midyear season, still working toward our $760,000 goal, with $213,000 already given. And right now, your gift can go twice as far thanks to the generous friends who have paved the way. If this is stirring something in you, don’t wait! Give now and help put truth in front of another woman right when she needs it most.
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Deuteronomy 1:30-31a, “The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness” (NIV).
In what specific ways are you still trying to carry the weight of life yourself? What is holding you back from leaning into God’s open embrace?
Today’s devotion highlights that God carries us when we are tired, afraid, or discouraged. When you look back at a previous difficulty you’ve already survived, what were some signs that God was carrying you "all the way you went until you reached this place" (Deuteronomy 1:31)? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Meredith Brock. All rights reserved.
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