Phil Strong

All about living a life of purpose on purpose

Category: Faith

  • Believing God’s Promises

    A NEW BOOK FOR YOU!

    What to Do When God’s Promise Feels Delayed

    If you’ve ever felt like God gave you a promise—and then went quiet—you’re not alone.

    Welcome to the waiting room of faith.

    In Hold Fast Chapter 4, we walk through what it really looks like to believe God’s promises, not when it’s easy—but when it’s excruciating.

    Because the reality is this: faith doesn’t always look like confidence. Sometimes, it looks like tears, stubborn hope, and saying, “I still believe” even when the miracle hasn’t come.

    “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
    —Hebrews 10:23

    The key? Focus less on the promise and more on the One who made it.

    In this chapter, you’ll explore:

    • Why God’s delays are never denials
    • The difference between faith and fantasy
    • How Abraham, Joseph, and John Mark all had to live in the gap
    • Three practical ways to keep your faith alive when the wait stretches on

    One of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that waiting is where trust is forged. God isn’t testing you to torment you—He’s training your heart to lean on His unchanging character, not shifting circumstances.

    There’s also a moment in this chapter where I share a story from my own life—where everything looked stuck, but behind the scenes, God was preparing breakthrough. That story might sound a lot like yours.

    At the end of the blog, grab the free worksheet “Promise Under Pressure” to reflect on what you’re holding onto—and how to keep hope alive in the waiting.

    Don’t quit the promise.
    Don’t bury the dream.
    You’re closer than you think.

    APPLICATION DOWNLOAD:

    HF-Application4Download

    Coming next: Blog 5 – Growing in Grace
    Because grace isn’t just how we start the journey—it’s how we keep going.

    Grab your copy here from Amazon-… simply click the image cover below.

  • Why Obedience Isn’t Restriction—It’s Freedom


    A NEW BOOK FOR YOU!

    Let’s be honest. The word obedience doesn’t exactly light up the room.

    It can sound rigid. Religious. Heavy.

    But what if we’ve misunderstood it?

    In Hold Fast Chapter 3, we unpack what it really means to obey God—not as slaves to rules, but as friends of God who trust His way is best.

    “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
    —John 14:15

    Here’s the truth: obedience isn’t about control—it’s about relationship. When Jesus spoke those words, He wasn’t demanding performance. He was inviting intimacy. Love leads to obedience, not the other way around.

    This chapter explores:

    • Why obedience is the natural outflow of trust
    • How Elisha’s refusal to quit revealed a heart aligned with God
    • The difference between rebellion and wrestling (yes, there’s a difference!)
    • Four common obstacles to obedience—and how to overcome them

    Sometimes, obeying God means staying when it’s easier to run. Forgiving when it hurts. Speaking truth when silence feels safer. But every act of obedience plants seeds for spiritual growth.

    In the book, I share a personal story where I didn’t want to obey—but did. And the peace that followed? Unmatched.

    Want to take this deeper?

    Download the “Obedience Audit” worksheet (below), where you’ll identify where resistance shows up in your walk, and how to respond with love-fueled action.

    Obedience isn’t perfection. It’s alignment. It’s choosing God’s way when your own instincts want the shortcut.

    And in that obedience, freedom breaks through.

    APPLICATION DOWNLOAD:

    HF-Application3Download

    Next up in Blog 4: Believing God’s Promises When They Feel Delayed
    Because sometimes faith means standing on the Word… even when the ground shakes.

    Grab your copy here from Amazon-… simply click the image cover below.

  • Trusting God in Uncertainty

    A NEW BOOK FOR YOU!

    How to Trust God When You Can’t See What’s Next

    Have you ever been in a season where clarity vanishes and the path forward is foggy? You’re doing your best to follow God, but every step feels like guesswork?

    In Chapter 2 of Hold Fast, we zoom in on what it means to trust God in uncertainty—not as a slogan, but as a lived-out, breath-by-breath experience.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
    —Proverbs 3:5

    Easier said than done, right?

    This chapter unpacks how trust isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s the decision to move forward despite it. Using the story of Jacob wrestling with God, we learn that trust is forged in struggle, not clarity. Like Jacob, we don’t walk away unchanged—but we do walk away deeper, humbler, more anchored.

    Here’s what you’ll take away from this chapter:

    • Why faith actually thrives in uncertainty.
    • What to do when God feels silent or distant.
    • How to pray raw, honest prayers that build deeper trust.
    • Why trust is relational—not just theological.

    You’ll also find a powerful worksheet prompt to help you name what area of your life needs surrendered trust this week, and a devotion guide through Psalm 23 to remind your soul that the Shepherd is still leading—even through the valley.

    Friend, you’re not weak for needing trust. You’re being invited into deeper intimacy with God—the kind you don’t get in seasons of certainty.

    So take the next small step.
    Pray the honest prayer.
    And let this foggy path become holy ground.

    Coming up in Blog 3: Obedience When It Costs You.
    Because trust is a beautiful start—but obedience is where the rubber meets the road.

    APPLICATION DOWNLOAD:

    HF-Application2Download

    Grab your copy here from Amazon-… simply click the image cover below.

  • Hold Fast to God

    A NEW BOOK FOR YOU!

    Do you ever feel tossed by life’s storms, gripping at your rope in desperation? In Chapter 1 of Hold Fast, we dive into the raw power of clinging to God when the winds howl and panic sets in.

    The phrase “hold fast” isn’t fluff—it’s a battle cry. In Deuteronomy 10:20, Moses challenges the Israelites (and us today): “Fear the Lord and serve him… and hold fast to him.” That’s not a passive suggestion—it’s a life-or-death grip. 

    In this first chapter, you’ll discover:

    • What “hold fast” really means—a lifeline grip, not a cobra clasp over your coffee mug.
    • Biblical examples of grit: Jacob wrestling through the night, Elisha following Elijah, John Mark stumbling and rising again.
    • Why holding doesn’t come naturally, but why it still matters: because God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9).

    By the end of the chapter (and this post), you won’t just be inspired—you’ll be equipped. You’ll find practical tools: a worksheet to reflect on what drifts you off track, a devotion guide diving into Deuteronomy 10, and an activity to carry a sticky-note anchor verse all week.

    If your faith feels shaky, or if life’s shaking you, Hold Fast isn’t just a book—it’s your next step. You’ll learn:

    • How to grip God through fear, doubt, and distractions;
    • Why our grip speaks louder than our words;
    • What it means to start each day with intentional clinging.

    Ready to give it a try?
    Download the free “Hold Fast Challenge” worksheet at the end of this blog—they’re the same bite-sized tools readers get in the chapter.

    Stay tuned: in the next post we dive into Chapter 2 – Trusting in Uncertainty and discover why uncertainty isn’t your enemy—it’s your invitation to lean deeper.

    APPLICATION DOWNLOAD:

    HF-Application1Download

    Grab your copy here from Amazon-… simply click the image cover below.

  • Thriving In The In-Between (Part 5): 5 Anchors To Keep You Steady

    We’ve covered a lot of ground in this series.

    • The in-between is that tension between God’s promise spoken and God’s promise fulfilled.
    • Moses lived it.
    • You’re living it.
    • The enemy loves to attack you here.
    • But you’re fully equipped to win the battle.

    Now what?

    How do you actually live each day in the in-between with steadiness, peace, and confidence?

    In this final post, I want to give you five simple, practical anchors — habits that will keep your soul grounded when everything else feels uncertain.

    1️⃣ Engage In Spiritual Warfare

    Let’s be blunt: the in-between isn’t neutral ground.

    The enemy is working overtime to confuse, discourage, and derail you. You must fight back.

    • Declare God’s Word aloud daily.
    • Pray with intentionality.
    • Use Scripture to silence accusation.
    • Partner with others in prayer.

    “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

    The Pirate Dance (Reflect, Remind, Reset) is your spiritual warfare blueprint.

    2️⃣ Stay Close To Jesus

    When you’re in a fog, stay close to the Guide.

    You may not see very far ahead — but you don’t need to if you stay near Him.

    • Spend time daily in His presence.
    • Don’t overcomplicate it — simply sit with Him.
    • Worship, pray, listen.
    • Let His love fill you, stabilize you, and quiet you.

    “Abide in me, and I in you.” (John 15:4)

    Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just be with Him.

    3️⃣ Lean On Your Trusted Circle

    You are not meant to walk this alone.

    In the in-between, you need:

    • Intercessors who will pray daily.
    • Armor bearers who carry your burdens.
    • Wise counsel who help you discern.

    “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

    Your circle isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

    4️⃣ Release Your Filters

    Here’s a hard truth:

    God rarely answers our prayers in the package we expect.

    Often, our greatest frustration in the in-between comes from holding too tightly to how we think God should move.

    “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

    Let go of the filter. Surrender your expectations. Trust His process.

    God’s plan is always better — even if it’s different.

    5️⃣ Practice Stillness And Rest

    Sometimes, the greatest act of faith is to simply be still.

    • Sit in His presence.
    • Cast your cares on Him.
    • Declare: “It is well with my soul.”

    “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

    Stillness is not passivity — it’s powerful trust.

    The In-Between Is Where Your Faith Gets Real

    Let’s be honest: the in-between is hard.

    But it’s also sacred ground.

    This is where your faith matures.
    This is where your roots go deep.
    This is where your intimacy with Jesus is forged.

    And when you finally step into the fulfillment of God’s promises, you’ll carry with you the strength, character, and depth that could only be developed here.

    “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

    Bonus Challenge: Revisit The Series

    PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 1): When God’s Promise Feels Delayed
    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 2): Moses — The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between
    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 3): The Four Emotional Vulnerabilities Of The In-Between
    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 4): The Spiritual Battle Of The In-Between

    👉 If you haven’t yet, listen to my Coffee With Phil podcast episode for the full teaching.

  • Thriving In The In-Between (Part 4): The Spiritual Battle Of The In-Between

    By now, you’ve probably realized something:

    The in-between isn’t just hard — it’s a battle.

    It’s not simply waiting for God’s promises. It’s also resisting the enemy’s attacks while you wait.

    • Attacks on your mind.
    • Attacks on your confidence.
    • Attacks on your identity.
    • Attacks on your purpose.

    The in-between is spiritual warfare.

    Let’s talk about how you fight — and win.

    The Enemy’s Strategy: Disarm, Distract, Destroy

    The Bible is clear:

    “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.” (Ephesians 6:12)

    In the in-between, the enemy doesn’t usually show up in obvious ways. Instead, he whispers:

    • Confusion — “You don’t know what you’re doing.”
    • Impatience — “God’s forgotten you. Take control.”
    • Doubt — “Maybe God never spoke after all.”
    • Insecurity — “Who do you think you are?”

    The goal? To disarm your faith, distract your focus, and destroy your forward progress.

    The Good News: You’re Fully Equipped

    The enemy has a strategy — but so does God.

    “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

    You are fully equipped for this fight.

    Let’s get extremely practical.

    The Pirate Dance: Reflect, Remind, Reset

    If you’ve been listening to Coffee With Phil, you’ve heard me call this my “Pirate Dance.” (A little humour for a heavy topic; Arr, Arr, Arr.)

    But make no mistake — this is serious spiritual warfare.

    1️⃣ Reflect On What God Has Done

    • List past victories.
    • Journal answered prayers.
    • Remember how God showed up before.

    Why? Because what God has done is proof of what He can do again.

    “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)

    2️⃣ Remind Yourself Of What God Has Said

    • Go back to the Word.
    • Rehearse prophetic words.
    • Declare God’s promises aloud.

    Why? Because God’s Word does not expire.

    “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

    3️⃣ Reset Yourself For Advance

    • Release your need to control outcomes.
    • Let go of your timeline.
    • Position your heart for fresh trust.

    Why? Because the in-between requires constant recalibration.

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

    Use The Word As Your Sword

    When the enemy came after Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4), Jesus didn’t argue, negotiate, or explain. He simply said:

    “It is written.”

    Scripture is your greatest weapon.

    • Speak it.
    • Declare it.
    • Stand on it.

    When you wield God’s Word, the enemy cannot argue with it.

    Don’t Fight Alone

    You’re not designed to battle solo.
    In the in-between, you need:

    • Intercessors — people committed to pray for you daily.
    • Armour bearers — trusted friends who carry your burdens.
    • Spiritual counsel — leaders who can help you discern wisely.

    Quick Recap: The Battle Plan

    VulnerabilityEnemy’s AttackGod’s Weapon
    ConfusionDarknessRevelation
    ImpatienceControlTrust
    DoubtFearFaith
    InsecurityIdentity CrisisSonship

    Coming Next: “5 Anchors For Thriving In The In-Between”

    In Part 5, we’ll land this series by giving you five simple but powerful actions you can take today to stay grounded and strong in the in-between.

    PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 1): When God’s Promise Feels Delayed
    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 2): Moses — The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between
    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 3): The Four Emotional Vulnerabilities Of The In-Between

    👉 If you haven’t yet, listen to my Coffee With Phil podcast episode for the full teaching.

  • Thriving In The In-Between (Part 3): The Four Emotional Vulnerabilities Of The In-Between

    The in-between isn’t just a spiritual concept — it’s an emotional battleground.

    When God’s promises feel delayed, your heart and mind enter vulnerable territory. And if you don’t name what you’re facing, you won’t know how to fight it.

    In this post, we’re going to get painfully honest (and very practical) about the four emotional vulnerabilities you’ll face in the in-between. You’re not failing if you experience these — but you are in danger if you pretend they aren’t there.

    1️⃣ Confusion: “What Am I Supposed To Do?”

    The first vulnerability that hits us is confusion.

    • “Did I hear God correctly?”
    • “Was that really His leading?”
    • “Am I supposed to stay, move, wait, act?”

    In the absence of visible direction, the temptation is to fill the void with your own solutions — or worse, to freeze entirely.

    God’s Antidote: Revelation

    Confusion thrives in darkness; God’s revelation brings light.

    “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

    When you’re confused:

    • Return to the Scriptures.
    • Revisit the prophetic words God has already spoken to you.
    • Seek godly counsel that brings clarity, not more noise.

    God is not the author of confusion; He is the author of truth.

    2️⃣ Impatience: “Why Is This Taking So Long?”

    The longer you wait, the more you want to do something.
    Force the issue. Make something happen. Take control.

    Impatience is incredibly dangerous — because rushed decisions often lead to wrong outcomes.

    “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

    God’s Antidote: Trust

    Impatience exposes your trust level.

    • Do you trust God’s character when you can’t see His timing?
    • Can you release your personal timeline to Him?

    Trust is confidence in who God is, not how quickly He performs.

    “He is faithful. He is my provider. He is working even when I can’t see it.”

    3️⃣ Doubt: “Is God Really Going To Do It?”

    Doubt is a spiritual fog. It attacks your belief system:

    • “Did God really say…?”
    • “Maybe I got this wrong.”
    • “Maybe this was just wishful thinking.”

    This is exactly the question the serpent posed to Eve in the garden — and it’s still the enemy’s favorite weapon.

    God’s Antidote: Faith

    “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

    You don’t fight doubt with intellectual arguments — you fight doubt by choosing faith.

    • Declare God’s promises aloud.
    • Pray bold prayers.
    • Surround yourself with people of faith who remind you what God can do.

    Faith is not the absence of doubt — it’s the decision to believe despite it.

    4️⃣ Insecurity: “Who Do I Think I Am?”

    Finally, insecurity hits you at your identity level.

    • “Am I even worthy of this promise?”
    • “Maybe I’m not spiritual enough.”
    • “What if I mess it up?”

    This attacks your sonship — your standing as a beloved child of God.

    God’s Antidote: Sonship

    “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” (Romans 8:15)

    You don’t have to strive to earn your place — you already have it. God’s promises aren’t fulfilled because you’re perfect; they’re fulfilled because He’s faithful.

    Spiritual Warfare Is Real

    Let me be clear: these vulnerabilities aren’t just feelings — they’re spiritual battlegrounds.

    • Confusion.
    • Impatience.
    • Doubt.
    • Insecurity.

    The enemy uses these to discourage, distract, and derail you.

    But you don’t have to be a victim to them. You can recognize them early and apply God’s truth as your weapon.

    As I often remind myself:

    “If you let your emotions drive, you’ll crash. But if you let them point you to God’s truth, you’ll stay on course.”

    Coming Next: “The Spiritual Battle of The In-Between”

    In Part 4, we’ll dive into how to fight these battles — practically, spiritually, and victoriously — using what I call the “Pirate Dance” (Reflect, Remind, Reset).

    PREVIOUS POSTS IN THIS SERIES:

    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 1): When God’s Promise Feels Delayed
    Thriving In The In-Between (Part 2): Moses — The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between

    👉 If you haven’t yet, listen to my Coffee With Phil podcast episode for the full teaching.

  • Thriving In The In-Between (Part 2): Moses — The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between

    In the first post of this series, we defined the in-between as that space between God’s promise spoken and God’s promise fulfilled. If you missed it, [go back and read Part 1 here].

    Now, let’s talk about a man who knows the in-between better than most: Moses.

    Moses: Called, Commissioned… and Waiting

    Moses’ life could be summed up as one long in-between season. Let’s break it down:

    • Born under threat: Pharaoh orders baby boys killed; Moses is hidden and rescued.
    • Raised in privilege: He grows up in Pharaoh’s palace — but with a Hebrew identity.
    • Flees into obscurity: Kills an Egyptian, escapes to the wilderness for 40 years.
    • God calls him back: The burning bush encounter launches his leadership call.
    • Leads a nation: Delivers Israel from slavery, walks them through the wilderness.
    • Falls short: Disobeys God at Meribah; told he won’t enter the Promised Land.

    He experienced massive highs and crushing lows — but most of his leadership was lived in the in-between. He led a people stuck between Egypt and Canaan, between slavery and promise, between unbelief and faith.

    Sound familiar?

    The Three R’s: How Moses Navigated The In-Between

    As Moses approached the end of his life, he delivered his final messages to Israel — recorded for us in the book of Deuteronomy.

    In these sermons, Moses models three critical practices for living well in the in-between:

    1️⃣ Reflect: Look Back On God’s Faithfulness

    Before the people crossed the Jordan, Moses reminded them of everything God had already done:

    • The miraculous escape from Egypt.
    • The provision in the wilderness.
    • God’s patience with their rebellion.

    Reflection fuels gratitude and perspective.
    When you’re in the in-between, remembering what God has already done strengthens your faith for what He will do.

    2️⃣ Remind: Rehearse God’s Promises

    Over and over, Moses calls Israel to remember God’s covenant, commandments, and promises:

    “Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then you will live and multiply, and you will enter and occupy the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors.” (Deut. 8:1)

    When God feels silent, remember what He has already spoken.

    Sometimes, we don’t need a “new word” from God — we simply need to remind ourselves of the word He’s already given.

    3️⃣ Reset: Prepare For What’s Next

    Moses didn’t let disappointment paralyze him. Even though he couldn’t enter the Promised Land himself, he equipped Joshua and the people to advance:

    “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land…” (Deut. 31:7)

    Resetting means preparing your heart for what’s ahead — even if you can’t see it yet.

    Why This Matters For You

    You may not be leading a million people through the desert (praise God). But you are leading your own life, family, ministry, or calling through some version of the in-between.

    The three R’s are your framework:

    • Reflect on God’s goodness so far.
    • Remind yourself of what He’s already said.
    • Reset your heart to keep moving forward.

    Or as I like to call it on the Coffee With Phil podcast: The Pirate Dance.
    (Arrr, Arr, Arr!)

    God Is Working — Even When You Don’t See It

    Moses didn’t fail because he lived in the in-between. His legacy was actually forged there. And so is yours.

    As Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us:

    “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

    Coming Next: “The Four Emotional Vulnerabilities of The In-Between”

    In Part 3, we’ll unpack the real struggles you face in the in-between — confusion, impatience, doubt, and insecurity — and how to overcome them with God’s truth.

    👉 Until then, make sure to listen to the full Coffee With Phil podcast episode where I walk through this entire teaching.

     

  • Thriving In The In-Between (Part 1): When God’s Promise Feels Delayed

    “You’re almost there — but not quite.”

    That moment when you’re driving toward your destination, and you instinctively sense you’re close. The GPS says 5 minutes. Your spouse pulls out the hairbrush. The anticipation rises. You can feel you’re nearly home, but you’re not quite there.

    That, my friend, is the in-between — and in life, we often live there.

    For Christians desiring to live obedient, steadfast lives of faith, the in-between is one of the most uncomfortable and yet most spiritually critical places we will ever occupy. It’s that space between God’s promise spoken and God’s promise fulfilled. The space where you believe, but you can’t yet see. You’re not in Egypt, but you’re not yet in the Promised Land.

    In this series, I want to take you on a journey of understanding, encouragement, and practical guidance for navigating the in-between well.

    The Now But Not Yet

    In theology, this tension is often called the “now but not yet” of God’s kingdom. The Apostle Paul puts it this way:

    “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19)

    In other words: the fullness of God’s kingdom has broken into the world through Jesus, but it has not yet fully come in its ultimate completion. We experience God’s promises now, but we’re still waiting for their fullness.

    And in your personal life?

    • The job God promised — not yet open.
    • The healing you believe for — not yet visible.
    • The vision for ministry — not yet fully realized.

    This is the in-between.

    You’re Not Alone In The Waiting

    The Bible is filled with people who lived significant portions of their lives in this uncomfortable space:

    • Abraham waited decades for Isaac.
    • Joseph languished in prison before becoming a ruler.
    • David was anointed king but spent years running for his life.
    • Moses — and we’ll camp here for a bit — led Israel for 40 years, but didn’t enter the Promised Land.

    Yes, even Moses, the man God spoke to face-to-face, found himself living in the in-between.

    Moses: The Man Who Got Close

    In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is at the end of his journey. He led God’s people out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and to the very edge of the Promised Land.

    But due to his disobedience, God tells Moses:

    “You shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” (Deut. 32:52)

    Talk about being almost there — but not yet.

    And yet, what does Moses do? He faithfully delivers his final sermons (the book of Deuteronomy), preparing the people to enter what he cannot. In these final moments, Moses models how to live well in the in-between:

    1️⃣ Reflect – Look back on God’s faithfulness.

    2️⃣ Remind – Rehearse God’s promises.

    3️⃣ Reset – Ready yourself for what’s next.

    (You’ll hear me call this “The Pirate Dance” in upcoming posts. Don’t worry, it’s much more biblical than it sounds.)

    The Tension We Feel

    If you’re in the in-between, you know the tension:

    • You trust God but still feel unsettled.
    • You have faith but battle impatience.
    • You believe God’s word but wrestle with doubt.
    • You know your identity in Christ but sometimes feel insecure.

    Friend, you are not failing because you feel these things. You’re simply human. The key is learning how to navigate these vulnerabilities rather than letting them derail your journey. That’s exactly where we’re headed in the next few posts.

    The God Who Is In The In-Between

    Here’s your first big takeaway:

    Jesus lives in the in-between with you.

    • Between life and death.
    • Between sickness and healing.
    • Between lack and provision.
    • Between brokenness and wholeness.
    • Between your past and your future.

    He is Emmanuel — God with us — even in this space of waiting.

    And He speaks this promise over you:

    “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

    Coming Next: “Moses: The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between”

    In Part 2, we’ll unpack how Moses handled his in-between season and what we can learn to strengthen our own walk of faith.

    👉 In the meantime, if this post resonates with you, take a moment to listen to the full CWP.119 episode of my Coffee With Phil podcast where I unpack this teaching in much greater depth.

     

  • The Season of In-between

    When God’s Promises Feel “Almost There”: Navigating Faith in the In Between

    How do you stay faithful when you’re living in the space between God’s promise and its fulfillment?

    If you’ve ever felt stuck in a season of waiting—praying for breakthrough while wrestling with doubt, seeking clarity while walking through confusion—you’re not alone. In fact, you’re living in what I call the “in between,” and it’s one of the most challenging yet transformative spaces of the Christian journey.

    The Sacred Space of “Almost There”

    During a recent episode of Coffee with Phil, I found myself reflecting on those seasons when God’s promises feel so close you can almost taste them, yet remain frustratingly out of reach. Like Moses standing on Mount Nebo, gazing into the Promised Land he would never enter, we often find ourselves in the “almost there” moments of faith.

    These aren’t seasons of abandonment—they’re sacred spaces where our faith gets refined, our character gets strengthened, and our dependence on God gets deepened. But that doesn’t make them any less difficult to navigate.

    The Four Faces of In Between Living

    Through years of pastoral ministry and personal experience, I’ve observed four common vulnerabilities that surface when we’re living in the in between:

    Confusion clouds our vision when God’s ways don’t align with our expectations. Impatience gnaws at our peace when His timing doesn’t match our timeline. Doubt whispers questions about His faithfulness when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. And insecurity shakes our confidence when we can’t see the next step clearly.

    Sound familiar? You’re in good company—even the greatest biblical heroes wrestled with these same struggles.

    Making Faith Real in the Waiting

    The beautiful truth is that God hasn’t left us to figure out the in between on our own. For every vulnerability we face, He offers a corresponding grace. When confusion comes, He provides revelation through His Word and Spirit. When impatience threatens our peace, He calls us to deeper trust. When doubt creeps in, He strengthens our faith through community and testimony. When insecurity unsettles us, He anchors us in His unchanging character.

    But how do we practically live this out? How do we make faith real when everything feels uncertain?

    An Invitation to Go Deeper

    Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of five articles designed specifically for those of you navigating your own “in between” seasons. We’ll explore five essential thoughts that can transform your waiting from mere endurance into purposeful growth:

    • Post 1: “The In-Between: When God’s Promise Feels Delayed”
    • Post 2: “Moses: The Leader Who Lived In The In-Between”
    • Post 3: “The Four Emotional Vulnerabilities of the In-Between”
    • Post 4: “The Spiritual Battle of the In-Between”
    • Post 5: “5 Anchors For Thriving In The In-Between”

    Each article will combine biblical truth with practical application, offering you tools not just to survive the in between, but to thrive in it.

    Your Faith Story Matters

    Whether you’re waiting for healing, praying for breakthrough in relationships, seeking direction for your calling, or wrestling with unanswered questions, your story matters. The in between isn’t a detour from God’s plan—it’s often the very place where His deepest work happens in our hearts.

    I’d love to hear about your own in between experiences as we journey through this series together. What vulnerabilities have you faced? What has helped you stay faithful in the waiting? Your insights could be exactly what another reader needs to hear.

    Ready to make faith real in the in between? Follow me to receive each article in this series directly to your inbox, and join our community of believers committed to living faithfully in every season.

    Phil Strong is a pastor, speaker, and host of the “Coffee with Phil” podcast. He’s passionate about helping Christians navigate the real challenges of faith with biblical wisdom and practical hope. Connect with Phil and access more resources at https://philstrong.com.