God is closer than you know | with Lauren Fortenberry

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:

I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!

So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.

**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **

Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!

There are books we should all have a copy of, to give to our beloved ones in need. Today's conversation is about such a book. It is a whimsical, poetic, God-centric little marvel of a book, so pretty and giftable. It will encourage your loved one who is going through a rough time. It can be for you, too, but I suspect it will find its way in your tool belt of go-to books to equip those around you who are finding themselves unable to put words to their struggles. Lauren Fortenberry has penned 90 short devotions that read like prayers. She puts words in the mouths of women who find it difficult to tell God how they feel, what they are going through, or who simply can't muster the strength to talk to God at all. This book reminds them that they are not alone. They are prayed for. They are met by the One who sees them. God is less than one prayer away. He is right there with them.

Find hope when you need it the most with this gorgeous 90-day devotional for women who need a reminder that God can bring you past your broken beginning, through the messy middle, and into a faith-filled future.

When you're at the edge of what your heart can handle. When you can't see the road ahead. When you wonder if the hurt is beyond healing. One Prayer Away by Lauren Fortenberry is for every moment of the journey.

Each day invites you to begin in the brokenness and finish with more faith. To speak to God about what keeps you up at night. To know that in every single thing you carry today, you do not need to carry it alone. 

MORE ABOUT "ONE PRAYER AWAY"One Prayer Away includes:

90 meditations of hope and encouragement in Lauren's signature poetic style

Prayers to receive for yourself or to pray for others

Bible verses relevant to each day's needs like hope, mercy, and surrender

Inspirational quotes and soothing photography to create a place where your soul can rest

This beautiful devotional is a thoughtful gift for:

A friend who needs encouragement in times of uncertainty, anxiety, loneliness, and loss

Women's prayer groups or Bible studies

Mother’s Day, birthdays, or simply to say "I'm thinking of you"

Any woman who desires to grow spiritually

Whether you are struggling or seeking, flying or failing—God is with you. You can trust Him to hold you through it all.

MEET LAUREN FORTENBERRY

https://laurenfortenberry.com/

Lauren Fortenberry is a writer, speaker, and influencer whose greatest passion is fearlessly and faithfully encouraging women through the love of Jesus Christ. She is a writing instructor at the University of Mississippi, and her writing has been featured by NBC's TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and a variety of other media outlets and blogs. She currently resides in Oxford, Mississippi, with her husband and two kids.

A word from Lauren:

"Welcome to my greatest passion: fearlessly and faithfully encouraging women through the love of Jesus Christ. I want to point every Sister’s heart to God’s promises and healing.

I started blogging back in 2015 when I was a full-time college lecturer with two littles at home, and, truly, I had no idea where God would take my words (or my life).

Now, over eight years later, my ministry encourages Sisters across the globe to live their best lives, and my first book, One Prayer Away, will be ours to share in April 2024. And I am reminded that God has this beautiful way of disrupting our plans to illuminate our greater purpose.

My writing has been featured by NBC’s TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Her View From Home, Love What Matters, and For Every Mom. Additionally, I have also published research on maternal and child health.

When I’m not writing, I can most often be found playing with my kids, running, or serving in my local church in Mississippi.

I haven’t lived a perfect life, but God teaches me daily how to use the hardest of life for His glory.

This hope is what I long to share with you.

Across the digital miles, I invite you to join in this Sisterhood.

God loves you.

And I’m so glad you’re here!

To reach out with a speaking or interview inquiry, please contact me here.

Big hugs and blessings always,
Lauren"

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!