When You Wonder if There’s More - Encouragement for Today - December 26, 2025

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December 26, 2025

When You Wonder if There’s More
ALICIA BRUXVOORT

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“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 (ESV)

On a long-ago Christmas morning, my 3-year-old son posed a question that made my face flush with embarrassment.

When every gift was opened and shreds of wrapping paper filled the floor, he peeked under the tree with a hopeful glance. Then he asked his grandparents, “Is there more?”

Horrified at his apparent ingratitude, I bent down and whispered a hasty rebuke in his ear.

Looking back, I now recognize my little boy wasn’t being greedy. Too young to filter his questions through guarded expectations or fear of judgment, he was simply voicing his heart’s winsome wonderings.

“Is there more?”

To be honest, it’s a question I harbored for years before I found the courage to ask it.

I’d joyfully accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was a child, but in adulthood, I found myself going through the motions. I looked faithful on the outside but felt numb on the inside. I couldn’t pinpoint the problem, but there was an undeniable gap between the Truth animated in God’s Word and my lived reality.

When I studied Scripture, I recognized a vibrancy in other Christ followers that didn’t exist in my own life. I was lacking their joy, peace, perseverance, and confidence.

Jesus had promised me life to the full (John 10:10), but my soul felt eerily empty.

Thankfully, before Jesus departed from earth and returned to heaven, He answered my quiet query — and maybe yours — with a resounding “yes” through the promise of the Holy Spirit.

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).

The Holy Spirit, God’s presence dwelling within God’s people, provides the help we need to take hold of the abundant life Jesus promised. He guides us, grows us, transforms us, and empowers us.

If we’ve trusted Jesus as our Savior but feel disconnected from His heart, the Holy Spirit can foster deeper intimacy (John 16:14).

If our faith feels listless or fatigued, the Holy Spirit can awaken us (Ephesians 5:14).

If we’ve acknowledged our sin but continue to live stuck and defeated, the Holy Spirit can help us walk in freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:2).

If we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit can intercede for us (Romans 8:26).

If we don’t understand Scripture, the Holy Spirit can enlighten us (Ephesians 1:17).

The Holy Spirit is fuel for our faith and a friend for the journey. And when we welcome the gift of Him, we find the more we’ve wanted has been with us all along.

Dear Jesus, I don’t want to miss the abundant life You died to give me. Holy Spirit, awaken my heart, steer my steps, and ignite my faith. I want more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

The wrapping paper is tossed, the dishes are done, and the pace of life slows for just a moment. In this in-between space, there’s a beautiful chance to think about what really matters. Your generosity at the end of this year has the power to step into that space for another woman — bringing her a devotion that shows up on her hardest day or a Bible study that steadies her when fear takes hold. And right now, your year-end gift will be doubled up to $87,500 through a time-sensitive matching opportunity. That means more hope for more women. Give today, and let your gift echo into the new year with eternal impact.

ENGAGE

Connect with Alicia on Instagram or visit her website for more encouragement.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (NLT).

John 10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (NLT).

How have you experienced the abundant life Jesus promises? Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Alicia Bruxvoort. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org