Making room for someone who needs to belong.
A devotional shared by Regan O.
Regan is a Texas native who now calls Chicago home! With an adventurous spirit and a willingness to embrace new beginnings, she's learning what it means to follow God's leading, even when the road ahead isn't entirely clear.
As part of the City Church Chicago family, Regan has developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of faith, encouragement, and having people around you who point you toward Jesus. She has a heart for sharing God's goodness and reminding other women that His Word offers hope, strength, and reassurance through life's unexpected seasons.
SCRIPTURE
2 Timothy 1:7
Today’s Encouragement
Sometimes, the smallest invitation can make the biggest difference in someone's life.
In the summer of 2024, I moved from Texas to Chicago after spending an entire year praying about what God had next for me. I'd lived in Texas my whole life, but after visiting family in Chicago, I fell in love with the city and felt God leading me toward a fresh start.
What I didn't anticipate was how difficult parts of that new season would become.
Although I was excited about my new beginning, I found myself surrounded by influences that weren't healthy for me. I was struggling personally, and looking back, I can recognize just how much I needed a different kind of community.
But even in that difficult season, God was making a way.
There was a woman who lived in my building who kept inviting me to City Church. She would tell me how much she thought I'd love it and encourage me to come experience it for myself.
Eventually, I said yes.
My first experience at City Church was City Chicks Night in October 2024. I remember being struck by how beautiful the evening was and how strongly I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit.
What began as one woman's invitation opened the door for me to discover a community centered on Jesus.
That season wasn't immediately easy. I still had personal struggles to work through. But during one particularly difficult night, I cried out to God, asking Him for help. He brought 2 Timothy 1:7 to mind, reminding me that He has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
I began surrounding myself with that Scripture, keeping it on my phone and throughout my apartment. Day by day, God's Word became an important source of strength and encouragement.
Looking back, I'm grateful for the ways God was reaching toward me, both through His Word and through someone who cared enough to extend an invitation.
And that's what I want to encourage you to remember today.
You never know what someone might be walking through when you invite them to pull up a chair.
Maybe it's a woman who's new to the city, someone navigating a difficult season, or someone who simply hasn't found a place where she feels she belongs.
Sometimes making room for Jesus means making room for someone else to encounter Him, too.
That invitation to church, coffee, a Life Group, or a conversation might seem small to you. But to someone who's been searching for connection, it could be the beginning of something meaningful.
So let's keep making room at the table. You never know who might be waiting for an invitation.
A Moment to Reflect
Is there someone in your life who might be longing for connection or community? What simple invitation could you extend this week to help her feel seen, welcomed, and included?
Closing Prayer
Father God,
Thank You so much for Your Word and for the ways You carry us through the challenges and storms of life. Thank You that Your Word is living and true, and that You meet us even in seasons when we don't know what to do next.
Lord, I pray for every woman reading this devotional today. Whatever challenges or struggles she may be facing, I pray that You would go before her and reveal exactly what she needs to hear to carry her through this season.
Thank You for the people You place in our lives who encourage us, invite us in, and remind us that we don't have to walk alone.
Open our eyes to the women around us who may be searching for connection. Give us hearts that are willing to make room for others, extend invitations, and share the love You've shown us.
May our lives become a reflection of Your kindness, and may every woman find a place where she can grow in faith and experience meaningful community.
In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
