Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
Open Arms
By Teresa Bonilla
August 2nd, 2026
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Growing up in a troubled home wasn’t easy, especially when I had to see Mom and Dad in continual disagreements.
I was twelve the first time I ran away from home. It was late at night, and I found myself running like crazy, desperately trying to leave the pain I felt behind me. Mom and Dad had begun arguing in front of me. I cried and begged them to stop fighting, but it went on until I couldn’t stand it anymore.
I still remember that moment. All I wanted was to feel safe and secure, but where could I go? Forty-five minutes later, I was at my best friend’s house. She had no idea what had happened to me, or why I was crying. But she opened the doors to her home, and opened her arms to me, offering me comfort and compassion.
Many times I’ve tried to run away without realizing it. Not too long ago, after speaking to God as I struggled to find answers to some pressing questions, He opened up my memory as if it were a movie, showing me that first time—and all the other times I’d run away. How many times was not important; all He tried to show me was why I kept doing it.
Then He brought to mind one of the most difficult times I’ve ever had to face. It was after my first year of marriage, when my dad came to visit me. But now it was time to say goodbye. All his belongings were in his car, and he wanted to say Adios. He gave me a hug, a kiss, and his blessing. And then he left.
That day my mom, my little brother Carlos, my sister Carolina, my husband, and my mother-in-law were all at my house. After my father left, some of us began to cry. The man I admired so much had decided to leave my mother and siblings for good because he couldn’t fix his marriage.
As I looked back on that scene, suddenly God impressed me with a thought. You’re running away, and doing the same thing your dad did when he didn’t want to face his problems. But you can change this pattern if you decide. Just stay and hold on to Me!
I wasn’t expecting that thought! Lord help me, I begged silently. I need you. Please give me the strength I need to not only accept my faults, but also hold on to You, and never let You go! And if I ever decide to run away, may I run toward You and Your open arms, where I can be safe and secure!
Isaiah 30:19 (NIV) says, “How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.”
Are you trying to run away from your problems? Today’s the day to stop and face them. Don’t do it with your own strength. Confront them with God by your side! The Lord will always receive us with open arms.
Open Arms
By Teresa Bonilla
August 2nd, 2026
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Growing up in a troubled home wasn’t easy, especially when I had to see Mom and Dad in continual disagreements.
I was twelve the first time I ran away from home. It was late at night, and I found myself running like crazy, desperately trying to leave the pain I felt behind me. Mom and Dad had begun arguing in front of me. I cried and begged them to stop fighting, but it went on until I couldn’t stand it anymore.
I still remember that moment. All I wanted was to feel safe and secure, but where could I go? Forty-five minutes later, I was at my best friend’s house. She had no idea what had happened to me, or why I was crying. But she opened the doors to her home, and opened her arms to me, offering me comfort and compassion.
Many times I’ve tried to run away without realizing it. Not too long ago, after speaking to God as I struggled to find answers to some pressing questions, He opened up my memory as if it were a movie, showing me that first time—and all the other times I’d run away. How many times was not important; all He tried to show me was why I kept doing it.
Then He brought to mind one of the most difficult times I’ve ever had to face. It was after my first year of marriage, when my dad came to visit me. But now it was time to say goodbye. All his belongings were in his car, and he wanted to say Adios. He gave me a hug, a kiss, and his blessing. And then he left.
That day my mom, my little brother Carlos, my sister Carolina, my husband, and my mother-in-law were all at my house. After my father left, some of us began to cry. The man I admired so much had decided to leave my mother and siblings for good because he couldn’t fix his marriage.
As I looked back on that scene, suddenly God impressed me with a thought. You’re running away, and doing the same thing your dad did when he didn’t want to face his problems. But you can change this pattern if you decide. Just stay and hold on to Me!
I wasn’t expecting that thought! Lord help me, I begged silently. I need you. Please give me the strength I need to not only accept my faults, but also hold on to You, and never let You go! And if I ever decide to run away, may I run toward You and Your open arms, where I can be safe and secure!
Isaiah 30:19 (NIV) says, “How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.”
Are you trying to run away from your problems? Today’s the day to stop and face them. Don’t do it with your own strength. Confront them with God by your side! The Lord will always receive us with open arms.
Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
Open Arms
By Teresa Bonilla
August 2nd, 2026
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Growing up in a troubled home wasn’t easy, especially when I had to see Mom and Dad in continual disagreements.
I was twelve the first time I ran away from home. It was late at night, and I found myself running like crazy, desperately trying to leave the pain I felt behind me. Mom and Dad had begun arguing in front of me. I cried and begged them to stop fighting, but it went on until I couldn’t stand it anymore.
I still remember that moment. All I wanted was to feel safe and secure, but where could I go? Forty-five minutes later, I was at my best friend’s house. She had no idea what had happened to me, or why I was crying. But she opened the doors to her home, and opened her arms to me, offering me comfort and compassion.
Many times I’ve tried to run away without realizing it. Not too long ago, after speaking to God as I struggled to find answers to some pressing questions, He opened up my memory as if it were a movie, showing me that first time—and all the other times I’d run away. How many times was not important; all He tried to show me was why I kept doing it.
Then He brought to mind one of the most difficult times I’ve ever had to face. It was after my first year of marriage, when my dad came to visit me. But now it was time to say goodbye. All his belongings were in his car, and he wanted to say Adios. He gave me a hug, a kiss, and his blessing. And then he left.
That day my mom, my little brother Carlos, my sister Carolina, my husband, and my mother-in-law were all at my house. After my father left, some of us began to cry. The man I admired so much had decided to leave my mother and siblings for good because he couldn’t fix his marriage.
As I looked back on that scene, suddenly God impressed me with a thought. You’re running away, and doing the same thing your dad did when he didn’t want to face his problems. But you can change this pattern if you decide. Just stay and hold on to Me!
I wasn’t expecting that thought! Lord help me, I begged silently. I need you. Please give me the strength I need to not only accept my faults, but also hold on to You, and never let You go! And if I ever decide to run away, may I run toward You and Your open arms, where I can be safe and secure!
Isaiah 30:19 (NIV) says, “How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.”
Are you trying to run away from your problems? Today’s the day to stop and face them. Don’t do it with your own strength. Confront them with God by your side! The Lord will always receive us with open arms.
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