Retired healthcare executive Rick Wilton has released his new devotional, "Every Breath," offering a compassionate reminder of God's faithfulness during life's most challenging and unwanted journeys. Published by Clay Bridges Press, the book aims to help readers navigate unexpected diagnoses, broken dreams, grief, and seasons of waiting through honest reflections and biblical encouragement.
"Every one of us will eventually face a journey we never would have chosen," said Wilton. "My prayer is that readers will discover they are not walking those roads alone. God is present, He is faithful, and He can use even our hardest seasons to deepen our trust in Him and bring glory to His name."
Rather than offering easy answers or superficial encouragement, "Every Breath" speaks candidly about the realities of suffering while pointing readers toward the hope found in Christ. Each devotional invites readers to see how God transforms pain into purpose and uncertainty into deeper dependence on Him. Wilton emphasizes the importance of leaning on God's Word, cultivating a life of prayer, and embracing the support of others to find strength and courage.
"Life will present journeys that you don't sign up for," Wilton said. "But God can use those very journeys to build your faith, strengthen your character, and teach you to trust Him in ways you never imagined."
Wilton's authenticity sets "Every Breath" apart from many devotionals. "There is no candy coating in this book," he explained. "I wanted to tell the truth about what it looks like to walk through an unwanted season while holding tightly to God. My hope is that readers see honesty, transparency, and ultimately, God's faithfulness."
A retired healthcare executive, Wilton draws from decades of personal experience, combining professional leadership with his own spiritual journey. His calling to write began more than fifty years ago with a conversation with his tenth-grade English teacher, who told him he had a gift. Though he briefly considered journalism, life took him in another direction, but the desire to write never disappeared.
"Looking back, I can see God was planting seeds all along," Wilton said. "Now I simply want to use whatever gift He's given me to encourage others to trust Him more deeply." For Wilton, writing is an act of obedience, which he describes as "inspired by God."
When creativity stalls, Wilton turns to what he calls his "mental health and prayer walks." "Every time I step away and spend time with the Lord, He faithfully meets me there," he said.
Beyond the pages of "Every Breath," Wilton hopes readers leave with a deeper belief that God has not abandoned them. "He is using every step to shape them into who He created them to be," he said.
A native West Virginian and graduate of Marshall University, Wilton spent his professional career as a healthcare executive before retiring to devote more time to writing, family, and ministry. He has been married to his wife, Sandy, for more than forty years and treasures his role as a husband, father, and grandfather.
For aspiring writers, Wilton offers simple advice: "Do the work. Follow the prompting of your heart and the Holy Spirit. Write every day. You never know how God may use your words to encourage someone else."
For more information on Clay Bridges Press, visit claybridgespress.com.
