“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Life is full of highs and lows, twists and turns, and ups and downs. But did you know that everything you’ve been through up until now is preparing you for what God is going to do with you and for you? No trial, challenge or difficulty you’ve been through has been wasted. Every disappointment, setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good! Hallelujah!
Every difficulty helps us grow and mature. When our faith is stretched, our character is developed and made stronger. God didn’t send that hardship, but He’ll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will mould you into the person you are called to be.
Today, you may be experiencing tough times, but remember, God is growing you, maturing you, and stretching your faith. Have the attitude that says, “This is a new day. Things are shifting for my good. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It’s going to elevate me. God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life!”
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for delivering me through some hard trials. Father, I will always dwell in Your presence. I know that with You, no trial will defeat me and all things will work out for my good. God, I thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places into the place of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Living Faith
When the Bible tells us about a great man or woman of faith, the Lord in His kindness also often shows us the person’s weakness and failings. For example, let’s look at Abraham. Like any one of us, he had faults. He sinned. He made mistakes. Still, God loved him and accomplished great things through his life.
When the Lord spoke, Abraham listened. Just imagine what promises and blessings he would have missed if he’d failed to pay attention. (See Genesis 12:1-8; Genesis 15:1-5; Genesis 17:1-4.) Abraham’s conversations with God teach us what living by faith looks like:
- Listening to God. When we recognize God’s voice, we’ll have assurance about what to do and where to go.
- Obeying God. Obeying God shows we really trust Him, and each time we obey Him, our faith grows stronger.
- Depending on God. Human nature wants to be self-sufficient, but we desperately need God’s wisdom, strength, and help.
- Waiting on God. Our willingness to patiently let God move in His own way reaps great blessings—and prevents big messes.
- Acknowledging and learning from our failures. The Bible tells us that God exalts the humble (Matthew 23:12).
Which of these do you struggle with? Ask God to help you move forward, trusting Him and listening for His voice.
Today, Christians often struggle with living faith when they lack strong examples. Some don’t receive encouragement to grow, while others hold on to the wrong teaching and other hindrances that stall their walk. It’s like they are only able to hobble along. Hobbling, as a mode of forward movement, does not get us very far. And the energy it requires is impossible to sustain. To have living faith, we must trust in the Lord, not ourselves. And as we learn to trust Him to lead and empower us to do His will, we begin to see Him doing more and more through us. We find ourselves not just walking, but running to finish our race!
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for always watching over me. Sometimes like Abraham life can get overwhelming, giving me moments of weakness from time to time. Father, please strengthen my heart and grant me the courage to get back up and face this new day. At times it seems tempting to concede to my weaknesses, but I know this is not what You want for me. Lord, please replenish my strength so that I may rise from the ashes of my shortcomings. God though I may fall, please forgive me as I move forward to please you and praise Your name. In Christ’s name, Amen.
The Rest of the Week: Sign of Christ’s Power
Walking By Faith
Are there people in the Bible who intrigue you, encourage you, and somehow challenge you? Maybe Moses and his keen leadership skills? Or, Esther the compelling Queen, both beautiful and brainy who used her quick thinking to help save an entire nation? What about Joseph, someone so mistreated but could continually take the high road – which led him not only to political power but also to family forgiveness.
All of these are good choices, but I choose Enoch. As a young man he fascinated me. Not a lot is written about him, but what is there piqued my interest. “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24). My young mind pondered that strange description. He was whisked away, spared the pain of death and transported immediately to God’s side, all because of two simple things: He pleased God and walked daily by faith.
I say simple, but I don’t say easy. It is a simple thing to please God. You just do what He says in His Word. Straightforward enough, right? However, my years as a follower of Christ have taught me that simple is not always easy. Choices present themselves, the world screams, our flesh gets in the way and we want revenge or glory. So we often lack faith, and instead try to control our own destinies. We mess up the pleasing God part with I do my own thing.
Enoch walked with God. Oh, don’t we long for that to be said of us? I’ll admit I don’t always walk with God. I take a stand for God, believe the right things and make it known. I may walk after God. And sadly, sometimes I run ahead of God, make my own plans. I say I made them in His name. I may have forgotten to consult Him in the midst of my business, but they are for God. Walking with God means we daily give up our desire to navigate our own lives, and we place our faith in Him. We admit He knows what’s best for us and realise He might not always reveal the hows and whys until the very last second. God is seldom early, but never late. Only day-by-day faith-walking pleases God.
Today, make God smile as He sees you place complete trust in Him and His infinite wisdom. Maybe then we just might be like my Bible hero Enoch … the one who walked so closely by our Creator’s side that one day, during one of those long walks, God looked at him and said, “You know, we’ve been walking together for so long now that we are closer to My house than yours. Why don’t you just come on home with Me right now?” Glory!
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24).
Let’s pray
Yahweh, show me how to walk step by step with You in faith not ahead of You or behind You, but right by Your side. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What Faith Is Not
The best way to explain faith, is to explain what it is not. It is not positive thinking. It is not believing or praying for something hard enough that you will it into existence. That is not faith; that is presumption. Specifically, it is the assurance that God will do what He has promised. He has never promised to spare you from illness, heartache, or death. But He has promised to redeem you when you die and take you to be with Him forever.
One day I was talking to a couple who were suffering the pain and heartbreak of infertility. They had prayed and prayed that God would give them a child. They had gone through expensive treatments, and nothing worked. They said, “We believe that whether or not God gives us a child, God is going to use our experience to help and encourage others who are going through this issue”. They ended up leading an infertility support group in our church.
Today, this infertile couple exercise faith. Not faith that God would give them a child, in fact, He never gave them a child but great faith that God would use their pain and struggle for good. Faith that, as 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others”. That is what God has promised to do. He has not promised to take you out of your problems right now, but He has promised to use you to encourage others. That is what biblical faith is: an assurance that God will do what He has promised and what is best according to his will. Remember, faith is not just positive thinking or praying for something hard enough that you will it into existence. It’s all about trusting God no matter what…
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, take my heart, my desires, and my life and transform them to make me a stronger follower of Yours. Father, I want to grow in my relationship with You, but I need to trust You more for that to happen. So, help me on my journey, help me to connect to You more. I need you, God, oh how I need You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How To Get Rid Of Stress
One of the number one killers of all time is stress and not enough rest. Sometimes the daily pressures of life can cause unnecessary stress. In fact, many people lose sleep worrying about things or people in their lives. But God doesn’t want us to live stressed out and overwhelmed. He wants us to live a life of rest and peace.
As Jesus walked on this earth, He took time for Himself. He got away from the crowds. He spent time with the Father. That’s how He found rest. He was gentle and humble in heart. Have you noticed that when you don’t take time out, you are stressed, worried and less tolerant of others? You’re more likely to say or do something you don’t really mean.
Today, God wants you to cast your cares on Him and live with a gentle and humble attitude. When you release your burdens and rest and don’t worry, like Jesus, you will find rest for your soul. You will be rejuvenated and refreshed! You will find peace in your heart, so you can move forward in the abundant life God has for you!
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I cast my cares on You. Father, teach me to have a gentle and humble attitude. God, help me find rest for my soul and not live with stress and worry, so that I can love You and others the way You love me, in Christ’s name! Amen.
Do You Worry?
Some of us worry about paying the monthly rent or mortgage. Some of us worry about the choices our children are making. Others are anxious about the big decisions we must make about our future. With all the concerns in life, can Jesus be serious when he tells us not to worry? While we will never know a life without concern, Jesus assures us we can know a life without worry. He points out that worry, any manner of pace-the-floor, can’t-sleep-at-night fretting, is not helpful because it changes nothing. Worry doesn’t add a single hour to life; it doesn’t solve a single problem.
Worry isn’t helpful because life is more than our worries make it out to be! Followers of Jesus are called to live for so much more than the fleeting things we worry about.
Today, Jesus reminds us that worry isn’t necessary for a child of God. Your heavenly Father knows precisely what you need when you need it and your heavenly Father is good. The same God who paints the flowers of the field and tends the birds of the air, holds every part of your life in his nail-pierced hands. The same God who loved you so much that He went through the hell of Calvary for you, loves you too much to leave your life to chance. Don’t worry! God is in control!
“Do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you hold the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the smallest molecules in your hands. Please help me to trust in your perfect care for me, so that I may be free to build my life in you. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Trade In Your Garment of Heaviness
I watched one of the greatest comebacks in football history one Tuesday night, as Liverpool looked down and out at Barcelona. But instead of the fans having an attitude of doom and gloom, they came to the stadium with an attitude of praise, to lift their team to victory. What type of attitude are you wearing today? What’s covering your mind and emotions? Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing “heaviness?”.
Maybe you’re going through hurt or disappointment. It’s important to go through that process and release the hurt to God. But the Bible also says that God wants to give you a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of heaviness or despair. He wants to exchange your hurt for His healing. He wants to fill you with His peace and joy.
Today, change your clothes. It’s time to take off the heavy garments of yesterday that’s holding you back and weighing you down. It’s time to put on the garment of praise. Release those heavy burdens right now. It’s time to forgive those who have hurt you, and begin to praise your way to victory. When you wear a garment of praise, you’ll stand in faith and excitement about your future, also displaying God’s splendour and power all the days of your life!
“…Provide for those who grieve…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.” (Isaiah 61:3).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come to You with an open and humble heart. Father, I ask that You take my old garments of despair, hurt and heaviness. God, make me new today, by giving me a garment of praise and joy. Please have Your way in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
Focus On Jesus
Have you ever asked these questions, “I’ve been a Christian nearly my whole life, but I’m constantly disappointed in myself. Why is it that I always seem to keep doing the things I wish I didn’t do and never seem to do the things I know I should do? Isn’t God getting tired of me?”.
That’s a common struggle that even the apostle Paul experienced in Romans. I believe many who ask these questions are caught in the discouragement trap. But here’s some good news: we don’t have to stay in that trap of discouragement. To paraphrase Paul as he writes in Romans 8, the key is to stop focusing on the law and start focusing on Jesus. Hallelujah!
Remember the law, or us, can’t do anything about our sinfulness. The answer is not to try harder to be good at keeping rules – that’s the beginning of the discouragement trap. Instead, we must focus on the One who shows us mercy and loves us regardless and cooperate with the Spirit who changes us. Focusing on the law, will constantly remind us that we’ll never be good enough to deserve God’s grace.
Today, focus on Jesus, and we’ll become more like Him. Trade discouragement for encouragement and receive the freedom that Jesus brings.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (Romans 7:15).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of trying harder to be good, failing, getting discouraged, and giving up. Help me Lord, to depend on Your grace and to draw near to You, so that You can change my heart. God, I’m so sorry for putting the law above You, which has allowed me to live by works and not Your grace. Today I choose to focus on Jesus and trade my discouragement for encouragement. In His name I pray! Amen.
Celebrate Now
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Put some action behind your faith. In the middle of that adversity or tough time, start making a list of who you’re going to invite to your victory celebration. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you’re in debt, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party. No matter what you are facing, no matter what’s going on in the world around you, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God, because your victory is on the way. The Scripture says God will always lead us into victory!
Today, when things don’t look good in the natural and you don’t feel like celebrating, remember, we serve a supernatural God. He can turn things around in a moment. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for change. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback that will make you stronger and better than you ever were before. Hallelujah!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I celebrate right now because of Your promise of victory. Father, give me faith to celebrate Your vision and victory, so that I can be more confident in Your abundant life. God, help me to start planning now, for the changes I want to see in my life – based upon Your Word. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
You Will Win
With the European championship coming up next month, I was reminiscing over the last one which saw England lose to Italy. Before bed, I watched the highlights of the match. I already knew how the game would end. I knew which team had won. While I’m watching the highlights, however, I didn’t get discouraged, sad and down when Italy fell behind, because I knew the end result. I didn’t get uptight when they couldn’t get a second goal. Why? Because that wouldn’t change the outcome. I was totally at peace. Why? I already know the result – Italy would win. As an Italian supporter that day, the truth is that the further behind we fell, the more excited I got, because that meant the big comeback was on its way. I couldn’t wait to see it all over again.
Throughout the rest of the year, God has promised us victory. I have read the back of the book and we win. We know the final score and the enemy is defeated. Hallelujah! You may go through disappointments, like Italy after falling behind. At times it seems like you’re far behind spiritually, but you’ve got to remind yourself, “God holds my future in the palm of His hands. He already knows the outcome. God will never be defeated!”.
Today, like Italy, expect a comeback. You’re going to come out of this better and stronger than ever before! Remember, God knows how it ends, and it ends in peace, joy and victory in every area of your life! Get excited about the second half of the year. Trade in your sorrows, we have already won. All we have to do is stay on the winning side. God won’t lose. Don’t give in to the enemy’s lies and shortly you will be celebrating.
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…” (Isaiah 46:10).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, how awesome You are! Thank You for declaring victory over my life. Father, thank You for allowing me to be on the winning side. I choose to trust Your Word, even when I don’t understand, because I know we win. Hallelujah! I trust that Your promises are good and sure, and we have won by faith in You. God, when discouragement comes, when I fall behind, I won’t feel down, because I know I will come bouncing back in Jesus’ Name, and that my end shall be in victory. I receive this today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
We Have Victory Over Sin And Death
In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the truths about life, death, and resurrection. He describes “the sting of death,” which is sin. It is an analogy that highlights the pain and finality that sin brings into our lives, much like the sting of a bee, painful and sometimes fatal. This sting is empowered by “the law,” as the law of God makes us conscious of sin, heightening its effect and the inevitable reality of death.
In today’s verse. Paul isn’t dwelling on death as a defeat of humanity; instead, he is setting the stage to proclaim the victory provided through Christ. Just a few verses later, he exclaims, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This message for us is both a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and a call to embrace the victory over sin and death that Jesus offers. Considering this truth, we are encouraged to live, not in fear of death’s sting, but in the joy and freedom of the victory that comes from our faith in Christ.
Today, as believers, we have the assurance that the power of sin and the fear of death are conquered. This leads us not into a life of complacency, but into active, purposeful living, fuelled by the victory that is already ours through Christ. Knowing this, we can live courageously, fully, and righteously, inspired by the victory that nullifies death’s sting and breaks the power of sin.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:56).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for being my resurrection and life, in whom I have hope of eternal life. Father, thank You for giving me victory over sin and death, and for setting me free from the fear of death and dying. In Jesus name, Amen.
An Incredible Future
You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.
I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is, that we serve a super exceptional God!
Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today, because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future!
“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
God Wants To Give You Victory
Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually or emotionally? God wants to give you provision. God desires for you to live in victory in every area of your life.
The Scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Thanks be to God”. In the Bible, when God’s people were going into battle, many times they sent the worshippers out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life.
Today, start by thanking Him for His goodness. Magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems. Give Him thanks and make way for victory!
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I say thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Father, thank You for always leading and guiding me into victory! God, I receive my victory right now for this trial I’m going through. I celebrate and magnify You and bless Your holy name for my total deliverance. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.
They’re Rooting For You
Today I watched golf, football and athletics. I was able to experience the difference it makes to have somebody in the stands rooting for you. When you know someone is watching you, you hear them calling your name, and you see their hands up in the air; it does something on the inside. It causes you to jump a little higher, run a little faster, and you find strength you didn’t know you had. You’ve got a greater determination because somebody is rooting for you.
Right now you have a great multitude in heaven (angels and the Godhead) cheering you on! When you’re faced with trials and temptations they’re saying, “you can do it! You’re a winner! You are well able, strong and equipped. No weapon formed against you shall prosper!” Hallelujah!
Today, no matter what difficulty you may be facing, know someone is rooting for you – you always have the home field advantage. You are always surrounded by the voice of victory. Let that sink down deep into your heart today. Let it build confidence and perseverance in you, and give you the strength you need to keep moving forward into the abundant, victorious life He has prepared for you!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, open the eyes of my heart. Help me to see the grand stands of heaven cheering me on, rooting for me every step of the way. Father, thank You for instilling confidence, power and grace in me, so that I can run this race and finish strong, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Fishers of Men
We as Christians have the same calling, and that’s to be disciples. Jesus says, “Follow me,” and “make disciples”. He calls us to take the good news of God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. God’s great purpose, as the last book of the Bible indicates, is that people from every tribe, nation, people, and language will one day praise Him.
We are often tempted to exempt ourselves from God’s great plan by saying, “I’m not called to be a missionary”, as if that excuses us from being fishers of people. We are willing to claim God’s promise of abundant life but not His promise to become his witnesses who make disciples.
Today, perhaps God has given you a heart for a ministry near your home that blesses your neighbours. Fantastic! But millions around the world do not follow Jesus. Whether you’re a child, a young person, or an adult, will you ask God if he is calling you to be a missionary? We must give our all to enable people around the world to know God. He has given us these radical promises: “All authority … has been given to me”, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”. Let’s be radically occupied with ways to make his glory known at home and around the world.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you never wavered from your calling to bring salvation to the whole world. Father, help me to be faithful as I hear your call to be a fisher of men. In Jesus’s name, Amen.