Verse of the Day

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Whatever we focus our attention on is what will dominate our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). If our thoughts are dominated by the things of this world then we are going to get worldly results in our lives. We need to focus on God to get godly results.”

– Andrew Wommack

Reflection

It’s easy to acclimate a sinful nature to the patterns of this world. Conversely, it takes deliberate effort to turn our attention away from the world and toward our Maker. When we do that, we not only renew our minds, as today’s verse clarifies, but we condition ourselves to align with the ways of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While our sinful inclinations may never disappear completely on this side of eternity, God equips us to combat them for our good and His glory.

That’s why the subtle changes we make over time are crucial. Today, I may feel strong in my faith, but it doesn’t take long for a slippery slope of compromise to arrive if I don’t keep my mind in the right place. For instance, if I allow my attention to drift toward the patterns this world finds acceptable, I would slowly erode my conviction to fear the Lord and to obey God’s commands. We may attend Church on Sunday, but if we don’t make it a habit to sustain our spiritual discipline beyond Sunday morning, we open the door for trouble.

I know I have faced this dilemma. First, I may allow myself to watch a morally questionable TV show. Then, perhaps I don’t attend Bible study for a week or two in a row. Suddenly, I gravitate toward secular music instead of praise and worship music. The nail in the coffin comes when I have chosen to spend more time surrounding myself with some friends who don’t share my faith as often as my Church friends. If this track continues for a prolonged period, it’s only a matter of time before my spiritual discipline is in shambles.

In a short time frame, I would have transitioned from living as a faithful believer to drifting into alignment with the world’s ways. I would need to feast on God’s Word, turn things around quickly, and repent of any newly established pattern of sinful behavior. Otherwise, there’s no telling how much further I would fall before God may use more drastic measures to draw me back into the fold. We know God corrects those He loves, but there’s wisdom in learning our lesson before we reach rock bottom.

Both today’s verse of the day and today’s quote suggest we don’t let it come to that. We want to submit to God’s will and avoid conforming to the spiritually risky habits the culture would have us believe are normal. In isolation, one of these decisions is not necessarily sinful. The problem comes when they become a form of idolatry and disrupt the intimacy we have with Jesus Christ. It would be legalistic to look at someone who exercised their Christian liberty to make a decision similar to the ones above and judge them harshly.

You aren’t any less of a Christian because you watched a worldly TV show or listened to a secular song. My point is that, in the aggregate and over an extended time frame, these seemingly harmless distractions can become footholds or strongholds that the devil would love to captivate our attention with (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). As soon as we realize we are not redeeming the time, we should establish better habits that honor God. There’s no need to wait for these issues to become idolatrous or establish that stronghold to repent.

That’s where we must reflect on verses like Romans 12:2 and adhere to its suggestion: “be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” We can pray to God and confess that we’ve drifted away from His ideal path. The longer we live a lifestyle of persistent concession to sin, the more challenging it becomes to rectify our path. The more we delve into questionable territory with our thoughts, life, actions, and habits, the more acceptable we will find them. What we once considered a spiritual crisis suddenly becomes more palpable and less convicting (Hebrews 3:8-15). That’s the last thing we want if our goal is to please God.

Application

Since our hearts are easily captivated by the allures of this world, we need to be vigilant (1 John 2:16, 1 Peter 5:8). We must guard our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. In a previous devotional, we discussed the impact our thoughts (Philippians 4:8), words (Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 18:21), and actions (Ephesians 4:32) have on our dynamic with unbelievers. But all of this starts with us, and the same principles apply. However, our priorities are not in order if we’re more concerned about how others perceive us than our behavior. We must start with ourselves first. God is our ultimate audience. Our chief concern isn’t optics with others and maintaining a good reputation with them.

Mankind’s opinions are fickle, and people can turn on us at the drop of a hat. God’s knowledge of our character, who we are, our intentions, and our motivations for everything we do matter more. Of course, I am not saying that a reputation with men isn’t valuable; on the contrary, it’s a blessing when others look up to you for the right reasons. It simply requires us to emphasize God’s perspective on us first and foremost.

There are times when God will allow us, in this lifetime, to have a good reputation in the eyes of God and man (Proverbs 3:3-4). But if you are in a situation where you must choose, the former is unfathomably more meaningful than the latter.

My challenge to you and myself is to focus on God in whatever season you’re in. Let’s not get caught up in dwelling on the past (Isaiah 43:18-21), worrying about the future (Matthew 6:34), or trying to force things to happen in our timing. Everything will always fall into place according to His will (Romans 8:28); keep putting Him first in as many aspects of your life as possible (Matthew 6:33).

Embrace the season you find yourself in (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9). Trust God has a reason for the situation in which He has placed you. There’s no need to doubt Him. We need to immerse ourselves in His will. All the other things we want, which are not essentials but perhaps important life goals for us, will come if they align with God’s will. If they’re not part of His plan for us, He will protect His children from those things that are more of a liability than a blessing (Psalm 46:1).

We don’t need to focus so much on life’s extras. Focus on Him and His kingdom. If we have Jesus Christ, we have everything, and if we have everything else, we have nothing of eternal value (Mark 8:36-37).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. Thank You for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to store Heavenly Treasures. Please help me focus on matters of eternal significance. I desire to entertain thoughts that are pleasing to You.

I have opened the door to unnecessary exposure to the world many times. Acclimating to the world is no badge of honor for any of us. As Your children, we should exemplify critical distinctions in our lifestyle.

Please help me not to become self-righteous nor think of myself more highly than I should. If it were up to me and my strength, I know it’s only a matter of time before my morals fade into compromise. I must rely on You for guidance. Please help me maintain the discipline and motivation to always turn to You and Your Word for sustenance.

The world and its fleeting treasures, accolades, and trends will never satisfy my soul. Only in Jesus Christ, Your Son, can I find everything I need. Without Him, I am nothing and cannot do anything of eternal significance. But with Him, I know I am empowered to make a difference for Your glory and my good.

Please help me stay focused on Your mission. To find lasting satisfaction, I need a sense of purpose that I only see in You. Your Word is my moral compass, and I know I wouldn’t have the capacity to navigate this world without You.

Please forgive me, dear God, for all of my sins. Thank You for drawing me to You and saving me. I must remember that part of the mission You’ve assigned to me includes discipleship, teaching, and evangelism. Thank You for giving me the strength, wisdom, and discretion I need to accomplish Your will. I need Your continuous help to persevere. I want to surrender every area of my life to You and submit to Your sovereignty.

Please help me with every significant decision point and steer me far away from the world. I know that I am in the world, but I am not of the world. Thank You for all You have done, still do, and will continue to do with me. It’s an honor that You would see it fit to use a morally bankrupt sinner like me to do anything of eternal magnitude, but I believe that’s what You’re doing, and I am grateful for it.

Many of our ancestors whom You involved in Your plan were among the least likely to partake in Your purpose, yet You still used them. I could never repay You or thank You enough for calling me to make a meaningful difference for Your kingdom.

I pray that many fellow children of God will see the same opportunity to open themselves to You and to utilize their gifts, talents, and resources to pursue the avenues of service You have placed in their hearts.

May Your will be done in my life and the lives of those around me.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” 

– C.S. Lewis

Reflection

The moment anyone thinks they’ve achieved mastery of something is the moment they stop learning. The mentality of recognizing our limitations and seeing that there’s always more to learn, especially when it comes to the things of God, is a blessing (Romans 11:33). It cultivates humility (Philippians 2:3), growth (James 4:10), and reliance on God instead of ourselves (Proverbs 3:5-6). As we develop these attributes and grow in faith, God allows us to share what we learn with others who may benefit from the lessons God has been instilling in us over time (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Paul elaborates on this in today’s verses. In verse 13, he emphasizes that he hasn’t yet apprehended it. The Apostle Paul wrote roughly half the New Testament and did great things in the name of the Lord with God’s help. But he tells us that he didn’t consider himself to have attained perfection. A lifestyle of sanctification is not about perfection; it’s about a continual desire to move in that direction, with Jesus Christ as our focus (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).

The latter part of the verse says, “…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” It reminds us not to dwell on our past mistakes. Ruminating on the way we’ve struggled has no advantage. Thinking briefly on it to see how we improve from past experiences may have a place, but when we allow the past to consume our thoughts, we are not walking in faith (Isaiah 43:18-19). There’s freedom in letting go of them because it lightens our load, helps us forgive past offenses, and allows us to use our full capacity for what matters.

The phrase, “…reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” gives us a hint. It’s not about looking ahead with worry or anxiety (Matthew 6:34). I think it’s about considering what lies ahead so that we draw confidence from Jesus Christ to make the most of the present (1 John 5:14-15). If our eyes remain fixed on the Lord, that vision empowers us to do better right now. The assurance of eternal security (John 10:28-30), unconditional love (Romans 8:38-39), satisfaction (John 6:35), and joy (Nehemiah 8:10) are all fruit of emphasizing Jesus Christ over everything else (Philippians 2:9-11). 

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and His Son reconciles us to Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). That kind of certainty and security opens the door for us to serve God wholeheartedly, without the issues of the past or the worries of the future unnecessarily weighing us down (Jeremiah 29:13).

Application

Verse 14 shows us Paul’s mindset. As a result of not considering himself to have apprehended completion of his God-given goals, there was still work to do. He hadn’t yet accomplished his mission; since he was alive and breathing, he knew God wanted him to stay on track (Hebrews 12:1-2). He says it plainly, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

Notice the goal revolves completely around the upward call of Jesus Christ upon his life. The goal isn’t fame, money, status, self-fulfillment, comfort, or any other worldly amenity. It’s about sharing God’s word and accomplishing God’s will (1 Peter 2:15-17, Matthew 28:18-20).

Our quote of the day gives us a practical nugget of wisdom. We can’t change history, so there’s no real incentive to dwell on it. It focuses on what we can change; that is where we still have influence. God can still transform our lives right now (Romans 12). He can restore our health or answer our prayers. He can enrich our lives with joy and infuse us with a greater sense of purpose.

Even in all these things, we recognize and thank Him for the blessings He has chosen to grace us with (1 Thessalonians 5:18). But we must always remind ourselves that they’re not given solely for our benefit. The beneficiaries of our time, energy, resources, and talents should ultimately be other people (1 Peter 4:10). 

If God has already equipped us in these ways, He has already blessed us a great deal. But the beauty is that the blessing doesn’t need to stop with us. It can proceed to influence and uplift those around us. It’s also pivotal for us to ensure that we remain focused on Christ and don’t lose sight of Him as our ultimate blessing (Numbers 6:22-27). 

We cannot afford to lose our faith when things don’t go our way or when our earthly blessings are compromised. God has the authority to give and take away at His discretion (Job 1:21). May we remain faithful to Him in the good and bad times. Let’s keep seeking God and delighting in Him during the daunting, painful seasons as well as the triumphant seasons (James 1:2-4). He has ordained everything in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Keep in mind that God hasn’t forgotten you when life gets hard. He didn’t abandon Job, but we know what he went through (Job 42). God doesn’t owe us the answers to all of life’s questions. Occasionally we may need to fight heavy battles without fully understanding the reason. Other times, we go through those tumultuous seasons, and He offers us insight into why we went through what we did later in life.

The key takeaway is that we must press on. If you’re in a dark place, trust that God will get you through it. He will not abandon you in your time of great need (Hebrews 13:5). If your position is one of victory, embrace that season, and keep in mind that life offers us new challenges all the time. Enjoy every day of good health and opportunities to serve God. We honestly don’t know how long they will last (James 4:13-14). 

May we all continue to draw nearer to the Lord in every circumstance (James 4:8). Some people turn away from Him in times of difficulty and communicate with God only when things are going their way. Others make the opposing but equally significant mistake of seeking God only in the tough times. Meanwhile, they forget about Him when things are going well. Let’s all pursue the Lord fully in every season, knowing that our Lord and Savior wants a relationship with us at all times (Jeremiah 29:13).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for keeping my eyes on the prize. I know that the ultimate prize is found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for not abandoning me and staying with me at all times. 

Paul didn’t consider himself to have apprehended the fullness of understanding or the completion of the mission at hand. Likewise, I want to consider his example and, more importantly, emulate Jesus Christ in my pursuit of Your mission for me.

Please continue to equip me with Your full armor, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and instill in me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Without Your provision, I wouldn’t have the capacity to do anything eternally meaningful.

The joy of the Lord gives me real strength; please help me to remember that. I must always recognize that when I fix my eyes on Jesus Christ, I will retain an eternal mindset. I know that is the only way to maintain true satisfaction, joy, and purpose in my life.

Without Jesus Christ, I would not have anything worthwhile to accomplish or live for. Thankfully, He is always with me, and I know that everything I do for Your glory has eternal value.

Please help me always draw near to You and remain in Your presence, both in times of trial and in times of abundant joy. It’s not easy to remember, in moments of difficulty, that even those have their purpose in Your plan.

Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit. May I always listen to His lead and trust Him to help me when things aren’t going the way I planned. Help me rest in Your sovereignty, knowing things are still going in accordance with Your will. Nothing takes You by surprise.

Lastly, I ask that You would please forgive my numerous sins in Your sight. Please help me to walk the road of repentance and conquer them with Your supernatural help.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“I prayed for Faith, and thought that some day Faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But Faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, ‘Now Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God’. I had closed my Bible, and prayed for Faith. I now opened my Bible, and began to study, and Faith has been growing ever since.”

– Dwight L. Moody

Reflection

After we receive Christ, the Christian life doesn’t become passive. Paul calls us to continue walking in Him: rooted, growing, and established in the faith. According to today’s verse, faith is a foundational element of our walk with God. Verse 7 specifies that when we are rooted in Jesus Christ, built up in Him, and established in faith, we will abound in thanksgiving.

It’s no wonder we reach a place of gratitude when immersed in our faith. But not just any faith but one rightly situated in Jesus Christ. The Colossians faced the false message that sacrifices and overemphasis on personal action were a vehicle by which they could please God.

We know that works are a crucial part of our faith but not the Source of our salvation. When we make sacrifices for God’s glory, they are often honorable actions. It is pivotal, however, to remember that good works and noble sacrifices result after salvation. Works flow from a place of gratitude for God’s provision. Keep in mind, it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone that we receive God’s atonement for our sins and the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10).

If we indulge ourselves solely in human performance, it’s only a matter of time before we fail. Instead, we must rely on God to enable and guide us to abound in thanksgiving and reflect His glory. May God ensure our faith always abounds over our fears as we triumph over evil through His help.

Application

Today’s quote reminds us there is no replacement for God’s word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. Fellowship and prayer are crucial, but they would not thrive outside our time with God in His word. As we spend time in God’s word, He grows our faith and deepens our thirst for Him.

Next time, before you open God’s word, recall what a precious gift you hold. The infallible and timeless word you hold is God’s authoritative revelation to you. We must fear God and revere His word if we are to expect transformation.

Many times, myself included, we indulge our Biblical knowledge. Yet, it must also inspire us to act wisely as we apply God’s word in an acceptable way to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember a time when I was frustrated and tempted to let my emotions get the best of me. In that moment, the verse about being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” came to mind (James 1:19). 

I could have retaliated, but God’s grace enabled me to pause and choose to respond with kindness. This small act, guided by Scripture, helped to de-escalate the situation and reminded me that truly applying God’s word brings real change in daily life. We cannot afford to take His sacrifice on the cross for granted.

Let your choices be guided by the Holy Spirit, inspired by Jesus Christ, and honorable in the sight of God. Without Jesus Christ, we have nothing, but in Him, we find everything, including eternal life.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. I have dropped the ball and failed You in many areas. Yet, somehow, You have seen it fit to pick me up, dust me off, and help me get back on track. I pray that You would help me to forgive others the way You forgive me.

I am thankful that, with Your help, I don’t often allow deceit or wickedness in my heart to guide my actions. I am thankful that You know my heart and my intentions. Please help me align both with Your will.

Father, please help me grow in gratitude, faith, and joy. I desire to find joy in everything I do for You and develop my faith by hearing and studying Your word. I also want to grow in gratitude by acknowledging Your numerous blessings.

My thankfulness abounds because of Your provision. I sincerely appreciate everything You’ve provided me, from the most minor material things to the most significant spiritual blessings. You’re my greatest treasure, and I am fortunate that Your presence will remain with me for all of eternity.

You are the Source of every good and perfect gift in my life. Please help me surrender to Your will and recall that it aligns with Your eternal best interest in consideration of Your glory and my good.

May I take up my cross daily and repent of all that offends You, including the sins I may not be aware of, so that I may walk in Jesus Christ. Thank You once again for Your forgiveness, and help me to please You in every area of my life.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“The valley of the shadow of death holds no darkness for the child of God. There must be light, else there could be no shadow. Jesus is the light. He has overcome death.”

– Dwight L. Moody

Reflection

Few passages in Scripture have comforted believers more than Psalm 23. Just as God faithfully shepherded David through life’s darkest valleys, He promises to be with His children today. We don’t have to spiral into despair because our Good Shepherd guides, protects, and comforts us. Through Jesus Christ, even the sting of death has been overcome (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).

Who better to entrust with our well-being than the Creator of the Universe? He knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-15). God knows our every weakness, and when we face trouble beyond our capacity, He faithfully provides the grace we need to endure (Isaiah 25:4).

While we can consider the valley to represent death itself, it may also signify situations of darkness, peril, trials, or opposition. Whether facing a physical or spiritual obstacle or foe, God faithfully remained with King David. Likewise, He will not abandon His children (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5).

When our faith is greater than our fears and God’s sovereignty is magnified over the world’s peril, we recognize that there’s no need to become weary in the face of adversity (Mark 5:36, Galatians 6:9), especially since God is with us and actively assists us at all times (Joshua 1:9).

The latter portion of today’s passage speaks of the rod and staff of God. The metaphor comes from the way a shepherd tends his sheep. In this case, you and I are the sheep.

Sometimes, God lovingly gives us a gentle nudge or tug back onto the right path when we’ve begun to drift. Other times, the shepherd would use the staff to protect the sheep from wild animals and other threats to the flock.

When a sheep wanders quite far from the rest of the flock, the curved edge is necessary to pull it back in with the herd. Many of us have experienced that kind of correction, and while it is unpleasant at the moment, we are so grateful that God has done so out of His vast love for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There’s a reason why Jesus Christ is called the Good Shepherd. Not only does He actively protect us, but He willingly gave His life for us, His sheep, in the process (John 10:11-18). Our focus must remain on our Savior and recall His unfathomable grace towards each of us.

Today’s quote helps us remember exactly that. Jesus Christ lights the way for us. As the forerunner, He has already won the war on our behalf (Hebrews 6:20). Take comfort in His presence today and lean on Him at all times.

Application

Have you ever faced a dire season or deep trial? Perhaps you have even faced a near-death experience. Praise God that He saw it fit to help you get through it and survive that adversity. We shouldn’t wait for these times to draw closer to God (James 4:8), but when we encounter them, we are prudent to trust Him wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). That includes the “shadow of death.” Isn’t it awesome that the One who knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us more than we love ourselves, and has our best interests at heart, is always with us?

God is one prayer away from us at all times. The Holy Spirit dwells inside our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19)! Our proximity to our Savior, Jesus Christ, shouldn’t come from the ups and downs of our life’s circumstances. We will never match His unwavering loyalty and incalculable love towards us. However, we should do everything we can to seek His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), win souls for Jesus Christ (Proverbs 11:30), make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), discover our purpose through Him (Psalm 138:8), and follow His commands (Deuteronomy 13:4).

Though we remain imperfect, we are counted righteous before God because of the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:20–25). We are fallen, but He is faithful. We are depraved sinners, but His justification makes us saints. We deserve hell, but He makes us heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ for eternity (Romans 8:17).

There is no comparison between our temporal sacrifices in this life and the eternal glory that awaits all His children (Romans 8:18). Don’t take it for granted, redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-18), reflect the glory of Jesus Christ in all you do (2 Corinthians 3:18), and have faith that God is always faithful to His word (Romans 3:4). He is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). You can count on Him to remain steadfast in His love (1 John 4:8), grace (2 Corinthians 12:9), mercy (Ephesians 2:4–7), and forgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for making Your presence known to me. I know You are with me whether I feel You as close as my skin or distant as the stars. Please help me never doubt Your provision. Thank You for leading me through Your Holy Spirit, especially to help me make better decisions for Your glory.

Although this world is a fleeting breath, I am thankful that my actions can make an eternal impact for good. Thank You for giving me all the tools needed to serve You. Thank You for Your guidance, protection, and correction. Thank You for being merciful and gracious with me when I fail.

Please help me remember that You are unchanging, consistent, and reliable in a world infused with chaos. You put me at ease and order my steps. Thank You for the gift of Your peace, which, along with Your presence, empowers me to adapt to all circumstances.

Thank You for forgiving me for wandering away from the flock. Whether in a small way for a brief duration or a large way for a significant time, I am thankful for Your redirection back to where I must go. Please help me align with You in every area and every way I can so that I may continue to serve You as effectively as possible.

Thank You for allowing me to use my flaws and former struggles to bless my peers today. I want to spare them the pain I faced as I continue to learn the future pain I can spare myself if I heed the wisdom of my mentors. I am far from perfect at this, but it helps me keep things in perspective, walk in humility, and ultimately accept Your will.

Please forgive me for all my sins and thank You for Your countless provisions, which include Your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love, which I cannot live without.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

“⁶ that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ ⁷ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Joshua 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

– Corrie ten Boom

Reflection

Many of us would do better to rest our confidence in God’s unchanging character and unshakeable promises (Hebrews 13:8). While we have seen His provision time after time, it doesn’t always fortify our faith the way it should (Philippians 4:19). It’s safe to say that is at least one facet of why the Israelites were commissioned by God to set up a memorial. 

The memorial would consist of twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. They would commemorate how God’s providence had empowered them to cross the Jordan River miraculously. Future generations would possess an undeniable memory of God’s provision to their forefathers for many years to come.

It’s intriguing to me that after such a significant breakthrough, God desired for His people to pause and reflect on His goodness (James 1:17). Before Jericho came into view, God wanted Israel to remember the Jordan. How many times has He answered our prayers and blessed us along the way? It’s not to say we’re not thankful, but I suspect I am not the only one who sometimes forgets to pause, appreciate, reflect, and acknowledge how faithful God has been in my life.

God likely doesn’t need us to design a memorial for us to properly apply the lesson here. The point isn’t necessarily for us to perform in a way that justifies what God has done, although I would say living a sanctified life is part of the journey. However, it’s a crucial lesson for all of us to remember how far we’ve come because God’s grace fueled our arrival.

Instead of asking for the next blessing, why don’t we thank Him for the many we’ve already received (Psalm 103:2)? 

Instead of playing with fire and succumbing to temptation, maybe we can re-focus on God’s faithfulness despite the many times we’ve sinned against Him (Proverbs 6:27, 1 Corinthians 10:13). 

Instead of ruminating on the obstacles, failures, or fears we face, perhaps we can hold more tightly to how much greater, more majestic, and infinitely capable our God is (Jeremiah 32:17, Romans 8:31)?

No matter how you slice it, there’s room to grow in contentment, gratitude, and genuine appreciation for God’s presence, character, and significance in our lives.

Application

Today’s verse of the day isn’t a call to stay stuck in the past or to worry about the future. It’s about taking a moment to recognize what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our lives, according to His timing.

When you faced hardship, trials, and setbacks, do you remember your prayers? Now, when you look back in the rearview mirror with that in mind, does it hit you how far you’ve come? God’s track record in your life deserves remembrance. Your life is a testimony to His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness.

If God was faithful to provide you with ways of escape from temptation, His presence to provide you with peace amid chaos, fortitude to stay steadfast in the faith, and strength to persevere in every circumstance, doesn’t that offer you the hope and courage you need for today? Isn’t that all He really asks of us? We must focus on each day as it comes because each carries enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

As today’s quote shares, we can absolutely trust an unknown future to a known God. Today’s blessings were yesterday’s hopes and prayers. Tomorrow’s dreams stem from today’s faithfulness, hope, and prayer too. We cannot grow weary and merely give up now; we’ve come much too far (Galatians 6:9).

You may wonder, “Victor that’s all great and I agree with a lot of your points, but how do I keep track of all of it?” I am glad you asked!

Maybe it’s a note in the margins of a verse that is speaking to you in this season.

Maybe it’s a journal full of your prayers and praise reports that demonstrate God’s unfailing love in your life.

Maybe it’s taking a few moments with a loved one to share how God delivered you from trouble, provided a solution, or gave you an extraordinary opportunity at the perfect time.

What it’s not is easily forgetting how far you have come and what God is doing in your life. From the outside looking in, people may see someone who hasn’t changed from when they last met you. On the surface, your life may look identical to how it looked 6 months, a year, or even several years ago. 

But God knows you better than everyone else! He knows the insecurities you’ve overcome, the mental burdens you’ve finally confronted and released, the anger in your heart that you surrendered, and the systematic removal of sin from your life.

External success in the eyes of the world may or may not come, but what matters most is that God sees everything. The things that no one else knows about you, He does. He knows you better than you know yourself, loves you more than you are capable of loving yourself, and wants to see you continue to acquire unrelenting confidence, boldness, and faith in Him.

What are the stones of remembrance that God wants you to collect in your life? Take a few minutes to recognize them before God today in your quiet time and prayer. If we make this a habit, we’ll live in the consistent knowledge that God always gives us what we need. 

Our timelines may differ, and our desires may not align, but we can rest assured that we can do no better than to surrender the final say to Him. There’s no better place to reside than in the center of God’s will for your life.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for Your countless provisions. I have failed many times, but You have seen it fit to give me another chance. Please help me remember the many ways You’ve remained faithful in my life, and help me continually repent of my sins. Please help me align with Your will and recognize that Your plans are infinitely wiser and eternally better than anything I could devise on my own.

Thank You for positioning me in circumstances that reflect outstanding privileges, immense liberties, and great responsibility in Your eyes. You’ve entrusted me with what I know is much more than I deserve, and as such, I desire nothing more than to meet your expectations of me with Your supernatural help.

I acknowledge today that without Jesus Christ, I am nothing. Without Him, I wouldn’t offer any eternal value or lasting significance to myself or others. But I thank You wholeheartedly for His presence in my life. Your Son empowers me to do far more than I could ever do alone.

Jesus Christ, Your Son, is the Vine and I am one of His branches. Thank You for offering me the gift of eternal life through Him. Thank You for enabling me to serve You, build Your kingdom, and pursue righteousness by His grace for Your glory.

Please help me stack those stones of remembrance so that I never forget the ways You have come through for me and those around me. 

You’ve rescued me from the chains of various addictions. You’ve picked me up and restored my health from several hospitalizations. You’ve positioned me to contribute to Your kingdom and given me the privilege of storing up Heavenly treasures. If I didn’t have You, I would have perished in my sins long ago, but You’ve seen it fit to redeem my life for Your glory and my good. 

Please help me not to lose sight of all this and continue to stand firm in victory with Your Son, Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that He is with me now and forever. As You fill me with Your Holy Spirit, I ask that You continue to empower me to serve You every day.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day 

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

– C.S. Lewis

Reflection

Whenever we look for God’s gifts from other outlets, we are left empty. The idols fabricated by our hearts may appease our appetites for a brief time, but soon after, they only bring trouble. Even those of us who know the value of proximity to God may occasionally take it for granted. Perhaps the allure of a particular temptation overtakes us, or we forget to stay disciplined about our spiritual nourishment. These are real threats that believers face daily.

Today’s verse reminds us that Jesus Christ offers us peace that we cannot find anywhere else. The world offers fool’s gold, and our adversary, the devil, seeks to destroy us through many avenues. These offers of empty promises and false hopes only lead us astray and distract us from God’s mission for us. 

The devil rarely attacks us in obvious ways. Instead, he exploits our weaknesses and often comes disguised as everything we ever wanted. That’s why we must all remain vigilant.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

All of us, including me, are capable of stumbling from time to time. Even the most seasoned believers sin and must ask God for help in repenting. We must crucify the desires of the flesh. Thank God for His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness, which comfort us when we fall short. 

When we find motivation in God’s will for us and demonstrate it in our actions, we will experience His peace in us. The world might be in shambles. Our immediate situation may prove itself difficult. There may be daunting obstacles that stand in the way of our success. But no matter what, we can rest assured that God’s peace will sustain us in all circumstances. 

As today’s verse closes, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The more we experience God’s supernatural help and provision in our times of need, the more confident we will grow that He has us right where we are for a reason.

Application

Praise God for the many tools in our arsenal against evil. He equips us with his full armor, guides us with His word, gives us access to Him in prayer, protects us with His angels, surrounds us with fellow believers, provides us with ways of escape from temptation, and leads us by His Holy Spirit.

All of these assets are priceless as we wage war against evil. All of us should have faith that we have already won the war through the victory Jesus Christ won on our behalf. However, it remains our responsibility to face each battle one by one. That constant obedience will give us peace in God that transcends all understanding.

We must proceed steadfastly and boldly in the direction that God leads us. When circumstances throw us an unexpected detour, we can rest assured that it didn’t take God by surprise. In those moments, we must utilize God’s tools, especially prayer. When we feel least inclined to pursue them, we often need them most.

Take a few moments to consider God’s track record in your personal life. Look at His constant love in the lives of our fellow believers in the Bible. Even when it seemed they had no hope, God made a way for them. In the same way, God was there for them; He will remain there for His children.

God parted the sea for Moses. He delivered Daniel from the lion’s den. He protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. He guided Noah in building an ark for safety during the flood. He empowered King David to have a heart after Him and lead Israel. Why wouldn’t He help you?

Why would we doubt His provision now if He did all that for these flawed sinners among His children like us? God is just as faithful today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. In the same way He used them, He can use us for His purposes. Embrace His call upon Your life and seek Him wholeheartedly. May all of us who believe abide in Him, obey Him, and enjoy His peace now and forever.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for forgiving me. Thank You for Your gentleness and enabling me to repent of my numerous sins in Your sight. I know there are some I may not have even noticed I committed, and I ask You to forgive me for those, too.

I am thankful for Your peace in my life, for filling me with Your Holy Spirit, and for His daily guidance. Without Your presence and Your word, I would be lost. Thank You for all Your provisions. Without them, I don’t know what I would do.

The world we live in is fleeting. Please help me focus on what matters most in life and find peace in You. I don’t want to cling to an idol for short-term satisfaction, pleasure, or relief. I receive lasting blessings solely through Jesus Christ, Your Son, and my Lord and Savior. Thank You for not giving like the ruthless world we live in, but instead for offering Your most precious gifts of generosity and love.

Please help me not take Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for granted. Salvation may be a gift, but the cost of offering it to us was the greatest price ever paid: the precious blood of Your Son. I don’t want to lose sight of that, so I ask that You please help me redeem time for eternity.

Thank You for giving me much more than I deserve.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day 

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“Some people spend so much time worrying about what might happen that they never enjoy what is happening [now]. … Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

– Billy Graham

Reflection

Many of us are inclined to overthink or worry about the future. This mindset produces anxiety and becomes a barrier to a proper appreciation of the present. When we preoccupy ourselves with what may or may not be, we overload ourselves with concerns. If we dwell long enough, we rob today of its joy and misapply excess mental bandwidth on speculation about the future.

God’s word reveals that this is not the ideal approach. God instructs us to let each day to worry about itself because each one brings enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Today’s verse offers us encouragement in the same vein. It assures us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” Although we are not privileged to know what the future will bring, we can trust the One who will open those doors in their rightful time.

Making plans, setting goals, preparing for the future, and establishing a vision are all reasonable if we are willing and adaptable to shift those plans in light of God’s will. In my life, God has taken me on several unexpected detours and redirected me on a path I didn’t envision. Yet, every time He has done this, I have been able to look back and see that His plan made sense. The detours I resisted often became the very roads that shaped me.

Although God owes me no explanation, when I look back, I can see God’s mercy, grace, love, and patience in my life. In the middle of the battlefield, we might be in too much pain to understand His greater purpose. It could take months or even years to look back and acquire the perspective to grasp why He allowed certain things to happen. God may offer you perspective, but if He doesn’t, it is wise to trust that He has a reason for all of it. Take refuge in Him and remember that He has your best interests and His glory in mind with everything that He has ordained to come to pass.

Application

Remind yourself to focus on the present rather than worry about the future or obsess over the past. That doesn’t mean our current situation is a walk in the park. Many of us are fighting battles others may or may not know about. The key is to hold fast to God’s promises and rest in the certainty that God will not abandon us.

Everyone other than Jesus Christ is capable of letting you down. Even our most beloved family and friends may hurt us from time to time. That’s why we need to extend one another the grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness God has extended us. We exercise wisdom when we don’t allow the pain we encounter in this fallen world to lead us away from God.

We need to express our constant appreciation for God’s presence. Even if we have nothing obvious to be grateful for, which is seldom the case, as believers, we can still thank God for saving us from hell and securing our position in heaven with Him for eternity. Even if pain and distress envelop us for the rest of our lives, if we know Jesus Christ, we have everything that matters.

Praise God for that today, and take a few moments to express your gratitude for the other numerous things He has likely blessed you with. It may just be the icing on the cake compared to the most significant spiritual blessings, but other blessings may provide us the perspective we require to realize that God has never failed to give us what we need.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for supplying all my needs. I appreciate all the doors You closed that weren’t right for me and those that You opened at the right juncture. As Your word tells us, You have made everything beautiful in its time. I surrender to Your timing, Father.

Thank You for putting eternity in my heart and giving me the peace of mind to know that it is secure in Your loving arms through Jesus Christ, Your Son, and my Lord and Savior.

Father, I confess I am a sinner who needs Your mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness. I know that despite my best efforts, I fail You and others every day in one form or another. However, I am thankful that every day is a fresh start to do my best to love You with all my heart, body, mind, soul, and strength. Please help me to love my neighbors as myself, too.

Please ease my worries and anxieties, dear God, and replace them with the comfort of Your presence and peace. I trust that I can persevere over any obstacle or difficulty with You on my side. Please steer me in the direction that delights You most. I have faith that You will work everything out for my good and Your glory.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

²⁰ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 (NKJV)

Quote of the day

“When a man’s heart is set on mischief, he will go a long way in it; but when God’s grace brings him back, he will find a shorter way home.” 

– Matthew Henry

Reflection

The prodigal son is a parable about a young man who left his family and squandered his father’s inheritance. Most of us are familiar with it, and many of us have even lived it for a season. The beauty of it is that it offers us an example of hope. A hope that applies directly to our relationship with Jesus Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and God the Father’s loving embrace to those of us who may have strayed.

We often underestimate the significance of our sins in God’s eyes. Yet we also underestimate the extent of His unfathomable compassion, mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness (Romans 5:20-21). While we shouldn’t ever sin more because grace abounds, it’s unhealthy for us to lose sight of God’s approachability through our connection in Christ (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

There are segments in the story that demonstrate the prodigal’s belief that he had no hope of returning to his father’s house, much less to his father’s open arms. How many of us have felt, or even feel that way now, about our Heavenly Father? He made a really bad decision, squandered a lot of money, and turned his back on his family. But his father didn’t lose hope that one day he could return.

Finally, he returned, but only after he tried to remedy the situation himself. He went from living a comfortable life with his father to living a lifestyle of sin and perdition. He had to hit rock bottom before realizing that even his father’s servants lived a better lifestyle than he did at the time.

One key that is vital for us not to miss is in Luke 15:17-19:

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

Here we can see the humility with which he approached his father. He recognized what he did wrong in his father’s eyes and, in the grand scheme, how wrong it was in God’s eyes as well. But as today’s verse of the day clearly demonstrates, his earthly father didn’t see it that way. His father chose to celebrate him instead. He gave him his best robe and essentially called for a feast to commemorate his lost son’s return. It was so much so that the other son couldn’t wrap his head around it. His brother’s expressions of disbelief and even frustration about what was happening to him were apparent. Luke 15:28-30 demonstrates this understandable reaction:

28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

Some of us may look back and think of this as a self-righteous attitude, but if we’re honest with ourselves, many of us might feel the same way in a similar situation. Ultimately, the father explained his position in Luke 15:31-32: 

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”

What mattered was that he had come back, and the welcome wasn’t about merit. It hinged on the unconditional love of a father who desired what was best for both of his sons.

Application

As we consider it in the context of our lives, we can see the parallels between our Heavenly Father and us. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). There’s not one of us who is righteous outside the justification of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Matthew Henry’s quote reminds me that God lovingly calls His children back to Himself, no matter how far they wander (Isaiah 55:7).

We shouldn’t take this parable as a license to sin, much less as a pattern of persistent rebellion in our lives (Romans 6:1-4). However, I would venture to say the majority of us can relate to the prodigal son. When you think back to that season and how far away you felt from God, I hope you can find solace in how God brought you back. For some of us, maybe this is a reminder that we’re far too close to becoming prodigal sons and daughters again now.

Let’s not reach rock bottom before we run back to God. Why would we want to test the limits of grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God? If we are genuine believers, we will bear real fruit in our lives (John 15:4-5). If the fruit of the Spirit isn’t apparent in our lives, it is our duty to figure out why (Galatians 5:22-23). We must test ourselves to see if we’re truly saved (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Do you feel closer to God today than you were a month ago, a year ago, or even a decade ago? Is God helping you grow, conquer habitual sin, defeat addiction, treat people better, and draw closer to Him? Do you see consistent spiritual discipline when it comes to reading the Bible, prayer time, and a distinct desire to worship God?

I don’t think anyone can claim to have any of these areas figured out without at least some margin for improvement, much less all of them. It’s not about obtaining complete mastery of every discipline and layer of obedience. The real question is: Can we find a clear display that things are moving in the right direction? 

My hope for all of us today is that we would look at the parable and reflect on our walks with God. Even when we think we’re in a good place, it’s easy to let pride or over-reliance on self rather than on God creep in. Even knowledge itself is capable of puffing us up to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). 

Actively pursuing a stance of humility in God’s eyes and seeing a true reflection of our sinfulness is essential (James 4:6, Romans 3:10-12). It reminds us that we cannot meet God’s standards on our own (Proverbs 3:5-6). Our reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation and victory over sin and death is crucial (John 14:6). Without Him, we are nothing, but with Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Today’s passage is not a guilt trip, but it’s a spiritual call to arms to remember that we are fallible. I know I, for one, must ask for forgiveness over sin and request a renewed desire to repent almost every day regarding all sorts of sin (Romans 7:18-20, 1 John 1:9).

I am thankful that, although I have a fallen nature, Jesus Christ has justified me and that I am on the path of sanctification. As God transforms me to look more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ, I want to continue to rely on Him to conquer every sin, including sinful habits, addictions, and even strongholds, through my lifetime. Without His grace, there is no hope. 

Thank God for His wide open arms. Run back to Him today if you don’t already find yourself underneath the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8, Psalm 91:4).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for Your wide open arms. Despite my countless sins, You have seen it fit to embrace me back into the fold. I know that I cannot lose my salvation, that Your love is unfathomable, that Your grace abounds, and that Your forgiveness is plentiful. 

But with all that in mind, I don’t desire for it to lead me to complacency and sin against You. On the contrary, I want to recognize that righteousness is achievable as you enable me to obey You. Please help me to love You with all my heart, body, mind, soul, and strength. After all, Your Word tells me that those who love You obey Your commandments.

Thank You for transforming my mind, healing my body, and restoring my soul. Sometimes I feel like the prodigal son in at least one, if not multiple, areas of my life. I don’t want to minimize such disobedience as minor. I want to fight sin and repent aggressively by relying on Jesus Christ.

Thank You for Your provision throughout my life and for leading me by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Son’s presence in my life. 

Finally, thank You for never abandoning me or forsaking me, but for welcoming me back into the fold after every compromise I have ever made or will ever make.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

In this episode of the Savior & Lord Podcast, Hankelsys Gutierrez joins me for a conversation about choosing Faithfulness Over Feelings. Together, we explore some common ways the world’s allure can distract us from serving God wholeheartedly and from pursuing His will for our lives.

We also discuss practical ways to combat those distractions using the tools God has provided through His Word, prayer, Christian community, and faithful obedience.

Whether you’re wrestling with temptation, struggling to stay focused on God, or simply seeking encouragement in your walk with Christ, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on how these principles apply to your own life.

We hope you enjoy this episode, and God willing, we’ll have Hankelsys back again soon!

Verse of the Day

22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

Quote of the day

“Oh! it is a great blessing to be put through the fire, if you come out purified. It is a sweet mercy to have to go through the floods, if some filthiness may thereby be removed. The children of Israel went down to Egypt to sojourn there, but after hard servitude and cruel oppression they came up out of it with silver and gold, much enriched by their bondage.”

– Charles Spurgeon

Reflection

If it weren’t for God’s mercy, we would not survive the hardships we face in life. According to v.22 of today’s verse, we may rest assured that God’s compassion is unfailing. Take a few moments to think back to the last major trial you faced in your life. Perhaps it involved a health scare, traumatic accident, or the loss of a loved one. It may have been scary, painful, or difficult to endure, but God showed up, didn’t He? Often, these circumstances make little sense in the moment, but when we look back, God may bless us with the insight to realize why they happened.

Take heart that even the most seasoned believers may face doubts amid storms like those mentioned above. However, even when we dwell in those doubts, we are wise to remember God’s perfect track record in our lives and remain steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). The best course of action is always to swiftly turn to our Savior, Jesus Christ, to navigate us through everything. Draw near to Him in times of tribulation as well as times of abundance (James 4:8). He was, is, and always will remain with us to help us navigate life’s unpredictability (Psalm 32:8). The world and our circumstances in it may bring unexpected challenges. Still, God remains the same (Hebrews 13:8). He is our anchor of hope, in whom we can take refuge and draw strength (Hebrews 6:19, Psalm 46:1-11).

It’s verses like v.22 that provide the spiritual fuel to motivate us to persevere alongside our Savior. Otherwise, we would be consumed if we tried to achieve success on our own. We must humble ourselves and cling to the Lord’s mercy. In His compassion, He is so patient with us (James 5:11).

In v.23, we discover that those mercies and compassions are new every morning. God’s patience and mercy with us should lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). We all miss the mark and struggle with sin (Romans 3:23). As believers we must remain vigilant and avoid complacency in our walk with the Lord (1 Peter 5:8), because we don’t want to fall back into old patterns of habitual sin and minimize circumstances that may lead us to compromise (Galatians 5:1). We must thank God that His mercies and compassion remain with us because we still fight sin and desperately need Him to provide us with that continuous supply of mercy and compassion daily (Psalm 145:8).

Application

If we are honest with ourselves, we recognize that we still sin and must continue to confess our sins, ask God to forgive us, and seek Him to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (Luke 17:3-4, 1 John 1:9). According to v.23, God remains faithful to extend His grace and mercy to us every morning. It’s comforting to know that it is available to us as believers.

After all, if God was patient with us before we came to saving faith, why would He turn us away now (2 Peter 3:9)? If God was with us through the fiery trial we faced, why would we worry that He will abandon us now (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Daniel 3:28)? Look back at God’s perfect track record in your life. When you looked for trouble yourself, wasn’t He there to welcome you back with open arms (Luke 15:11-32)?

Of course, none of us wants any more trials than we already have to contend with. Life is hard enough as it is. We must aim to rejoice, trust God, and persevere through trials, but they’re not something I think anyone seeks to grow in frequency (James 1:2-8). However, even if we do face immense trials throughout our lives, that temporary pain is not worthy of comparison with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

If you find yourself in the furnace of affliction and prolonged suffering, God may be providing you with blessings you aren’t even aware are possible (1 Peter 1:6-9). What if He is preparing you for the next assignment in His plan? What if He is using your circumstances to exemplify to your peers how a faithful believer handles trouble (Job 23:10)? Maybe He is protecting you from making a poor decision. Perhaps He is providing you with a new trajectory in your life. What if the trial chisels your character for the better, similar to the way gold is purified in the furnace (Isaiah 48:10)?

No matter how you look at it, you must hold fast to God and remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He has full authority to humble those who are exalted and exalt those who He has humbled (Matthew 23:12). God has provided us with everything we need for this season (Philippians 4:19). So whether He entrusts us with more, or even takes away, we must not lose our hope (Matthew 25:14-30). We may lose material possessions, opportunities, careers, abilities, or even loved ones in this life (Luke 14:28-33). But you know what we’ll never lose? God’s love and our relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:31-39). That’s why it’s such a strong position when our foundation centers on our identity in Jesus Christ above all else (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In the end, if you take away nothing else, you can find true and lasting strength in the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Then you will know that even in trial, you can retain your composure as you rest your hope in the Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It will speak volumes to those around you about your unshakable faith in the One who will never let you down. We can overcome all the struggles this life has to offer through Jesus Christ (Psalm 118)! Even if we lose everything else we hold dear, if we have Jesus Christ, we have it all (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5-6). But if we have everything else, other than the Lord, we have not one ounce of eternal value (Mark 8:36-37).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. Please help me to remember that You are there for me at all times. Thank You for informing me, through Your word, that I can come boldly to Your throne of grace. Thank You for giving me the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Dear Father, without You, Your Son, and Your Holy Spirit, there is no hope. Thank You for remaining with me even when I struggle with sin and fall short of Your glory. Thank You for delivering me from my sin, helping me to repent, and cleansing me of all unrighteousness. Please help me to remain steadfast, in lockstep with Your will for me.

Please align me with Your will for me. I want my thoughts and desires to lead me in the direction You desire for me to traverse. Please help me find joy in all circumstances and continually seek You, no matter if I find myself in times of ease, trial, or even peril.

Your Son, Jesus Christ, faced tumultuous circumstances throughout His life. Yet You sent Him to live a perfect life and die on the cross for my sins. As such, please help me abstain from evil so that I don’t grieve the Holy Spirit, disobey Your commands, or take for granted Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He washed away my sins once and for all.

Thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Thank You for reminding me that You are faithful even when I stumble. You knew I would need a fresh dose of Your mercy and compassion every morning. I don’t even want to imagine what my life would look like outside of Your supernatural provision. Thank You for never letting me down, leaving me, or giving up on me. Please continue to help me grow into the God-fearing man You desire me to become.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.