God Is in Control, but Be Prepared

Opening Verse:

“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
—Proverbs 3:25-26 (KJV)

Introduction:

Life is unpredictable, and the world around us often feels out of control. Whether it’s storms, unrest, or unexpected challenges, we might be tempted to worry. But as believers, we are reminded that God is always in control. Our task is to be ready for what may come but to trust fully in the Lord.

Devotional Story:

A farmer lived in a land where powerful storms often swept through. Though the storms were fierce, the farmer never worried. He kept his farm prepared—his crops covered, his animals sheltered, and his house sturdy. He did everything he could to be ready, but his trust was not in his own preparations. He trusted in God to protect him and his family. Each time a storm approached, he prayed, knowing that no matter the outcome, God was his refuge.

Similarly, we must prepare for the challenges life throws at us, but our faith should rest in God’s power, not our own. God has promised to be our confidence and protection.

What This Means:

Even though life can be full of unexpected storms, both literal and metaphorical, we don’t need to live in fear. We are called to act wisely and be prepared, but we must always remember that God is our ultimate protector. While we prepare, we trust that God is in control of all things, and nothing happens outside His will.

Think About This:

  • How can you prepare both spiritually and physically for life’s unexpected challenges?
  • Do you trust God to protect and guide you, even when things seem out of control?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my protector in times of trouble. Help me to be wise and prepared for the storms of life, but more importantly, help me to trust You fully. I know that You are in control of everything, and I place my confidence in Your hands. Guide me through every trial and remind me of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
—Psalm 18:2 (KJV)

The Deception of Fear

Opening Verse

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Introduction

In a world where information is at our fingertips, distinguishing between truth and deception can be challenging. Social media and news outlets often spread propaganda and lies, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Devotional Story

Consider the story of Maria, a woman who spent hours each day scrolling through her social media feeds. The more she read, the more anxious she became, fearing the worst about the world around her. One evening, her grandmother noticed her distress and shared a piece of wisdom: “Fear is not from God. He offers us peace and clarity, not confusion and chaos.” This conversation led Maria to reevaluate how she consumed news and to seek peace and truth in God’s word, rather than in the turbulent waves of media.

What This Means

The Scripture reminds us that God does not instill fear in us; instead, He equips us with power, love, and a sound mind. When faced with the daunting waves of misinformation, we are called to anchor our hearts in this truth, not in the shaky grounds of sensational news and social media narratives.

Think About This

How much of your day is spent absorbing news and social media? Reflect on how this influences your emotions and thoughts. Are you allowing these external sources to sow seeds of fear in your heart?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide us in discerning truth amidst the noise of this world. Help us to focus on Your promises and not be swayed by fear or deception. Grant us the strength to seek Your peace above all, trusting in Your sovereign hand over our lives. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)