Tag: Trusting God

November 18, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Obeying Even When You Don’t Want To

Opening Verse

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Introduction

Obedience to God can be challenging, especially when His instructions seem difficult or inconvenient. However, choosing to obey—even when you don’t feel like it—is a testament of faith. God honors our obedience and strengthens us in the process.

Devotional Story

Anna was a woman who loved her family but struggled with a strained relationship with her sister. One morning during prayer, she felt God prompting her to forgive and reconcile. Anna resisted, arguing with herself that her sister didn’t deserve forgiveness. The thought of humbling herself and reaching out felt unbearable.

Still, the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit wouldn’t stop. After much internal wrestling, Anna finally obeyed. She picked up the phone, apologized for her part in the conflict, and forgave her sister. To her surprise, her sister also apologized, and their relationship began to heal. Through this experience, Anna realized that her obedience wasn’t just about her—it was about God’s greater plan for restoration.

Anna’s story mirrors Jonah’s journey. When God called him to preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah resisted because he didn’t think they deserved God’s mercy. Despite Jonah’s reluctance, God’s patience and persistence led him to obey, and through that obedience, an entire city was saved (Jonah 3:5-10).

What This Means

God’s commands often lead us to step out of our comfort zones. While obedience may feel difficult, it’s an act of trust in His wisdom and love. When we follow Him, even reluctantly, He works through us in ways we cannot imagine, and His strength carries us through.

Think About This

  • Are there areas in your life where you’re resisting God’s guidance?
  • What blessings might be waiting on the other side of your obedience?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I struggle to obey Your instructions. Please help me to trust You, even when I don’t fully understand or want to act. Give me the courage to follow where You lead, knowing that Your plans are for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” – Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)

October 21, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God’s Grace is Enough

Opening Verse

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes in life, we feel like we don’t have enough—whether it’s money, energy, or even faith. But God reminds us that His grace is always enough for us, even when we feel like we’re lacking something important.

Devotional Story

There was a man named Kingston who often felt like he wasn’t doing enough. He worked hard at his job, took care of his family, and even volunteered at church, but deep down he always felt like something was missing.

One Sunday, after a tough week, Kingston sat in church listening to the pastor talk about the Last Supper. The pastor explained how Jesus took a cup of wine and said, “

This is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20, KJV).

As Kingston listened, he suddenly realized something—he didn’t need to be perfect or have everything figured out. God had already given him what he needed through Jesus.

Even though Kingston didn’t feel like he had everything, God’s grace was enough. It covered all his mistakes and shortcomings. Kingston finally understood that he didn’t need to work so hard to feel “good enough.” God’s grace was more than enough for him, even when life was tough.

What This Means

We often think we need more to be happy or to feel complete. But God’s grace is always enough. Even when we feel weak or like we’re missing something, God steps in and gives us exactly what we need.

Think About This

Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough or that you weren’t good enough? Remember, God’s grace is always there for you, filling in all the gaps and giving you strength. Think about the times when God’s grace has carried you through difficult moments.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for reminding me that Your grace is enough. When I feel weak or like I’m missing something, You fill me with Your strength. Help me to trust in Your grace and know that I don’t have to do it all on my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
—Matthew 4:4 (KJV)

October 15, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Seasons of Change

Opening Verse:

 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Introduction:

Just like we prepare for different weather seasons—whether it’s the warmth of summer or the chill of winter—we also experience spiritual seasons that require different approaches. These seasons might be joyful, full of growth, or they might feel challenging and dry. No matter what season you’re in, God has a plan and purpose for it.

 

Devotional Story:

Julia had always loved the beauty of autumn. The vibrant colors of the leaves changing reminded her of the cycles of life. But this year, it felt different. She was going through a difficult time—her prayers felt empty, and her faith seemed to waver. She was in a spiritual winter. It wasn’t like the summer of last year, where everything felt alive and blessed.

During one of her quiet times, Julia opened her Bible to the book of Psalms and read,

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5).

She realized that just as she prepared her home for winter by gathering blankets and lighting the fire, she needed to prepare her heart for spiritual winters. She began spending more time in prayer, seeking God’s presence even when He felt distant.

 

Over time, the cold of winter in her soul began to thaw, and the warmth of God’s love filled her heart again. Julia understood that just as seasons change, so do our spiritual walks. What matters is how we prepare and trust in God through every season.

 

What This Means:

Just like we adjust for each season in nature, we must adjust our spiritual lives. When we’re in a season of abundance, it’s a time to be grateful and grow. When we face hardship, it’s a time to lean on God and deepen our faith. Each season, whether high or low, has its purpose in shaping us into who God wants us to be.

 

Think About This:

What season do you find yourself in right now—spiritually speaking?

Are you prepared to trust God in both the “summers” and the “winters” of life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with us in every season of life. Help us to recognize that each season serves a purpose in our walk with You. When times are hard, remind us to hold onto Your promises, and when times are good, help us to remember to praise You. We trust that You are in control of every moment and every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

 

October 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Spiritual Amnesia

Opening Verse

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:2 (KJV)

Introduction

In our walk with God, there are times when we forget His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. We face new challenges and quickly fall into worry, forgetting how He has delivered us time and time again. This spiritual forgetfulness, or “spiritual amnesia,” causes us to lose sight of His promises and power.

Devotional Story

Imagine a hiker trekking through a dense forest. He’s been on this path before, yet every rustle in the bushes startles him, and every shadow seems menacing. As he progresses, he forgets the times he found his way, the beautiful clearings he discovered, and the strength he felt upon reaching his destination. Instead, he’s overwhelmed by the fear of getting lost, even though the path is familiar.

In our spiritual lives, we often behave like this hiker. We face trials and act as though we have never experienced God’s deliverance. We forget the moments when He provided, healed, and guided us. This forgetting can lead to fear, anxiety, and doubt, overshadowing the truth of His constant presence and care.

What This Means

When we let ourselves forget God’s past faithfulness, we are more prone to fear and uncertainty. But the Bible reminds us to recall all His benefits and His acts of grace. By actively remembering and recounting His goodness, we strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

Think About This

What are some specific instances where God has shown His faithfulness in your life? How can you keep these memories alive to combat spiritual amnesia during challenging times?

Prayer

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I forget Your goodness and faithfulness. Help me to remember Your many blessings and acts of mercy in my life. Strengthen my faith so that I may trust You fully, even in the face of uncertainty. Amen.

Closing Verse

“I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”
Psalm 77:11 (KJV)

September 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Prepare the Soil of Your Heart

Matthew 13:15-16 (KJV)

“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”

Introduction

In life, we often encounter people who seem unable to understand the message of the gospel. No matter how much truth we share, it seems to fall on deaf ears or hardened hearts. This can be discouraging, but Jesus spoke about this very thing. Not every heart is ready to receive the seed of God’s Word.

Devotional Story

Think of a person as a garden. When you look at a well-prepared garden, it’s ready for planting. The soil has been tilled, the rocks removed, and it’s ready to receive seeds. But if a garden is filled with rocks and stones, no matter how many seeds you plant, they won’t take root. The soil isn’t ready.

In the same way, some people’s hearts are not yet ready to receive the message of the gospel. Their hearts might be hardened by past hurts, disbelief, or distractions. When you try to share God’s love with them, it’s as if you’re throwing seeds onto rocky soil. They might not understand what you’re saying because their spiritual soil hasn’t been prepared. The rocks and stones of life’s challenges, sin, and pride need to be removed first.

But even as believers, we can sometimes add rocks to our own garden, preventing the seeds of growth in our lives. When we allow pride, bitterness, or distractions to take root, we place obstacles in the soil of our hearts. These things can prevent us from hearing God’s voice clearly and from growing in His Word. Just like an unprepared garden, our hearts can become cluttered with things that hinder our spiritual growth. We need to ask God to help us remove those things that stand in the way of our relationship with Him.

What This Means

This doesn’t mean we stop sharing the gospel or stop growing ourselves. On the contrary, we must keep planting seeds and allowing God to work in our lives. He is the One who prepares the heart, both in unbelievers and in us as believers. God is faithful to remove the stones that block growth, but we must be willing to let go of those things that hinder us.

Sometimes, the seeds we plant might not take root immediately, but that doesn’t mean they’re wasted. In time, God will soften even the hardest hearts, including our own, and the seeds of His Word will begin to grow. If you find your spiritual growth is stunted, it might be time to examine your own heart and ask, “What rocks have I added that need to be removed?”

Think About This

Have you ever felt discouraged when sharing the gospel with someone who didn’t respond, or even in your own spiritual journey when growth seems slow? Remember, the condition of the heart isn’t always in our control, but God can transform even the hardest heart—including ours. Trust in His timing, and continue to sow seeds of truth in love, both in others and in your own life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which is the seed of life. Help us to faithfully share Your truth, even when it seems like the hearts of those around us are not ready to receive it. Show us the rocks and stones that we may have placed in our own lives that prevent growth, and help us remove them. We trust You to prepare the soil and remove the stones that block us from receiving more of You. Soften hearts, open eyes, and make them ready to receive Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”
—Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

August 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Sharpened for the Battle

Opening Verse

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

Introduction

Growth and success don’t happen overnight. They are like the sharpening of a blade—slow, steady, and sometimes challenging. But when you commit to the process, you’ll be ready for whatever battles life throws your way.

Devotional Story

Imagine a blacksmith working diligently at his forge. He takes a rough piece of metal and begins the process of transforming it into a sharp, effective weapon. The metal doesn’t become sharp immediately. It takes time, effort, and many passes over the grindstone. Sparks fly, and the blade heats up, but with each pass, the edge becomes sharper and more refined.

In much the same way, our journey toward growth and success is a process. We face challenges, make mistakes, and sometimes feel like we’re being worn down. However, these trials are the very things that shape us, refine us, and make us stronger. Like the blade in the hands of the blacksmith, we are being prepared for the battles ahead.

What This Means

God uses the circumstances in our lives to sharpen us. Each trial, each difficulty, and each challenge is part of His plan to refine us. It’s not always easy, and sometimes we may wonder why things aren’t happening faster. But just as a blade isn’t sharpened in an instant, neither are we. Trust in God’s process, knowing that He is preparing you for what lies ahead.

Think About This

Are you in a season where it feels like you’re grinding away without much progress? Remember, every step, no matter how small, is sharpening you for future battles. Don’t rush the process; instead, embrace it, trusting that God is working in you.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust in the process You have for my life. I know that growth and success take time, and I ask for patience as You sharpen me for the battles ahead. May I find strength in knowing that You are preparing me for Your purposes. Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7 (KJV)