The Daily Dose

Marked for More

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore, the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. ~ Joshua 5:9

Have you ever stepped into something new that God was doing in your life, yet still felt the weight of where you came from trying to follow you into it? It is a strange place to be, standing in a promise while still carrying thoughts, fears, or labels from the past.

Today’s scripture reading takes place right after the Israelites crossed the Jordan. They were finally standing in the Promised Land, but before they moved forward into battle or possession, God paused them. He did something unexpected. He called them to consecration, to covenant, and to an encounter. In that moment, He told them that the reproach of Egypt was rolled away. In other words, what once defined them no longer had permission to shape their future.

As children of God today, we often want to rush ahead into what is next, but God is just as concerned with who we are becoming as He is with where we are going.

Here are some important truths in this chapter to consider.

1. God removes what no longer belongs to you

The Israelites had been out of Egypt for years, but something of Egypt had still clung to them. God made it clear that this was a moment of separation. He didn’t want them to stumble under the weight of having an identity as slaves, but instead to walk as children of the Most High God.

In your daily life, this may look like God dealing with old mindsets, fears, or insecurities that try to follow you into the next part of His plan. Maybe you have stepped into a new opportunity, a new level of responsibility, or a deeper walk with God, but you still hear thoughts that say you are not enough or that you will fail. God is reminding you that those things no longer belong to you. Take some time with the Holy Spirit today and let Him minister freedom to your heart.

Be intentional with your thoughts. When those old patterns try to lead you, remind yourself of what God says about you. For example, if you find yourself doubting your ability to step into something new, pause and say, “God has called me to this, and He will equip me.” You begin to walk in freedom by agreeing with the truth of God’s Word and His plan, instead of the lies of your past.

2. Preparation often comes before possession

Before the Israelites took the land, they went through a process of consecration. It wasn’t comfortable, but it was necessary. God was preparing them to be ready and stronger for what was ahead.

In today’s world, we often want quick results, but God works through preparation. Maybe you are in a season that feels slow or even uncomfortable. It might feel like things are not moving as quickly as you hoped. But what if God is strengthening you, shaping your character, and building your faith so that you can sustain what He is about to give you?

Start embracing where you are right now instead of resisting it. For example, if you are waiting for a breakthrough in your career, use this time to grow your skills, deepen your relationship with God, and develop consistency. When the opportunity comes, you will be ready to step into it with confidence because God has already done the work in you.

3. Encounter with God gives clarity for your next step

At the end of the chapter, Joshua has a powerful encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s army. Joshua asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” and the answer shifts his perspective. The focus was not about God taking sides, but about Joshua recognizing God’s authority and positioning himself to be in agreement with God’s plan not His agenda.

In your daily life, this reminds us that clarity does not come from striving, it comes from encountering God. When you take time to seek Him, He gives you direction, peace, and confidence for what is ahead.

You can apply this by creating space for God in your everyday routine. For example, before making a big decision, pause and spend time in prayer. Ask God for wisdom. Instead of rushing ahead based on pressure or fear, allow His presence to guide you. You may not always get every detail, but you will have the peace you need to take the next step.

It’s no secret that I came out of a life of deep bondage. As I began to walk closely with the Lord, it became clear that He was bringing me into something new. During that time, I realized I was still carrying pieces of my old identity with me. Old fears, old titles, and past mistakes would try to resurface, especially from when I was divorced and a single mother. I felt the weight of those labels so heavily.

Even though God had already begun to establish new things in my life, there were moments when those old thoughts would try to convince me that I had to figure everything out on my own and that I wasn’t good enough to receive God’s help.

But God began to work in my heart in a deeper way. He showed me that I wasn’t meant to carry that weight anymore. As I continued to walk with Him, I saw Him provide, guide, and strengthen me in ways that replaced those old fears with trust. Most of all, He gave me a new name, a new identity, and a new life.

It didn’t happen all at once, but step by step, He removed what no longer belonged in my life and in my heart. I began to experience greater peace and confidence, not because everything was perfect, but because I knew He was leading me.

That shift in perspective became a turning point. I realized I wasn’t just stepping into something new I was becoming someone new in Him.

Today I want to encourage you to let God finish what He is doing in you. If He is removing something, trust Him. As He is preparing you, stay faithful. If He is calling you to come closer, make space for Him. You aren’t who you used to be, and you aren’t stepping into this next season alone. The same God who rolled away the reproach for the Israelites is working in your life, setting you apart, strengthening you, and leading you forward into everything He has prepared for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 5

1 So it was, when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the west side of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel.

2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” 

3 So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 

4 And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: All the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, had died in the wilderness on the way, after they had come out of Egypt. 

5 For all the people who came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness, on the way as they came out of Egypt, had not been circumcised. 

6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord—to whom the Lord swore that He would not show them the land which the Lord had sworn to their fathers that He would give us, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” 

7 Then Joshua circumcised their sons whom He raised up in their place; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way.

8 So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. 

9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.

10 Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. 

11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 

12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.

The Commander of the Army of the Lord

13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”

14 So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

15 Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Journal:

• What is something from my past that God is asking me to release in this season
• Where might God be preparing me right now, even if I do not fully understand it
• How can I create intentional time to seek God’s direction in my daily life

Stones that Speak

Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ ~ Joshua 4:21

What if the moments you are walking through right now are meant to speak long after you have moved on from them? Not just for you, but for someone else who will one day need proof that God still moves, still provides, and still makes a way.

Today’s scripture reading shows us a powerful picture. God had just brought His people through the Jordan River on dry ground, something that seemed impossible just a few moments before. But instead of rushing ahead into the promise, God told them to stop and build a memorial with twelve stones. Why? He knew that because of their human nature there would be days when they would forget what He had done. He also knew there would be future generations who needed a visible reminder that God was faithful and always would be faithful.

We are no different today. Life moves fast. Answers come, prayers are fulfilled, and before we know it, we are on to the next challenge and the next request to our heavenly Father. But He is still calling us to remember what He brought us through in the past.

Before we move forward, let’s look at what these stones mean for us today.

1. Remember what God has already done

It is easy to focus on what is not happening yet and forget what we have already come through. The Israelites could have quickly celebrated and moved on, but God instructed them to pause and remember.

In your daily life, this might look like writing down answered prayers, keeping a journal, or even pausing during your day to thank God for something specific He has done. Maybe you once prayed for peace in your home, and now there is calm where there used to be tension. Maybe you were once worried about provision, and God came through in a way you did not expect. When new challenges come, those memories become your strength. Instead of saying, “Will God come through,” you begin to say, “God has done it before, and I know He will do it again.”

2. Let your story become someone else’s encouragement

God did not tell them to build the stones just for themselves. He said their children would ask about them. Their testimony would become a teaching tool and a message of God’s faithfulness to coming generations.

In today’s world, people are searching for something real. They do not need perfect people, they need honest stories. When you share how God carried you through a hard season, it gives someone else hope. Maybe a friend is struggling with fear, and you share how God helped you overcome anxiety. Maybe someone feels alone, and you remind them how God met you in your lowest moment. Your story and your testimonies are often the very thing that helps someone else keep going.

3. Build reminders in the middle of your breakthrough

The stones were gathered from the middle of the Jordan, the very place where God made a way. That detail matters. They did not wait until everything was completely settled, they marked the moment right there.

Sometimes we wait until everything is perfect before we acknowledge God’s hand, but there is power in recognizing Him right in the middle of your struggle. Maybe you are not fully through your situation yet, but you can already see God moving. You can say, “This is hard, but God is sustaining and helping me.” You can celebrate small victories. You can thank Him for progress. Those moments become anchors for your faith when the road feels long.

Many of the circumstances that I live in every day are a testimony of God’s faithfulness. There was a time in my life when I carried so much fear, especially as a single mother. I worried about how I would provide, how I would protect my children, and whether I would have the strength to step into something new when God was calling me forward. Those were not easy days. There were moments when I questioned if I had what it took, and moments when the unknown felt overwhelming. But as I began to follow His direction and trust His plan, one step at a time, I started to see Him show up in ways I never expected.

Each new step became a marker. Doors opened that I couldn’t have opened on my own. Provision came right when it was needed most, not always early, but never late. Peace would settle in during moments that should have been filled with anxiety. Strength would come when I felt like I had none left to give. From my blessed marriage to my blended family, even my ministry employment and the very home I live in, these are not just parts of my life, they are living reminders of God’s hand on every detail. My children and grandchildren can now see through my life and my surroundings a living example of what it means to trust God and walk in His faithfulness.

These markers have become memorial stones for me and those around me. They represent the prayers I cried out, the direction I received from the Holy Spirit, and the faith it took to keep moving forward when I could not see the full picture. Looking back now, I can clearly see that God was leading every step, even when I didn’t recognize it in the moment. Because He has proven Himself faithful in the hard times, I carry a deeper trust in Him today for my current struggles. I know that whatever I face, He will continue to lead, provide, and make a way.

Today I want to encourage you to start building your stones. Do not rush past what God is doing in your life right now. Take notice. Remember the prayers He has answered. Share your story with someone who needs hope. Mark the moments where He has made a way, even if you are still walking it out. The same God who parted the Jordan is working in your life, and your testimony will speak not only to you, but also to others who need to know that He is still faithful.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 4

1 And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: 

2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, 

3 and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’ ”

4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; 

5 and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 

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.”

8 And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 

9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.

10 So the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the Lord had commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and crossed over. 

11 Then it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over, that the ark of the Lord and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people. 

12 And the men of Reuben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them. 

13 About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho. 

14 On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life.

15 Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 

16 “Command the priests who bear the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” 

17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, “Come up from the Jordan.” 

18 And it came to pass, when the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord had come from the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet touched the dry land, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks as before.

19 Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they camped in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. 

20 And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal. 

21 Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 

22 then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; 

23 for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, 

24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

Journal:

• What are three specific things God has done in my life that I do not want to forget
• How can I intentionally remind myself of God’s faithfulness during difficult moments
• Who in my life needs to hear part of my story, and how can I share it with them

An Atmosphere for Producing Results

_{And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. ~ Mark 5:40}

What you allow around you can determine what God is able to produce through you. Have you ever received a direction from God and felt that excitement rise up inside of you, knowing you are about to take a step of faith? Then almost immediately, you share it with someone close to you, and instead of encouragement, you are met with the many reasons why it won’t work.

Most of the time, they are not trying to hurt you. They believe they are helping. But they are not considering that you are following the leading of the Holy Spirit and that God already has a plan in place for you to follow.

This is exactly what Jairus experienced when he brought Jesus to his home. By the time they arrived, the atmosphere was filled with grief because his daughter had died. The people were sincere in their sorrow, but when Jesus said she was only sleeping, they ridiculed Him. They were convinced they knew better.

I love what Jesus did next. He put them all outside.

That was bold. It was not even His house. These were likely friends and relatives of Jairus, people he had known for years. Some may have been offended, some may have felt hurt, and I’m sure they questioned why Jairus allowed it.

But Jesus was not concerned about their opinions because He was protecting the environment of faith for a miracle.

It was not about needing quiet or about being annoyed with the wailing. It was about the unbelief that was in the heart of those at Jairus’ house. Jesus refused to allow doubt, negative words, and opposing attitudes to interfere with what God was about to do.

Scripture shows us that what we are holding onto in our hearts matters. Even Jesus could do no mighty works in His own hometown because of unbelief, (See Matthew 13:58). That tells us something powerful. Our heart, our attitude, and the voices we allow around us play a significant role in the release of God’s power into our circumstances.

If you want to walk fully in what God is leading you to do and what He wants to do in your life, there will be times you must make a choice. You can’t hold onto the opinions of others and expect to move forward in faith at the same time.

There are moments when you will have to quiet the outside voices so you can stay focused on what God has already promised you. Sometimes that means creating distance from doubt. Sometimes it means not sharing everything too soon and sometimes it means choosing to believe God even when no one else understands.

If you keep surrounding your faith with unbelief, it will be harder to move forward. But when you protect what God has placed in your heart, you open up the way for Him to move.

Here are some ways to get started today:

1. Pay attention to the voices you are listening to, ask yourself if they are building your faith or feeding your doubt
2. Be wise about who you share God given direction with, choose people who will encourage your obedience
3. Limit conversations that pull you away from what God has spoken, even if they sound reasonable
4. Strengthen your confidence by going back to the Word and reminding yourself of His promises
5. Take one step of obedience today, even if it feels small, movement builds momentum

God is not asking you to isolate yourself from people, but He is asking you to guard what He is doing in you and through you. There is too much at stake to let doubt have a voice in your decisions.

Today I want to encourage you to protect the word God has spoken over your life, to quiet every voice that contradicts His truth, and to step forward in faith with confidence, knowing that when you trust Him fully, you are creating the space for Him to produce results that only He can bring.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 5:35-43

35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 

37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 

38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 

39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 

41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 

42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 

43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

Journal:

• What has God recently placed on your heart that requires a step of faith
• Are there any voices or opinions that have caused you to hesitate or question what God said
• Who in your life encourages your faith and helps you move forward in obedience
• What is one step you can take today to protect and act on what God has spoken to you
• How can you strengthen your focus on God’s truth when doubt tries to enter your thoughts

Press into God

When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” ~ Mark 5:27-28

Most times in life the breakthrough you’ve been praying for is closer than you think, and all it takes is one determined step of faith to reach it?

I can’t even imagine what the woman in today’s scripture reading must have been going through. She was sick for twelve long years. The passage says she suffered through many treatments from many physicians. In that time, those treatments were often harsh, painful and even medieval. Not only that, but this woman spent all of her time and everything she had just for the chance to be made well, and instead of improving, she only grew worse.

After twelve years, it must have seemed like all hope was gone. On top of everything, she was considered unclean. The law required her to stay away from others because she was seen as contagious. She was isolated, worn down, and likely exhausted in every way. She was an outcast of society, but then she heard about Jesus.

When that happened, something shifted in her perspective and suddenly she had a glimmer of hope. Not a weak hope, not a maybe, but a deep conviction inside. So much so that the scripture says she kept saying, “If I can just touch His clothes, I will be made well.” She didn’t say it once and move on. She said it again and again until it took root in her heart. She continued to say it until she got to Him. What she heard about Jesus, she repeated to herself until faith came alive inside of her, then she acted on it.

She pushed through the crowd. Weak, tired, and probably in pain, she made her way toward Him. She didn’t wait until she felt better. She didn’t wait for perfect conditions. She moved forward in faith right in the middle of her struggle.

She reached out and touched the hem of His garment, which indicated that she was probably crawling through the immense crowd because of her weakened condition.

In that moment, everything changed. Jesus felt power leave Him. Out of all the people pressing in around Him, only one person drew that power. Why? Because only one reached out in faith that He would heal her.

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

It wasn’t the crowd or the proximity. It was her faith. She heard, she spoke, she believed, and she acted.

The part I love in this account is that even though she didn’t feel strong or look qualified, she wasn’t even supposed to be there. But none of that stopped her. Her condition didn’t disqualify her, and her feelings didn’t define her. Her faith led her and moved her to the place of her salvation and healing.

How often do we do just the opposite when we don’t feel well or get discouraged when things seem too hard.  Instead we usually pull back, wait or hesitate, using the weakness as an excuse rather than an opportunity to get closer to Him. But this woman pressed in. She made a decision that her answer was found in Jesus, and nothing was going to keep her from getting to Him.

Maybe today, your faith just needs to be redirected. Not in what you see, not in how you feel, but in who He is and what He has already said.

Here are some ways you can get started today:

1. Find a promise in God’s Word that speaks directly to your situation, write it down, and keep it in front of you daily.
2. Speak that promise out loud consistently, not just once, but until it settles deep in your heart and changes your circumstances.
3. Make time to be in His presence, through prayer, worship, or being in a place where His Word is taught and don’t isolate.
4. Take a step of faith even if you don’t feel ready, action strengthens what you believe in your heart.
5. Stay consistent, even when you don’t see immediate results, faith grows through persistence

Faith comes by hearing, and sometimes that means hearing yourself repeat out loud what God has already said.

Today I want to encourage you to press into God with bold, unwavering faith. Don’t let your circumstances, your feelings, or your past experiences hold you back. Just like the woman who reached for Jesus, you can reach for Him right where you are. Keep speaking His promises, keep moving toward Him, and trust that His power is still available to meet you in your moment of need.

Today’s scripture reading:  Mark 5:25-34

25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 

26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 

27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 

28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 

33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 

34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Journal Questions

• What area of your life do you need to press into God for right now
• What promise from God’s Word can you begin speaking over your situation
• What has been holding you back from taking a step of faith
• What is one action you can take today to move closer to Jesus
• How can you stay consistent in building your faith through hearing and speaking His Word

Step in before you see it

“And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, will rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they will stand as a heap.” ~ Joshua 3:13

There comes a moment in everyone’s walk with God where He will ask His people to move before you see anything change in our circumstances. It is that place where everything in the natural is telling you to wait, but deep in your spirit you know He is saying go. Today’s scripture reading captures that picture so clearly. The river was at flood stage, completely impossible to cross on their own, but God didn’t part the waters first. He asked them to step in to see the miracle happen.

That is often how He works in our lives. As children of God, we want clarity before we move, confirmation before we obey, and evidence before we act. But our heavenly Father calls us into a deeper place of trust, the kind that moves because He said so, not because we can see the outcome.

Here are three points that will help you remember that breakthrough usually begins with a step, not a sign:

1.God’s direction will often require you to move before you see the miracle

The priests had to carry the ark and physically step into the Jordan before anything changed. The water didn’t part while they were standing safely on the shore. It moved when they obeyed and took the next step.

Many times this will look like taking a step when you don’t feel fully ready. Maybe God has been prompting you to start something, have a conversation, or make a change, but you have been waiting until you feel more certain. Obedience in this season might be sending that message, making that call, or saying yes to something even when you can’t see how it will all work out. When you move, God meets you there.

2.Staying close to His presence will keep you on the right path

The people of Israel were told to follow the ark, which represented the presence of God. They were not responsible for figuring everything out, they were responsible for staying close and following God’s instructions.

You don’t have to have every detail figured out. Your focus is not having the perfect plan, it is staying connected to Him and following the plan step by faith step. In your everyday life, this will look like starting your day with Him, getting into His Word, and paying attention to those gentle promptings throughout the day. When decisions come up, instead of rushing, you pause and ask, Lord, what are You leading me to do here. His presence will guide you.

3.Preparation positions you for what God is about to do

Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves because God was about to do wonders among them. There was preparation for the people. This was their part of the plan to complete before the miracle came.

Preparation starts with creating space for God in your life, stepping away from distractions, being intentional with your time with Him and surrendering things that have been holding you back. Maybe you have been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Even setting aside fifteen minutes to sit with Him, read scripture, and listen to the Holy Spirit inside you can shift your heart into a place where you are ready for what He wants to do through your life next.

There have been many time in my life when I felt like I was standing right at my own Jordan River. I knew God was leading me into something new, but I could not see how it was all going to come together. Everything in me wanted to wait until I had more clarity. But I had been praying, and I knew what He was asking me to do. So I made the decision to move forward based on what He had already spoken to my heart. It was not a big dramatic step, it was simple obedience, and honestly it felt uncomfortable. But as I moved, I started to see things shift. Doors began to open, direction became clearer, and what once felt uncertain started to make sense. Not because I had it all figured out, but because I trusted Him enough to step in.

Today I want to encourage you to stop waiting for everything to make sense before you move. If God has been speaking to your heart, even in a quiet way, that is your invitation. Your obedience is not the end, it is the beginning of what He wants to do next. Just like in Joshua 3, the moment your feet step into what He has asked, He begins to make a way for His grace and goodness to show up.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 3

1 Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. 

2 So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; 

3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. 

4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.”

5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” 

6 Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.”

So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.

7 And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 

8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan.’ ”

9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God.” 

10 And Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 

11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. 

12 Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from every tribe. 

13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.”

14 So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 

15 and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), 

16 that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 

17 Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan.

Journal:

• What is one area where I know God is prompting me to take a step even though I cannot see the outcome?
• How can I stay more aware of His presence in my daily decisions?
• What is one way I can prepare my heart for what God wants to do next?

When courage shows up

And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. ~ Joshua 2:11

Have you ever considered that the very place you feel overlooked could actually be where God has positioned you for purpose? Today’s scripture reading introduces Rahab, a woman whose past and environment would have caused most people to count her out to have any value in the kingdom of heaven. Yet in a critical moment, she made a decision that changed everything for her and for the entire nation of Israel. She chose faith over fear and courage over comfort. Her story reminds us that God is not limited by where we’ve been, He is moved by our willingness to trust Him right where we are.

This chapter shows us that God often works in unexpected places through unlikely people, and that includes you and me. Here are three truths to think about from today’s passage.

1. God sees faith where others see flaws

Rahab was known for her past by the people around her, but God responded to the faith in her heart. She had heard about the power of God and chose to believe Him even before she saw Him move in her own life. Her confession in Joshua 2:11 reveals a deep conviction that God was Who He said He was.

In your daily life, this means you don’t have to wait until everything looks perfect to trust God. Maybe you feel disqualified because of past mistakes or current struggles. Choosing faith looks like believing God can still work through your life today. For example, you may feel unworthy to speak encouragement to someone at work, but when you step out and do it anyway, you are operating in faith, not perfection. God meets you in that step.

2. Obedience opens the door for protection and promise

Rahab didn’t just believe, she acted. She hid the spies and followed through with the instructions she was given. Her obedience became the open door for her safety and the salvation of her family.

Following God’s plan for your life may look simple, but it carries weight. It might be choosing to forgive when it feels easier to hold onto hurt, or taking a step God has been prompting you to take even when it feels uncertain. For example, if God has been nudging you to reach out to someone, encourage them, or make a change in your routine, following His leading positions you to experience His covering and guidance in a deeper way.

3. Your decision impacts more than just you

Rahab’s choice didn’t just affect her, it brought protection to her entire household. One act of faith created a ripple effect that extended beyond her own life.

You may not always see the full impact of your obedience, but it matters. Your choice to trust God can influence your family, your friends, and even future generations. For example, when you choose to prioritize time with God, your children or those around you begin to see what it looks like to seek Him first and His righteousness. Your consistency becomes a testimony that points others toward Him.

It’s no secret that I came out of a past of a shady reputation. There were many moments when I felt the tension of knowing what God was asking of me but wrestling with whether I could truly follow through because of the shame I carried. I convinced myself that there was always someone better for the mission. Someone with a cleaner background or a more “godly” life.

I remember having a conversation with the Holy Spirit, telling Him I wasn’t the best person for the assignment because of how messed up I had been. It was in that moment that I sensed Him gently remind me that obedience in the present matters more than mistakes in the past. The very things I had gone through, the brokenness, the missteps, the early years I wished I could rewrite had actually positioned me to reach people for such a time as this.

When I chose to move forward with courage, even in uncertainty, I watched God meet me in ways I never could have planned. What once felt like a risk of bringing attention to my past, has now became a doorway into His purpose for my life.

Today I want to encourage you to trust that God sees you right where you are and is inviting you into something greater through simple acts of faith, courage and obedience. Just like Rahab, your response matters. You are not disqualified by your past, and you are not forgotten in your present. God is working through your willingness to say yes.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 2

1 Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. 

2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.”

3 So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”

4 Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. 

5 And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” 

6 (But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.) 

7 Then the men pursued them by the road to the Jordan, to the fords. And as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.

8 Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 

9 and said to the men: “I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. 

10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 

11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. 

12 Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, 

13 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”

14 So the men answered her, “Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the Lord has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.”

15 Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall; she dwelt on the wall. 

16 And she said to them, “Get to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. Hide there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward you may go your way.”

17 So the men said to her: “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, 

18 unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home. 

19 So it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. 

20 And if you tell this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath which you made us swear.”

21 Then she said, “According to your words, so be it.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.

22 They departed and went to the mountain, and stayed there three days until the pursuers returned. The pursuers sought them all along the way, but did not find them. 

23 So the two men returned, descended from the mountain, and crossed over; and they came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all that had befallen them. 

24 And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.”

 Journal:

• What is one area where God is asking me to trust Him more right now
• Is there something I have been hesitant to obey that I need to take a step toward today
• How can my faith today influence the people around me in a positive way

The Key to Success

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ~ Joshua 1:8

What if success is not as complicated as we make it? What if the thing we are striving to figure out has already been clearly given to us? In this world full of noise, opinions, strategies, and endless advice, it is easy to feel overwhelmed trying to make the right decisions. We search for answers, we weigh our options, and we often second guess ourselves. But God made it simple. He did not hide the key to success. In fact He clearly revealed it to us in His Word.

In today’s scripture reading we find Joshua about to step into a massive responsibility. He was leading God’s people into the promise after Moses. If anyone needed clarity on how to succeed, it was him. God did not give him a complicated plan. He gave him plain and simple instruction. Stay in My Word, keep it in your mouth, think on it constantly, and do what it says.

Below are three points that show us that it is important to understand that success in God’s Kingdom starts on the inside before it is ever seen on the outside.

1. Keep God’s Word in your mouth

Joshua was told that God’s Word should not depart from his mouth. That means speaking it, confessing it, and keeping it present in your everyday life.

Be intentional about speaking God’s Word over your current circumstances, problems and concerns. What you say matters. It shapes your perspective and strengthens your faith.

If you are facing a stressful situation at work or in your home, instead of speaking frustration or defeat, begin to speak the truth and promises of God’s Word. Say, God is with me, He is giving me wisdom, and He is guiding my steps and thank Him for these promises that He has already given you. This shifts your focus from the tension of your problems to His presence and His peace.

2. Meditate on it day and night

Meditating on God’s Word means thinking about it, turning it over in your mind, and letting it become part of how you see everything.

You are always thinking about something, and often times your greatest concern is what takes ownership of your mind.  Develop a habit of asking the Holy Spirit each morning for a scripture promise to think on and carry it with you throughout the day. When the cares of life try to take over your thought, replace them with the scripture God gave you for the day. Think about it while you are driving, cooking, or going about your routine. Let it settle into your heart.

If you are dealing with fear or uncertainty, hold onto a promise from God’s Word and keep bringing it back to your mind. When anxious thoughts come, thank Him for His promise and continue to think about that instead of the issue. Over time, that truth becomes stronger than the fear.

3. Follow what it says

It is not just about knowing the Word, it is about doing it. Obedience is where transformation happens. When God shows you something through His Word, act on it. No matter how big or small it feels, take that step.

If you read about forgiveness and someone comes to mind, do not ignore it. Take action. Reach out, pray for them, or release that offense. That one act of obedience can bring freedom in ways you did not expect.

This truth became real in my life just over a decade ago. I was doing all the things I knew to do to get my life back in line with the plan of God, but I was still struggling with the weight of guilt and shame from my past. On the outside, it may have looked like I was moving forward, but internally I kept getting pulled back into old thoughts and old feelings that I could not seem to shake.

It was during that time that I heard a message on the very scripture we read today in Joshua 1. It was like a light came on inside of me. I suddenly realized that success was not about trying harder or doing more. It was about what I was allowing to stay in my heart and mind. I saw clearly that I could be successful in leaving behind the baggage of the years gone by when I put God’s Word in place of the thoughts that kept trying to haunt me.

So I made a decision. I wasn’t going to let those thoughts run unchecked anymore. I was going to answer them with the truth of God’s Word.

I turned to Isaiah 53:5, and I held onto it. It assured me that He was wounded to pay the debt for my transgressions and bruised to remove the penalty for my iniquities, and that by His stripes my life was healed from the past. I also stood on 1 John 1:9, which reminded me that when I confessed my sin to Him, He washed me clean from all unrighteousness. Completely clean. No leftovers. No reminders held against me. Guilt and shame could not stick to me anymore.

Those scriptures became more than something I read during a quiet time. They became a shield of protection and a lifeline to freedom I carried with me throughout my day. I thought about them, I thanked God for them, and I let them take root in my heart.

Now, when thoughts of guilt over my past sin or shame over choices I had made would try to come back, I did something different. I used those moments as a reminder. Instead of sitting in those thoughts, I turned them into an opportunity to thank my heavenly Father for rescuing me from the traps I had once been in. I told Him “Thank You that You already paid the price for my sin. Thank You that I do not have to carry what You have already taken from me. Thank You that I have been made righteous through the blood and sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus.”

At first, it took a lot of intentionality and I had to choose it every time. But as I stayed consistent, reading His Word, thinking on it, and speaking it, something began to shift inside of me.

Everything on the outside of my life didn’t change overnight, but my heart did. The heaviness lifted and I found peace where there had been confusion and confidence where there had been uncertainty. Those old thoughts started to lose their hold because they were no longer being fed.

As I continued to follow what He was showing me, one step at a time, I began to see things settle into place in ways I never could have planned on my own. What once felt like a constant internal struggle became a place of steady growth and freedom.

That is when I truly understood what it means to meditate on His Word day and night. It is not just reading it, it is living in it. When you do that, it has the power to change everything.

Today I want to encourage you to go back to what God has already promised you in His Word. Scripture is not just something to read, it is something to live. As you keep it in your mouth, think on it throughout your day, and follow what it says, you will begin to walk in the kind of success and power that only He can produce. It is steady, it is rooted, and it leads you exactly where you are meant to be.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 1

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 

2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 

3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 

5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 

6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 

7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 

11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’ ”

12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke, saying, 

13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.’ 

14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them, 

15 until the Lord has given your brethren rest, as He gave you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16 So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 

17 Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. 

18 Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”

Journal:

• What is one scripture I can begin to speak over my life each day
• How can I make time to think on God’s Word throughout my daily routine
• Is there something God has already shown me that I need to act on
• What thoughts do I need to replace with truth from His Word
• What would it look like for me to trust His Word as my guide for success

Bring others along

_{Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. ~ Deuteronomy 34:9}

In today’s scripture reading there is a powerful picture of Moses’ journey coming to an end, but the mission was not. What he carried did not stop with him, and that mission was transferred to the next generation to continue. Joshua stepped into leadership already filled, already prepared, already strengthened. Why? Because Moses had poured out his life and wisdom into him.

As children of God, we are not just called to live out our own purpose, we are called to invest and accelerate the next generation so that what God has started continues far beyond us. It is important to understand that what you pour into others today becomes strength for their tomorrow.

Here are three truths to help you step into your calling to bring others along:

1. What you carry is meant to be shared

Moses did not keep everything God gave him to himself. He imparted wisdom, leadership, and faith into Joshua.

Look for opportunities to share what God has taught you, even in simple ways. If you are leading a team, use that influence to share your life experiences with someone, or even having a conversation with a younger believer, do not hold back what God has shown you.

Because you have walked through difficult times in life and learned how to trust God in them, you can share those story with someone who is struggling today. Your experience will be the encouragement they need to keep going. Let them know what you did right and what you did wrong.  That way they can walk through their struggle with a deeper faith and reliance on God’s love and care for them.

2. Preparation happens before promotion

Joshua was ready when the moment came for him to lead because of what had already been deposited into him.

Do not wait for someone to step into a role before you begin investing in them. Start now. Encourage, teach, and give responsibility in small ways so they can be ready when opportunities come.

If you serve in ministry, invite someone to come alongside you and learn. Let them take on a small responsibility and walk with them through it. What seems small today is preparing them for something greater tomorrow.

3. Your obedience impacts more than just you

Moses’ faithfulness affected an entire generation. What he poured into Joshua influenced the future of God’s people.

Recognize that your choices, your faith, and following God’s plan are not isolated. They are shaping the people around you, especially those who are watching you closely.

If you choose to stay consistent in your faith, even when life is busy or difficult, those around you will see it. Your children, friends, and those you are leading will draw strength from your consistency without you even realizing it.

For me, I intentionally pour into those around me through leading teams and small groups at my church. Even though I am surrounded with various talents and ages, I still take every opportunity to pour out all I know about walking by faith in this life.

It does not always look big or significant in the moment. Sometimes it is a simple conversation before or after a meeting. Sometimes it is encouraging someone who is unsure of themselves or reminding them of what God has already placed inside of them. Other times it is creating space for someone to step up and try something new, even if they are not fully confident yet.

Pouring into others is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to share what the Holy Spirit has shown me and trusting Him to do the rest. There are moments when I feel stretched, when I wonder if I have said the right thing or done enough, but I realize that obedience in those moments matters more than perfection.

What has meant the most to me is watching others grow over time. Seeing someone begin to recognize their gifts, step into leadership, and grow in their confidence in their faith and trust in their heavenly Father is something I never get tired of seeing. It reminds me that what I pour out does not return empty. It takes root. It grows. It multiplies.

Just like Moses with Joshua, it is not about holding on to what God has given me, but about releasing it so someone else can carry it forward. That is where the true impact is found, not just in what I do, but mostly in who I help to carry on the mission on after I am gone.

Today I want to encourage you to recognize that your life is not just about where you have been or where you are going, but who you are bringing with you. The wisdom, faith, and truth God has given you are meant to be poured out so that others can be strengthened and prepared. You may not always see the outcome right away, but God is using your faithfulness to build something that will last beyond you.

Today’s scripture reading: Deuteronomy 34

1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan, 

2 all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, 

3 the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 

4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.”

5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 

6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day. 

7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. 

8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended.

9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.

10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 

11 in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, 

12 and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

Journal:

• Who is one person God has placed in my life that I can intentionally invest in
• What has God taught me that I need to begin sharing with others
• How can I create opportunities for someone to grow and step into more responsibility
• Where have I underestimated the impact of my influence
• What is one simple step I can take this week to pour into the next generation 

Carried and covered

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’ ~ Deuteronomy 33:27

What if you are more supported than you feel right now? What if in the middle of your pressure, uncertainty, or this time of waiting, God is not distant but actively holding you up? Consider that you are not just getting through life, but being carried through it?

Today’s scripture reading is a powerful reminder of God’s blessing, identity, and covering. Moses spoke over the people of God, reminding them of who they were and how God went before them. In the middle of all the words spoken over each tribe, this one truth stands out. God is your refuge, and underneath you, whether you feel it or not, are His everlasting arms.

As children of God today, we are not walking through life unsupported or unnoticed. We are held, guided, and covered even when life feels crazy and uncertain.

Think about the three truths below and how they can shape how you are living right now.

1. You are carried even when you feel weak

There are moments when you simply do not feel strong. You may feel tired, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. This is where many people try to push harder or figure everything out on their own. But God never asked you to carry what He has already promised to hold.

When you feel overwhelmed, pause and bring that weight to God in prayer. Be honest about what you are feeling. Then take a some time to sit quietly and allow His peace to settle in your heart. Remind yourself that you are not holding everything together, He is.

2. You are covered even when life feels uncertain

The people of Israel were stepping into unknown territory, yet God spoke blessing and covering over them. In the same way, you may not know how everything will work out in your life right now, but that doesn’t mean you are unprotected.

Instead of focusing on what you cannot control or what you do not know, begin to thank God for His protection and guidance. Speak truth over your situation. Tell yourself that God is your refuge and He is already ahead of you. Let your thoughts shift from worry to trust.

3. You are positioned with purpose, not by accident

Each tribe in Deuteronomy 33 received a specific blessing. It was intentional. It was purposeful. In the same way, your life is not random. Where you are right now, even in the challenges, God is working with purpose.

Ask God what He is doing in your current circumstances. Look for opportunities to respond in faith. Take one step of obedience, even if it feels small. Trust that He is using this moment to grow you and prepare you for what is ahead.

When you begin to live with the awareness that you are carried, covered, and positioned with purpose, everything starts to shift starting with your perspective. You are no longer striving to hold everything together. Instead, you are learning to trust the One who already is.

When I first started out in life as an “adult,” I thought that I was the one in control. I worked very hard to fight for my right to be wrong, even though I didn’t know that was what I was actually doing at the time. I thought that I was making the decisions that I wanted right now and never considered that there would be lasting consequences. Sure, I cried out to God when I was in trouble and got myself in a bind. He was always faithful, but it wasn’t until much later in life when I realized I was never actually in control and that His arms were there all along, holding me steady even when I fell flat on my face.

Looking back now, I can see how many times He protected me from what could have been so much worse. There were moments when my choices should have taken me further off course, but somehow I was still covered. I did not always recognize it at the time, but God was guiding, correcting, and even carrying me through, especially I didn’t have the wisdom to navigate on my own.

What changed for me was not that life suddenly became easy, but that my perspective shifted. I began to understand that His strength was what sustained me, not my ability to figure everything out. I started to lean on Him instead of striving to prove that I could handle things myself.

Now, when I think about those early years, I don’t just see my mistakes. I see His faithfulness. I see His grace. I see a God who never let me go, even when I was determined to go my own way. It reminds me that I can trust Him fully, not just in the moments when I feel weak, but in every step of my life.

Today I want to encourage you to trust that God is your refuge and that His everlasting arms are holding you up right now. You do not have to carry what feels too heavy, and you do not have to have every answer. Bring your situation to Him, receive His peace, and take your next step knowing that you are supported, protected, and guided by a faithful Father who never lets go.

Today’s scripture reading: Deuteronomy 33

1Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 

2And he said: “The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints; From His right hand came a fiery law for them.

3Yes, He loves the people; All His saints are in Your hand; They sit down at Your feet; Everyone receives Your words.

4Moses commanded a law for us, a heritage of the congregation of Jacob.

5And He was King in Jeshurun, when the leaders of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together.

6“Let Reuben live, and not die, nor let his men be few.”

7And this he said of Judah: “Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people; Let his hands be sufficient for him, and may You be a help against his enemies.”

8And of Levi he said: “Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy one, Whom You tested at Massah, and with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah,

9Who says of his father and mother, ‘I have not seen them’; Nor did he acknowledge his brothers, or know his own children; For they have observed Your word and kept Your covenant.

10They shall teach Jacob Your judgments, and Israel Your law. They shall put incense before You, and a whole burnt sacrifice on Your altar.

11Bless his substance, Lord, and accept the work of his hands; Strike the loins of those who rise against him, and of those who hate him, that they rise not again.”

12Of Benjamin he said: “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders.”

13And of Joseph he said: “Blessed of the Lord is his land, with the precious things of heaven, with the dew, and the deep lying beneath,

14With the precious fruits of the sun, with the precious produce of the months,

15With the best things of the ancient mountains, with the precious things of the everlasting hills,

16With the precious things of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.

Let the blessing come ‘on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.’

17His glory is like a firstborn bull, and his horns like the horns of the wild ox; Together with them

He shall push the peoples to the ends of the earth; They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.”

18And of Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar in your tents!

19They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.”

20And of Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges Gad; He dwells as a lion, and tears the arm and the crown of his head.

21He provided the first part for himself, because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there. He came with the heads of the people; He administered the justice of the Lord, and His judgments with Israel.”

22And of Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s whelp; He shall leap from Bashan.”

23And of Naphtali he said: “O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south.”

24And of Asher he said: “Asher is most blessed of sons; Let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.

25Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.

26“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds.

27The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’

28Then Israel shall dwell in safety, the fountain of Jacob alone, in a land of grain and new wine; His heavens shall also drop dew.

29Happy are you, O Israel Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places.”

Journal:

• What am I trying to carry on my own that I need to place in God’s hands
• Where do I need to trust that God is covering me even if I cannot see it yet
• What step of faith can I take today in my current situation
• When have I experienced God holding me up in the past, and how can that strengthen me now
• How can I remind myself daily that I am not walking through this alone

Humility

And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet. ~ Mark 5:22

What if the breakthrough you are praying for is waiting on a step of humility you have not yet taken

I have read this passage many times and heard many messages about the power of Jesus to raise Jairus’s daughter. Yet as I read it again today, something new stood out to me. It was not just the miracle, it was the attitude and posture that led to it. It was the steps of humility Jairus took to get to Jesus.

Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue. In that time, many religious leaders approached Jesus with skepticism or even opposition. They often came to question Him or try to discredit and even trap Him in His words. For Jairus to go to Jesus publicly was a great risk. It could have affected his reputation and even his position in the synagogue.

But Jairus did not come to Jesus as a leader. He did not come with status or authority. He came as a father in need. The first thing he did was fall at Jesus’ feet. That position speaks volumes. He was not concerned about how he looked or what others thought. His focus was on one thing, his daughter being healed and restored to life. He was willing to lay down his pride, his position, and his image to receive what only Jesus could give and Jesus responded. He went with him.

Jesus is always ready to respond to a humble heart. When we come to Him with sincerity and surrender, He meets us there. It is not about status, being right, or having everything figured out. It is about coming to Him with a heart that is willing to trust Him fully.

Sometimes the very thing holding us back is not the problem itself, but our unwillingness to humble ourselves in the middle of it. We may hold onto control, cling to being right, or resist taking a step that feels uncomfortable. Yet humility opens the door for God to move.

So what is it for you? What situation are you facing where you are holding your ground instead of surrendering it to Him?
Is there a relationship that needs to be placed in His hands? Is there a step He is asking you to take that requires you to lay down some form of pride?

Psalm 34:18 reminds us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. There is something powerful about coming to Him with a heart that is open and willing. When restoration and peace become more important than being right or being seen a certain way, God begins to work in ways we could not have planned.

Here are some simple ways to begin walking in humility and taking your situation to Jesus:

1. Go to Jesus honestly, set aside pride and come to Him just as you are
2. Lay your situation before Him, release control and trust Him with the outcome
3. Ask Him for direction, be willing to listen for His next step
4. Act quickly on what He shows you, even if it requires humility
5. Choose restoration and peace over being right
6. Keep a heart of gratitude, thank Him for working even before you see results

Personally, I have had many opportunities to choose humility. Sometimes it feels hard in the moment, especially when I want to hold onto being right or protect my position. Other times, I can already see the value and know it is worth it. What I know now is that I do not have to get there on my own. When I feel that resistance rise up in me, I can pause and ask the Holy Spirit for help. He is always faithful to meet me right there. He softens my heart, shifts my perspective, and gives me the strength to take the step I could not take on my own. It is as if He is patiently waiting for me to invite Him into that struggle, ready to lead me into humility that brings peace, restoration, and a better outcome than I could have created myself.

Humility is not weakness. It is strength that chooses surrender. It is the doorway to healing, restoration, and breakthrough.

Today I want to encourage you to follow the example of Jairus and take that step of humility. Bring your situation to Jesus, fall at His feet, and trust Him completely. Be willing to do whatever He asks of you, even when it stretches you. Your willingness opens the door for Him to reach into the situation and as you do, you will see Him move in your situation, bringing healing, restoration, and peace in ways only He can.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 5:21-24

21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 

22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 

23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 

24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 

Journal:

• What situation in my life requires me to humble myself before God
• Where might pride be preventing me from fully surrendering to Him
• What step is God asking me to take that I have been hesitant to follow
• How can I choose restoration and peace over being right in my current situation
• What would it look like for me to fully trust Jesus with this area of my life