The Daily Dose

Led by God

_{This is the sign that the Lord has appointed for the one who will marry my master’s son.~ Genesis 24:44}

This is one of my most favorite love stories in the Bible and it beautifully points to the greater story of God finding a bride for His Son, Jesus. After the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham sent his most trusted servant on a mission to find a wife for his son, Isaac. He did not rely on his own wisdom but sought God’s guidance at every step. God answered his prayer in a clear and undeniable way, leading him directly to Rebekah. This was not just about a marriage on earth, it was a picture of the care and intentionality God has in drawing His people to Himself.

I remember a time when I was seeking God’s direction for a major decision in my own life. I had no idea which path to take, and every option seemed equally possible. Like Abraham’s servant, I prayed a very specific prayer for clarity and provision. God answered in a way that left no doubt it was Him, lining up the right people, the right timing, and the right resources. Looking back, I see how it was not just about the decision itself, but about God showing me that He was actively leading my step by step.

You may be facing a choice right now that feels overwhelming, whether it involves relationships, career, ministry, or another area of life. Just as God was faithful to guide Abraham’s servant, He is faithful to guide you. He cares about both the details and the bigger picture of your life.

Here are some ways you can get started today:

1. Pray specifically, asking God to clearly lead you and confirm His direction.
2. Stay attentive to the opportunities and people He places in your path.
3. Measure decisions by God’s Word to ensure they line up with His truth.
4. Thank Him in advance for His guidance, even before the answer comes.
5. Be willing to act when He opens a door, trusting that He has gone before you.

Today I want to encourage you that God’s leading is not random. He is intentional, purposeful, and deeply involved in your story. Just as He orchestrated events to bring Rebekah to Isaac, He is working to bring about His perfect plan for your life, too. Trust His timing, listen for His direction, and step forward in faith knowing He is guiding you on the right road.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 24

1 Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way.

2 One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh.

3 Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.

4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”

5 The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?”

6 “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there.

7 For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.

8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.”

9 So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions.

10 Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled.

11 He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water.

12 “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.

13 See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water.

14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah.

16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again.

17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink.

19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.”

20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.

21 The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the Lord had given him success in his mission.

22 Then at last, when the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists.

23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?”

24 “I am the daughter of Bethuel,” she replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.

25 Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.”

26 The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord.

27 “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

28 The young woman ran home to tell her family everything that had happened.

29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring.

30 He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels.

31 Laban said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the Lord! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”

32 So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet.

33 Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”

34 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained.

35 “And the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.

36 “When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns.

37 And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.

38 Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’

39 “But I said to my master, ‘What if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?’ 40 He responded, ‘The Lord, in whose presence I have lived, will send his angel with you and will make your mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my son from among my relatives, from my father’s family.

41 Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go with you, you will be free from my oath.’

42 “So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission.

43 See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

44 If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’

45 “Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’

46 She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.

47 “Then I asked, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists.

48 “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.

49 So tell me—will you or won’t you show unfailing love and faithfulness to my master? Please tell me yes or no, and then I’ll know what to do next.”

50 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say.

51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”

52 When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord.

53 Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother.

54 Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight.

But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.”

55 “But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”

56 But he said, “Don’t delay me. The Lord has made my mission successful; now send me back so I can return to my master.”

57 “Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.”

58 So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.”

59 So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her.

60 They gave her this blessing as she parted: “Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May your descendants be strong and conquer the cities of their enemies.”

61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the camels and followed the man. So Abraham’s servant took Rebekah and went on his way.

62 Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi.

63 One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming.

64 When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel.

 65 “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant. And he replied, “It is my master.” So Rebekah covered her face with her veil.

66 Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.

67 And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.

Journal:

• Write down a specific area where you need God’s direction today.
• Pray over it, ask for His clear leading, and note any ways He begins to guide you in the coming days.

On the same page

They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. ~ Acts 15:23

This is amazing!!  In today’s passage, we see the continuation of the apostles’ meeting to resolve the dispute over circumcision. They came together, discussed the matter, and determined that the new converts from other nations no longer needed to follow this Old Testament requirement to enter into covenant with God. Under the new covenant through the blood of Jesus, salvation was already complete. Once they reached agreement, they wrote a letter to send to all the churches.

The remarkable part is that they were united in their decision. When the churches received the letter, Acts 15:31 says, “When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.” The discussion was settled. The church was able to move forward without continued disputes or division.

What stands out is how the apostles were able to keep believers from many nations in agreement, without splintering into separate groups. They had the advantage of walking with Jesus during His ministry, which gave them credibility, but they also had the challenge of slow communication. Even with these obstacles, the message still carried joy and unity wherever it went.

We still have these same letters today in scripture, yet the modern church often struggles to walk in unity. Disputes and denominational divisions can be settled by the same Word of God, but pride and a religious mindset often stand in the way. If we truly focused on loving God, lifting up Jesus, and loving one another as family, we could become a unified and unstoppable force for good and for God in this world.

The kind of love that brings unity is the same love Jesus showed. A sacrificial love that is not based on someone’s behavior or choices. When we choose to see one another as God sees us, unity becomes possible.

Here are some ways you can begin walking this out in your life:

• Pray for God to give you His heart for other believers, even those with different perspectives.
• Look for common ground in scripture instead of searching for differences.
• Join with believers from other churches for worship, service, or prayer.
• Speak encouragement over the body of Christ instead of criticism.
• Let go of the need to win an argument and seek to preserve relationship instead.

Begin with a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to show you any area where pride or offense may be keeping you from unity. Choose one action this week that builds connection with another believer or group. Stay committed to God’s Word as your foundation.

Today I want to encourage you because God’s people have always been called to function as one family. It is still possible, and when we step into unity, the church will rise with a power the world cannot ignore. Jesus is the only hope for this broken world, and the world will see Him clearly when His people choose to walk in love and unity.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:22-35

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment—

25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.

33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.

34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.

35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Journal:

• Ask the Lord, “What step can I take this week to walk in greater unity with other believers?”
• Write down what He shows you and take that step in faith.

Submitted to

And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.  Acts 15:4

Today I want to share about faithfulness and submitting to the authority we are under. We all have authority in our lives in some form. If you are married, you and your spouse submit to one another. If you live at home with your parents, you submit to them and the rules of their household. If you are in school, you submit to teachers, counselors, and principals. If you have a job, you submit to the authority of your boss or supervisor. In your church, you submit to the authority of the pastor and elders and the mission God has given them. As citizens, we submit to local and national authorities.

True submission is shown through faithfulness. In marriage, faithfulness means loving and supporting one another and staying committed to raising your family and caring for your home. In school, it means respecting your teachers and following the rules. In church, it means supporting the mission of the church and the vision and assignment the pastor has been called to from God.

Faithfulness at your job does not mean pointing out faults to make yourself look better. It means showing up on time, giving your best effort, and following the direction of your supervisor. Even if you think you know a better way, you first work according to the instructions you have been given, or respectfully present your ideas and gain approval before making changes. Going behind someone’s back is not faithful and it is not submission to authority.

In Acts 15, the apostle Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from certain Jewish leaders who taught that salvation required following the old covenant practices. Paul knew this was not the message of Jesus and did not teach it to the Gentiles. He still honored the Ten Commandments, but the leaders were insisting on practices that belonged to the old covenant, not the new covenant established by the Lord Jesus through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

Instead of continuing their mission in disagreement, Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to submit the matter to the apostles and elders of the church. Even though Paul was an apostle himself, he recognized that faithfulness to the mission God gave him meant being in unity and agreement with the leadership. When they discussed what God was doing, they saw that the Holy Spirit was working in Gentiles without the old covenant rituals. Peter confirmed this from his own experience at Cornelius’ house (See Acts 10). The leaders came into agreement, and the mission moved forward in unity.

Even the most influential leaders in the New Testament submitted God and then to one another. This is how they stayed faithful and accountable to what God had called them to do.

Here are some ways you can submit to the authorities God has placed you under:

• Honor your spouse by valuing their voice in decisions and supporting each other’s role in the home
• In the workplace, follow instructions with a willing attitude, contribute ideas respectfully, and serve with gratitude
• In school, obey your teachers, complete assignments on time, and treat others with respect
• In church, support the mission of your pastor and leaders, serve faithfully, and encourage others in the body of Christ
• In your community, obey laws, pray for leaders, and seek ways to serve others in your neighborhood with the love of God
• Daily, submit your heart and plans to God, trusting Him to guide you in all areas of life

Today I want to encourage you that when you choose faithfulness in submission, you open the door for God to work powerfully in us and through us. Just like Paul and Barnabas, your unity with those in authority over you strengthens your mission and multiplies your impact.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:1-21

1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,

9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.

13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me:

14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.

15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up;

17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.’

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.

19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,

20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Journal:

• Ask God to show you one area in your life where He is calling you to grow in faithfulness by submitting to authority.
• Write down one specific step you can take this week to honor Him in that area.

Moving forward after loss

Then, leaving her body, he said to the Hittite elders, “Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial.” Genesis 23:3-4

We have all experienced times of loss in our lives like the passing of a grandparent or parent. Maybe you have even experienced the loss of an immediate family member. These moments are heavy, and they leave a lasting impact on our hearts. In Genesis 23, Abraham faced such a time when Sarah, his wife, passed away. His grief was real, yet what stands out is how he carried himself through it. Even in the pain, he took careful steps forward, honoring both God and the memory of his wife.

I have felt that pain of losing loved ones.  Those losses have left me feeling unsteady. When a close family member passed away, the grief was overwhelming. Everyday life felt strange, as if the world was moving on without me. During that time, I realized that moving forward didn’t mean forgetting. It meant honoring what was lost while trusting God with each next step. Like Abraham, I found that even small steps of faith matter in times of loss and pain.

This chapter speaks to anyone who is trying to keep moving when life has been shaken by loss. We can honor God in the way we handle decisions, interact with others, and move into the next season of our life with Him. Just as Abraham showed integrity and humility in negotiating for Sarah’s burial place, we can walk through our own losses with grace and faith.

Here are some ways to walk this out in your life:

1. Keep a steady heart before God in prayer and tell Him exactly how you feel.
2. Take small, intentional steps forward, even if they feel slow.
3. Treat others with kindness and integrity, even in the middle of personal pain.
4. Seek wise counsel for important decisions during times of loss.
5. Honor the memory of those you have lost in ways that bring God glory.

Begin by bringing your grief and questions to God in prayer. Open the Bible to passages that remind you of His comfort, like Psalm 34:18. Find one small action today that moves you forward, whether it is making a phone call, sending a note, or spending time with someone who encourages your faith.

Today I want to encourage you that God sees every tear and knows every ache in your heart. Loss is never easy, but you are not walking through it alone. Just as He was faithful to Abraham, He will be faithful to you in this time and beyond. Trust Him to lead you into what is next and keep your heart open to His peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 23

1 When Sarah was 127 years old,

2 she died at Kiriath-arba (now called Hebron) in the land of Canaan. There Abraham mourned and wept for her.

3 Then, leaving her body, he said to the Hittite elders,

4 “Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial.”

5 The Hittites replied to Abraham,

6 “Listen, my lord, you are an honored prince among us. Choose the finest of our tombs and bury her there. No one here will refuse to help you in this way.”

7 Then Abraham bowed low before the Hittites

8 and said, “Since you are willing to help me in this way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar

9 to let me buy his cave at Machpelah, down at the end of his field. I will pay the full price in the presence of witnesses, so I will have a permanent burial place for my family.”

10 Ephron was sitting there among the others, and he answered Abraham as the others listened, speaking publicly before all the Hittite elders of the town.

11 “No, my lord,” he said to Abraham, “please listen to me. I will give you the field and the cave. Here in the presence of my people, I give it to you. Go and bury your dead.”

12 Abraham again bowed low before the citizens of the land,

13 and he replied to Ephron as everyone listened. “No, listen to me. I will buy it from you. Let me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my dead there.”

14 Ephron answered Abraham,

15 “My lord, please listen to me. The land is worth 400 pieces of silver, but what is that between friends? Go ahead and bury your dead.”

16 So Abraham agreed to Ephron’s price and paid the amount he had suggested—400 pieces of silver, weighed according to the market standard. The Hittite elders witnessed the transaction.

17 So Abraham bought the plot of land belonging to Ephron at Machpelah, near Mamre. This included the field itself, the cave that was in it, and all the surrounding trees.

18 It was transferred to Abraham as his permanent possession in the presence of the Hittite elders at the city gate.

19 Then Abraham buried his wife, Sarah, there in Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre (also called Hebron).

20 So the field and the cave were transferred from the Hittites to Abraham for use as a permanent burial place.

Journal:

• Write about a time when you took one step forward after a season of loss.
• How did God meet you in that step?
• What did you learn about His faithfulness?

God will provide

_{Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” ~ Genesis 22:14}

This is one of the most well-known accounts in Scripture and also one of the most difficult to read. Genesis 22 is one of the most challenging and powerful chapters in the Bible. Abraham is asked by God to do the unthinkable, to sacrifice his one and only son Isaac. After waiting so long for this promise to come to pass, Abraham is now being asked to give it back. Here is the really surprising part, without hesitation, Abraham obeys, and just as he raises the knife, God steps in and provides a ram in place of Isaac. Abraham’s faith and obedience are met with God’s provision.

I have to admit, when I first heard this story as a young person, it seemed like everyday stuff. God asked Abraham to do something, so he did it with no problem. There was no way my young mind could grasp the depth of faith it took for Abraham to walk out such an unthinkable request. There have been moments in my own life when I felt like God was asking me to give up something that meant everything to me. Once, I sensed Him leading me to step away from a role I loved deeply. I struggled with it for weeks, trying to hold on. I didn’t understand why God would give me something good only to ask for it back. When I did obey, letting go was painful, and it felt like a step backward. Yet, in the months that followed, God opened doors I never expected. What I thought was the end turned out to be a transition into something greater.

This chapter speaks directly to those who may not understand why God asks us to trust Him completely. Sometimes we are called to release something dear to us like a plan, a dream, a relationship, or even a good opportunity. It can feel confusing and costly. What we can now see from Abraham’s life is that God is not trying to take something from us. He is positioning us to see His faithfulness in a deeper way.

Abraham discovered that God is not just a promise maker, but also a provider. On the mountain of testing, he experienced the provision of God in a miraculous way. You can too.

Here are some ways to be faithful when God asks you to take a step of faith:

• Be honest with God. Let Him know your fears, questions, and concerns. He can handle them.
• Take the next obedient step. You may not see the full picture, but you can choose obedience one step at a time.
• Look for God’s provision in unexpected ways. The ram was already on the mountain, Abraham just had to walk up in obedience to see it.
• Remember His faithfulness in the past. Rehearse the times God has provided before. It will help you stay anchored.
• Give thanks even before the answer comes. Gratitude helps shift your heart toward trust.

Today I want to encourage you that if you are going through a time where God is asking you to trust Him in a difficult or unfamiliar way, remember that He is Yahweh-Yireh, your provider. He sees what you cannot, and He will meet you on the mountain of obedience with exactly what you need. Your faith will never be wasted. When God asks for your yes, He is always preparing something greater. Stay faithful, stay available, and expect His provision to show up right on time.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 22

1 Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.

“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about.

4 On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.

5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.”

6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together,

7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”

8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood.

10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.

11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”

12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.

14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

15 Then the angel of the Lord called again to Abraham from heaven.

16 “This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that

17 I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies.

18 And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”

19 Then they returned to the servants and traveled back to Beersheba, where Abraham continued to live.

20 Soon after this, Abraham heard that Milcah, his brother Nahor’s wife, had borne Nahor eight sons. 21 The oldest was named Uz, the next oldest was Buz, followed by Kemuel (the ancestor of the Arameans),

22 Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.

23 (Bethuel became the father of Rebekah.) In addition to these eight sons from Milcah,

24 Nahor had four other children from his concubine Reumah. Their names were Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

Journal:
• Is there something God is asking you to trust Him with or release to Him?
• What fear or hesitation are you struggling with in this area?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you obey even when it is hard, and to open your eyes to His provision along the way.

God keeps His Word

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. ~ Genesis 21:1

There is something powerful about seeing a long-awaited promise finally come to pass. In Genesis 21, we witness a miracle of Sarah giving birth to Isaac. She was well beyond childbearing years, and so was Abraham. But God had spoken, and even though it took years, even though they made mistakes along the way, God kept His word.

This passage gives me hope, especially when I think about the promises I’ve been holding onto for what feels like a long time. Some of them I’ve carried quietly in my heart, praying, waiting, wondering if I even heard God right. There have been times I’ve grown tired and tried to “help” God by creating my own version of the promise. But those efforts only left me feeling more frustrated and disappointed.

Recently, I’ve seen God begin to answer some of the prayers I had nearly given up on. They aren’t complete yet and for sure do not look like what I imagined. But I can say with confidence that He is faithful. His timing is not always easy to wait on, but it is always perfect and I am so thankful that I can depend on that!!

Genesis 21 reminds me that even when it takes time, even when I have doubts, God keeps His promises. He doesn’t forget what He spoke. He does not tease or delay out of cruelty. He is preparing the right time, the right place, and sometimes even the right version of me to receive what He promised.

Maybe you are in a season of waiting right now. Maybe you feel like too much time has passed, or you think you’ve messed up too badly to still be in line for what God promised. But take heart. If God spoke it, He will bring it to pass.

Here are some ways to stay encouraged while waiting on the promises of God to show up:

• Write down what He promised you. Go back to the original word or moment and write it somewhere visible.
• Thank Him in advance. Worship builds faith. Start thanking Him now as if the promise is already being fulfilled.
• Let go of the timeline. God is not late. Trust that He is preparing more than you can see.
• Keep moving forward. While you wait, keep serving, keep growing, and keep building. Let God find you faithful.
• Encourage someone else. When you speak hope to others, it often strengthens your own faith too.

Today I want to encourage you because God has not forgotten you. He is not finished with your story. What He promised you is still alive, even if it has been quiet for a while. Just as He did for Sarah, He will do for you. Stay close to Him. Stay available. Stay hopeful. The God who keeps His word is still working behind the scenes, and when His time comes, it will be better than anything you could have arranged on your own.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 21

1 The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised.

2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.

3 And Abraham named their son Isaac.

4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.

5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.

7 Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!”

Hagar and Ishmael Are Sent Away

8 When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion.

9 But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac.

10 So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!”

11 This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son.

12 But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.

13 But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.”

14 So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush.

16 Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears.

17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

18 Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”

19 Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.

20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer,

21 and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt.

22 About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. “God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,” Abimelech said.

23 “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you will be loyal to me and to this country where you are living as a foreigner.”

24 Abraham replied, “Yes, I swear to it!”

25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.

26 “This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Abimelech answered. “I have no idea who is responsible. You have never complained about this before.”

27 Abraham then gave some of his sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech, and they made a treaty.

28 But Abraham also took seven additional female lambs and set them off by themselves.

29 Abimelech asked, “Why have you set these seven apart from the others?”

30Abraham replied, “Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.” 31Then he named the place Beersheba (which means “well of the oath”), because that was where they had sworn the oath.

32After making their covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned home to the land of the Philistines.

33Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.

34And Abraham lived as a foreigner in Philistine country for a long time.

Journal Prompts:
• What promise are you still believing God for?
• Have you grown discouraged or tried to force the outcome in your own strength?
• Write a prayer of renewed trust, asking God to help you wait well and recognize His faithfulness in the process.

God is working even when you mess up    

In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her. ~ Genesis 20:6

I’ve messed up a lot. More times than I care to admit, in all honesty. One of my most recent mistakes has gripped me more than I expected, even to the point of trying to knock me off mission and purpose. I was in a meeting with a group of people who were somewhat intimidating, and when the focus shifted to me and what I had to say, I blew it under the pressure. I stumbled through my words and left feeling like a total failure. What I thought was going to be an open door from God ended up feeling like one that slammed shut right in my face. I left questioning everything, my preparation, my voice, and even whether I had misheard God altogether. But as I sat with it, God gently reminded me that His plans are never ruined by my imperfections. If that opportunity was truly from Him, He will bring it back around in His time or open up an even greater opportunity.

That is why Genesis 20 hit me so personally. Abraham made a mistake, a serious one. He once again told a half-truth about Sarah being his sister, and it landed her in the household of King Abimelek. It was a risky untruth, move driven by fear and self-preservation, but even then, God stepped in. Before anything could happen to Sara or Abraham, God intervened in a dream, protecting her, correcting the situation, and preserving His promise.

What encourages me most is that God did not wait for Abraham to get it all right before He acted. He moved in the middle of Abraham’s mistake. That brings me so much peace. I have made decisions not out of rebellion, but out of fear or misunderstanding and even then, God still showed up. He covered the situation, protected what mattered most, and reminded me that His purpose for my life is not dependent on me being flawless.

Genesis 20 shows us that God is always working. He sees our intentions, even when our execution falls short. He knows how to protect us, correct us, and restore us. He is not waiting for perfection, but He is looking for hearts that are turned toward Him, even in weakness.

Maybe you are in a season where something you hoped for did not go the way you expected. Maybe fear or pressure caused you to respond in a way you now regret. Let Genesis 20 reminds you that your failure is not final, and your mistake does not cancel God’s mission for your life.

Here are some practical ways to stay encouraged when you mess up:

• Take it to God immediately. Do not run from Him. Run to Him and be honest.
• Ask for wisdom. Pray for clarity and courage to grow from it and choose differently next time.
• Receive His grace. Let go of the guilt. His mercy truly is new every morning.
• Make it right when you can. Like Abraham, acknowledge your role and walk in humility.
• Stay committed to the journey. One wrong moment does not mean the story is over. God is still writing it.

Today I want to encourage you to believe that God is still working, even in your mess. He knows your heart and He sees your faith, even when fear makes noise. He is bigger than your failures and faithful to finish what He started in you. Keep walking forward. That closed door may just be God’s way of preparing you for something greater. His grace still covers you. His plan is still good and He has not changed His mind about your calling.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 20

1Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner,

2Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.

3But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!”

4But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? 5Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘Yes, he is my brother.’ I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean.”

6In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.

7Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don’t return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die.”

8Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.

9Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done!

10Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?”

11Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her.’

12And she really is my sister, for we both have the same father, but different mothers. And I married her.

13When God called me to leave my father’s home and to travel from place to place, I told her, ‘Do me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am your brother.’”

14Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him.

15Then Abimelech said, “Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.” 16And he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your ‘brother’ 1,000 pieces of silver in the presence of all these witnesses. This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.”

17Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they could have children.

18For the Lord had caused all the women to be infertile because of what happened with Abraham’s wife, Sarah.

Journal:
• Is there a decision you made that you are still carrying guilt over?
• What does this story teach you about God’s ability to protect and restore?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you walk in freedom from past mistakes and stay confident in His calling on your life.

Don’t look back

_{But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt. ~ Genesis 19:26}

Genesis 19 is a powerful chapter of both judgment and mercy. God brings destruction to Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness, but in the midst of it, He extends mercy to Lot and his family. The angels gave them clear instructions: escape quickly and don’t look back. But Lot’s wife, caught between where she came from and where God was leading her, looked back and in that moment, she was frozen in place. Her story is a sobering reminder of what can happen when we long for what God is calling us to leave behind.

I know this struggle personally. It wasn’t long ago when I felt God clearly nudging me to step away from certain patterns, relationships, and environments that were no longer healthy. I wanted to obey, but part of me kept glancing back and thinking about what I was walking away from, worrying about what I was losing, even though I knew it wasn’t God’s best for me anymore. That back-and-forth mindset left me stuck, frustrated, confused, and lacking peace. It wasn’t until I truly decided to move forward without looking over my shoulder that I began to experience freedom. There was no blessing for me in that place that He had told me to step away from.

Maybe today you’re in a place of transition. Maybe God is asking you to leave something like an old mindset, a habit, a relationship, or even your comfort zone, but the pull of the past feels strong. Maybe you’re tempted to look back, just one more time. Let Lot’s wife be a reminder that God’s mercy goes before us, but obedience requires trust. You can’t step into your future while clinging to the past.

Here are some ways to live forward and not look back:

• Trust God’s direction. If He’s leading you away from something, it’s because He has something better ahead. Say out loud, “God, I trust that what’s ahead is greater than what’s behind.”
• Release with prayer. Take time to name what you need to let go of and release it to God. Say, “Lord, I give this to You. Help me not to return to it.”
• Set your eyes forward. Just like Lot and his daughters had to keep moving, make decisions today that point you toward your next step, not your old one.
• Choose obedience over nostalgia. Sometimes we glamorize the past because it’s familiar, even if it was unhealthy. Don’t let comfort keep you from growth.
• Surround yourself with forward thinkers. Spend time with people who speak life into your future, not just your history. Their encouragement will help you keep walking.

Today I want to encourage you not to let the past hold you hostage. You may not have all the answers, and the road ahead may feel uncertain, but God is leading you out for a reason. He’s faithful to protect you, but He also calls you to move forward. Don’t get stuck in what was. Keep your eyes on what He is doing. There’s something ahead worth walking toward, and it starts with a step of obedience today.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 19

1 That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground.

2 “My lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.”

“Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.”

3 But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate.

4 But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house.

5 They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!”

6 So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him.

7 “Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing.

8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.”

9 “Stand back!” they shouted. “This fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he’s acting like our judge! We’ll treat you far worse than those other men!” And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door.

10 But the two angels reached out, pulled Lot into the house, and bolted the door.

11 Then they blinded all the men, young and old, who were at the door of the house, so they gave up trying to get inside.

12 Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place—your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else.

13 For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and he has sent us to destroy it.”

14 So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking.

15 At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”

16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful.

17 When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”

18 “Oh no, my lord!” Lot begged.

19 “You have been so gracious to me and saved my life, and you have shown such great kindness. But I cannot go to the mountains. Disaster would catch up to me there, and I would soon die.

20 See, there is a small village nearby. Please let me go there instead; don’t you see how small it is? Then my life will be saved.”

21 “All right,” the angel said, “I will grant your request. I will not destroy the little village.

22 But hurry! Escape to it, for I can do nothing until you arrive there.” (This explains why that village was known as Zoar, which means “little place.”)

23 Lot reached the village just as the sun was rising over the horizon.

24Then the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah.

25 He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation.

26 But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.

27 Abraham got up early that morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the Lord’s presence.

28 He looked out across the plain toward Sodom and Gomorrah and watched as columns of smoke rose from the cities like smoke from a furnace.

29 But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.

30 Afterward Lot left Zoar because he was afraid of the people there, and he went to live in a cave in the mountains with his two daughters.

31 One day the older daughter said to her sister, “There are no men left anywhere in this entire area, so we can’t get married like everyone else. And our father will soon be too old to have children.

32 Come, let’s get him drunk with wine, and then we will have sex with him. That way we will preserve our family line through our father.”

33 So that night they got him drunk with wine, and the older daughter went in and had intercourse with her father. He was unaware of her lying down or getting up again.

34 The next morning the older daughter said to her younger sister, “I had sex with our father last night. Let’s get him drunk with wine again tonight, and you go in and have sex with him. That way we will preserve our family line through our father.”

35 So that night they got him drunk with wine again, and the younger daughter went in and had intercourse with him. As before, he was unaware of her lying down or getting up again.

36 As a result, both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their own father.

37 When the older daughter gave birth to a son, she named him Moab. He became the ancestor of the nation now known as the Moabites.

38 When the younger daughter gave birth to a son, she named him Ben-ammi. He became the ancestor of the nation now known as the Ammonites.

Journal:

• What is God asking you to leave behind?
• Why is it hard to fully let it go?
• Write a prayer of release, asking God for the courage to move forward without looking back.

Get up and do it again

But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. ~ Acts 14:20

No one knows for sure whether Paul actually died when he was stoned or if he was simply presumed dead. What we do know is this: when the disciples gathered around him, he got up. Then, in a move that still amazes me, he went right back into the very city where the people had just stoned him. If that were me, I would have left and never looked back, but Paul had a different kind of determination. He was fully convinced that God was with him and would raise him up if necessary.

This wasn’t the only time Paul displayed such bold resolve. When he and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi, Paul didn’t sneak out quietly when he was released. He insisted on a public apology before leaving. (See Acts 16:40.) Paul knew who he was in Christ and what he had been called to do. He would not let opposition stop him from completing his assignment.

The point is that Paul and Barnabas pressed on through intense pressure and persecution. They didn’t let circumstances dictate their faith or their forward movement, and neither should we. Life brings setbacks, storms, and resistance, but those things do not define our purpose. They are only winds that blow. Some are mild, others fierce, but just like weather, they come and go. We still arrive at our destination when we keep moving forward. Our circumstances do not determine our mission. Our Father in heaven does.

Here are a few ways you can live this out when discouragement or difficulty tries to knock you down:

• Reconnect with your purpose. Take time to ask the Lord what He has called you to do today. It might be something small, like encouraging someone, or something more challenging. The important thing is to start where you are.
• Pray for strength and clarity. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Ask God to strengthen your heart and help you see your situation from His perspective.
• Surround yourself with faith-filled people. Just like the disciples gathered around Paul, stay close to those who will lift you up, speak life, and help you keep going.
• Take one step. Even if you don’t feel strong, take action anyway. Purpose often becomes clearer as you walk forward in faith.
• Don’t fear repetition. Sometimes the greatest victory comes not in doing something new, but in doing the right thing again and again.

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what you’re facing, do not give up. The winds may blow, and the pain may feel real, but God has not changed His plan for your life. Ask Him for vision and strength, and then press through whatever is standing in your way. Keep moving forward with courage. Then when tomorrow comes, get up and do it again.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:19-28

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Journal:

• What situation in your life has made you feel like giving up?
• What is one step you can take today to move forward in faith?
• Ask the Lord to speak to you about your assignment for today.
• Write down what you sense Him saying.

Same Mission

_{This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed. ~  Acts 14:9}

As we read through the book of Acts, a recurring theme begins to take place. The sequence of events tends to repeat: opportunity, obstacles, overcoming, and growth. Today’s reading in Acts 14 is no exception. Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, faithfully preaching the gospel. As Paul shared the message, he noticed a man who had never walked before. Paul could see faith rising in him, and at that moment, he stopped preaching and told the man to stand up and the man did. Miraculously, he was instantly healed.

But then came an obstacle. The crowd, instead of recognizing the power of God, thought Paul and Barnabas were mythical gods and tried to worship them.

What often goes unnoticed in this passage is the journey of the man who was healed. He, too, experienced opportunity, obstacle, overcoming, and growth. His story still speaks to us today.

When we find ourselves in need of a miracle or breakthrough, we can learn a lot from his example.

1. He was present and listening.
The first thing we see is that the man was at the gathering, listening to the Word of God. This is critical for building the kind of faith that moves mountains. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The man put himself in position to hear the message and let it sink into his heart. If you’re seeking answers or healing today, this is where to start. Spend time in God’s Word. Sit in quiet moments with Him daily. Make it a habit to attend church weekly and join a samll group where the Word is being studied, and faith is stirred.

2. He believed.
This man didn’t just hear, he also believed. He believed that Jesus came to save and to heal. He believed that the message Paul preached applied to him. If you’re facing a challenge, believe that God has an answer for you, and it’s not just natural, it’s supernatural. Believe that He wants you healed, whole, and strong. That He has grace for every moment, and that restoration, physical, emotional, or relational, is possible.

3. He acted.
When Paul said, “Stand up,” the man didn’t argue. He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t list all the reasons it shouldn’t work. He simply responded in faith.  As he put action behind that faith and stood up, his miracle happened. The same is true for us. When God speaks, we need to respond. If you’re unsure of what to do next, ask the Holy Spirit to show you your next step. It may seem small or even unexpected, but it will never contradict God’s Word or character. It may be as simple as forgiving someone, making a phone call, or taking a step toward something you’ve been praying about. Whatever it is, your obedient action is often the final piece of the miracle coming to pass.

Here is how to start putting your faith into action:

• Set aside a specific time each day to pray and read God’s Word.
• Listen to a message that builds your faith and strengthens your trust in God.
• Stay connected to a church community where you can grow and be encouraged.
• Write down one step of obedience you sense God is asking of you and take it.
• Ask the Holy Spirit for a scripture to stand on and speak it daily over your situation.

Today I want to encourage you to expect that with every opportunity from God, challenges may come, but so will His power to help you overcome. Don’t be discouraged by the obstacles. Let them become steppingstones as you walk out your mission. Be like the man at Lystra and listen to the Word, believe the Word, and act on the Word. God’s miracles are available for you, and He wants to partner with you to bring them to pass. With His Word as your foundation and His Spirit as your guide, you can walk boldly in faith today.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:8-18

8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.

9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,

10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.

11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out

15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,

16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”

18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

 Journal:

• What area of your life are you believing for a breakthrough?
• What is one small step you can take today to position yourself to hear, believe, and act on God’s Word?