“Recognize Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6
I was getting ready to go ziplining from the highest point of the rainforest on the island of St. Lucia. Fear grew inside. The thought that something could go wrong filled the mind. However, gathering all my courage into a fist, I jumped. Starting from the top of the mountain, I ran through the lush greenery of the trees. The wind ruffled his hair, and the worry gradually disappeared. The force of gravity carried me in the air, the view of the next platform became more and more clear, and now, gently slowing down, I stopped and realized that everything went well.
The zip line trip reminded me that sometimes God calls us to new and difficult endeavors. The Bible teaches us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5), especially in times of uncertainty and doubt. If our thoughts are full of fear and hesitation, our steps will be unsteady and our course will be wandering. But if we decide to walk by faith and entrust our path to the Creator, “He will make [our] paths straight” (v. 6). And in order to make “leaps of faith” more confidently, you need to get to know Him by spending time in prayer and studying the Holy Scriptures.
Freedom and peace are available to us in any life trials. We just have to hold on to God and let Him lead us through our troubles.
What changes or difficulties in life require you to fully trust God? What is holding you back from taking a leap of faith?
Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom and strength to entrust my life to You.
Author: Kimya Loder (guest)
“The Lord is your Guardian, the Lord is your shadow at your right hand.” — Psalm 120:5
Debbie Stevens Browder, a former teacher and now retired, is in the business of persuading everyone to plant trees. Why? Because of the heat. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. The shade created by tree crowns is one of the effective ways to protect against the heat. “It’s not about beautifying cities, it’s about life and death,” says Debbie.
The fact that the shade is not only a pleasant coolness, but perhaps a lifesaver, was known to the author of Psalm 120. In the Middle East, sunstroke is a constant threat. This adds depth to an already vivid description of God as our protector. Thanks to His care, “the sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night” (v. 6).
This verse does not say that believers are somehow freed from all pain or loss (or that the heat ceases to be dangerous for them). Christ said: “You will suffer in the world – but be of good courage: I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). However, the comparison of God with a covering convincingly shows: no matter how strong the trials are, our life is under His constant supervision (Ps. 120:7-8). In trusting the Creator, we find peace, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love (John 10:28; Rom. 8:39).
Have you found a saving shadow in God’s care? How does knowing that He protects you give you courage?
Loving God, thank you for being my shelter and protection. Help me to find peace and courage in my growing trust in You.
Author: Monica La Rose
“Oppression brings patience, and patience brings experience, and experience brings hope.” — Romans 5:3-4
Digging through old letters, I saw among them an eye patch with the inscription: “I am undergoing treatment.” Immediately, a wave of memories flooded in. This bandage was worn by my four-year-old son, and then he was instilled with burning drops in his eye. He had weak muscles in one eye, so he had to wear a blindfold on the other for several hours a day so that the weak eye could work more actively and develop. In addition, he needed an operation. He courageously endured all the trials, relying on God with his childlike faith, although he sought parental support from us. Due to difficulties, his character gained stability.
People often change when they go through adversity and suffering. The Apostle Paul writes that he boasts about tribulations because “tribulation produces patience, and patience produces experience, and experience produces hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). Paul was familiar with trials. Not only did he suffer shipwrecks, but he also spent a lot of time in prison. On the basis of what he experienced, he wrote to the believers in Rome that “hope will not be ashamed, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (v. 5). The apostle knew: if we rely on Christ, the Spirit of God keeps our hope alive.
No matter what difficulties you face, know that God has poured out His grace and mercy upon you. He loves you.
How have trials and tribulations helped you to rely more on God? How can you entrust yourself to His care in what you are going through now?
Loving God, You promised that You would never leave me. Help me to hold on to Your promises despite all the trials.
By Amy Buescher Pye
“And when your brother sins against you, go and tell him between you and him; if he listens to you, you have bought your brother.” — Matthew 18:15
In 2010, a tsunami hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra, killing more than 400 people. The loss of life could have been prevented or minimized if the warning system had worked properly. However, the buoys that signaled the approach of giant waves broke away and floated into the ocean.
Christ has given us the responsibility to warn one another about things that can cause spiritual harm. According to His command, a believer against whom another has sinned must humbly and prayerfully point out his sin to the wrongdoer alone (Matt. 18:15). If he repents, then the conflict will be considered exhausted, and the relationship will be restored. But if he does not want to admit guilt, then you must take “one or two more” with you (v. 16). When the one who has sinned, even in this case, does not repent, the question should be put before the church (v. 17), and if he does not listen to the church, then such a person should be excommunicated from the community of Christians. However, at the same time, of course, one must continue to pray for him and show him the love of Christ.
We will ask God for wisdom to lovingly warn each other about the danger of unrepentant sin, as well as talk about the joy of restoring relations with the Heavenly Father and other believers. In this case, the words of the Lord will be fulfilled: “where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst” (v. 20).
How can you humbly and lovingly expose someone in sin? How dangerous is unrepentant sin?
God, help me to love others enough to lovingly warn them if I see them falling into sin.
Author: Marvin Williams
“Don’t make carvings or anything like that for yourself.” — Exodus 20:4
Here are some vacation tips. If you’re passing through Middleton, Wisconsin, visit the National Mustard Museum. There you will see 6090 different types of mustard from all over the world. The amazing Barbed Wire Museum awaits you in McLean, Texas. Although perhaps more amazing is the fact that someone is into it…
The things we consider important can say a lot about us. One writer says there’s hardly a worse activity to do than a visit to the Banana Museum (although we’d beg to differ).
You can laugh at all of the above, but we admit that in our hearts there are our own museums – places where we honor the idols of our own production. The Lord said: “You shall have no other gods before Me… You shall not bow down to them or serve them” (Ex. 20:3, 5). But we do it anyway, we create “carved gods” for ourselves. It can be wealth, passion, success or some other “attractiveness” to which we secretly bow.
It is easy to read this text and not understand the point. Yes, God will ask us about the museum of sin that we have created for ourselves. But the Lord “shows mercy to thousands of generations of those who love [Him]” (v. 6). He knows how meager our “museums” are. And He knows that true happiness is obtained only in love for Him.
Do you have an area that is displeasing to God that you are keeping secret? What should you do with her?
God, I want You to be at the center of my life. Help me get rid of all the idols.
By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)
“There is a time for everything, and an hour for every business under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Recently, I came across a useful word – hibernation. Winter is a time when nature freezes. Author Kathryn May uses the word “hibernation” to describe our need for renewal during the “frosty” seasons of life. I found this analogy very helpful. My father died of cancer. Losing it for several months sapped my vitality. Not wanting to slow down, I fought through this winter, praying for summer to come soon.
Ecclesiastes said: “There is a time for everything, and an hour for every matter under heaven.” There is a time to sow and to reap, to weep and to laugh, to mourn and to dance (Eccl. 3:1-4). I read these words for years, but I only began to understand them when winter came into my life. We have little influence over these periods of time, but we must remember: they all end at some point. Having done their work, they will leave. And although we do not always understand what is happening, God does important work through them (v. 11). My complaining time is not over yet. But the moment will come and I will triumph. Just as plants and animals do not struggle with winter, so I need to calm down and allow God to do the necessary renewal.
“Lord,” prayed my friend, “do Your good work in the heart of Sheridan in this difficult time.” His prayer was better than mine. In God’s hands, different times are always beneficial. Let us submit to His will and seek His renewing action each season.
When did you wish that a difficult period of life would end sooner? What do you think God expects of you at this time?
God, thank You for using all the times of life for my benefit and Your glory.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me, he is not worthy of Me.” — Matthew 10:38
In 155 AD, Polycarp, a minister of the early church, appeared before the Roman court. Under the threat of burning at the stake, he was offered to deny Christ. However, he answered: “For eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has not wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?” Polycarp’s answer can inspire us as we face trials through our faith in Christ our King.
A few hours before the arrest of Jesus, Peter resolutely declared his loyalty: “I will lay down my life for You!” (John 13:37). But the Lord, who knew Peter better than Peter himself, answered: “Truly, truly, I say to you: the rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times” (v. 38). But after the resurrection of the Lord, the one who denied Him began to serve Him boldly and, in the end, glorified Him with his death (see Jn. 21:16-19).
Are you Polycarp or Peter? Let’s be honest, most of us are more like Peter. We also have “failures of courage” when we are unable to speak or act as believers in Christ. But such incidents, whether at school, at work, or at home, do not define our essence. If we fail, let us shake off the dust with prayer and turn again to Christ, who died for us and lives in us. He will help us to be faithful and boldly follow Him every day despite all difficulties.
In what situations do you need more courage to stand up for Christ? What helps you testify of Him?
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I give in to fear and betray You with my words and actions. I need Your strength to be a bold follower of Christ.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit, and whither shall I flee from Thy face?” — Psalm 138:7
The officer searched me, and then I walked into the county jail, signed in the attendance book, and sat down in the crowded lobby. Silently praying, I watched adults get nervous and sigh, while children complained that they were bored.
In about an hour, an armed guard read a list of names, including mine. Our group followed him into the room and settled on the chairs. When my stepson sat down on the chair on the other side of the thick glass and picked up the phone, a wave of heavy hopelessness washed over me. I burst into tears. And at the same time, a conviction arose in my heart that this young man was still within God’s reach.
In Psalm 138, David says: “Lord, You have tried me and known me… and You know all my ways” (Ps. 138:1-3). After proclaiming God’s omniscience, he proceeds to glorify His care and protection (v. 5). Stunned by the immensity of God’s knowledge and the depth of His penetration into the human essence, David asks two rhetorical questions: “Where shall I go from Your Spirit, and where shall I flee from Your face?” (v. 7).
When we or our loved ones find ourselves in situations where we realize our helplessness and hopelessness, God’s hand remains strong and firm. Even if we think we have gone too far, we are still within His reach.
How has knowing that God is omnipresent affected your faith? How did He comfort you when you felt helpless and hopeless?
Loving Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are always able and willing to help me and those dear to me.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“And He will judge between people.” — Isaiah 2:4
The longest border in the world is between the USA and Canada. Its length is 8,891 km on land and water. Workers regularly cut down young trees at a distance of three meters on both sides so that the border can be easily distinguished. More than 8,000 stone signs have been placed on its path, so that anyone who enters can immediately understand that the dividing line runs here.
The border drawn between the forests indicates the division of states and cultures. We Christians await the time when God will remove such divisions and unite all the nations of the world under His leadership. The prophet Isaiah predicted the future in which the temple of God will be restored and glorified (Is. 2:2). People from all nations will gather to learn to “walk in the paths” of the Lord (v. 3). We will no longer rely on futile human efforts to maintain peace. The Lord Himself will judge the peoples and settle all disputes (v. 4).
Can you imagine a world without divisions and conflicts? This is the world that God promises us! Whatever the differences between us, we can “walk in the light of the Lord” (v. 5) and faithfully serve Him right now. We know that the Lord rules the world and one day He will unite His people under one banner.
What division in the modern world is especially difficult for you to bear? How does waiting for the eternal Kingdom of God give you strength?
God, I acknowledge Your dominion over all the powers of the world. You reign over everything.
Author: Karen Pimpo
“He who calls you is faithful, He will do this!” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Eighteen years marked the beginning of a new period in our daughter’s life. She was now of legal age and had the right to vote in elections, and soon she was due to graduate from school. And I suddenly realized that I had very little time left at my disposal to teach her to live an independent life, manage finances, understand world problems and make wise decisions.
My sense of duty to my daughter is quite understandable. After all, I love her and want the best for her. But I also understand: although I have an important role in her life, the main thing does not depend on me. The Apostle Paul, addressing the Thessalonians – people whom he considered his spiritual children, because they heard about Christ from him, urged them to instruct one another (1 Thess. 5:14-15). However, first of all, he entrusted their spiritual growth to God. Paul believed that the Lord Himself would “sanctify them in all their fullness” (v. 23).
The apostle gave into God’s hands what he could not do himself: to prepare the Thessalonians – their spirit, soul and body – for Christ’s return to earth (v. 23). Although Paul’s letters to this church contain many different instructions, his reflections on sanctification and their readiness for eternity show that success in the lives of those we care for ultimately depends on God (1 Cor. 3:6).
How has God helped you grow in Him? Whose spiritual formation do you need to entrust to Him?
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the leader and executor of my spiritual growth. Help me to always trust You with this good work.
Author: Kirsten Holmberg
