Category: Spiritual Growth

Lead Us Not into Temptation

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Two sides struggled for control of my heart, mind, and life. It was almost like I had a cartoonish angel and devil on each shoulder. I loved God and called Jesus my Savior, but I continued in a pattern of sin that kept me from growing and thriving in my faith. No one knew how much I struggled with the weight of guilt and shame. Praying to confess my sin felt futile and insincere because temptations were all around me and I couldn’t withstand them.

A turning point came when I left my environment and spent a season surrounded by solid believers who were passionate about Jesus. This time away from my normal routines and influences allowed me to discover and experience God in a deeper and more personal way. Once I got a taste of His goodness and grace, I didn’t want to go back. 

I began praying that God would lead me away from the temptations that made me stumble and veer off course. Over time the Lord answered those prayers and soon I found that activities that had tempted me previously stopped having the same allure. I wanted God more than I wanted the sins that had held me hostage for so long. I think that experience highlights the essence of the closing lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13, NIV)

This part of the prayer reminds us that we need God’s guidance because, left to our own devices, we gravitate towards what tempts us. Temptation is defined as “a condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from faith and holiness.” All of us need God’s help to withstand temptations so that we can avoid sin.

Let’s back up for a moment to see where the Lord leads us when we choose to follow Him:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV) God leads us to peace and refreshment. He guides us to do what is right for our good and His glory. 

David’s prayer from Psalm 139 further validates this part of the Lord’s Prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-4, NIV) The Lord leads us to eternal life with Him; following Him involves being humble enough to identify and confess sin.

Scripture also makes it clear that the Lord doesn’t lead us toward sin: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”  (James 1:13-15, NIV)

And when we find ourselves faced with temptation and wanting to give in to evil desires, it’s good to remember we are not alone. Being tempted is part of being human. The Lord knows our struggles and provides a way out of temptation when we look to Him: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted. he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  (1 Cor 10:13, NIV)

Temptation to sin comes directly from the evil one. Jesus warned Simon Peter of this not long before His arrest and crucifixion saying, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32, NIV) In His warning to Simon Peter, Jesus shows us that the key to fighting temptation is fervent prayer.

The final lines of the Lord’s Prayer again echo David’s prayer: “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” (Psalm 141:4, NIV) Like Jesus’ example, David recognizes the enticement of sin and asks the Lord to keep him from being attracted to it.

Temptations change as we get older, but the gravitational pull towards sin remains with us until death. Our flesh and spirit battle continually; praying for the Lord not to lead us into temptation and to deliver us from evil demonstrates humble acknowledgement of this fact. When we know our weaknesses and are aware of the areas where we’re likely to fall into sin, we can pray proactively, asking the Lord to guide and protect us.

If you’re ready to take a deeper dive into understanding the power of prayer this summer, check out my new Bible study called Extraordinary Prayer. Click here for more information or see the “Book Table” tab on my website.

Francesca Battistelli’s song “Defender” provides a beautiful picture of how prayer opens the door for God to deliver us from evil and to show us how much better it is to follow His way.

Definition of temptation from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon based on Strong’s Concordance.

Daily Bread

Hungry children lined both sides of the long tables in the orphanage, their bellies growling with hunger. Brightening as their headmaster entered the room, they expected to see him carrying steaming trays of porridge. Instead, he walked in empty-handed. He spoke gently, “Children, will you bow your heads with me and thank the Lord for providing our morning meal?” 
 
Hiding their disappointment and confusion, the children joined George Müller as he prayed to their Heavenly Father, thanking Him for providing their daily bread, even though their pantry was bare. Before they’d said “amen,” a knock at the door interrupted them. It was a local baker offering enough fresh, warm bread to feed all the children. No sooner had the loaves been served than a clatter in the street interrupted them once again. They looked up in surprise as the milkman entered the room wringing his hands. He’d just broken the axel on his cart and, knowing the milk would spoil, he offered to give it to the orphans. A broad smile spread across George’s face; once again the Lord provided for their needs at just the right moment.
 
George Müller’s incredible faith and trust in God led to many amazing events like this one. He cared for 10,024 orphans during his lifetime and established 117 schools which offered Christian education to more than 120,000 in Bristol, England in the 1800’s. Through all of this, Müller never sought donations from specific individuals. Time and time again He turned to God to provide as he cared for thousands of orphans he found living in the streets. 
 
While I’ve never been in circumstances quite so dire, I’ve experienced the desperation of pleading with God to give me something I needed. I think many of us would agree that asking the Lord for what we want and need often takes center stage in our prayers. Thankfully, we have a good and loving Heavenly Father who invites us to make requests, as Jesus taught in the third statement of the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us today our daily bread.”  (Matthew 6:11, NIV)
 
Requesting daily bread isn’t only about physical provision. It can also refer to asking God to provide for our less-tangible needs. In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

The Lord’s Prayer uses bread as a symbol of God’s provision. This is profound when we consider Jesus’ words in the book of John: “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:47-51, NIV)
 
Those listening to Jesus’ teaching would have noted the significance of daily bread by remembering the Father’s provision for His people in the book of Exodus. After fleeing from slavery in Egypt, God provided food for them as they wandered in the wilderness: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.'” (Exodus 16:4 NIV)
 
God’s provision in the wilderness saved the Jews from physical death during their 40 years of wandering. Similarly, the Father’s provision through Jesus saved us from spiritual death, meeting our greatest need for forgiveness of our sins. Through Christ, the Lord made a way for us to have a restored relationship with Him now and for eternity. (Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; John 20:31). 
 
There’s one key word in the Lord’s Prayer we can’t overlook: “daily.” Just as our bodies were made to need sustenance from food every day, our hearts were made to need daily connection with God. Going to Him consistently reminds us self-sufficiency is only an illusion. Everything we have, including our ability to earn a living, ultimately comes from God. George Müller’s faith and trust in the Father provides an inspiring example for us. Asking the Lord to meet our needs daily keeps us humble, but also enables us to grow in our connection to Him and our dependence upon Him.
 
One commentary explains,“Yes, God sustains us physically and meets the less tangible needs of this life. More than that, He fulfills our spiritual needs. He is the bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger. He sustains our hearts. When we ask God for our daily bread, we are humbly acknowledging Him as the sole giver of all we need. We are living day by day, one step at a time. We are exercising simple faith in Him to provide just what we need, when we need it – for every area of life.”
 
If you want to become a person of extraordinary prayer, practice connecting with the Lord daily, just as you would with your closest family members or friends. Start by offering a word of praise and seeking His will. Then, bring your requests before Him humbly and watch expectantly for His answers. Ask the Lord to increase your awareness of His presence. Talk with Him throughout the day and notice where He provides answers to your prayers. Daily connection with God is one of the keys to cultivating a richer, deeper relationship with Him. Will you try it this week and see what happens?

If you’d like some tools to enhance your prayer life, check out my new book, Extraordinary Prayer. You’ll be inspired by the prayers of different biblical characters and can follow their examples using prompts incorporated into each session.


The best place to be is near our Heavenly Father. Let Jordan Feliz’ song “Next to Me” call you back to the Lord daily for prayer.
 

Commentary quotations from https://www.gotquestions.org/daily-bread.html
 
Learn more about George Müller and his extraordinary prayer life by clicking here: https://www.georgemuller.org
 

Your Kingdom Come

Did you learn the Lord’s Prayer as a child? Maybe, like me, you recited the words without grasping their meaning. Praying the second line: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” can be a strange and difficult concept to grasp. As I got older and learned more, I assumed this line in the prayer referred to Jesus’ second coming, described in the book of Revelation.  I didn’t realize that it also invites God to increase His kingdom on earth right now through us. The Lords’ Prayer anticipates every believer joining in this endeavor. Let’s explore what this means together.

As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of God’s kingdom, and we carry that citizenship with us at all times. Believers in Christ are marked by the Holy Spirit as God’s children (Ephesians 1:13), similar to the way our passports identify us as citizens of specific countries. Wherever we go, we have the opportunity to let the light of the Lord’s love shine out from us. Jesus describes this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

In the Old Testament we learn the Lord’s original plan was to use Adam and Eve and their offspring to spread His kingdom. God made man and woman in His image, gave them authority over the earth and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) Tragically, when Satan succeeded in tempting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their choice to disobey God brought sin into the world. This gave the enemy an opening to hinder God’s kingdom from spreading on earth. His days are numbered, but he will stop at nothing to keep the world shrouded in the kingdom of darkness.

Although our planet has been tainted by sin, God’s kingdom still exists in its fullness in heaven. When we pray for the Lord’s kingdom to come, we’re pushing back the darkness and reclaiming territory held by the enemy. Author and theologian, N.T Wright, explains that we do this when we reflect God’s love, wisdom, creativity, and power to the world through the endeavors we pursue, the choices we make, and the way we treat others.

One of my favorite examples of this comes from The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom—a book about two sisters arrested for hiding Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland. In one scene, Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom arrive at Ravensbruck, a notorious women’s extermination camp in Germany during World War II. As they are ushered into their quarters, they discover a cavernous room housing four times as many women as it was designed to hold. Corrie describes the scene: “Our noses told us, first, that the place was filthy: somewhere plumbing had backed up, the bedding was soiled and rancid. Then as our eyes adjusted to the gloom, we saw that there were no individual beds at all, but great square piers stacked three high, and wedged side by side, and end to end with only an occasional narrow aisle slicing through.” (The Hiding Place p. 208)

Their first night in the barracks, the two sisters listen in distress as “among exhausted, ill-fed people, quarrels [erupt] constantly.” Betsie clasps Corrie’s hand and prays: “Lord Jesus, send Your peace into this room. There has been too little praying here. The very walls know it. But where You come Lord, the spirit of strife cannot exist.” (p. 211).

As the sisters attempt to settle into their new living situation, Corrie laments to her sister, “Betsie, how can we live in such a place?” It takes Corrie a moment to realize Betsie’s answer is a prayer: “Show us. Show us how.” (p. 208) Within moments Betsie remembers a familiar passage of Scripture and realizes it is the answer to her prayer: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 NKJV)

Rather than fixating on self-pity or personal survival, they choose to participate in expanding God’s kingdom in a place that would rival hell itself. The sisters begin to apply these words from Scripture and share the hope of God’s love to encourage anyone who will listen. They care for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of their fellow prisoners and encourage them with nightly worship services. The atmosphere in the barracks slowly changes as the Lord answers Betsie’s prayer. What a beautiful example this provides of shining light into the darkness—changing an atmosphere by bringing God’s kingdom to earth.

We can do this today through the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to reflect creation as it was meant to be. Seeking His will over our own spreads the Lord’s kingdom on earth. This happens when we love others, offer forgiveness, express gratitude, practice kindness, delight in creation, comfort people in their struggles, share the hope of the gospel, choose good, and reject evil. Building God’s kingdom on earth brings joy and hope in the present and prepares the world for Jesus’ eventual return. It also fulfills us in way that pursuing our personal agendas never will.

Will you ask God to use you to bring more of His kingdom to earth? Imagine what could happen if we did this together consistently, just as Jesus taught us to do in the Lord’s Prayer. 

Several songs have significantly impacted my understanding of spreading God’s kingdom on earth, but “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective is my favorite. It’s become the prayer of my heart and is one I’ve posted in the past (and will probably post in the future). Let it inspire you to make the lyrics your prayer too.

Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill & John Sherrill, The Hiding Place, Chosen Books, 1971.

NT Wright, Surprised by Hope, Zondervan, 2007, p. 207 & 208.

A Guide for Saying “Yes”

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

How will we discover the adventure of trusting God’s plans for us if we’re never willing to try something new? Maybe you’ve been pondering and praying about that as you’re wrapping up studying Megan Fate Marshman’s Meant for Good. And perhaps you’re feeling a bit confused or unsure about saying “yes” to new opportunities. If so, I’d love to share some questions that have helped me with decision making. Over the years, I’ve used them to process the pros and cons of getting involved in new ventures. 

Saying “yes” creates an exciting opportunity for the Lord to work in and through you. It is important, however, to evaluate your options carefully. Before you decide, read the questions and verses that follow and pray for God to give you clarity. Consider inviting someone you trust and respect to be praying and checking in with you for a set period of time (I suggest one week). 

1.  Does what I’m hearing line up with Scripture?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2, NIV

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8, NIV

2.  Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NET Bible

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31, NIV

3.  Is what I’m hearing being confirmed through other messages? Do people with godly wisdom affirm this decision to say “yes”?

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, NIV

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  Psalm 32:8, NIV

4.  Is what I’m hearing beyond me? Is this something that will require me to rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance rather than just my own skills or gifts?

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” First Thessalonians 5:24, NIV

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26, NIV

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26, NIV

5. Would what I’m hearing please God?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10, NIV

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” First Corinthians 10:31, NIV

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21, NIV

Once you’ve sorted out the biblical reasons for saying “yes,” it’s time to ask yourself about practical aspects of your current life situation:

  • Can I handle this request along with my current responsibilities?
  • How would this commitment affect my marriage, family, and/ or other important relationships?
  • How will this “yes” mean saying “no” to other things? Is there something else filling my time that it’s time to let go?
  • Do I have the time and mental space to add this onto my plate right now?
  • Do I have emotional bandwidth for this commitment in my life right now?
  • What’s holding me back from saying “yes”? 
  • What positive things could happen if I say “yes”?

Experiencing the adventures God has in store starts with giving your best “yes.” Processing and praying through these questions will enable you to make a decision with confidence and peace.

Above all else, remember that anything God calls you to do is for your good and His glory; He will equip you with exactly what you need! He loves you and wants to bless you in amazing ways as you serve Him. May you discover incredible joy as He leads you to the opportunities He’s prepared just for you! Let “God Who Listens” by Chris Tomlin and Thomas Rhett remind you of His intimate and personal love for you.

*First five questions adapted from What Happens When Women Say ‘Yes’ to God by Lysa TerKeurst, Harvest House Publishers, 2011.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God’s Plans for You, Zondervan 2020.

The Power of Saying “Yes”

We’ve been on a journey together learning about the adventure of trusting God and His plans for us. Megan Fate Marshman wraps up her Meant For Good study with this blessing: “May today mark the day you say ‘Yes!’ to God’s invitation to call upon Him, come and pray to Him, and seek to find Him with all your heart. May you learn to walk in step with His Spirit and obediently say ‘Yes’ to the adventure of trusting Him and the good plans He has for your life!” (page 110)

She emphasizes that every believer has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV) With the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, we’re called to let Him work through us to share the good news of Jesus with others. 

It all sounds so inspiring, doesn’t it? But truth be told, it’s a little overwhelming too. Keep in mind that saying “yes” to God starts with small choices every day. It begins by seeking Him in His Word and connecting with Him through prayer. It continues by plugging into a community of believers for spiritual growth. As we do that, He’ll reveal new opportunities for us to use our gifts and share the gospel with others. God often uses fellow believers to help us see the potential He’s given us and to show us where we can use it.

To give you a sense for how this works, I’ll share some specific examples from my life. Please bear in mind, the Lord uses us in varied ways and gives us distinct gifts. Our stories may be different, but they all have the same Author.

Fourteen years ago, an acquaintance from my kids’ school invited me to join a women’s Bible study called Focused Living. I’d been praying for God to lead me to more Christian women from my kids’ public school.  This seemed like the answer to my prayers, so I said, “Yes.  How do I sign up?”

A year later, one of the Bible study’s coordinators invited me to co-facilitate a small group.  I was flattered, but I didn’t consider myself the “women’s ministry” type. I had experience leading teens but wasn’t sure I’d be comfortable shepherding my peers.  However, I sensed God nudging me to branch out, so I said, “yes.”  Much to my surprise, facilitating women brought me great joy. It showed me that when we use God’s gifts to fulfill His call, it doesn’t feel like burdensome “work” to serve Him.

A few years into facilitating, I was asked by another acquaintance from my son’s school to serve as the Parent Education Representative for the PTA.  I’d never been involved at this level before, but after praying about it I felt prompted to say “yes.” Almost immediately, God gave me the idea to ask one of our pastors to adapt curriculum from our church’s men’s group into a parent education evening. A few months later, the pastor spoke to 150 men at an event titled: “Raising Boys to be Men of Character.” It was a huge success and taught me that every “yes” didn’t have to be at church. The Lord could use me to impact others in the wider community too.

After that PTA event, I was so excited that I shared about it during an open microphone time at Bible study.  This led to an interview with a reporter of a local news website, which led to an invitation to join her writers’ group. I said “yes,” despite feeling intimidated and fearful about sharing my writing with others. My involvement in that group opened the opportunity to say “yes” to writing two different series of blog posts for the same local news website. I’d never done anything like that before, but both blogs enabled me to share stories about the Lord’s transforming power on a secular website.  I was amazed to see how He used the blogs to touch lives.

Those writing projects prompted the Coordinator of Focused Living to ask me to start writing a regular blog that made the Bible relatable to every day life (which you’re currently reading). Although God had been preparing me, this newest “yes” felt daunting; I wasn’t technology savvy and felt overwhelmed about setting up my own website. It also meant I had to write something worthwhile on a consistent basis.  With trepidation, I said, “yes,” knowing I would have to rely on God every step of the way.

I’m now midway through my ninth year of writing weekly blog posts. Spending so much time studying the Bible and praying for the Lord’s inspiration has caused my own faith to grow exponentially. And in the years since then, God has continued to give me opportunities to say “yes”and expand my comfort zone. I’ve attended writer’s conferences, spoken in front of people at church, started a Bible study for seekers and young believers, and published two Bible studies. All of these adventures felt way beyond what I could handle. Saying “yes” to each one forced me to rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, confidence, and guidance.

Looking back, it’s clear how each affirmative answer prepared me for the next one.  In each instance, I was hesitant, worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle what was required of me. God never revealed more than I needed to know, He just asked me to trust Him enough to take one step at a time. And He always equipped me with what I needed. Through each experience I grew spiritually and felt a deep sense of joy and purpose.

Did you notice that every part of my journey included someone else inviting me to stretch in a different way? Often the people around us recognize spiritual gifts and potential within us that we don’t see in ourselves. So, how do you respond typically when someone invites you to serve outside your comfort zone? Don’t be too quick to say “no.” You could be missing out on an incredible opportunity to grow spiritually and impact others. Besides, how will you discover the adventure of trusting God’s plans for you if you’re never willing to try something new?

So, where do you need to step out in faith and say “yes”? Perhaps it’s time to start praying about that. Also, be sure to read my next post for some helpful tips. Until then, let Cade Thompson’s “Every Step of the Way” remind you that God walks with you and equips you for whatever He’s calling you to do.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You, Zondervan 2020.

Quenching Your Thirst

Stumbling down the dusty trail, I had one thing on my mind: water. I’ll never forget that summer day in Yosemite National Park. My husband and I had embarked on an ambitious 14.2- mile roundtrip hike from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome, 8,800 feet above sea level. With little planning and minimal gear, we set out to conquer the iconic rock and enjoy Yosemite’s stunning scenery. Only a few hours into our 11-hour adventure we discovered with dismay that one of our bottles had sprung a leak, leaving us with half the water supply we’d brought to last all day. Nonetheless, we decided to press on. 

After ascending the granite backside of the dome and marveling at the panoramic view, we began the long hike back to camp. Our remaining water was long gone, and the dry summer heat intensified as the afternoon wore on. Trudging along the dusty trail, all we could think about was quenching our thirst. At one point, the path paralleled the Merced River and we were tempted to wade in for a drink, but decided against it. The instant gratification wasn’t worth the risk of being swept into the current or ingesting microscopic parasites that could make us sick with Giardia.

The sun was sinking as we neared the final leg of the trail and remembered a drinking fountain stationed near the bottom. Anticipating the cool stream of water touching our lips, we started to run despite our exhaustion. When we finally reached it, I leaned down and drank from the spout until my stomach felt like it would burst.

That’s the first thing I thought of when I read David’s words: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NIV) 

Have you ever thirsted for God with that same kind of intensity? Megan Fate Marshman explains: “We come to see through David’s …dialogue that … seeking after God means to have an intimate personal relationship with Him. He desires this closeness to God so much he compares it to thirst (63:1). David seeks satisfaction, something that we all relate to, but he has a different perspective—seeking God IS what satisfies him. He finds fullness in thinking about God, praising Him, remembering all He has done for him. David seeks God because David cannot imagine any other anything that will fill him up mentally, emotionally or literally than God.” (page 89)

In another psalm, David highlights all that the Lord does: “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5, NIV, italics added)

Do you see how David describes the Lord’s blessings on every aspect of our lives: spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental? Seeking Him fulfills us like nothing else can, renewing and rejuvenating us. And the more we pursue the Lord, the more He works in us through the power of His Holy Spirit. 

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians shows a similar theme: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV)

Knowing we are loved like this should change how we see ourselves and those around us. As we root ourselves in Him, our understanding of how deeply He loves us continues to grow. Because of this, “Our actions can have impact as we overflow Jesus’ love to others through us.” (p. 91)

Megan also invites us to consider how this looked for the disciples in Acts 2 when they received the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised them: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house were they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire the separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Hearing the variety of voices and languages, a crowd gathered and listened in amazement saying, “we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:4 & 11, NIV) Here we see the disciples were empowered by the Spirit, not their own effort. They made themselves available, and God used them mightily.

Another striking aspect of this story is that the crowd came together spontaneously when they heard what was happening. Can you imagine what could happen if we asked the Spirit to flood the places where we spend time; to draw people in so that we could proclaim His wonders like the disciples did in Acts 2? Scripture shows that when Christians unify in this way, revival happens. What incredible impact believers have when they respond to the Spirit together! It inspires me to pray for the Him to fill me more and more each day.

Consider my opening story of the parched hike I took in Yosemite and how my need for hydration propelled me forward. That’s the kind of spiritual thirst that exists in our world today. People are searching for meaning and not finding it. They’re drinking from sources that offer temporary gratification, but not lasting fulfillment. In many instances, the things they’re seeking are causing them harm or creating a whole new set of problems.

Drawing near to God fills us so that we can pour out His love to others. Will you try an experiment with me this week? Every time you take a drink of water, let it prompt you to seek the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to pour His love and grace into you so they can flow out to splash on others. Be open for Megan’s blessing to become a reality in your life: “May you be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God so that you can overflow Christ’s love to a thirsty world.” (page 92)

As believers, we’re called to do two things: Love God and love others. Let Danny Gokey’s song “Love God Love People” inspire you today.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020.

Staying Connected

My family has an old tree in the front yard that produces some of the sweetest, crunchiest apples I’ve ever tasted.  It was planted long before we ever bought the house, so we are just the grateful recipients of a previous owner’s forethought.  Every autumn we’ve picked enough to enjoy with our family and to share with friends and neighbors.

Then, a few years ago, the tree was getting a little tall and we decided it needed to be pruned back and thinned out.  The next spring, we were dismayed when not a single blossom sprouted on the tree. That fall, it was bare.  Not a single apple.  I was sure we’d ruined it for good.

Two years passed before the tree showed signs of returning to its former glory. Bountiful blossoms in the spring hinted at what was to come. By October the tree was so laden with apples that one of the limbs split away from the trunk.  Every weekend I would pick them to thin out the huge amount of fruit and lighten the load the branches were bearing.  I could work steadily for an hour, filling several bags, but when I’d look up at the tree, I’d barely made a dent.

Our experiences with that tree over the years have helped me to understand Jesus’ teaching in John 15 about the vine and the branches:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6, NIV)

Megan Fate Marshman uses this passage as a jumping off place to spur us on in spiritual growth. She explains, “We have to incorporate new rhythms in our lives pointing us towards Jesus and helping us stay connected with Him.” (p. 49) But before we can evaluate what spiritual disciplines we need to add into our lives, it’s important to understand the many concepts illustrated in this multi-faceted vine metaphor. Let’s explore three key ones together:

1) Remaining in Christ: The word “remain” here comes from the Greek “meno” and means “to stay.” It implies a commitment over the long haul. Some translations use the word “abide.” Remaining in Christ is about being aware of His presence in and around you at all times. It’s having an ongoing conversation with Him throughout the day, involving Him in your decisions, trusting Him with your struggles, and letting your heart align with His will. Abiding with Jesus means letting Him direct your steps and relying on His wisdom instead of your own. It takes intentional effort to live this way and can’t be done without accessing the power of the Holy Spirit within you.

When Jesus says, “apart from me you can do nothing,” He’s talking about doing things that are of spiritual or eternal significance. No matter how gifted, organized, engaging, or passionate we are, we simply can’t be effective in the Kingdom of God if we aren’t continually attached to the Vine.  This is what Jesus illustrates when He explains that branches that don’t remain in Him wither and die. Just like the broken branch on my tree couldn’t produce any more apples, spiritual disciplines apart from Him are dead.

2) Pruning Dead Branches: To the casual reader, Jesus’ words about pruning sound harsh: dead branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. But as I learned with my apple tree, the pruning process is necessary to yield even better results. Pruning doesn’t damage or kill a tree. In fact, our apple tree’s productivity exploded after we thinned out the branches and gave the remaining ones more room to grow. It took time, but the results were worth the wait.

Submitting to God’s pruning in our lives can be painful and confusing at times, but I’m reassured as I look back on those seasons in my life. Sometimes God must clear away “good” things in our lives to make room for His best. When we grasp His gifts too tightly, we can thwart opportunities for further growth. Although a pruned tree looks bare, it also allows in more sunlight and absorbs nutrients more effectively to produce better fruit.

Don’t let the pruning metaphor unsettle you—it’s not implying you can lose your salvation; it’s illustrating the vital importance of abiding consistently with Jesus.

3) Producing Fruit: Like an orchard with different trees, there are several types of fruit Jesus produces through us when we abide intimately with Him.  First and foremost, when we stay connected with the vine, we display the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t characteristics we can manufacture in ourselves for any sustained amount of time. They only reveal themselves in our lives through the Holy Spirt as we abide closely with Jesus on a consistent basis.

We also bear fruit by sharing the Gospel and leading other people into a saving relationship with Jesus. Good works flow out of us as we spend time with the Lord and align our hearts to His. The fruit we bear is the outward manifestation of intimacy with Him. (Colossians 1:6 & 10 also describes this.)

As we’re consistent about practicing spiritual disciplines, we’re receiving the nutrients we need for spiritual growth. Serving, fasting, listening, resting, studying, worshiping, giving, and praying are practices that help us abide closely with Jesus and enable us to be spiritually fruitful. Megan explains that the greatest reward of these disciplines is in helping us open our hearts to deeper connection with our Father in Heaven. 

What’s one spiritual practice you’d like to increase in your life so you can abide more closely with Jesus? Will you pray and ask God to show you how this week?

Our intimacy with the Lord produces fruit that honors Him and blesses others. Zach Williams’ song “Less Like Me” illustrates this beautifully. Click on the link and make the lyrics your prayer today.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020

The Voices We Follow

Leaning forward, I placed my frozen yogurt on the table and looked into her eyes. “Maggie, I love you and you’ll always be welcome at D-Group, but I guarantee you won’t want to come if you continue down the path you’re on.” My bluntness caught her by surprise and she quickly refuted my prediction, assuring me she’d never stop coming to youth group or meeting with the girls in our Discipleship Group. She was sure she could toggle between the high school party scene and her fragile faith.

I’d met Maggie a year and a half earlier on our church’s annual houseboat trip. She was an incoming freshman brimming with enthusiasm. I was a young, new leader ready to pour into a group of high school girls. Maggie and her best friend were the first ones I met that week and we made an instant connection. The three of us spent a lot of time together that summer. Once school started, we gathered weekly with a group of girls their age to share life and study the Bible. But by the beginning of her sophomore year, other activities began to have more allure to Maggie. Parties and popularity seemed more exciting than youth group, Bible study, and church friends.

Maggie was confused, not sure which voices to heed. She’d tasted enough of God to know He was good, but her parents had never really encouraged her involvement at church. False friends promised fun and excitement that seemed more appealing than the solid and stable lives of the Christians who cared about her. In the years that followed, Maggie popped in and out of my life less and less. She was always invited and included in our group’s activities, but rarely came. It saddened me to learn that this funny, talented, bright-eyed girl later struggled through addiction and a string of bad relationships.

Like many of us, Maggie had a lot of voices speaking into her life, but she didn’t know which ones to trust or follow. Sadly, she’d been exposed to biblical truth, but strayed further and further from Jesus as deceptive voices lured her down other paths. Her story exemplifies Megan Fate Marshman’s description of the cycle of shame: “In our fallen world, we are being bombarded with lying voices at every turn…Theses voices convince us that we are unacceptable…pushing us to respond through hiding and blame. These shame responses lead us into further isolation, as we choose to close God and others out, believing we can only trust in ourselves. This creates space for greater lies to reign in our hearts. The only way we can truly combat these lies is allowing God and his powerful voice of truth in.” (page 31)

Jesus shows us the alternative to this in John 10 when He describes Himself as a shepherd who lovingly leads His flock: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28, NIV)

Listening to Jesus and following Him sounds simple, but with so many voices clamoring for our attention, it’s not always easy to know which ones to ignore. I think that’s where things went sideways for Maggie—she listened to the loudest voices rather than evaluating which ones truly wanted the best for her.

Earlier in John 10 Jesus explains “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10, NIV). Megan explains, “Like a thief, these voices hope to force their way into the Inner You. It takes an active heart not to receive them.” (page 31) The most dangerous thief we’ll ever encounter is the devil. Although he can’t snatch us from God’s hands, he’ll do whatever he can to steal our joy, kill our hope, and sabotage our faith.  In another passage, Jesus describes the devil by saying, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44b, NIV)

So how do we differentiate between the loving voice of our shepherd, the deceitful voice of the devil, and the unreliable voice of the world? Without a doubt, the best way is by evaluating what those voices are telling us in comparison to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Studying the Bible consistently is critical.

Discerning between these three voices also requires thought and prayer. A few years ago, someone gave me a printed guide that helps me to recognize what voices to follow based on the tone, motive, and character of the messages I’m hearing. Over time, I’ve added on to the guide as I’ve had experiences with the different voices. I’ve included it below to help you tune your ear to the voice of the Shepherd over all others.

God’s Tone of Voice: Soothing, quieting, peaceful, encouraging, inspiring, grace-filled, reassuring, forgiving, gentle, loving, kind, hopeful, patient, joyful, respectfulSatan’s Tone of Voice: Insistent, demanding, rash, accusing, defeating, discouraging, doubt-inducing, pride-building, vengeful, bitter, self-centered, critical, negativeThe World’s Tone of Voice: Comparison focused, fearful of what others think, bases value on exterior qualities, struggles with wanting to measure up, stirs up insecurity
God’s Motives/ Character: 
Builds relationships, empowers us to do what is right, gives us courage, provides wisdom, gives peace, stretches us and challenges us to grow, reassures us, convicts to bring positive and healthy changes, offers grace, understands, forgives, promotes truth		Satan’s Motives/ Character: 
Destroys, deceives, accuses, divides, isolates, turns people away from God, induces guilt, creates self-loathing, capitalizes on doubts and insecurities, exaggerates faults, magnifies misunderstandings, makes sin appealing and acceptable		The World’s Motives/ Character: 
Pleases people to gain acceptance, works to fit into the “right” mold, satisfies self, looks out for self, judges & compares self and others, pursues comfort and convenience, avoids hard things, keeps up appearances, bases values and standards on popular opinion

Take a moment to consider this list. Use it to ponder Megan’s questions: “How have you seen lying voices push you or others into a Cycle of Shame? How can receiving God’s voice into the Inner You help to combat this cycle?”

Reject the enemy’s lies and remember the truth of who you are in Christ by listening to “My Testimony” by Elevation Worship.

Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020.

Image from pixabay.com

More Like Jesus

Opening Megan Fate Marshman’s book Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You made me curious, but also skeptical. The cynical side of me wondered what more we could learn from two Bible passages that most Christians have heard many times: Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Romans 8:28-9. But as I delved further, I realized these Scriptures overflow with spiritual truth that we may miss at first glance.

You may be familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 since it’s often used to reassure people in times of uncertainty: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV) 

This passage was originally written to Jewish people who had been living as exiles in Babylon. The Lord had allowed them to be carried into captivity as a consequence for their worship of idols and rebellion against Him. The hope-filled future this passage promises ties directly to the state of their hearts. As they turned back to the Lord, He would listen to them and they would be able to renew a genuine relationship with Him.

In the original Hebrew, the word “heart” describes “the most interior organ” and encompasses our minds and our inner being. Strong’s Concordance explains that the heart is the seat of desire, inclination, or will. It is also the well of emotions, knowledge, and wisdom. All of our thoughts, desires, words, and actions flow from the heart.  So, when we’re seeking God with all our hearts, our gaze is fixed steadily on Him. This is what the Lord wanted for His people when they were captives in Babylon, and it’s what He wants for us today.

Another oft-quoted verse that Megan covers in her book is Romans 8:28-9:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:28-29, NIV)

Most of us know verse 28 well, however, reading verse 29 is essential to understanding the definition for “good” in this context. We often interpret it to mean easy, comfortable, pleasant, or favorable. For many of us, “good” is synonymous with getting what we want, when we want—or having events unfold according to our desires. However, in the original Greek, the word “good” describes that which is beneficial in its effect. One commentary explains “The things themselves may not be good, but God harmonizes them together for believers’ ultimate good, because His goal is to bring them to perfection in His presence. Even adversities and afflictions contribute to that end…this is a continuing activity of God. And His working is on behalf of ‘those who love Him,’ who are further identified as the ones who have been called according to His purpose.” 

According to Romans 8:29, the ultimate “good” in God’s purpose is for us to be more like Jesus. So, when we seek Him with all of our hearts, we trust that whatever events unfold will be used to transform us to be more like Jesus—not to make us comfortable or to make our lives easier or happier. 

At this point, you may be thinking this definition of “good” doesn’t sound very enticing. So, let me share a personal example to show how hard things can be good and can make us more like Jesus.

Three years ago, my eighty-three-year-old mom was living on her own in the house where I grew up. Her health was starting to slip, but she was stubborn and independent and had no interest in moving. Unfortunately, a series of medical issues landed her in the hospital. When she was released, she decided to move into an assisted living community near my home where she could maintain her freedom but have more support when she needed it.

Over the next two years, my mom and I found a rhythm. I managed her bills, her house, her medical appointments, and her care. I got to know her friends, her schedule, her habits, and her needs more intimately than I ever had before. My four siblings helped when they could, but the responsibility for my mom rested mostly on me. This made sense since I lived much closer than all of them. I tried hard to be gracious and understanding about my siblings’ busy lives and the many valid things that kept them from being involved more consistently. As time progressed, I even preferred handling most of my mom’s affairs on my own. It was easier and less complicated than having them opt in where and when they could. I didn’t see it at the time, but in hindsight I recognize that pride and resentment were beginning to build in me.

Two years later, when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given months to live, my siblings all jumped to action, wanting to be involved and informed about every detail. They came to town often to be supportive and to spend as much time with our mom as possible. I welcomed and encouraged their involvement, but also felt some underlying anger. Suddenly I was managing my mom’s care while coordinating visiting schedules and trying to keep her house in order for them. I was feeling territorial and grasping for control amidst many disruptions in my life, but I didn’t see it at the time. Resentment was lurking beneath the surface, but I ignored it and acted like everything was fine. Still, my unacknowledged anger leaked out of me, robbing me of sleep and making me irritable and impatient with others. When I finally recognized what I was feeling, I started praying daily, asking God to take my thoughts captive and to make them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Over time, He answered those prayers, helping me to release my bitterness and resentment and to find grace and gratitude for my siblings’ presence and involvement.

 God worked through that hard season to refine me and to help me understand myself better. He conformed me to be just a bit more like Christ by exposing my pride and resentment and covering it with His grace. His goodness softened my heart and fostered healthier relationships in my family. There’s no doubt I’ll continue to grapple with those negative emotions at times. But I also know that as I seek Him, He will bring about His good purposes and continue making me more like Jesus.

The verses from Jeremiah and Romans highlighted in Meant for Good contain powerful and transformative truth. I’m excited to study them with you over the next six weeks. Let’s start by listening to Fernando Ortega’s “Lord, I Want to Be Like Jesus” and making it our prayer throughout this study.

  • Megan Fate Marshman, Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God & His Plans for You, Zondervan, 2020.
  • Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001.
  • John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books, 1983, page 474.

A Faithful Man and A Good God

Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50 has always been one of my favorites. Studying it through Kelly Minter’s Finding God Faithful only made me appreciate it more. His story illustrates so many spiritual truths that it’s hard to decide which ones to highlight. Read on for just a few of the many inspiring aspects of Joseph’s journey from prison to palace.

The Lord was with Joseph

You probably remember that Joseph’s charmed life as Jacob’s favorite son made an abrupt shift when his resentful brothers sold him to slave traders who carried him off to Egypt. 

Despite his dire circumstances, Scripture reminds us four times in one chapter that “The Lord was with Joseph.” (39:2, 3, 21 & 23) Because of this, God’s favor rested upon him and those he served, “the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field.” (Genesis 39:5, ESV)

Note that the blessing upon Joseph and the anguish of being enslaved were happening simultaneously. It’s not unusual for good and hard situations to coexist in our lives. In fact, Jesus promises us, “In this world you will have trouble.” Thankfully, He finishes that statement with a word of encouragement, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Like Joseph, we can rest in the knowledge that God is with us: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:23, NIV) What a comfort this should be to us!

Unfortunately, we often struggle living in the tension of knowing that life is hard, but God is with us. Is it difficult for you to trust the Lord and serve Him faithfully in challenging times? Are you tempted to get bitter or to wallow in self-pity when everything isn’t going your way? Perhaps it’s time to re-focus your attention on the truth that God is with you all the time. Can you believe Jesus and take heart knowing He has overcome the world, even when you can’t see how He’s working things out? These are convicting questions, but they might help to re-align your perspective if you’re in a difficult season.

Joseph’s Character Shines Through

No matter where Joseph found himself, his character remained consistent. His leadership skills and integrity always seemed to rise to the top like cream in a pail of milk. Consider these instances:

-Serving as a slave: “The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” (Genesis 39:5-6, NIV)

-Behind bars: “So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” (Genesis 39:22-23, NIV)

-In Pharaoh’s court: “So Pharaoh asked [his officials], ‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’…Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’” (Genesis 41:38, 40-41, NIV)

Despite receiving unfair treatment, being punished for false accusations, and living as a slave for 13 years, Joseph’s consistency of character continued to be recognized and respected. He used his gifts to bless others and in every situation, he proved his trustworthiness.

I’m inspired when I consider this. So often it’s natural to compartmentalize our lives and to show certain parts of our characters to select people.  We might be kind and friendly at church, but pull into our garages without acknowledging our neighbors. Or maybe we gladly sign up for service projects, but feel annoyed when someone who needs help interrupts our schedules. Perhaps we’re good at being like Jesus when people behave the way we want and don’t inconvenience us too much. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from Joseph and let the gifts God’s given us bless others wherever we find ourselves, whether it’s a place we’ve chosen or a place we’re forced to be.

Joseph Honors God Boldly

One of the most striking aspects of Joseph’s story is the reverence he showed to the Lord. He honored God with his behavior and pointed others back to Him. Joseph chose not to fall to the temptation of Potiphar’s wife saying, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9, NIV). Each time he interpreted a dream, he gave God the credit “‘I cannot [interpret your dream],’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’” (Genesis 41:15-16, NIV) Later, when the Lord blessed him with children, Joseph chose names that honored Him and pointed to His faithfulness. His older son’s name meant, “God has made me forget all my trouble” and his younger son’s meant “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” (Genesis 41:51-52, NIV)

Joseph was the only follower of the one true God while he was in Egypt, yet he spoke about the Lord and gave Him the credit for everything. His boldness and humility are convicting, but also inspiring. How apt am I to speak of God’s goodness to unbelievers? How often do I admit that it’s Him working through me when I have a positive impact on others?  It seems that Joseph’s quickness to acknowledge the Lord drew respect from everyone. Perhaps it’s time to pray for more confidence in this area. Do you need to do the same?

Through studying the life of Joseph, we found God to be faithful. Let Ellie Holcomb’s song “He Will” remind you that just as the Lord was with Joseph, He’s there for you in every situation too.

Kelly Minter, Finding God Faithful: A Study on the Life of Genesis, Lifeway Press, 2019.