Daily Devotions

Peace Over Pan(dem)ic Day 3

Scripture: Romans 8:28  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.

Devotional: Sometimes, when bad things happen, it’s hard to imagine that good can come from it.  But today’s promise assures you and me that in ALL THINGS, whether  good or bad, God ultimately works for the good.  For the good of who?  For the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. 

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, that means you. Romans 1:5-6 says, “Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.”

You have been called to belong to Christ, and He has purpose for you in every situation.  Notice Romans 8:28 says, “and we know…”.   What you know will get you through. When you know that God has purpose for everything you are going through, it can ease the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty you may be facing. 

Reflect:

• How might you surrender to God’s purposes in the midst of what you’re going through right now?

Peace Over Pan(dem)ic Day 2

Scripture: Hebrews 13:5 Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

Devotional: I’ll never forget in the time elementary school when a friend and I were going to walk  from our houses to the playground by the school.  She was terrified to walk that way, because there was a neighborhood bully who always seemed to show up in the vicinity.  I assured her that I, being a little bit older, would be with her and she shouldn’t  worry. Well, sure enough, as we began to make our way, the bully showed up right in front of us, blocking our way with his bicycle and making all kinds of threats to beat us up. 

My friend has never let me live this down to this day, (and I don’t blame her!), but all I could think of is getting help, so I took off running as fast as I could, leaving her in the dust.  Some friend I was.

I share this story to highlight this truth you can know:  God will never do that.  God will never leave you or forsake you.  Never. 

His promise to always be with you is something you can count on in these uncertain times.  2 Samuel 22:3 says: “my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me.”

So whether it’s a neighborhood bully or COVID-19, God will be your Protector.

Reflect:

• As you think about what you’re going through right now, what do you need most from God as He is with you? Spend some time praying about that.