wisdom Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” Acts 14:21-22

The Book of Acts chronicles the work of the Holy Spirit in the early Church. When the disciples received the Holy Spirit, they immediately began to preach the good news of Jesus. The verses above highlight three things Paul and Barnabas did, which we can emulate.

Strengthen souls. Truth makes our souls stronger. Let us daily speak truth from God’s Word. Truths like: for my sake, the sinless Jesus became sin so that I might become righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). My old self died when Christ died, so now I live for Jesus in his power, not for myself (Galatians 2:20).

Encourage them to continue in the faith. You are reading this devotion because you want to know the only true God. Continue to seek him. Read the Bible. Pray for guidance. Trust God for all you need.

Say that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Remember, God never promised an easy life. Because of the brokenness of this world, we face trouble, pain, and grief. But by following Jesus, we find real life in his kingdom.

So, press on. There are souls to be strengthened. Like the early Christians, share how Jesus changed your life. Tell people how Jesus died so that our sins could be forgiven, rose again so that we could live eternally with him, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

God, you rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into your kingdom. By the power of your Spirit may I strengthen the souls of those around me, encourage them to continue to believe in Jesus and to remind believers that these troubles are not unexpected, but part of the journey into your kingdom. Amen.

By Suzanne Benner
used by Permission

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130: 5

We spend much of our time waiting for prayers to be answered. Waiting for healing. Waiting for our children to come home. Waiting for a job opportunity. Waiting for the house to sell. Why so much waiting? Time is a protection for us. We couldn’t bear to see all our lives at once.

Waiting on God is not the same as doing nothing. The truth is, waiting requires tremendous faith and focus.

How can we make a time of waiting more tolerable, even fruitful?

1. Realize God’s leading is uniquely yours. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He always has the best in mind. “Look to Me,” I hear Jesus saying, “what I am doing with your life is my love-gift to you.”

2. Remember what God has done for you in the past. Reading through an old journal always leaves me incredibly grateful. Problems that seemed insurmountable have been overcome. Dreams have come true. Prayers have been answered. As I read about God’s faithfulness in the past, there’s a growing certainty that God is working just as diligently in the present.

3. Think of your life as one day and focus on present blessings. “Each day is a little life; each morning is a new beginning,” writes Arthur Schopenhauer. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own,” Jesus said in Matthew 6:34.

4. Change what you can and leave the rest to God. Nothing wards off that helpless I’m-a-victim feeling as quickly as doing something productive like working in the garden, knitting a toque, having someone over for a meal…

5. Stand firm on the God of hope. Although we may be uncertain as to what God is doing, we can be certain of His character. He’s always acting in love towards us. “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” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Why must we wait? God wants to grow fruit in our lives which takes time to ripen, like patience and perseverance. He wants to show us more of Himself; He wants to grow our relationship with Him.

Father, thank you that you are present in my waiting. Help me to trust that Your timing is best.

By Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

Strengthening Souls

FURTHER READING

Waiting on God

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130: 5

How can we make a time of waiting more tolerable, even fruitful?

FURTHER READING

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Strengthening Souls

FURTHER READING

Waiting on God

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130: 5

How can we make a time of waiting more tolerable, even fruitful?

FURTHER READING