The Gift of the Good Life: Why Enjoying Your Hard Work is a Holy Act

The Gift of the Good Life: Why Enjoying Your Hard Work is a Holy Act

Hello friends. It is a real pleasure to be back with you on our church blog. I have been spending some time lately reflecting on the "daily grind" we all face. Whether it is the commute into London, the endless pile of laundry, or the pressure of a demanding career, it is so easy to fall into a state of weariness where we forget why we are doing any of it. In my studies, I have found that the Bible has a surprisingly joyful answer to this common struggle.

Let us look at a beautiful, grounding word from the book of Ecclesiastes.

“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.”

— Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NIV)

The "writer" in Ecclesiastes often talks about the vanity of life "under the sun," describing it as a "flickering skein" or a bit of smoke that curls and vanishes. If we leave God out of the equation, life can certainly feel like a bit of a muddle. But here, in this verse, everything changes. The writer stops looking at the horizon and starts looking at the hand of God.

He suggests that the simple acts of eating, drinking, and finding joy in our work are not just "perks" of life; they are gifts from a generous Creator. In fact, on twelve occasions in this book, God is described as a Giver. This is a powerful remedy to the "malaise" of modern life. We tend to think that holiness is found only in struggle or sacrifice, but the Bible reminds us that God is also the God of the "portion." He gives us a specific measure of joy to enjoy right now, in the midst of our labour.

I think many of us carry a secret weight of guilt. We reckon that if we are not constantly "on," we are somehow failing. But our God is El Shaddai, the God of more than enough. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. He is not a stingy Master who begrudges us a bit of a breather. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, He is "able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think".

Think of it like this: if you spent hours in the garden, mucking about in the dirt to grow the perfect tomato, wouldn't it be a shame if you never sat down to taste it? God has designed the world so that hard work has a natural reward. When we sit down for a spot of tea or take a weekend to walk in the countryside, we are not being lazy. We acknowledge that our provision comes from Him.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. That reward is not just "pie in the sky when you die." It is the peace and satisfaction He offers us today. So, I want to encourage you this week to set aside some time to simply enjoy what you have worked for. Relax in the knowledge that your satisfaction is a holy portion from the hand of God.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You that You are a generous Giver who delights in our joy. Please forgive us for the times we have made an idol of our work and forgotten Your provision. Help us to find true satisfaction in our toil and to rest without guilt in the blessings You have provided. May our enjoyment be a witness to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Heart’s Overflow: Why Sincere Encouragement is a Gospel Priority

Why Sincere Encouragement is a Gospel Priority

Hello everyone. It is such a joy to share a few thoughts with you today on our church blog. I have been spending a lot of time recently thinking about the way we talk to one another, especially when things feel a bit strained or difficult. Whether at home, at work, or even within our church family, we all know what it feels like when a relationship gets a bit "muddled."

Our starting point today is a very challenging but beautiful word from the Gospel of Matthew.

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

— Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

At first glance, these words from Jesus might seem a bit harsh. He is speaking to the religious leaders of His day, but the principle He shares is a universal truth for all of us. He is essentially saying that our tongues are the "thermometer" of our souls. If we find ourselves constantly nagging, critiquing, or spotting faults, it might be a sign that our hearts have become a bit cluttered with frustration or self-righteousness.

In my own study of the scriptures, I have been struck by how often the Bible links our character to our speech. In the book of Proverbs, which is full of such practical wisdom, we are reminded that "a man of understanding" has a "cool spirit." This does not mean being cold or distant; it means having the calmness to listen and the self-control to speak words that actually help.

When we choose to encourage someone, we are participating in a ministry that the early church took very seriously. Think of Barnabas in the book of Acts. His name literally means "Son of Encouragement." He was the one who came alongside people when others were suspicious of them. This is what the Greek word parakaleō is all about. It means to call someone to your side. It is a strengthening, pastoral act. It is not about being "nice" in a superficial way; it is about calling out the gold in someone, even when they can only see the dirt.

The idea that sincere compliments help people perform better while nagging makes them worse is not just a psychological tip. It is a theological reality. When we encourage others, we are modelling the "Christ-shaped grace" we see in the New Testament. In the letter to Philemon, the Apostle Paul asks for a "superhuman task of heartfelt reconciliation." He knew that this could only happen through grace.

You might worry that if you ignore someone’s faults, they will just take advantage of you. I understand that fear; it is a very human one. But the gospel shows us a different way. God did not wait for us to be perfect before He encouraged us with His love. He loved us while we were still in our mess. When we choose to "aggressively encourage" someone, we give them room to breathe and the motivation to change because they feel valued, not pressured.

So, this week, why not pick one person you find difficult to get along with? Instead of the usual reminders of what they are doing wrong, try to find one thing they are doing right. Offer a sincere word of thanks. It might feel a bit clunky at first, but I truly believe you will be amazed at the response.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You that Your heart is full of love and grace toward us. Please forgive us for the times our words have been sharp or discouraging. Fill our hearts so deeply with Your Spirit that only kindness and encouragement overflow from our lips. Give us the courage to see the best in others and the grace to speak words that build up rather than tear down. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Finding Spark in the Grey: The Art of Encouraging Yourself

Finding Spark in the Grey

Hello everyone. It is a joy to share some thoughts with you today. Living here in Wythenshawe, we are quite used to those grey, drizzly mornings where everything feels a bit flat. It is easy to let the weather, or perhaps a difficult bit of news, dictate the temperature of our souls. But I have been reflecting on a moment in the life of King David that changes everything about how we view an ordinary, or even a disastrous, day.

The Scripture

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”

— 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV)

In the passage above, David is at his absolute lowest. He had returned to his base at Ziklag only to find it burned to the ground. His family was gone, and his own loyal soldiers were so overcome with grief that they wanted to stone him. It was a crisis of leadership and a crisis of the heart. Most of us will not face a literal stoning, but we certainly know what it feels like when the "bits and bobs" of life fall apart at once.

The beauty of this text lies in that small, pivotal word: "But." While everyone else was looking for someone to blame, David looked for Someone to trust. The Hebrew word used for "found strength" or "encouraged himself" is hazaq. It is the same word God used when He told Joshua to "be strong and courageous." It implies a deliberate, firm grasping of a resource. David did not wait for a happy feeling to find him. He went and found his strength in the Lord.

In my own studies, I have often been struck by a definition of peace provided by the old preacher George Morrison. He described peace as "the possession of adequate resources." Think about that for a moment. To have an extraordinary day, we do not need a life free of trouble. We need a life full of resources. When we rely on other people to be our source of joy, we are essentially giving them the remote control to our happiness. If they are having a bad day, we have a bad day.

However, Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that He came so that we might have life to the full. This "abundant life" is not about having a bigger car or a perfect house. It is about the quality of life, what the Greeks called zoē. It is a life that is so well-connected to the Vine that it can stay green even in a drought.

Taking responsibility for our joy means waking up and deciding that today is a gift. It means looking at the grey sky and remembering that the Sun of Righteousness is still shining above the clouds. We can choose to encourage ourselves by remembering God’s past faithfulness. We can remind ourselves that if He looked after us last fortnight, He will look after us today.

Let’s stop waiting for the "perfect" circumstances to be happy. Let’s be like David. When the world is bitter, let us find our strength in the Lord. That is how we turn a mundane Wednesday into a brilliant adventure.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank You for the gift of this new day. When our hearts feel heavy or the world seems a bit much, help us to be like David and find our strength in You. Remind us that Your resources are more than enough for whatever we face. Teach us to take hold of Your joy and to live this day to the full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standing Firm Like Zion: How to Face Fear Without Running Away

How to Face Fear Without Running Away

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”

— Psalm 125:1–2 (NIV)

Whatever situation you are facing today, there is a natural human instinct that kicks in when we feel threatened. We want to run. One meaning of the word fear is indeed “to take flight.” We see this impulse as far back as the Garden of Eden, where shame and guilt produced fear, causing Adam and Eve to hide from the presence of the Lord among the trees. We see it in the advisors of the Psalmist who told him to “flee like a bird to your mountain” when the foundations seemed to be crumbling.

But the command “fear not” in Scripture is often a command to stay put. It is a call to stand your ground. When we say “fear not,” in a very real sense, we are saying, “Do not run away from what frightens you.”

Consider the words of the Psalmist in our text today. He tells us that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. Mountains are symbols of stability, endurance, and permanence. They cannot be moved. Just as the mountains surround the city of Jerusalem to protect it, God surrounds His people. This implies that while the wicked may threaten us, they cannot ultimately overcome those who are held secure by God.

When we are tempted to run, we must remember that faith and fear cannot dwell together in the same heart, for one will eventually destroy the other. Fear blinds our eyes to the presence of the Lord, while faith opens them to see Him. We see this vividly in the life of Moses. When the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea, terrified of the approaching Egyptian army, Moses did not tell them to run. He said, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today”. By faith they stood still, and by faith they saw God fight for them.

You do not have to face your fears in your own strength. In fact, God often allows us to reach the end of our own resources so that we learn not to rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. When the Apostle Paul faced deadly peril in Asia, he felt the sentence of death in himself to teach him this very lesson of dependence. The Lord is with you. When the disciples were terrified in the storm, Jesus came to them walking on the water and said, “It is I; do not be afraid”. That phrase “It is I” recalls the divine name of God; it is the Great I AM who is with you in the boat.

So, move forward with a grateful assurance in Him. Nehemiah, when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, faced enemies who wanted to frighten him so that his hands would drop from the work. He refused to run. He prayed for strength and met the opposition head-on. Every man or woman who has ever been given the opportunity to do something great has had to face fear.

What will you do when you are tempted to be afraid? Will you run, or will you stand firm? The Apostle Paul urges us to “stand firm in the faith” and be men and women of courage. We can do this because we know that God is near. He is an ever-present help in trouble. Whatever the situation is, face it. Do not try to hide from it. Just meet it head-on, and be thankful that God is with you.

Prayer:

Lord God, You are my rock and my fortress. When I am tempted to flee from my problems, please help me to stand firm like Mount Zion. Thank You that I do not have to rely on my own strength, but can rest in the knowledge that You surround me and fight for me. Drive out my fear with Your perfect love, and give me the courage to face today with faith. Amen.

Breaking the Chains of Yesterday: A Guide to Guilt-Free Living

A Guide to Guilt-Free Living

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.”

— Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)

We are simply not built for guilt. You know the feeling, don't you? It is like carrying a rucksack that is far too heavy, loaded with stones from every mistake we have ever made. God never intended His children to be loaded down like this. Our systems do not handle it well at all. If God had wanted us to remain crushed by guilt, He certainly would not have sent Jesus to redeem us from it.

The good news of the gospel is quite specific. The Apostle Paul uses a legal term here, condemnation. In the original language, the word katakrima often refers to punishment following a sentence, or what we might call penal servitude. It is the doom that hangs over a criminal. But Paul announces a stunning verdict for us: there is now no such sentence for those in Christ Jesus.

Why? Because Jesus bore our iniquities. He paid the price. We must understand that God dealt with sin decisively. He did not just sweep it under the rug. He condemned sin in the flesh of Jesus. This means the penalty has been executed, the debt is settled, and the file is closed.

Now, as believers in Jesus Christ and as sons and daughters of God, we can be thankful that we have been set free from the power of sin. We are no longer slaves to that old master. However, we must be realistic. This does not mean we will never sin again. We still live in a fallen world, and we still battle with the flesh. We are, as one scholar put it, "repenting sinners". We will stumble, but the difference now is that we do not stay down.

When we do sin, we can admit it, receive forgiveness, and be free from guilt. There is a vast difference between the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which gently leads us to restore our relationship with the Father, and the heavy, crushing weight of condemnation, which drives us away from Him. Our journey with God toward right behaviour and holiness is progressive. It is a walk, step by step. We only really make progress toward true freedom and joy when we stop dragging the luggage of past mistakes along with us.

So, let us be clear. You are not under the law of sin and death anymore. You are under the law of the Spirit of life. If you have confessed your sin, it is dealt with. To keep punishing yourself is, in a way, to suggest that Jesus’ sacrifice was not quite enough. But it was enough. It was more than enough.

Let today be a fresh start. Leave the heavy rucksack at the foot of the cross, where it belongs, and walk on in the freedom that is yours in Christ.

Prayer:

Father, thank You that in Jesus, I am not condemned. Please help me to accept Your forgiveness fully and to stop punishing myself for things You have already washed away. Teach me to walk by Your Spirit today, leaving the weight of the past behind, so I can serve You with a light and joyful heart. Amen.

Rolling Your Burden onto God: The Freedom of Total Commitment

The Freedom of Total Commitment

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:”

— Psalm 37:5 (NIV)

We often speak of commitment as a heavy-duty, grit-your-teeth determination to stick with something no matter the cost. While there is certainly an element of endurance involved, the biblical invitation to "commit" your way to the Lord offers a picture of profound relief rather than burdensome duty.

To understand the depth of this invitation, we must look at the language the Psalmist uses. The Hebrew word translated as "commit" is gal, which literally means to "roll." It is the same imagery found in Proverbs 16:3, where we are told to commit our works to the Lord. The picture is of a man carrying a burden so heavy that he cannot bear it alone, and he rolls it off his own shoulders and onto the shoulders of One who is strong enough to carry it. When we commit ourselves to God, we are not just making a promise to behave; we are actively dislodging the crushing weight of our future, our worries, and our plans, and rolling them entirely onto God.

This is a new level of commitment. It is a refusal to carry the anxiety of the outcome. The text links this commitment directly to trust. The Hebrew concept of believing or trusting often carries the sense of leaning your whole weight on something, as Abraham "leaned" on God's promise. It means we stop trying to figure out our own way to victory and decide that God is competent to manage our lives.

We all fight battles and face the temptation to stop fighting and just give up. The enemy of our souls wants us to believe that God has abandoned us or that our way is hidden from the Lord. But when we are fiercely committed to God’s purpose, we realise that He is the burden-bearing God who has carried His people from birth and will sustain them to the end.

We see the ultimate example of this commitment in the Lord Jesus Christ. When He suffered, He did not retaliate. Instead, He "entrusted himself to him who judges justly". Even at the very end, His final act was one of total commitment as He cried, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit". Jesus rolled the entirety of His life and mission into the Father's hands, confident that the Father would vindicate Him.

Because of Jesus, we can have that same confidence. God loves you and wants you to be in a committed relationship with Him for life. He has more in store for you than you have ever asked or imagined. When we commit our way, our lifestyle, our conduct, and our destiny to Him, He promises to act. The Scripture assures us that He will bring it to pass. As we wait patiently, even when the wicked seem to prosper, God is working to bring our righteousness to light.

So, do not be afraid to let go of the control you have been clutching so tightly. Roll the burden of your life onto the Lord today. It is the most satisfying, rewarding, and adventurous decision you can make.

Prayer:

Father, I confess that I have tried to carry the weight of my life on my own shoulders. I have tried to control the outcome and have grown weary. Today, I choose to roll my way onto You. I commit my plans, my fears, and my future into Your hands. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for showing me how to entrust my spirit to the Father. I choose to lean my whole weight upon Your promises, believing that You will bring Your perfect will to pass in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

From Grumbling to Glory: The Spiritual Power of Gratitude

The Spiritual Power of Gratitude

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

— Philippians 2:14 (NIV)

We all have plenty of opportunities to complain, don't we? Whether it is the weather, the traffic, or a difficult situation at work, finding fault comes naturally to us. Yet, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives us a command that pulls us up short. He tells us to do everything without grumbling. This is not just a call to be polite. It is a call to a deep spiritual transformation.

To understand why this is so important, we must look at the word Paul uses. The Greek word for "grumbling" here is gongysmos. It is an onomatopoeic word, meaning it sounds like what it describes: a low, constant mutter or growl of discontent. Paul is deliberately echoing the history of Israel in the wilderness. When the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron because of their hardships, they were actually grumbling against God Himself. They had forgotten His mighty deliverance and focused only on their immediate discomfort.

When we grumble, we are doing the same thing. We are essentially saying that God’s provision is not enough or that His plan for us is flawed. This is why complaining is so dangerous. It does not solve our problems; rather, it creates a breeding ground for them. As Paul warns elsewhere, holding onto grievances or anger gives the devil a "half-open door" or a foothold in our lives. When we complain, we dim our spiritual light and fail to shine as stars in a crooked generation.

The antidote to this poisonous spirit is an attitude of gratitude. It is fascinating to note that in the New Testament, the words for "grace" (charis) and "gratitude" (eucharistia) are deeply connected. Religion is grace, and ethics is gratitude. When we truly understand the grace we have received that we are loved, forgiven, and held by God, our natural response should be thanksgiving. Gratitude is the completion of the cycle of grace.

Developing this attitude requires a conscious choice. It means looking at our circumstances through the lens of God's sovereignty. We give thanks not necessarily for the difficulty, but in the difficulty, knowing that God is working all things for our good. This type of thanksgiving acts as a shield. It guards our hearts against the anxiety that so often leads to complaining.

So, let us choose a different path today. Instead of murmuring about what is going wrong, let us vocalise what is going right. Let us cultivate a lifestyle where thanksgiving is not just an occasional expression, but the very atmosphere we breathe. When we do this, we find that we are content, not because we have everything we want, but because we have realised that God’s grace is sufficient for us. Let us close the door to the enemy’s discouragement by opening our mouths in praise.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed a grumbling spirit to take root in my heart. I recognise that my complaints are often a failure to trust in Your goodness. Thank You for Your incredible grace and for the many blessings You pour out on me daily. Teach me to see Your hand in every circumstance. Close the door to the enemy in my life and help me to shine brightly for You. I choose gratitude today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love in Action: The Most Powerful Weapon We Possess

The Most Powerful Weapon We Possess

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

— John 13:35 (NIV)

There is a particular kind of love that acts as a badge of identity. Jesus told us that the world would recognise us as His disciples not by our buildings, our budgets, or even our preaching, but by the way we love one another. This is one of the most powerful things we can do. It is a love that goes beyond polite kindness. It is a rugged, determined choice to purposely forget about ourselves and do something for someone else, even when we are hurting.

This type of love is actually a form of spiritual warfare. We are called to wage war against selfishness. When we choose to love in the face of hostility or personal pain, we are using "weapons of righteousness". We are overcoming evil with good.

Consider our Lord Jesus. When He was on the cross, in the midst of intense suffering and the agony of bearing the world's sin, He did not turn inward. He took time to comfort the thief next to Him, promising him a place in paradise. He even prayed for His executioners, displaying a lack of retaliation that went completely against human nature. His love was not a passive feeling but a deliberate action of the will to seek the good of others, even while He was dying.

We see this same power at work in the first martyr, Stephen. As he was being stoned to death, he did not scream for revenge. Instead, he fell to his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them". He echoed his Master, asking for forgiveness for his persecutors rather than judgment. This was a man full of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that the peace of Christ is stronger than the violence of the world.

Think also of Paul and Silas in Philippi. They had been beaten and thrown into prison, their feet fastened in stocks. Yet, when the earthquake opened the doors, and the jailer was about to take his own life in fear, they did not cheer for their enemy's demise. They intervened to save him. They took time to minister to the very man who had held them captive. They washed his soul with the gospel, just as he washed their physical wounds.

This is the standard set for us. Jesus called this a "new commandment" because He raised the bar: we are not just to love our neighbours as ourselves, but we are to love one another as He has loved us. This love is self-sacrificial. It is a love that gives everything.

If we walk in this kind of love, the world will begin to take notice. We will never impress the world by being just like them, engaging in the same rivalries and selfishness. But when we love, genuinely refusing to ignore, judge, or reject those who are difficult, we offer an irresistible testimony. Our unity and our care for one another are proof that the Father sent the Son.

I believe it is time to find out what God can do through us. How many unsaved friends and relatives might come to know Jesus if we loved them with this radical, self-forgetful love? Let us take up this challenge today.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me to the end. You laid down Your life for me while I was still a sinner. Forgive me for the times I have been selfish, focusing on my own hurts rather than the needs of others. Teach me to wage war against selfishness. Give me the strength to love as You loved, to bless those who curse me, and to serve those around me. Let my life be a testimony of Your grace so that others may come to know You. In Your precious name, Amen.

Whose Opinion Counts? Finding Peace in the Face of Criticism

Finding Peace in the Face of Criticism

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

— Romans 12:12 (NIV)

No matter what we do in life, at some point, we will all face a level of criticism. It is simply unavoidable. Whether it is a quiet word from a colleague or a sharp comment from a family member, criticism has a way of piercing our armour. It hurts. Yet, in our verse today, Paul calls us to be "patient in affliction." While we often think of affliction as physical illness or persecution, the sting of unfair judgment is a very real form of tribulation that requires spiritual endurance.

It is possible to learn how to cope with criticism and not let it affect your life. To do this, we can be grateful for the example the Apostle Paul set for us. If anyone knew about criticism, it was Paul. He was constantly having his authority questioned and his motives attacked. Yet, he had a remarkable way of handling it. He told the church in Corinth that it was a "very small thing" to be judged by them or by any human court.

How could he say that? Was he arrogant? Not at all. Paul had simply discovered a better way to live. He knew he was in God’s hands. He understood that in the end, he would stand before God and give an account of himself and his life. He realised that the only commendation that truly matters is the one that comes from the Lord. Because he was confident that God was his ultimate Judge, he was freed from the crushing need for human acceptance.

We often fall into a trap that some commentators have called the "prison of self-referentiality". We constantly measure ourselves against others, wondering if we are doing better or worse than they are. We look around for approval before we look up to God. Paul teaches us to stop this endless cycle. He said he did not even judge himself. He refused to engage in morbid introspection because he knew that his own conscience wasn't the final authority either.

You may not always do everything right, but God sees your heart. If you are attempting to live for God and looking for ways to love others, God is pleased. Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbour (Matthew 22:37–40). Love is the basis for all true obedience. If your heart is set on loving God, you can have a quiet confidence.

So do not worry about the criticism of others. When we seek the glory that comes from God rather than the praise of people, we find a stable place to stand. God loves you. His love and approval are all you need. As we learn to rest in His verdict, we can face the critics of this world with patience, kindness, and a heart that is fully at peace.

Prayer:

Father God, I confess that I often fear what people think of me more than I care about what You think. Help me to cope with criticism without bitterness. Remind me that You are my Judge and my Justifier. Thank You that I am accepted in Christ. Give me a thick skin but a tender heart, that I might love others well and rest securely in Your approval alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Finding Calm in the Chaos: The Invitation to Rest

The Invitation to Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

We really do live in a time-crunched world, don't we? Just about everything we do seems urgent. We live under incredible pressure, running from one thing to the next, often to the point where we neglect the things that truly matter: our families, our health, and our walk with God. It is all too easy to become like Martha in the Gospels, distracted by much serving and many tasks, while missing the "better part" that Mary found at the feet of Jesus.

The truth is that we cannot handle life apart from God. We simply were not designed to carry the weight of the world on our own shoulders. When we try to handle the pressure, the confusion, and the stress without Him, we eventually crumble. Our marriages suffer, financial pressures mount, and our relationships wither because we have not taken the time to study God’s Word or to pray.

In today's verse, Jesus offers a profound solution. He invites those who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him. In the first century, many people were burdened by the heavy load of religious legalism, a system of rules that was impossible to keep. Jesus offers a different kind of yoke. It is not a yoke of legalism, but a yoke of discipleship and relationship. When we are yoked with Him, we do not carry the load alone. He bears the heavy end of the load, and His burden is light because He supplies the strength to carry it.

This "rest" Jesus promises is not merely a nap or a holiday, though those have their place. It is a deep, spiritual rest for our souls. It is the cessation of the frantic effort to prove ourselves or to secure our own future. It is the peace that comes from knowing we are children of a heavenly Father who knows our needs before we even ask.

The prophet Isaiah gives us a beautiful picture of how this strength is renewed. He reminds us that even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. Human strength has its limits. But the Creator of the ends of the earth does not grow tired or weary. Isaiah tells us that those who "wait upon the Lord" will renew their strength. This word "wait" is not about sitting around doing nothing. It implies a hopeful, trustful expectancy. It is the active discipline of bringing our helplessness to God and exchanging it for His power.

So, how do we handle the fast pace of life? We stop trying to survive on yesterday's grace. We must come to Jesus daily. As we make prayer as natural as breathing, we find that the "peace of God" begins to guard our hearts and minds. We can handle life peacefully and wisely if we start praying about things instead of merely trying to get through the day. Let us exchange our panic for His peace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I confess that I am often weary and overburdened by the cares of this life. I have tried to carry the load in my own strength, and I am tired. Thank You for Your invitation to come to You. I take Your yoke upon me today. Teach me to walk at Your pace, not the world's pace. Renew my strength as I wait on You, and grant my soul the deep rest that only You can provide. In Your name, Amen.

Raising the Shield: How Faith Extinguishes Fear

How Faith Extinguishes Fear

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

— Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the armour of God, he likely had a Roman soldier in mind. When he speaks of the "shield," he uses a specific word, thyreos, which refers to a large, oblong shield shaped like a door. This wasn't a small buckler for a bit of light sparring. It was a massive piece of equipment designed to cover the whole person and protect them from dangerous missiles.

In our spiritual lives, we need this kind of comprehensive protection because we have a very real enemy. The Bible is clear that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Paul warns us about "flaming arrows" or missiles. In the ancient world, these were often arrows dipped in pitch and set on fire, designed not just to wound but to burn and destroy. In our experience, these flaming darts often take the form of sudden fears, blasphemous thoughts, doubts, or burning discouragement that the enemy launches at us to unsettle our peace.

This is where the shield of faith comes in. But please notice that a shield is of no use if it is lying on the ground or leaning against a wall. It must be "lifted up" or "taken up" to be effective. Faith is not a passive feeling. It is an active reliance on God. It is a look away from ourselves and our inadequate resources, and an entirely outward look to God. As one commentator has noted, the true safeguard in the evil day lies not in introspection but in looking Godward.

When the devil attacks us with unpleasant circumstances or thoughts that cause us to feel afraid, we must immediately lift up this shield. How do we do that practically? We do it by deciding to trust God's character and His promises rather than our own panic. We see this perfectly modelled by Jesus in the wilderness. When Satan tempted Him to doubt God's provision and care, Jesus did not argue with his own logic. Instead, He lifted the shield by saying, "It is written" and quoting Scripture. He stood on the unshakeable Word of God.

We can do the same. When the enemy whispers that you are alone or forgotten, you lift your shield by saying, "No, I trust God in this situation, for He has said He will never leave me nor forsake me." It is helpful to say this out loud. Faith extinguishes the fire of fear because it connects us to God's power. As the Psalms repeatedly remind us, God Himself is our shield and our glory. When we take refuge in Him, relying not on our own understanding but on His faithfulness, the enemy's darts hit the shield and sizzle out, harmless.

So, do not leave your shield on the ground today. Take hold of God's promises with a firm grip. Trusting in the Lord is the victory that overcomes the world.

Prayer:

Father God, You are my hiding place and my shield. I thank You for the defence You have provided against the enemy's attacks. Forgive me for the times I have tried to fight in my own strength or let my shield drop in discouragement. Help me today to lift up the shield of faith. When fear and doubt come my way, help me to extinguish them immediately by trusting in Your character and speaking Your Word. I choose to trust You in every situation I face today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Warfare of Love: Becoming Too Hot to Handle

Becoming Too Hot to Handle

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

— 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

One of the most amazing things I have learned in my walk with Jesus is that love is not just a soft, sentimental feeling. Love is actually spiritual warfare. We often think of spiritual battles as terrifying encounters in the dark, yet the Bible shows us that one of our most potent weapons against the darkness is simply loving one another with intensity.

In today's verse, the Apostle Peter urges us to have "intense" or "deep" love for one another. The Greek word used here, ektenēs, conveys the idea of being stretched out or straining, like an athlete giving every ounce of energy in a race. It suggests a love that is earnest, constant, and unfailing. The King James Version translates this as "fervent," which suggests heat. Our love walk needs to be hot, on fire, and boiling over, rather than cold and barely noticeable.

Why is this heat so important? Because we have an adversary. Peter warns us elsewhere that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Satan loves to create division, bitterness, and resentment between believers. However, when we maintain a fervent love for one another, we become "too hot to handle" for the enemy.

The scripture says that this kind of love "covers a multitude of sins." This is not about hiding wrongdoing or pretending sin doesn't exist. Rather, it means that where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, offences are readily overlooked and forgiven. When we refuse to hold grudges, we actually disarm the powers of darkness. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we must forgive one another, specifically so that "Satan might not outwit us". Indeed, withholding forgiveness aligns with the enemy's plans, whereas extending mercy is a tactical victory on the spiritual battlefield.

This is where we must look to Jesus. He is the ultimate warrior who defeated the powers of evil, not with swords of the world, but through the sacrificial love of the cross. Jesus laid down His life for His friends. His love was not a feeling but a rugged commitment to our good, even when we were His enemies. When we love as He loved, we are taking up "weapons of righteousness".

So, let us make our love for one another earnest and deep. When we live in this kind of intense, forgiving love, we close the door to the devil. We create a community where grace flows so freely that the enemy cannot gain a foothold. Let us be so on fire with the love of Christ that we become a danger to the kingdom of darkness.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me when I was unlovely and for defeating the enemy through Your sacrifice on the cross. Forgive me for the times my love has grown cold. Set my heart on fire with a fervent love for my brothers and sisters. Help me to forgive quickly, to cover offences with grace, and to stand firm against the schemes of the evil one. Make me a vessel of Your victory today. In Your mighty name, Amen.

Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

— 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed how advertisements are often designed to make us feel just a little bit inadequate? They whisper that if we just drove that car, wore that brand, or had that lifestyle, we would finally be "number one." The world constantly gives us the impression that we need to be something other than what we are. But the Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, called this game of comparison exactly what it is: unwise.

In the verses surrounding our text, Paul was dealing with some difficult people who thought very highly of themselves. These individuals were constantly measuring themselves against one another, promoting their own importance based on outward appearances and impressive abilities. Paul points out that when people get locked into this cycle of measuring and comparing, they are actually "without understanding". They miss the point of the Christian life entirely.

Think about that for a moment. When we look sideways at our neighbours to see how we stack up, we trap ourselves. As some Bible scholars have noted, this habit locks us in a "prison of self-referentiality". It creates a vicious cycle that destroys our peace. If we think we are doing better than someone else, we become filled with pride and haughtiness. If we think we are doing worse, we sink into envy and despair. Neither of these attitudes honours God, nor does either lead to a happy life.

The way out of this trap is to realise that confidence begins with self-acceptance, and self-acceptance is made possible through a strong faith in God’s love. Paul understood that God assigns a specific "sphere of service" to each of us. God has a unique plan and a specific lane for you to run in. When you look at your own life and wish you were someone else, you are essentially telling God that He made a mistake. I believe it is actually an insult to our Creator to look at His handiwork, which is you, and say it is not good enough.

True freedom comes when we stop seeking human approval and look up to God's approval. Paul reminds us later in this same chapter that the only commendation that truly matters is the one that comes from the Lord. Authentic ministry and authentic living look to God before looking to others. When we grasp this, we can step off the treadmill of comparison. We can stop trying to be a famous star and simply be the faithful servant God called us to be.

So I want to encourage you to make a decision today. Decide to be grateful for the person God made you to be. Embrace the specific gifts and the specific place He has given you. When you do this, you will find you can genuinely appreciate others for who they are, without jealousy, because you are secure in who you are in Christ. Let us find our satisfaction not in being better than our neighbour, but in being loved by our Father.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for creating me with a unique purpose and plan. Forgive me for the times I have insulted You by wishing I were someone else. Help me to stop measuring myself by the world's standards. Teach me to find my confidence in Your love and to rest in the knowledge that Your approval is all that matters. Help me to celebrate others without envy and to walk in joy today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Finding Fresh Joy in God

Finding Fresh Joy in God

“Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

— Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

It is easy to get stuck in a rut, isn't it? We get up, have our tea, go to work, come home, and do it all again the next day. But when we look at the Psalms, particularly Psalm 37, we find a wonderful antidote to the worry and fretfulness that often accompany the daily grind. We are invited to "delight" in the Lord. This isn't a call to a sombre, boring religious duty. It is an invitation to a relationship that is vibrant and alive.

Think for a moment about the God we delight in. He is the ultimate Creator. He did not create a monochrome world; He painted it with a riot of colour and filled it with a staggering variety of plants, animals, and people for us to enjoy. As the book of Job reminds us, God is the one who scatters the lightning, directs the snow, and balances the clouds. If we stop and consider the wondrous works of God, as Elihu urged Job to do, we see that our Maker is dynamic and full of surprises.

Since we are made in the image of this creative God, we were not designed to merely do the same thing over and over until it loses all meaning. We are meant to grow. Just as Abraham had to keep moving on his journey to meet new challenges and grow his faith, we often need to shift our scenery or our habits to keep our spiritual lives fresh. If circumstances never changed, life would become entirely predictable, and without the challenge of the new, we might stop growing altogether.

So, I want to encourage you to do something "out of the box" this week. It does not have to be a grand gesture. Perhaps you could take a different route on your walk, try a new hobby, or speak to someone you usually walk past. When we step out of our comfort zones, we often find that God is there waiting for us, ready to teach us something new about His faithfulness.

Remember that delighting in the Lord means our hearts begin to align with His. When we find our joy in Him, we start to love what He loves. We begin to see His handiwork in the changing seasons and the new opportunities He places in front of us. Don't be afraid of change. As some Bible commentators have noted, life is a school, and the Lord knows exactly when we need a new lesson or a new examination to help us mature.

Let us not settle for a stagnant faith. God gives us all things richly to enjoy. So go ahead and embrace the adventure. You might just find that in trying something unexpected, you end up thanking God for the fresh breath of air in your soul.

Prayer:

Lord, You are the Creator of all things, and Your imagination has no end. Forgive me for when I let my life become dull or fearful. Help me to find my true delight in You. Give me the courage to step out of my routine, to embrace the new things You are doing, and to see Your hand in every fresh opportunity. Keep my heart open to Your surprises. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Your Sake: Leaving a Legacy That Lasts

“Nevertheless, for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong.”

— 1 Kings 15:4 (NIV)

We spend a fair amount of time worrying about the future. We work hard to pay off the mortgage. We try to put a bit of money aside for our children. We want to make sure that when we are gone, we leave something behind that helps our family. That is a good instinct. But I want to suggest that the most valuable inheritance you can leave isn't financial. It is spiritual.

In his book Soulprint, Mark Batterson points us to a fascinating moment in the history of Israel. It involves a king named Asa. Now, Asa’s father was a man named Abijah, and the Bible tells us that Abijah was not a good king. He made plenty of mistakes. Yet, when Asa took the throne, God blessed him. God established him. God gave him a "lamp in Jerusalem."

Why would God do that?

The text tells us clearly. It wasn't for Asa’s sake. And it certainly wasn't for his father Abijah’s sake. It was "for David’s sake."

David had been dead for decades. He was a distant memory to the people living in Jerusalem at that time. But David had lived a life of such passion and integrity that he left behind a spiritual bank account. He had stored up so much blessing through his obedience that God was still paying out the interest to his great-grandchildren long after David was gone.

This challenges me deeply. It makes me ask a hard question: What kind of legacy am I leaving?

Batterson shares a beautiful story about his own grandfather. His grandfather was hard of hearing. At night, the old man would take out his hearing aid and kneel beside his bed to pray. He would pray for his children and his grandchildren. Because he couldn't hear himself, he prayed loudly. Everyone in the house could hear him calling out their names to God. Batterson says that today, years later, he is reaping the harvest of those prayers. He is living on the spiritual interest of his grandfather’s faithfulness.

Your prayers are not just for today. They are seeds. You are planting something that will produce a harvest for people you might never even meet.

I know some of you might be thinking that your family history is messy. You might not have a "David" or a praying grandfather in your family tree. That is okay. If you are in Christ, the chain is broken. Batterson reminds us that all curses, generational and spiritual, are broken at the Cross.

You can be the first link in a new chain. You can be the David of your family line.

Every time you choose integrity when no one is looking, you are making a deposit. Every time you pray for your children, you are making a deposit. Every time you serve the church or give generously, you are adding to a spiritual account that will bless your family long after you are gone.

We need to live with a long view. We need to stop thinking just about next week and start thinking about the next generation. Let’s live in such a way that fifty years from now, God will look at our grandchildren and bless them "for your sake."

Prayer of the Day:

Lord God, thank You for the godly men and women who went before me and prayed for me. I want to leave that same kind of legacy. Help me to look beyond my own life. Help me to build a "spiritual bank account" of prayer, integrity, and faithfulness. I pray that my obedience today would become a blessing for my children and grandchildren tomorrow. Let my life be a lamp that keeps burning for generations to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Freedom of Being Undignified: Be Real with God

“David said to Michal, ‘It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.’”

— 2 Samuel 6:21–22 (NIV)

We all have a tendency to pretend. We want people to think we have it all together, that our families are perfect, and that our faith never wavers. In his book Soulprint, Mark Batterson calls this living with an "Alter Ego." It is a fake persona we create to impress others or protect ourselves.

Batterson tells a funny but convicting story about a time a neighbour mistook him for someone named "David." Instead of correcting her, he just went along with it. She called him David for years. At first, it was a joke. But eventually, it became a burden. He had to hide his real identity just to keep up the charade. He realised that trying to be someone you are not is a trap. It is exhausting.

I think we do the same thing spiritually. We put on what Batterson calls "Royal Robes."

Think about King David. He was the most powerful man in Israel. On the day he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, everyone expected a grand, dignified military parade. They expected the King to act like a King. They expected pomp and circumstance.

But David did something shocking. He took off his heavy royal robes. He stripped down to a simple linen ephod, which was basically his undergarment, and he danced before the Lord with all his might. He didn't care how he looked. He didn't care about protocol. He was desperate for God.

His wife, Michal, watched from a window and despised him. She thought he was embarrassing himself. She wanted him to be dignified. She wanted him to keep the "Royal Robes" on.

But David refused. He told her, "I will become even more undignified than this!"

David understood a profound truth: You cannot worship God and protect your ego at the same time.

What "Royal Robes" are you wearing today?

Maybe your robe is your job title. You feel you have to project success and power to be respected. Maybe your robe is your intellect. You are afraid to ask simple questions or admit you don't know the answer. Maybe your robe is a spiritual mask that says "I'm fine" when you are actually broken inside.

These robes might make us look impressive, but they keep us distant from God. They are heavy, and they are hot.

God is not interested in your Alter Ego. He is not interested in the polished version of you. He wants the real you. He wants the undignified you.

It takes courage to disrobe. It feels awkward to be vulnerable. It feels risky to admit our weaknesses or to worship with abandon. But Batterson reminds us that "True authority derives from authenticity." People are not looking for perfect leaders or perfect Christians. They are looking for real ones.

So, let’s take off the heavy robes of expectation and pride. Let’s stop worrying about what the "Michals" in our lives might say. Let’s be willing to look a bit foolish if it means getting closer to God. As David showed us, the only thing standing between you and your destiny might just be your dignity.

Prayer of the Day:

Father, I am tired of pretending. I am tired of carrying the heavy weight of my own reputation. Today, I choose to take off my "Royal Robes." I lay down my pride, my titles, and my need to look perfect. I want to worship You with a free heart. Help me to be authentic. Help me to care more about Your opinion than the opinions of others. I am willing to be undignified if it means being closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What Are Your Royal Robes? Finding True Identity in Christ

“David said to Michal, ‘It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.’”

— 2 Samuel 6:21–22 (NIV)

We all wear costumes. I don't mean the kind you wear to a fancy dress party. I mean the invisible costumes we put on every morning to impress people or to protect ourselves. Mark Batterson, in his book Soulprint, calls these our "Royal Robes".

Think about King David for a moment. He was the ruler of Israel. He had defeated giants and armies. When the time came to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, it was a massive national event. It was a ticker-tape parade. The protocol demanded that the King look like a King. He should have been wearing his heavy velvet robes, his crown, and his jewels. He should have been waving politely from a distance.

But David did something shocking. He took off his royal robes.

He stripped down to a linen ephod, which was essentially a simple undergarment, and he danced before the Lord with all his might. He didn't care about the protocol. He didn't care about his dignity. In that moment, he wasn't David the King; he was just David, a child of God.

His wife, Michal, was watching from a window, and she was furious. She despised him because he looked "undignified" and "vulgar". She wanted him to keep the robes on because those robes represented status, power, and security.

I wonder if you and I are more like Michal than we care to admit. We are terrified of looking undignified. We cling to our own "Royal Robes" because they make us feel safe and important.

What are your Royal Robes today?

For some of you, your robe is your job title. You have worked hard to become a manager or a director, and you feel that if you let your guard down, people won't respect you. For others, your robe is your intellect or your university degree. You are terrified of asking a simple question because you don't want to look foolish. Perhaps your robe is your reputation as a "perfect" parent or a "strong" Christian who never struggles.

Batterson reminds us that these robes are heavy. They are exhausting to wear. When we wrap ourselves in our status or our success, we are actually hiding our true selves. We are finding our identity in what we do rather than whose we are.

David understood a secret that we need to learn: You cannot find your soulprint—your true identity—until you have the courage to disrobe. You have to strip away the things you find your security in.

It feels risky. It feels awkward. When you admit you don't have it all together, or when you worship God with abandon, you might feel humiliated in your own eyes, just as David did. But that is exactly where freedom is found.

God isn't impressed by your title, your bank account, or your awards. He gave you those gifts, to be sure, but He doesn't want you to hide behind them. He wants the real you. He wants the naked humility of a heart that says, "God, I am nothing without You."

So today, I want to encourage you to take off the heavy robes. Stop trying to prove yourself to people. Stop trying to maintain a perfect image. It is a house of cards that will eventually fall. Instead, find your security in the only status symbol that matters: the Cross. When you are secure in Christ, you don't need to be dignified. You are free to be a child again.

Prayer of the Day:

Father God, I confess that I often hide behind my achievements and my reputation. I am afraid of being seen as weak or foolish. But today, I want to take off these heavy "Royal Robes." I want to find my identity solely in being Your child. Give me the courage to be humble and the freedom to worship You with all my heart, even if it looks undignified to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What’s in Your Tent? The Power of Spiritual Reminders

“David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem; he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent.”

— 1 Samuel 17:54 (NIV)

We all have that one drawer or box in our homes. You know the one. It is full of things that look like rubbish to everyone else but are precious to us. It might be a pebble from a holiday beach, a torn ticket stub from a concert, or a faded photograph. To a stranger, it is just clutter. But to you, it tells a story.

In his book Soulprint, Mark Batterson highlights a fascinating detail in the story of David and Goliath that is easy to miss. After the battle was won and the giant was defeated, David took Goliath's armour and put it in his own tent.

When you stop to think about it, this is a strange decision. Scripture tells us that the coat of scale armour weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. That is roughly 125 pounds, or about 57 kilograms. David was a young shepherd boy at the time. He likely did not weigh much more than the armour itself. It was far too big for him to wear, and it was incredibly heavy to drag around. It must have taken up a huge amount of space in his small shepherd's tent.

Why keep such heavy, useless clutter?

Batterson suggests that David kept it because he needed a "Lifesymbol".

As human beings, we suffer from a terrible condition called spiritual amnesia. We have a habit of forgetting God's faithfulness. God performs a miracle for us on Tuesday, but by Friday, when a new problem arises, we panic and act as if God has never helped us before. As Batterson writes, "The primary reason we lose faith is because we forget the 'faith-fullness' of God".

David knew he was prone to forget. So, he kept the armour.

Imagine David waking up in his tent the next morning. The sun streams in and hits those massive bronze scales, making them shine. Immediately, the memory comes flooding back. He remembers the fear of the giant. He remembers the weight of the smooth stone in his hand. He remembers the rush of victory. The armour wasn't a trophy of David's strength; it was an altar to God's power. It was a daily reminder that "The God who did that yesterday is with me today."

We need Lifesymbols too.

We need physical objects that jog our spiritual memory. Batterson notes that the word "remember" appears almost 250 times in Scripture because we are so quick to forget. If we do not create deliberate reminders, the busyness of life will wash away our gratitude.

So, I want to ask you: What is in your tent?

Do you have a physical object that reminds you of a time God came through for you? It doesn't have to be a 125-pound suit of armour. It could be a journal entry from a season of prayer. It could be a hospital wristband from a time God healed you. It could be a stone you picked up during a difficult walk when you felt God's peace.

If you don't have one, find one today. Put it on your desk, your mantelpiece, or your bedside table. Let it be your "Lifesymbol." Let it be the thing that catches your eye when you are feeling discouraged, reminding you that God has been faithful in the past, and He will be faithful again.

Prayer of the Day:

Lord God, I confess that I often forget Your goodness. When I face new battles, I easily forget the victories You have already won for me. Help me to create "Lifesymbols" in my life. Help me to treasure the memories of Your grace. Let these reminders give me the holy confidence to trust You with my future, knowing that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Gift of the Sidelines: Why Waiting Is Not Wasting

“David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.”

— 1 Samuel 17:14–15 (NIV)

If we are honest, most of us hate waiting. We live in a world of instant downloads, next-day deliveries, and fast food. We are used to getting what we want immediately. So when it comes to our spiritual lives, we often want the promotion, the healing, or the answer to our prayer right now.

But God rarely works on our timeline.

In his book Soulprint, Mark Batterson writes about a concept that changed my perspective on patience. He reminds us that "Every divine appointment is preceded by a season of preparation".

Think about David. Before he fought Goliath in the valley, he spent years on the hillsides of Bethlehem. While his older brothers were off fighting wars and looking important, David was stuck on the sidelines. He was tending sheep. To the outside world, it looked like he was doing nothing of significance. It looked like he had been forgotten.

I wonder if you feel like that today. Maybe you are watching your friends get married while you are still single. Maybe you are watching colleagues get promoted while you feel stuck in the same role. It is easy to feel like you have been benched.

But here is the truth Batterson points out: The battle with Goliath wasn't won in the valley. It was won on the hillsides.

When David was alone with the sheep, he wasn't wasting time. He was fighting lions and bears. He was learning to use his slingshot. He was developing what Batterson calls "holy confidence." God was building muscles in David's spirit that he would need for the victory ahead. If David had rushed to the front lines before he was ready, he would have failed.

Even Jesus spent years in a carpenter’s shop before He began His public ministry. He spent thirty years preparing for three years of ministry.

If you feel stuck on the sidelines today, please hear this: You are not being punished. You are being prepared.

God is more interested in who you are becoming than where you are going. He knows that if He puts you in a position of leadership or influence before your character is ready, it could crush you. So He presses the pause button. He keeps you in the waiting room.

Use this time well. Don't spend your energy resenting the wait. Instead, ask God what He wants to teach you right now. Sharpen your skills. Deepen your prayer life. Trust that the Architect of your life knows exactly what He is doing. As Batterson says, "God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go".

Your time is coming. Until then, trust the preparation.

Prayer of the Day:

Father God, I confess that I find it hard to wait. I want to see progress, and I want to see it now. But I trust that You are good and that Your timing is perfect. Thank You for the sidelines. Thank You for this season of preparation. Help me not to waste this time but to use it to grow closer to You. Build the character in me that I will need for the future You have planned. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Danger of Second-hand Armour: Be Yourself

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. ‘I cannot go in these,’ he said to Saul, ‘because I am not used to them.’ So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”

— 1 Samuel 17:38–40

We all know the story of David and Goliath. We know about the giant, the stone, and the victory. But before David ever stepped onto the battlefield, he had to win a different kind of battle. He had to win the battle for his own identity.

When David volunteered to fight, King Saul tried to help. He dressed David in his own royal tunic and put a bronze helmet on his head. It must have looked very impressive. After all, it was the King's own gear. It was shiny, expensive, and powerful. But there was one big problem. It wasn't David.

David walked around and realised immediately that he couldn't fight in it. It was too heavy. It was clunky. As Mark Batterson writes in Soulprint, "David could have gone into battle dressed like a king... But David said, 'I cannot go in these, because I am not used to them.' So he took them off".

If David had walked into that valley wearing Saul’s armour, he likely would have lost. He wasn't trained as a swordsman. He was a shepherd. He would have been tripping over the tunic while Goliath moved in for the kill. To win, David had to be David.

I wonder if you are wearing someone else's armour today.

We do this all the time without realising it. We put on the heavy expectations of other people. Maybe you are trying to live out a career path your parents chose for you, but it doesn't fit your heart. Maybe you are leading a team at work and trying to copy your boss's loud, aggressive style, even though God made you a quiet, thoughtful encourager. Maybe you are scrolling through social media, feeling the pressure to dress or act like the "perfect" people you see online.

This is what Batterson calls living a "second-hand life". It is exhausting. It wears us out because we are carrying weight we were never designed to carry. We think that if we just act like someone more successful or more spiritual, God will use us more. But the opposite is true.

God cannot use a fake version of you. He can only use the real you.

Batterson puts it brilliantly when he says, "God isn’t going to ask, 'Why weren’t you more like Billy Graham or Mother Teresa?'... God is going to ask, 'Why weren’t you more like you?'".

It takes a lot of courage to take off the armour. It feels safer to hide behind a mask or a title. When David took off the armour, he felt vulnerable. He was just a boy with a shepherd's stick and five smooth stones. It didn't look like much to the world, but it was exactly what God needed. God didn't need a second-rate soldier; He needed a first-rate shepherd.

What is in your hand today? It might seem small. It might seem simple. But if it is who God made you to be, it is enough. You owe it to the One who designed you to be yourself. So, take a deep breath. Unbuckle the heavy expectations of others. Put down the mask.

Be you. That is who God loves, and that is who God will use to bring down giants.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Lord, thank You for making me unique. Forgive me for the times I have tried to hide behind a mask or wear armour that doesn't fit me. Help me to put down the heavy weight of other people's expectations. Give me the courage to be the person You created me to be. I trust that what You have given me is enough for the battles I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.