Friday, August 30, 2024

The pressures of life can make us feel like we have to rush through each day, constantly striving to keep up. Yet, in the midst of our busyness, we can forget a critical truth: God is on the move. He is patiently at work in our lives and the lives of those around us.

The promise of Christ’s return may seem distant, but God’s timing is perfect.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

This verse reminds us that God’s patience is a sign of his great love. He is giving us the opportunity to repent and turn back to him. He invites us to experience the fullness of his grace. God’s light is shining, and he calls us to reflect that light in our world today.

God’s powerful work in our community inspires and encourages us daily. Lives are transformed as people encounter God’s love through church services, small groups, and outreach efforts. We hear stories of marriages restored, addictions broken, and hearts healed. We recently witnessed the simple act of kindness in driving a golf cart that led a young lady to the life-changing decision to be baptized. What might seem like a small moment was a divine appointment. God’s hand was at work, orchestrating every detail to draw her closer to him.

These stories are powerful reminders that God is actively pursuing each of us, carefully weaving together circumstances to fulfill his greater purpose. He loves us so much that he uses ordinary people and everyday moments to accomplish extraordinary things.

Here’s the challenge: we must not waste the time we’ve been given. Every day is an opportunity to shine God’s light in our world. Whether it’s through a conversation with a neighbor, a kind gesture to a stranger, or serving within our church, we are called to be active participants in God’s mission.

Let’s not be complacent, thinking that we have plenty of time. Instead, let’s live with urgency and purpose, knowing that God is moving. He is using us to reach those who are far from him. Let’s be faithful in shining his light, making the most of every opportunity he gives us to bring more people to know him.

Questions:
How can you become more aware of God's divine appointments in your daily life? Will you respond to them with urgency and purpose?

In what specific ways can you actively participate in shining God's light to those around you this week?

Next Steps:
Identify one person in your life who may be struggling or feeling distant from God. This week, reach out to them with an intentional act of kindness—whether it’s a heartfelt conversation or an invitation to join you at church. Pray for God to use this moment to draw them closer to him and be open to how he might guide your interaction.

21 Days of Prayer - Day 19

Focus: For the Courage to Make a Difference (Matthew 5:14-16)

Prayer:
Thank you, God, for blessing us with your love to share with the world. Please, give us the strength to step out in faith when we see a need. Give us the courage to reveal your truth, so that others can receive the knowledge of your heart for them, and then join you in the work you are doing. Help us reach those around us through our everyday actions and grant us the confidence to live by faith. Amen

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 3:14
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

This post was written by Monique Myers, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.