Pastor Stephen Dedman

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you trusting God to strengthen your faith through this season you are in, or are you only focused on getting out of it?

Context
In 1 Peter, Peter writes to believers facing hardship, persecution, and pressure for their faith. He reminds them that suffering is not the end of the story. God uses difficult seasons to mature His people and draw them closer to Him. Suffering lasts only “a while,” but the work God does through it has eternal value.

Application
No one enjoys seasons of suffering. We often pray for God to remove the struggle immediately, but sometimes God chooses to work through the struggle instead of around it.

Notice the promise in this verse. God will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. What feels like pressure today may actually be producing stability tomorrow. Trials have a way of deepening our faith, strengthening our character, and teaching us to depend fully on God.

Instead of asking only for escape from hardship, ask God what He wants to produce in you through it. Trust that He is still working, even in difficult seasons.

Truth for Today
The struggle you are facing today may be the very thing God uses to strengthen you tomorrow.

Pray
Lord, thank You for being the God of all grace. In moments of hardship, help me trust that You are still working in my life. Strengthen my faith, establish my steps, and settle my heart in Your peace. Remind me that suffering is temporary, but Your promises are eternal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.
‭‭I Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
How can you intentionally share God’s goodness with someone today?

Context
David spoke these words during a time of celebration as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. After years of struggle and waiting, the people of Israel paused to worship and remember the faithfulness of God. David appointed singers and leaders to continually praise the Lord and remind the people that God’s greatness was not meant to stay hidden within Israel but that it was meant to be proclaimed to the world.

Application
This verse reminds us that worship is not only something we do in church; it is something we live out daily. God has worked in our lives through His grace, provision, forgiveness, and strength. Those testimonies are meant to be shared. Whether through our words, actions, or attitudes, we are called to point others toward the goodness of God.

Sometimes we think we need a stage or a large audience to make an impact, but God simply asks us to faithfully declare His glory right where we are. Your life may be the testimony someone else needs to see and hear today.

Truth For The Day
God’s work in your life is meant to be shared so others can see His glory.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the marvelous things You have done in my life. Help me never to stay silent about Your goodness. Give me boldness to share Your love and faithfulness with others so that You may be glorified in all the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What fear or uncertainty do you need to place into God’s hands today?

Context
Psalm 91 is a psalm of protection, confidence, and trust in God. It paints the picture of a believer resting under the shadow of the Almighty, secure in His care even in dangerous and uncertain times. God is actively watching over His children and commands His angels concerning them. This does not mean believers will never face difficulty, but it does mean we are never abandoned or outside the reach of God’s care.

Application
There are times when fear tries to overwhelm us. Fear about the future, our family, our health, or situations we cannot control. Psalm 91:11 encourages us to remember that God is already a step ahead of us. He is guarding, guiding, and protecting us in ways we may never understand.

When you walk into a difficult situation today, you will not walk in it alone. God’s presence goes before you. Instead of allowing anxiety to control your thoughts, choose to trust the One who watches over every step you take.

Truth For The Day
God’s protection is constant and His presence is always near.

Pray
Lord, thank You for watching over my life. In moments of fear and uncertainty, help me to trust in Your protection and care. Remind me that I am never alone because You are with me wherever I go. Give me peace today knowing that You are guiding my steps and holding me securely in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.