Pastor Stephen Dedman

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life have you been focusing more on what’s against you than on the God who is for you?

Context
Book of Romans chapter 8 is one of the most powerful chapters in all of Scripture. The Apostle Paul has just laid out a sweeping truth: there is no condemnation for those in Christ, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, and God is working all things together for good. Then he brings it all to a climax with a question, not for information, but for assurance. “If God is for us…”

Paul isn’t ignoring opposition. He knows believers face pressure, hardship, and even persecution. But he’s putting everything into perspective: no opposition compares to God’s commitment to you.

Application
We live in a world where it can feel like everything is against us like stress at work, financial pressure, family struggles, or even spiritual battles.

But this verse doesn’t say, “Nothing will come against you.” It says, nothing that comes against you will ultimately prevail.

The question isn’t, “Do I have opposition?”
The real question is, “Who has the final say?”

Truth For The Day
When God is for you, opposition loses its power.

Pray
Lord, thank You that You are for me. When I feel overwhelmed by what’s coming against me, remind me of Your power, Your presence, and Your promises. Help me to walk in confidence, knowing that nothing can stand against Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Are you discouraged by where you are or encouraged by what God has promised you will be?

Context
The apostle John writes to believers to anchor them in truth and assurance. In a world of confusion and false teaching, he reminds them of two realities: who they are now and what they will become. They are already children of God, but their transformation is not yet complete. John points forward to the return of Christ, when every believer will be fully transformed into His likeness. What is now a process will one day be perfected.

Application
This verse reminds us that our current condition is not our final state. God is still working. Every step of growth, every moment of conviction, every challenge we face is part of a larger process that will one day be completed.

There will come a day when the struggle is over and we will see Jesus clearly and reflect Him perfectly. Until then, we walk by faith, trusting that God is doing a work in us that will not be left unfinished.

Truth For The Day
God has already determined what you will become.

Pray
Lord, thank You that I am already Your child. Even when I feel unfinished, remind me that You are still at work in me. Help me to trust Your process and to live with hope, knowing that one day I will see Jesus and be made like Him. Strengthen my faith as I wait, and continue shaping my life into His image.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What is currently in your hands that God is asking you to give your full effort to?

Context
The book of Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of someone reflecting on life “under the sun.” Traditionally associated with King Solomon, it wrestles with the brevity of life, the mystery of God’s ways, and the seeming unpredictability of outcomes.

In chapter 9, the writer emphasizes a sobering truth: life is short, and opportunities are not guaranteed forever. Verse 10 comes as a call to urgency. Since our time is limited and uncertain, whatever God places in front of us today matters deeply.

Application
It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for something bigger, better, or more meaningful before giving our full effort. We tell ourselves, “When I get there, then I’ll give it my all.” But Scripture flips that thinking. God doesn’t ask us to wait for the perfect opportunity, He calls us to be faithful with what’s already in our hands.

That task you’ve been putting off. That responsibility that feels ordinary. That moment that seems small. Those are not distractions from your purpose, they are your purpose in this season. Remember: faithfulness in small things leads to greater things

Truth For The Day
What you do today matters more than you think so give it everything you’ve got.

Pray
Lord, thank You for the opportunities You’ve placed in my life today. Forgive me for the times I’ve approached them with a half-hearted attitude. Help me to see value in what’s right in front of me and to give my best in everything I do. Teach me to work with excellence, not for recognition, but for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.