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.

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Where is God asking you to trust Him, even though you can’t quite see the outcome?

Context
John 20:24–29 takes place after the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples have seen Him but Thomas has not. When they tell him, he struggles to believe. A week later, Jesus appears again and meets Thomas right where he was and invites him to see and believe. Then Jesus spoke beyond Thomas to us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Application
We often live in the space between promise and fulfillment. Like Thomas, we want clarity, proof, and certainty. But Jesus calls us to trust Him even when we don’t see the full picture. Faith is not blind, it’s anchored in who Jesus is.

Truth For The Day
God is working even when you don’t see it.

Pray
Lord, You know how often I want answers before I trust. Help me to believe even when I can’t see what You’re doing. Strengthen my faith in uncertain moments and remind me that You are always present and always working for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there something you have been trying to hide from God or others that you need to confess and surrender to Him?

Context
Proverbs reminds us that God is not looking for people who pretend they have no sin. He desires people who are willing to be honest about their sin and turn from it. Trying to hide sin may fool people, but it never hides anything from God.

Application
We often try to cover our mistakes by making excuses, blaming someone else, or simply refusing to talk about them. But hidden sin has a way of controlling us. Confession brings sin into the light, where God can deal with it. To confess means to agree with God about our sin, and to forsake it means to turn away from it. God’s response is not condemnation for the repentant heart, but mercy.

Truth For The Day
The place of confession is the place where mercy begins.

Pray
Lord, give me the courage to be honest about my sin. Help me stop making excuses and start turning away from the things that separate me from You. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.