Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭48‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Am I trusting God’s plan when it differs from my expectations?

Context
As Jacob neared the end of his life, Joseph brought his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive their grandfather’s blessing. According to tradition, the oldest son, Manasseh, should have received the greater blessing. Joseph carefully positioned the boys so Jacob’s right hand would rest on Manasseh’s head.

But Jacob crossed his hands.

Though his eyesight was dim, his spiritual vision was clear. Guided by God, Jacob placed the greater blessing upon Ephraim, the younger son. Joseph tried to correct him, but Jacob understood that God’s plans do not always follow human expectations.

Application
This moment reminds us that God’s purposes are not limited by man’s traditions, assumptions, or rankings. God often chooses the unlikely, the overlooked, and the unexpected to accomplish His will. What matters is not our position in the eyes of people but our place in the plan of God.

Perhaps you feel overlooked, forgotten, or less qualified than others. Remember that God’s blessing is not determined by human standards. He sees what others cannot see and works according to His perfect wisdom.

Trust God’s hand even when it seems crossed. What may look confusing from our perspective is often the very path God has chosen to fulfill His purpose.

Truth For The Day
God’s blessing is not determined by human position but by His divine purpose.

Pray
Lord, thank You for reminding me that Your plans are greater than my expectations. Help me trust You when I do not understand the path before me. Thank You that Your blessings and purpose for my life are secure in Your hands. Guide me today to walk in faith and confidence, knowing that You are working all things according to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What burden or situation do you need to stop carrying and place into God’s hands today?

Context
The psalmist wrote these words in a passage that describes turmoil, wars, and shaking nations. Yet God’s answer was not panic or fear, it was trust. Being still means surrendering our need to control every outcome and acknowledging that God is sovereign over every circumstance.

Application
Life often moves at a relentless pace. Responsibilities, deadlines, family concerns, financial pressures, and unexpected challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed. In the midst of the noise, God gives a simple yet powerful command: “Be still.” This is not merely an invitation to physical rest but a call to quiet our hearts and trust Him completely.

When we focus on our problems, anxiety grows. When we focus on God, faith grows. The same God who created the heavens and the earth is actively working in your life today. He sees what you cannot see and is accomplishing what you cannot accomplish on your own.

Take a few moments today to pause before God. Turn off the distractions, lay your burdens before Him, and remind yourself that He is in control. Trust Him with the situations that are beyond your ability to fix.

Truth For The Day
God is already at work in every situation.

Pray
Lord, help me to be still before You. Quiet my anxious thoughts and strengthen my faith. Remind me that You are God and that nothing is beyond Your power. Teach me to trust You more each day and to rest in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Do you have a burden, decision, or concern that you need to fully commit to the Lord today?

Context
Psalm 37 was written by David to encourage God’s people not to become discouraged by the apparent success of the wicked. Throughout the psalm, David repeatedly reminds believers to trust the Lord, delight in Him, and remain faithful. In verse 5, David gives a simple yet powerful instruction: commit your way to the Lord and trust Him completely.

Application
Life often presents decisions, challenges, and uncertainties that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Our natural tendency is to carry the burden ourselves, trying to control every outcome. However, God never intended for us to navigate life alone. To “commit” our way to the Lord means to roll our burdens, plans, and concerns onto Him and place them under His care.

Trusting God doesn’t mean we understand everything He is doing. It means we believe His wisdom is greater than ours and that His plans are ultimately for His glory and our good. When we surrender our path to Him, we can rest knowing that He is working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see it.

Truth For The Day
God is faithful to guide, provide, and accomplish His purposes when we place our lives in His hands.

Pray
Lord, thank You for caring about every detail of my life. Help me to surrender my plans, worries, and uncertainties to You. Teach me to trust You when I cannot see the way forward. Strengthen my faith and give me peace as I place my future in Your hands. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for working all things according to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.