Pastor Stephen Dedman

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬

Romans 12:12 provides us with wisdom and guidance for living a life that honors God in every circumstance, good and bad.

First, we are called to “rejoice in hope.” We rejoice in the hope of salvation, the hope of eternal life, and the hope of God’s faithfulness to His promises. This hope sustains us through the dark times, reminding us that God is always with us and that His plans are always good.

Secondly, we are to be “patient in tribulation.” Tribulation, or suffering, is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world. Yet, as believers, we are called to endure tribulation with patience and perseverance, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His perfect timing. Our trials are not meaningless or without purpose; they are opportunities for growth, refinement, and ultimately, for God to demonstrate His faithfulness and power in our lives.

Finally, we are encouraged to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” Prayer is our lifeline to God, our means of communion with Him, and our source of strength and guidance. Prayer not only changes circumstances but also transforms our hearts, aligning our desires with God’s purposes and drawing us closer to Him.

May we find comfort and strength in the unchanging character of our God, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and to walk with us through every season of life.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the wisdom and guidance of Your Word. Help me to rejoice in hope, to be patient in tribulation, and to continue steadfastly in prayer. Let my life be a reflection of Your grace and Your faithfulness, drawing others to You and glorifying Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭29‬

The New Testament is rich with accounts of the miraculous works of Jesus, displaying His power to heal, restore, and transform lives. Matthew 9:29 captures a powerful moment when Jesus encountered two blind men. Their story serves as a profound reminder of the role faith plays in experiencing God’s miracles.

In the narrative, Jesus extended His divine touch to the blind men. It’s important to note that His touch was directly linked to their faith. He declared, “According to your faith, let it be to you.” This statement reveals a timeless truth – our faith is the key that unlocks God’s miraculous interventions in our lives.

Faith is not merely a wishful thought or a casual belief. It’s a deep trust in God’s power and goodness. Faith is both an acknowledgment of God’s ability to do the impossible and a surrender to His will. It is the force that connects our needs to God’s abundant supply.

Just as Jesus invited the blind men to believe, He invites each one of us to have faith in Him. Regardless of our circumstances, we can come to Jesus with our needs and trust that He is more than able to meet them. He does not require perfect faith but a willingness to believe and trust in His divine provision.

The phrase “let it be to you” reflects the principle that God’s response matches the measure of our faith. When we approach God with a small measure of faith, we may receive a small blessing. But when we come to Him with wholehearted faith, we open the door for extraordinary miracles.

Remember that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s miraculous interventions in your life. Your Heavenly Father is waiting for you to come to Him with a heart full of faith, ready to receive the blessings and transformations He has in store for you. Trust Him, for according to your faith, let it be to you.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your divine power in my life. Help me to approach You with a heart full of faith ready to receive Your miraculous blessings. Give me courage to trust in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people started following Jesus. In response, the Pharisees were frustrated because of the increasing popularity of Jesus. They said, “the world has gone after Him.” This statement, though made by the Pharisees with a sense of alarm, holds a profound truth about the impact of Jesus on the world.

This truth reminds us of the powerful draw that Jesus has. His teachings of love, grace, and salvation have an appeal that goes beyond cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are drawn to His transformative power and message of hope.

What is your response to Jesus? Are you drawn to His teachings, recognizing that He is the answer to our deepest longings? Do you follow Him and share His love with the world around us? 

Jesus’s influence continues to be felt across the globe, and we are called to be part of the world that follows Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the profound impact You have on the world. Help me to draw closer to You and share the wonderful message of love and hope with others. Empower me to live out Your example of love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.