Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Are You Questioning God?

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:1

Knowing God and His love is much more important than knowing why God is allowing something to happen in our life. Something amazing happens when we are faced with a difficult situation that challenges our faith. Sometimes God does not reveal the “why” but He does reveal Himself and His love.

The life of Job is a great example. Throughout Job’s suffering and questioning, God never revealed why He allowed Job to be tested but He did reveal His love to Job. Would you rather know the “why” or would you rather experience more of God’s love?

There are many times in our life that we tend to question God. “Why is this happening?”  “Why me, God?”  “Why us?” It’s a very natural question for for us to ask. Questioning God is not a sin. Doubting God is a sin, but asking God, “why?”, helps us to better understand the suffering or difficult situations we encounter. But is asking “why?”, the best response?

God allows us to endure hardships and trials for us to grow closer in our relationship with Him. God wants us to know Him and understand what He can do for us. When we better understand who God is, the better response we have to our sufferings. When we realize how much God loves us, there is no need to question Him.

If you are questioning God today, you should stop asking “why” and start asking “what”. “Lord, what is it that you are teaching me? What can I learn from this situation? What do you have in store for me?” This will change our perspective of what we are facing.

Pray

Lord, what do you need to teach me today? I want to know you more everyday. Help me to understand your ways and your thoughts.

Nothing Is Too Hard

Faith, Trust

“’Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭32:17‬

Have you ever discovered anything too difficult for God? It’s a truth that we know but do we believe deep down in our hearts that God can do anything, anytime, anywhere?

Sometimes we get an earthly mindset and limit the power of God. God is not limited to physical attributes. We can be guilty of underestimating the power of God.

Abraham and Sarah gave birth to a son when they were well past child bearing age. Sarah was too old to get pregnant. But God reminded Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.“” ‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭18:14‬). What might seem illogical to us is possible with God.

There are many instances in the Bible that do not seem logical but the things of God can’t be explained physically.

  • It’s impossible for a man to live in the belly of a fish for three days.
  • It’s impossible for walls to crumble when all you do is blow your trumpets and shout.
  • It’s impossible for a baby to be born of a virgin.
  • It’s impossible for water to be turned into wine.
  • It’s impossible for a blind man to instantly regain his vision.
  • It’s impossible for a dead man to come back alive after being dead for three days.
  • It’s impossible for a man to walk on water.

The truth remains, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭18:27‬) Whatever you’re facing today, be reminded that God can do anything. Sometimes He will do things that are unexpected and unimaginable.

Pray

Lord, I know you can work all things out for your glory. Give me the courage today to know you will do it.

Are You Witnessing To Others?

Faith, Salvation, Trust

“”You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:10‬

In the Bible, God’s children experienced miracles beyond imagination. They had prophets that preached warning and prophecy straight from God. What more did they need to be able to tell others how good God was to them? Other nations were jealous because God favored Israel so much.

There are countless passages of Scripture that prove God takes care of His chosen people. They are protected against their enemies and they are given gifts and blessings beyond comprehension.

Israel was God’s chosen people, a nation called to be His witnesses. They were told to proclaim the good news of God to pagan nations and to show them the need for salvation. They were to be a light to the Gentiles.

They were commanded to teach others about God and warn them that false gods and idols were useless and powerless. God established a promise and a blessing for His chosen people so others would notice how God was protecting and providing for them.

As Christians we are called to be witnesses for God. We need to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We need to openly speak about how good God is.

We are to shine the light of Jesus into our dark, sinful world. Unbelievers need to witness what we truly have in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Is your life a witness to others? It’s not so much in what you say but in what you do. Your faith in God is proven through the choices you make everyday.

You may be faced with difficult choices today and your faith may be the deciding factor. Your faith in God will declare to others how and what you believe to be true about God. Others are watching you to see if what you believe is true.

Show the wonders of God by witnessing to others the wonderful love and grace of our amazing Father.

Pray

Lord, I need you today. Show me Your glory. Help me to be a living testimony to others. I want others to see You in me.