Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: daily devotional

Renewed Faith

Encouragement, Faith

“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.””
John 20:19

After the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples stayed in the upper room for fear of the Jews. Because they were disciples of Jesus, they feared they may be crucified next. But along with the fear, they were confused as to what to do next.

For three years they dedicated themselves to the ministry work that Jesus taught them. On top of the fear and confusion, the women reported to them that Jesus was alive and spoke to them. Fear, confusion and bewilderment!

All of a sudden, from out of nowhere, Jesus appeared to them in the upper room. There is a reason why His words were, “Peace be with you.” They were terrified. The doors were locked. And there appeared Jesus, alive and well.

Can you imagine what the disciples were feeling? How would you react?

There was a common response to everyone who witnessed Jesus after the resurrection. They were amazed and they wanted to tell others. They went from fear, confusion, and bewilderment to a new sense of amazement and excitement. The disciples were reenergized with faith and hope.

Are you energized with faith and hope? Are you eager to tell others that Jesus is alive? All it takes is to encounter a moment with Jesus and it makes all the difference in the world.

If you want to renew your faith and hope all you have to do is draw close to God. The Bible promises that whoever draws near to Him, He will draw near to them. (James 4:8)

Pray

Lord, I want to encounter You right now. Forgive me of my sins and refresh my faith and hope. I turn to You for everything I need.

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.