Devotional by Lauren Webb
Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 1:7-9, “…so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The house was quiet because the girls were outside playing. We could see them through the back windows as my husband and I paced the length of the kitchen in silence. I folded my arms across my chest, gently swaying as if holding a sleeping baby.
Whit took a deep sigh, interlocked his fingers and wrapped them around the back of his neck. He looked like a runner trying to cool down. We were on opposite sides of the kitchen island.
A single phone lay between us on the counter. It finally lit up with the phone call we were waiting for. He placed both hands on the counter and let it ring a few times. He looked at me long and hard, and then reached for the phone.
“Hello, this is Whit.”
I knew from the look on his face as he listened that he had the job if he wanted it. Now the hard part came. Do we take it?
As Christians, we face these same defining moments as we seek to follow God’s lead. Where do we attend church? How does God want me to use my talents, treasures, testimonies, and time to honor Him? What am I actively doing to disciple those around me? Do I blog, teach, volunteer, lead, serve…what has He designed for me? For those who find themselves leading an active ministry, you ask yourself, “Is this an effective discipleship practice? Or is there a change needed?”
Our crossroads shouldn’t catch us by surprise. In fact, we should expect them but treat them with reverence.
The hard part isn’t coming to the moment; the hard part is how to handle the moment.
Isaiah 50:10-11 tells us that being obedient is like being in the dark. You can’t see where you are going. We can’t see the end game of God’s plan for this particular earthly crossroad, but we are to trust Him to move us in the right direction. There is effort on our part to not light our own torch and set our own path. In fact, He warns us against going on our own.
We have to ask ourselves: is this His plan or mine?
It’s hard to discern sometimes.
Here is the good news. He is faithful.
I Corinthians 1:7-9 tells us that He will equip us with everything we need, strengthen us for the work ahead and hold us fast to Him. He who began a good work in us, and carried us on this far, would not leave it unfinished. Those that wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will be kept by Him and confirmed to the end. Those who are so kept will be blameless in the day of Christ, not upon the principle of strict justice, but by gracious absolution.
How amazing to have such a purpose as this! What a gracious privilege, for ourselves and others, to be kept by the power of Christ from the power of our own corruption and Satan’s temptation, that we may appear without blame in the great day!
The faithfulness of God comes in to support our hopes! He who hath called us into the fellowship of his Son is faithful, and will do it, 1 Thess. 5:24.
So be encouraged, dear sisters in Christ, when crossroads come. Because Christ is faithful, stay in the Word of God daily and seek wise counsel as you work to be the obedient servant. For your reward does not come in isolation, but in fellowship with the One who called you and will keep you to the end.
He is faithful.
Reflect:
Look up each verse in the list below and write it out in your journal or notepad. Then answer the following three questions:
- What does this passage say about God and His character?
- How does this passage point to the gospel?
- What specific steps can you take this week to apply this passage?
Day 1: I Thessalonians 3:13
Day 2: Psalm 89:33
Day 3: I Thessalonians 5:24
Day 4: Philippians 1:6
Day 5: Numbers 23:19