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Do not despise the humble beginnings

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Zechariah 4:10

Our church recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and as we looked through old photos, we were amazed at how far God has brought us. It all began in a basement, then moved to a hotel, later to a small space in a complex—and finally, God gave a vision for the land where the church now stands.

This couple came to the United States as young students from another country. Instead of pursuing a comfortable, materialistic lifestyle, they chose to obey the call of God. Their obedience birthed a ministry that has blessed countless lives, including mine. This church played a vital role in shaping my faith and strengthening me through my most difficult and depressing seasons. There were times I felt as though God established this church just for me—to lift me from despair and root me deeply in His Word.

Over the years, our church has supported missionaries and ministries across the world. That single “yes” from two young adults has inspired many others to obey God’s call as well.

When we look at the stories of great men and women of God, almost every testimony begins small. There’s no great victory without facing humble beginnings. God honors the small steps of obedience and delights in those who say “yes” with a sincere heart.

The Bible celebrates the humble and obedient. Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, was a wealthy tax collector. Yet when Jesus called him, he left everything behind and followed Him. True calling requires denying ourselves and surrendering completely to God. Whether lowly or high in status, those whom God calls often begin small—He builds greatness through humility.

We, however, often expect instant greatness. But God’s calling always begins with something small—a seed of obedience and faith. He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

In your obedience, heaven responds. God releases His resources and provisions for what He has planned. Scripture says even stones will cry out if we don’t, and He once made a donkey speak to deliver His message. The sun, moon, and stars obey Him—and yet this same Almighty God is after your humble “yes,” not because of your talent, but to display His grace through you.

So do not despise the small beginnings of your ministry—whether seen or unseen. God watches every move, every effort, every intention of your heart. Nothing done for Christ goes unnoticed.

Do not be discouraged by delay. Trust God in your humble beginning, for He does great wonders in His perfect time. He can turn a stammerer into a revolutionary, a shepherd boy into a king, a fisherman into a preacher. Whatever your profession or stage in life, if your heart is aligned in obedience, you will walk in His peace and purpose.

Great things lie ahead of you. Great doors are about to open. Miracles are within reach. Be strong, be encouraged, and never despise your humble beginnings.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that every great work begins small. Help me to trust Your timing, stay faithful in my humble beginnings, and walk in obedience to Your call. Strengthen my heart to see purpose in every step, and may Your grace be revealed through my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Uncategorized

Do Not Minimize God in your situation

All things were created by Him and for Him… and in Him all things hold together.

—Colossians 1:16–17

I grew up in a culture where we carried photos of the gods we believed in. I made sure I always had the photo of Jesus—one in my backpack, one in my geometry box, and even one with my toughest subjects. I believed the picture would help me pass exams. I would kiss the photo, talk to it, and place it before me as I wrote my tests. Sadly, I failed over and over again.

Even as I grew older, the habit continued. I would sleep with the picture at my bedside and carry it in my pocketbook. I was even inspired by movies where Dracula or Satan would flee at the sight of a cross, a necklace with a cross, or even when someone lifted up a Bible. I believed the picture itself had power.

Whenever I faced a challenge, I would pull out the photo, thinking Jesus could help in that situation. But if the problem seemed impossible to me, I wouldn’t even bother taking the picture out—because in my mind, if it looked impossible to me, surely it was impossible for Jesus too. None of these actions really helped me, until one day the Holy Spirit revealed who Jesus truly is through the Word of God.

The picture of Jesus we see today is only an artistic representation—perhaps a guess of how a Jewish man might have looked—but it is nowhere near how the Word of God reveals Him.

Jesus Christ cannot be contained in a pocketbook, a drawer, a cupboard, or placed on a shelf. He is the God who has dominion over everything. “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

Every creature must bow and humble itself before Him. When Jesus speaks, it will come to pass. When He commands, it will stand firm.

Jesus Christ has power and authority over heaven and hell. The angels and the demons obey Him.

John’s vision describes Jesus this way: “The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 1:14; 19:13,16)

This is the Jesus we serve—not an image, not a symbol, but the living, reigning King. And yet, how often do we try to shrink this sovereign, all-powerful God into something our tiny human minds can imagine? Can we ever truly perceive His majestic image?

Though we cannot wrap our minds around this magnificent God, when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. And through Him, we will see great things.

Do not minimize the nature of God when sickness seems incurable, when the doctors have given up, or when hope feels lost. Doctors go by facts, but our faith proclaims Jesus is the Healer and Great Physician.

Do not cling to the rulebook of man, but align yourself with the rulebook of God. Man lies and fails, but “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:25)

The devil is not afraid of the physical book, the Bible. But when you confess and release the living Word of God written in the Bible, he trembles. The picture of a cross on the wall does not protect you. The wooden cross in your room has no power. But when you plead the blood of Jesus over your house, you are shielded. (Exodus 12:13)

The photo in your pocketbook does not carry God with you. But when you invite the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God goes with you wherever you go.

When you abide in His presence, you carry His power, and you can speak His Word over situations. The authority was already claimed for you at Calvary through the blood of Jesus.

So go boldly before the throne of the Father. Ask the impossible. Speak to the immovable. He will respond according to His will and in His perfect time. (Hebrews 4:16)

Instead of placing the Bible under your pillow, hiding it beneath your head, meditate on the Word of God. Get it into your heart and mind. Use it as a solution in your problems, as a weapon in your battles, and as medicine in your suffering.

I don’t carry the image of Jesus in my pocketbook anymore. Rather, I have drawn that image in my soul as the Word of God describes. I have never felt victorious like the life I am living today. Glory be to God.

You too—fall in love with the Word of God, and you will never fail.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have minimized Your power and tried to contain You in my own understanding. Help me to treasure Your Word, confess it with faith, and walk in the authority of Your Spirit. May Your presence go with me wherever I am, and may Your Word be my strength, my shield, and my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion, Uncategorized

Time Has Come For God To Show Mercy

“You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Joseph, the second-youngest of the 12 brothers, had his low and high moments in life. This phase of his life was when he was falsely accused and imprisoned.

During his prison time, Joseph was confined with two others—a cupbearer and a baker.

One night, both the cupbearer and the baker had dreams with different interpretations but at the same time.

The next day, both of their countenances looked troubled. Joseph inquired and asked, “Why do your faces look downcast?”

They replied, saying they had a dream, but there was nobody to interpret it. Joseph insisted that they share the dreams, for interpretation belongs to God.

Joseph interpreted correctly that the cupbearer would be restored back to office in three days, while the baker would be hanged in three days. Joseph requested the cupbearer to kindly remember him, because he was wrongly imprisoned.

After a couple of years, Pharaoh had dreams that troubled his spirit. Pharaoh sent for magicians and all the wise men in the land to interpret the dreams, but none could interpret them for him. During such a time, the cupbearer, who had been restored to Pharaoh’s office, remembered the young Hebrew boy and his gift of interpreting dreams.

He recommended Joseph to Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s servants, by his instruction, brought Joseph out of the prison.

Joseph groomed himself, changed his clothes, and appeared before Pharaoh.

Joseph once again revealed God’s plan for Egypt by interpreting the dreams correctly. Pharaoh was impressed and put Joseph in charge of handling the horrific famine, which needed a wise man to manage. Joseph gave brilliant ideas to handle the famine, and the people had enough for themselves and were able to share with others as well. Joseph was promoted as a second in command in Egypt.

This Hebrew boy Joseph had really faced enough troubles since his youth. He was a victim of jealousy. He narrowly escaped being murdered, was sold as a slave to a faraway place he knew nothing about, was later falsely accused of moral failure, and then was thrown into prison.

It seemed to be a very long journey of rejection, pain, and humiliation. Yet in all of this, Joseph had the favor of God. When the time came for God to show mercy on Joseph, God brought people under the same prison roof, disturbed someone else’ with a dream, and exalted Joseph’s gift for a divine breakthrough.

God’s favor reached not only common men but also leaders in authority, bringing Joseph out of the pit. The Bible even describes the prison as a pit, for in those days it was likely built that way.

God’s favor in the set time kept pushing Joseph forward until he received his crown and God received the glory. The door God opened for him was never shut again.The God who showered mercy on Joseph will also shower mercy upon us.

You may be a victim of jealousy, or you may be someone your parents wished they never had. Maybe you are hated and humiliated by your own siblings like Joseph.The journey of your life may seem clueless, filled with tears, and hopeless about how the future will look.

Although everything around you looks strange and foreign, be encouraged—you did not make it this far without the favor of God. A set time has come for God to show favor on the house of Zion. At this time, the intervention of God will even nullify common sense of how things should work out.

The seasons will be favorable to you. Distance will not defile the plan of God. God will realign situations in such a way that you are positioned to receive the full portion of His favor.

Like the cupbearer, God will bring help under your roof to lift you. For Joseph, sharing the dream that revealed God’s plan once put him in the pit. God used the same mode to bring him out of the prison and placed him among princes. God will also do the same for you.

We serve the same God that Joseph served. God, in His sovereignty, is ready to show mercy to you and your household through Jesus. As you wait upon Jesus and continue to love Him and honor Him in your situation, at the set time all the prison doors will open for you to walk out, possess, and embrace exaltation.

Get ready to groom yourself and be clothed in the glory of God. God will open a door that no man can shut.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for Your favor that never fails. Just as You lifted Joseph from the pit to the palace, lift me out of every place of rejection and hopelessness. Open the doors that no man can shut, and let my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

I’am His And You Are Mine

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

— Isaiah 43:1

This is the true story of an eight-year-old girl who grew up in a village where strict religious rules were enforced. She was forced into marriage with a middle aged man—a religious leader who had already been married several times. To the villagers, marriage was portrayed as a gift from God, but for this young girl, it became a prison.

While she longed to run and play freely outside, she was weighed down with heavy garments and jewelry. Her days were filled with fear and anxiety. The wedding night was a traumatic experience, leaving her with pain, shame, and silence. She learned to obey without question and spoke only when spoken to, becoming a servant in her husband’s household.

By the age of eleven, her husband had brought another wife—just sixteen years old. That girl advised her to stay quiet, for that was all she herself had learned. At twelve, the young girl’s body began to change, and soon she was pregnant. She suffered greatly during her pregnancy and nearly died while giving birth at thirteen. The experience left her broken, filled with anger, emptiness, and questions about God and the injustice she endured.

One day, while secretly using her husband’s old phone, she stumbled upon videos of people sharing their testimonies about Jesus. Though she had been taught that even speaking His name was forbidden, she was drawn to the truth and freedom in their stories. That night, she whispered, “Jesus, come to me.”

In a dream, Jesus appeared, pulling her from a dark pit and saying, “You are not forgotten. You are loved. You are mine.”

In the midst of hostility and fear, she found peace. She discovered freedom and began to read the Bible secretly on a downloaded app. With each page, she gained strength and courage. When her cousin later discovered her reading Scripture, she confronted her. But the young girl refused to deny Jesus, because she had found unshakable boldness in His Word.

Her refusal led to violent persecution. She was locked up, beaten, threatened with fire, and accused of being possessed. Bruised and bloodied, she eventually escaped with the help of a local person. She found refuge with a Christian woman who cared for her and introduced her to a community of believers who had endured similar suffering.

Today, she testifies that Jesus has given her peace, love, and a sense of belonging. Though healing is a process—with scars and flashbacks—she draws strength from God’s presence. Now she helps others who have been abused, silenced, or forgotten, offering them hope and freedom in Christ.

You may not be that young girl in her situation, but you may know the feeling of being fearful, of being left alone, unheard, or of having dreams shattered. The Bible reminds us that the Lord sees your fear and says to you: “Fear not.”

The same Lord who found His way into her locked doors is here today, assuring you: “I have redeemed you.” You may not see a drastic change in your situation right away, but slowly and surely He will set you free and give you peace.

Scripture says, “I have called you by name,” which means the Lord knows the details of your situation—the family you come from and what you are facing right now. He assures you that you are not abandoned or forgotten. He says: “You are mine.”

He owns you, He owns your problems, and He takes ownership of your future to give you hope and everlasting joy. Give it all to Jesus and watch Him handle you with care.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am never forgotten. You know me by name and call me Your own. I give You my fears, my hurts, and my broken dreams. Fill me again with Your love, and give me peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

Weight Of The Pain Pebbles

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (ESV))

There was once a little bird in a rainforest that collected pebbles. Each pebble represented a burden—a sorrow, a painful memory, or a difficult lesson from the past. The bird believed these “pain pebbles” were valuable treasures, reminders that made it stronger. But as the pouch of pebbles grew heavier, the bird’s flight became more difficult and painful.

An old wise owl observed the bird and asked, “Are you truly living in the present, or just carrying the weight of yesterday?” But the little bird ignored the advice and continued collecting pebbles. Over time, its wings grew weaker and fragile until they finally broke. Unable to fly, the bird began walking with the heavy pouch strapped to its back.

One rainy day, the weight became unbearable. The bird slipped, and the very burden it had been carrying crushed it. By the time help arrived, it was too late. The owl sighed and said, “The past was meant to guide us, not to weigh us down.”

Many of us live like that little bird. We treat our burdens as treasures—carrying them everywhere we go. Even at joyful occasions, such as weddings, dressed in beautiful clothes, we still cling to our dirty pouch of pain pebbles. We struggle to lay them down, because we do not fully trust anyone to care for our burdens. In the end, these weights rob us of our joy, drain our strength, and keep us from dancing freely.

We carry these burdens into our workplaces, schools, homes, social gatherings, and even places of worship—only to carry them back again. But the truth is this: the weight of burdens will eventually crush us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The good news is that God offers us a safe place to lay them down—at the feet of Jesus. Here, there is no judgment about the size or nature of your burden. Whether big or small, Jesus handles it with love and care. He not only receives your burden but also gives you peace and a way forward.

Carrying the weight of the past prevents us from enjoying the present and moving into the future. The Bible encourages us to forgive, to let go, to move forward, and to live in peace. Remember—burdens are meant to be laid down, not carried.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for inviting me to lay down my burdens. Thank You for the cross. Today, I come boldly and cast every weight I carry at Your feet, believing You will handle each one with care. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

An Invite To Taste

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Psalm 34:8 ESV

Out of the great revival, many missionaries came to Northeast India to spread the gospel. The region of Assam was home to many tribes, known to be aggressive and even headhunters. Into this hostile community, a group of missionaries from the American Baptist Mission came to preach the message of love, peace, and hope found in Jesus Christ to the Garo tribe.

In this challenging environment, one man named Nokseng, together with his wife and two children, accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. His faith began to influence others, and many gave their lives to Christ. However, the village chief grew angry. He summoned the family who had first accepted Christ and demanded that the man publicly renounce his faith—or face death.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man declared: “I have decided to follow Jesus.” Furious, the chief ordered his two children to be killed with arrows. As their bodies fell to the ground, the chief gave him another chance: “Renounce your faith, or I will kill your wife.” The man replied: “Though no one goes with me, still I will follow.” Enraged, the chief ordered his wife to be killed as well.

Finally, the chief gave one last chance for the man to deny Christ and save his own life. His final words were: “The cross before me, the world behind me—no turning back.” He was then killed like the rest of his family.

But the story did not end there. The chief, who had ordered the killings, was deeply moved by such faith. He wondered why a man, his wife, and children would willingly die for someone who lived in a faraway land centuries ago. Convicted, he realized there must be an extraordinary power behind their faith, and he wanted to experience that love. The chief himself confessed Jesus as Lord and declared his faith publicly.

When the villagers heard their chief, they too accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The man’s last words became the inspiration for the famous hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.”

In the Bible, we also read about David, a warrior who once fled for his life. To escape death, he even pretended to be insane before his enemies (1 Samuel 21). In that desperate moment, David later wrote: “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). A warrior, running for his life, still testified of God’s goodness and encourages us to do the same.

Both this martyred family and David remind us that even in life-or-death situations, it is the love and peace of God that satisfies the soul. When you truly taste the goodness of God, you will decide to follow Him—and never turn back.

Today, I invite you: Jesus has set a place for you at His table. Come, taste His goodness. I am confident that you too will never turn back.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your love, Your goodness, and Your peace. Give me the opportunity to know You more deeply and to taste Your goodness, so that I may never turn back. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

The Power Of Exchange

and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)

There was a beggar at a railway station who had been begging for a long time. People gave him alms each day. One day, he approached a well-dressed businessman for alms. The businessman asked him whether he had ever given anything to anybody. The beggar replied, “No.” Then the businessman said, “If you have never given anything, you have no right to ask for anything in return.”

The beggar walked away in great sadness and began to think. He realized that in order to receive, he must first give. While staring at the platform, he noticed wildflowers growing beside the railway track. He plucked them and returned to the platform. This time, when people gave him money, he gave them a flower in return. To his surprise, this brought smiles and joy to those who gave. People began to give more cheerfully, and he received more than before.

There was now an exchange—of joy, happiness, and even respect. After a few months, he met the businessman again. This time, when he asked for alms with flowers in his hand, the businessman smiled and gave him a large sum of money in exchange for the flowers. The beggar went back, not only with more money but with joy in his heart.

Many years later, he returned to the same railway station—no longer to beg, but to board a train. He was now well dressed. As he sat down, he happened to meet the same businessman. The businessman looked at him and asked, “Do I know you?” The former beggar replied, “Yes, I am the one you once spoke to about the greatness of exchange.” He went on to explain how he had started a flower business a few years ago, and now he was heading to a meeting to expand it. The businessman smiled and greeted him with joy and respect—not as a beggar this time, but as a fellow businessman.

The Bible reminds us of the greatest exchange:

“Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. A great exchange took place upon the cross—Christ offered Himself for our sins so that we could be set free from the consequences of sin, which bring death. Not only physical death, but also grave-like situations such as fear, absence of peace, sickness, shame, and guilt. In exchange, Jesus offers joy, peace, and healing.

Today, there is an open invitation: give your heart, your circumstances, and your sicknesses to Him, and receive your portion from the exchange that was accomplished on the cross.

Remember—whatever you need, God invites you to give in exchange. If you want love, give love. If you desire respect, give respect. If you long to be treated kindly, then treat others kindly. And if you seek blessings, be a blessing to others.

Just as the beggar was lifted to sit as an equal with the businessman, the Word of God declares that the grace of God will make us sit with Christ in heavenly places.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the great exchange and for offering us the chance to partake in it through the cross. Today, give us the grace to offer our circumstances, situations, and sicknesses in exchange for Your joy, peace, and healing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Uncategorized

Fix Your Focus and Find Peace

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

There was once a young man in a village who was constantly troubled by fear, which stole his peace. The villagers advised him to visit a wise old man who lived far away, believing he could help him overcome his fears. Encouraged, the young man traveled to the distant village.

The old man handed him a glass filled to the brim with water and said, “Take this glass to the edge of the valley and return without spilling a single drop.” Determined, the young man fixed his eyes on the glass. Along the way, he ignored every distraction—the busy villagers, barking dogs, playful children, and the noise around him. At last, he returned without spilling a drop.

The old man then revealed the lesson: “You succeeded because you kept your focus on the glass of water, refusing to pay attention to the noise and distractions. In the same way, calm your mind and focus, and you will find peace.” The young man returned to his village with joy.

Likewise, Scripture tells us of a time when Jesus asked His disciples to cross to the other side of the sea after a long day. As they journeyed, a sudden storm arose, and the waves began to swamp the boat. Terrified, the disciples woke Jesus, who was asleep. He rebuked the storm, calmed the waters, and questioned their faith.

What is striking is that some of these disciples were fishermen, well acquainted with the dangers of the sea. Normally, they would have known how to handle such a storm, but fear gripped them. Instead of focusing on Jesus, they focused on the storm. These same men had walked with Jesus and seen His power, yet in that moment, fear crippled their faith.

Similarly, when God gives us a mission, the enemy often fills our minds with distracting questions like: When should I go? How will I go? Why should I go? What if something happens? Will I even go? If we let fear take control, it paralyzes us. But the Word of God calls us to trust, to step into the boat, and to fix our eyes on Jesus—the Living Water.

As we meditate on His Word and surrender our thoughts to Him, our minds are stilled and tamed. Even in the midst of storms, noise, and distractions, we can remain at peace because the Prince of Peace is with us. The question is not how strong the storm is, but whether Jesus is in your boat. If He is, you are safe.

Take every thought captive to obey Christ, and He will give you perfect peace.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for every storm-like situation in my life. Please fill my mind with Your life-giving Word, help me to focus on You, and grant me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

For such a time as this… Act

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 (NLT)

Queen Esther was a Jew, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who cared for her as his own daughter. In God’s providence, Esther was chosen to participate in the royal selection process to become queen of Persia. The Bible tells us that Esther was very beautiful, and she found favor with everyone around her. After months of preparation—both physical and mental—Esther won the king’s favor and was crowned queen.

Though she now lived in the palace, Mordecai continued to watch over her, faithfully staying at the city gate. He advised her to keep her Jewish identity hidden, trusting God’s timing and plan. From her orphaned childhood to her royal throne, God’s favor was upon her.

In time, an official in the palace plotted to destroy all the Jewish people. When Mordecai learned of this, he urged Esther to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. At first, she hesitated—knowing that appearing before the king uninvited could cost her life. But Mordecai reminded her, “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Strengthened by faith, Esther called for three days of fasting and prayer. She chose courage over fear, determined to do the right thing even if it meant death. God honored her obedience, granting her favor with the king, and through her boldness, the Jewish people were saved from destruction.

There may have been many women more qualified by worldly standards, but God chose Esther. Out of countless others, His hand of favor rested on her to fulfill a greater purpose. And Esther did not keep this favor to herself—she used it to rescue her people.

The word of God encourages that the favor and blessings we receive are not meant to be hoarded but shared. God places us in unique positions—not for our comfort alone, but to act on behalf of the helpless, to speak for the voiceless, and to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

If we close our hearts to the needs of others, we should not be surprised when God withholds favor from us. For Scripture reminds us, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Today, may we embrace the opportunities God gives us to show mercy and favor. Who knows? Perhaps you, too, are where you are for such a time as this.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the favor and help we have received. Give us the grace and boldness to show favor to others and to speak up for them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Uncategorized

Embrace the chase to see the Glory

“…and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” Exodus 14:4 NLT

One man was trying to transport a great white shark from one place to another. He placed a few fighter fish in with it to chase the shark. The person assisting him wondered why he would intentionally hurt the shark, knowing that the fighter fish could injure or even kill it. The man explained that certain fish species must be kept active to breathe properly, especially those that rely on constant movement for water to pass over their gills. This act was done to support the shark’s survival until it reached the great ocean. Though it was being chased, it was for the purpose of survival and thriving.

This passage reminds us of a similar act when God instructed Moses to let the Israelites camp in a place that appeared to trap them—with the sea in front and Pharaoh’s army behind—so that the historic chase would eventually display the glory of God and show that He is the great I AM.

To the Egyptians, it looked as if the Israelites were an easy target, and so they began to chase. As the Israelites saw the great army approaching, the first thing that came out of their mouths was murmuring about their situation. They quickly forgot that this was the same God who had sent plagues upon their enemies just days earlier to set them free.

When Moses brought the plea before God, His response was simple and sounded like: “You know what to do when someone chases—just get moving” (Exodus 14:15). That act of moving with God’s instructions gave the people of God the greatest milestone in history—the Red Sea parted, the people crossed over, and their enemies drowned. What looked like a trap became a glorious escape, revealing the glory of God.

The Word of God encourages us today that He is fully aware of the chase and who is chasing you. He knows the trap, and He sees the sea before you.

This “fighter fish” kind of situation is allowed in your life to keep you moving, progressing, and growing stronger—so that the great glory of God may be revealed as He leads you into your promised land.

The enemy will not triumph over you, and the sea will not overcome you. He is the God who makes a way when there seems to be no way.

So take heart. Stop murmuring, and remember how God has displayed His power to set you free in the past. Thank Him for His mercies. Embrace the chase, because the Egyptians you see today—you will never see again (Exodus 14:13 NLT). Your promised land is waiting for you.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free from the hand of the enemy. Help me not to murmur but to thank and praise You in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I ask. Amen.

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