Tag Archives: faith

Daily Christian Devotion

Be Quiet to Witness The Wall Fall

“Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!”

Joshua 6:10 NLT

We have often heard the phrase “the calm before the storm.”

An unusual quietness before a situation often leads to overwhelming activity afterward. One example is the ocean—how it quietly retracts before it surges with the force of a tsunami.

Throughout the Bible, God instructed certain people to remain quiet, not to speak, and to be still. The aftermath of those seasons of silence reveals marvelous acts that display the glory of God.

Joshua 6 records the fall of the walls of Jericho. God commanded Joshua to instruct the people and the priests to march around the walls quietly—no talking, no murmuring, no shouting, no rejoicing—just silence and obedience.

Then came the day when, at God’s command, a shout was released. The walls of Jericho fell—no war, no fighting, no arguments. The walls simply came tumbling down. This passage reminds us that God often takes us through a season of quietness so we can witness the great fall of our walls.

The great army of Joshua—priests, soldiers, and common people—along with their households, even their children, walked in profound silence. In that God-instructed stillness, even nursing babies seemed not to make a sound; only the footsteps of obedience were heard. Every personal agenda and agenda-driven voice was set aside to witness God’s victory. Their mouths did not do the work; their walk of faith did.

In quietness, God equips us to build trust, faith, and resilience. Being still is also an act of obedience that pleases Him. We may not face a physical Jericho wall, but we do encounter walls in the form of situations, people, and problems. Not every wall needs to be addressed with words; some battles are won in silence, through trust and faithful obedience.

The God who parted the Red Sea did not allow His people to remain stuck at the walls of Jericho. The final shout that brought the walls down thundered so powerfully that even the strongest and tallest walls lost their grip. There is a season and a time for everything under heaven. The Word of God encourages us to be still in His presence, to wait for His move, and to listen closely to His instructions.

Opening our mouths in situations where God calls us to be silent can hinder our breakthrough. But there will come a time when the weeping that endures through the night will turn into joy in the morning. No wall is greater than our Jehovah. You will plunder and possess what belongs to you. You will move forward into your promised land. Your victory is closer than you think.

You only need to remember:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Prayer:

Lord, teach us to be still in Your presence and to trust You even in seasons of silence. Help us to obey Your instructions fully and to walk by faith, not by sight. May every wall before us fall at Your appointed time, and may Your glory be revealed in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Do Not Weep

“And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” Luke 7:13 (ESV)

The woman from the town of Nain in this passage was a widow who had also lost her only son. In her culture, men were the breadwinners, and in her case, both providers were gone. Her present and future hope were shattered, and she was left in complete uncertainty.

As she was carrying her son’s lifeless body, surrounded by only a few people, no one explained her situation to Jesus. Yet Jesus saw her. He found her, and He was immediately moved with compassion. With deep tenderness, He spoke words of great comfort: “Do not weep.”

Jesus stopped, touched the bier carrying her son’s body, raised him back to life, and handed him to his mother. He did not only raise her son from the dead—He also raised the standard of her hope. What once looked like a faded and broken future suddenly became bright and full of promise. Her sorrow was turned into joy in an instant.

That is the power of the touch of Jesus Christ.

If you are walking beside a dead dream, a destroyed future, or a hopeless season, the Word of God encourages you to come into His presence. One look from Him, one touch from Him, can turn your life upside down—for good.

God knows your silent, wordless cries and says to you today, “Do not weep.”

He needs no explanation of your pain; He is already with you on the journey. He is fully God and fully human—He empathizes with your suffering and, at the same time, has the power to miraculously bring you out of it. He is not numb to your tears. His ear is not closed, and His hand is not too short to bless you.

You may not be facing a grave-like situation, yet even in the busyness of life—when you feel exhausted or lonely—those silent sufferings that may seem small to others can feel deeply painful to you. God does not measure or judge your threshold of pain. He comforts you whether you have a sprained leg or are undergoing major surgery. He is a gentle Father.

When you have Jesus, you have everything you need in life. In Him, your life is complete.

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for seeing me and for having compassion on my pain. You know my silent tears and unspoken burdens. Touch my life today, restore my hope, and turn my sorrow into joy. Help me to trust You fully, knowing that You are with me in every season. In Jesus’ name, amen. 🙏

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Daily Christian Devotion

Stop The Noise and Hear The Voice

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10 NLT

I happened to watch one of my daughter’s town basketball games. The home team—my daughter’s team—was focused, playing with excellence, and already leading toward victory. At halftime, the opponent’s senior football team walked in to watch the girls play.

While everyone in the gym was quietly enjoying the game, the boys from the football team began making strange noises, distracting the home team. One of the star players was given a penalty shot. I’ve hardly ever seen her miss a basket, but just as she aimed, one of the boys made a loud noise, and she missed. On her second attempt, their conversations and giggles echoed through the quiet gym, distracting her again.

The referee noticed what they were doing and saw that it was intentional. He stopped the game and firmly instructed the boys to show discipline and respect—especially as fellow athletes. He then asked the opponent’s coach to send them out of the gym.

The star player aimed a third time—this time with fewer distractions—and she scored. With renewed focus, the home team went on to seal the victory.

As children of God, moments like this remind us to ignore the noise and stay focused on the goal set before us. It is crucial that we learn to tune out distractions and tune our hearts to God’s voice.

David inquired of the Lord every time he faced his enemies. It wasn’t a one-time habit—it was continual. As a king, he interacted with countless people daily—hearing complaints, petitions, official matters, and even the concerns of his own family. Yet in the midst of all that noise, David continually withdrew to hear from God in the now moment. He moved forward with confidence because his ears were trained to listen to the Lord.

Jesus also modeled this. He rose early, while it was still dark, just to step away from the noise and listen to the Father in prayer.

God speaks to us in the same way He spoke to David. And the greater the calling on your life, the greater the noise that will try to distract you.

Just like noise-canceling headphones help you hear clean sound and block out interference, pray that the Holy Spirit quiets your spirit so you can clearly hear the voice of God.

Where you are going depends on what you are willing to leave behind. To hear that still, small whisper from God, you must shut out the noise around you. Don’t entertain that conversation, that phone call, that place, or that group of people who brings unnecessary noise to distract you.

Do whatever it takes to clear the atmosphere so you can receive that one instruction, that one step forward, that one word of guidance from the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, quiet every noise that pulls my attention away from You. Teach me to be still, to hear Your voice, and to follow Your guidance with clarity and confidence. Tune my ears to Heaven, and lead me in the way I should go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

You Are The One Called To Do This

“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Jeremiah 1:9–10 ESV

Recently, I developed an interest in growing indoor plants. I ordered a palm tree online from another state, and honestly, I wondered if it would even survive—after all, it arrived in a box. But to my surprise, the plant grew bushy, healthy, and taller day by day. It was receiving the perfect balance of light, water, and nutrients. It grew so well that I had to move it into a bigger pot, and even then, it continued to thrive.

But eventually, I noticed something troubling. The plant that once had deep green leaves began turning pale. The leaf tips were drying. It was still growing, yet silently weakening. When spring arrived, I decided to repot it. That’s when I found the issue—a decaying root. One dying root was slowly affecting the rest, blocking proper nutrient absorption and secretly damaging what appeared beautiful and strong on the outside.

During the repotting, I uprooted the plant, washed the roots with fresh water, removed the dried branches, pruned the leaves, replanted it in nutrient-rich soil, and treated it with protective spray. As always, I prayed over the plant I loved and longed to see flourish.

Now, this summer, I see a new, healthy branch rising from the soil—a beautiful sign of renewal. I pray it continues to thrive and survive the winter ahead.

The Word of God reminds us that He has called us to make a difference for His name’s sake.

You are in that family, in that office, in that hospital, in that school, in that church, and in that situation to be God’s mouthpiece. He has chosen you to speak, to stand, and to participate in divine “damage control.”

He told Jeremiah that he was appointed to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. God spoke these words to strengthen Jeremiah because the message he carried would not be welcomed by many. People would disagree, oppose, and resist—but Jeremiah still had to speak so that evil could be uprooted and truth could be planted.

In the same way, God will use you right where you are to bring warning, healing, restoration, and spiritual health.

You may be the only one who can warn your child and help uproot harmful behaviors.

You may be the only one who can bring comfort and healing to your colleagues.

You may be the only one who can stand up and oppose what contradicts the Word of God.

You may be the only one who can shift the atmosphere in your environment.

You may be the only one who can pray, carry, and plant the good news in the lives of those walking in darkness.

Your words carry power, authority, and God’s message. Do not stay silent where you are called to speak. He has chosen and equipped you for such a time as this—to uproot, to build, and to plant His truth. He trusts you with the responsibility of representing His Kingdom.

You are the one God will use to bring that move, that change, that holy transformation.

Prayer

Father, thank You for calling and equipping me to speak Your truth. Uproot anything in my life that hinders growth, and plant within me a bold, obedient, and faithful spirit. Use my words to bring healing, warning, restoration, and hope to those around me. Make me a vessel of Your Kingdom wherever I stand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

No One Can Stop Your Breakthrough

“Let them know that this is your hand; you, O Lord, have done it!”

Psalm 109:27 ESV

When your time comes for a breakthrough, nobody can stop it. In fact, people, situations—and even animals—will work on your behalf when God has ordained it.

This is the story of a young man named Saul, from the humble and least tribe of Benjamin, whom God chose to appoint as king.

Saul lost his father’s donkeys, and his father asked him to go search for them. In the process of looking for the animals, Saul wandered far from home and lost his way. Wanting to return, he was persuaded by his servant to first seek the prophet in the city—the man whose words always came to pass.

As they climbed the hill toward the city, they met women who told them to hurry, for the man of God had just gone ahead to the high place to offer sacrifice. Only those invited could meet him and eat with him. In other words, if Saul missed Samuel now, he might not get another opportunity that day.

But while Saul was going up the hill, Samuel was coming down the hill. Not knowing who he was speaking to, Saul asked Samuel where the seer’s house was.

Yet the day before Saul ever arrived, God had already spoken to Samuel about him—telling him that He was sending a man from Benjamin to be anointed king. Samuel had even set aside the special portion of food for Saul before he ever met him.

The moment Samuel saw Saul, God confirmed that this was the man to be anointed.

Samuel invited Saul to go ahead of him to the high place, to eat with the people, and assured him that the donkeys lost three days earlier had already been found. Saul hesitated, struggling with low self-worth because he came from the least tribe, but Samuel still honored him.

At the high place, Samuel seated Saul among thirty chosen men and asked the servant to bring the best portion of food—the portion set aside even before Samuel laid eyes on Saul.

The next morning, Samuel took Saul to the rooftop and anointed him king. The donkeys were no longer the issue; God had already taken care of them.

Saul thought he was searching for lost donkeys, but God was leading him into his destiny. Only God can orchestrate something like this: Saul had to lose the donkeys, lose his way, walk into a city at the exact moment Samuel was walking down—every detail divinely aligned. Samuel already knew about Saul. The meal was already prepared. Heaven was already moving.

The Word of God encourages you today: you may feel lost, uncertain, or unsure of what to do next. Do not be anxious. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. You may have lost something—or everything—for the very purpose of God’s plan being fulfilled.

Your loss, your time, your people, your place, your season—everything will align to execute God’s purpose in your life. The crisis you are facing will not end your story; it will uncover God’s greater plan for you.

Saul made the right move in responding to Samuel. Samuel, in turn, looked at Saul and delivered God’s message.

May you make the right move that aligns with the plan of God for your life.

Prayer

Father, I thank You that nothing in my life is wasted. Even what I lose, You use. Lead me into the places and moments You have prepared for me. Help me trust Your timing, Your provision, and Your direction. Open my eyes to see the steps I need to take, and let Your purpose be fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

A Divine Exchange On The Cross

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)

My older sister was pregnant and went in for a routine checkup at 28 weeks. What was expected to be a normal visit turned into a frightening report. The ultrasound showed that the baby was not receiving nutrients through the umbilical cord and was not breathing well. She was immediately rushed into an emergency C-section.

The baby weighed only 900 grams. We were told the survival rate was extremely low. Nothing was prepared—emotionally, physically, or mentally. My sister, already in postpartum shock, struggled to process the diagnosis and the overwhelming fear. Soon the baby developed a high fever, and doctors could not determine the cause. That tiny baby—small enough to fit in a palm—underwent spinal and brain fluid testing while experiencing repeated breathing pauses.

As the infection worsened, the doctors said they were not confident the baby would survive. They gave her only 24 hours.

It was Good Friday in 2011. My mother called us—all siblings living in different parts of the world—asking us to fast and pray. As we sought God together, my mother shared a scripture from Colossians 2:14:

“By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

She declared this with boldness—that Jesus had already cancelled every accusation and nailed it to the cross. Her faith was strengthened, and she believed God had snatched the baby from the hands of the enemy.

A few hours later, my mother received a message from my brother-in-law: the baby survived. The doctors discovered the cause of the infection, began treatment, and she started responding well. Relief flooded us, and we praised God for His mercy. Later my brother-in-law shared that the baby had stopped breathing for nearly a full minute before suddenly breathing again. We believe with all our hearts that the Lord intervened and pulled her back from the spirit of death.

She remained in the NICU for nearly four months before fully recovering. Today, she stands as a living testimony of God’s healing power and grace.

I want to remind you today—God is still healing, restoring, and performing miracles. Every day is a Good Friday when we remember that the wounds of Jesus still speak healing, restoration, redemption, and wholeness over our lives.

What happened on the cross was a divine exchange: Jesus took the consequences of our sin upon Himself, so we could receive life. He cancelled every verdict, every accusation, every curse, every plan of the enemy—so we could walk in freedom and fullness.

Enjoy the fullness of His grace and mercy by believing in the finished work of the cross.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross. Thank You that by Your wounds we are healed—spirit, soul, and body. Strengthen our faith to believe that nothing is impossible for You. Help us walk in the freedom, restoration, and abundant life You gave us. Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Be expectant—your help is on the way from The Ebenezer

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’”

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

Being helped by someone is a great privilege. Not everyone comes forward to help, and not everyone receives help at the right moment. But God never ceases to help—He shows up at the right time and in the right place. Sometimes, when we are surrounded by blessings and favor, we begin to take His help for granted. Our minds may even start to believe that God is obligated to help us, instead of responding with gratitude and reverence.

God helps us when our ways please Him and when we walk in obedience to His commandments.

1 Samuel chapters 4–7 describe a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Israel was known as a mighty army—not because the people were skilled, but because their God was powerful, faithful, and undefeated.

Yet Israel turned away from God. They lived in sin and began worshiping other gods. So, when the battle came, despite having a strong army, the Israelites were defeated, and 4,000 soldiers died—serving as a wake-up call.

Instead of repenting, the Israelites looked for a shortcut. They brought the Ark of the Covenant into battle, thinking it would guarantee victory—treating it like a charm instead of approaching it with reverence and holiness. But once again, they were defeated—this time losing 30,000 men, and the Ark of the Covenant itself was captured.

The Philistines took the Ark, but the presence of God brought plagues and terror upon their land. In fear and trembling, they returned the Ark with a guilt offering.

At that point, Samuel the prophet called the people to repentance. He urged them to turn from idols, obey God’s commandments, and return to Him with sincere hearts.

So, all of Israel gathered at Mizpah. They fasted, worshiped, and repented. They laid aside their idols and surrendered themselves fully to the Lord.

When the Philistines heard about the gathering, they came to attack. Fear filled the people of Israel, but Samuel offered a lamb as a sacrifice and cried out to God—and God answered.

As Samuel presented the offering, the Philistines advanced—yet the Lord thundered with a mighty sound, throwing them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. The Israelites pursued them and drove them out.

Then Samuel set up a stone and called it Ebenezer, meaning:

“Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

This word of encouragement is for those waiting on God to intervene:

The Lord will help you—even in battle-like situations.

But do not treat God as one of many helpers—place your hope in Him as ‘The Help’.

Before I accepted Jesus as my Savior, when I felt afraid, I would place a physical Bible under my pillow or carry it with me. But I only began to experience the power of God’s Word when I surrendered my life and aligned my ways with Him. A physical Bible cannot help us—but the Spirit of God who breathed those words into existence can.

God will not move on our behalf while we hold onto idolatry—whether it shows up as pride, jealousy, fear, or unholy living.

It is not too late to repent, return to the Lord, and walk in obedience. We no longer need a lamb like Samuel offered—because we already have the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, His blood, and His grace, we are forgiven, restored, and positioned to receive His help and favor again.

This Ebenezer God will not let your foot slip.

He will not hand your life over to the enemy.

He will not leave you abandoned or defeated.

Be expectant—your help is on the way.

Prayer

Lord, search my heart and reveal anything that does not please You. I repent of every sin, every idol, and every attitude that has taken Your place. Help me, Lord, for You alone are my refuge, my strength, and my deliverer. Thank You that You are my Ebenezer—my ever-present help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Pleasing People Vs Pleasing God

“Be not afraid of them [their faces], for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”

Jeremiah 1:8 AMPC

People-pleasing is a real enemy. It kills identity. Those who walk in it often overthink, over-apologize, over-explain, and constantly seek approval and validation from others.

This behavior is deeply rooted in fear—fear of people, fear of their opinions, fear of conflict, fear of rejection, fear of saying no—and it ultimately places more value on the happiness of others than the truth of who God created us to be.

In Jeremiah 1:8, the Lord calls Jeremiah to speak His message to Israel. God encourages him not to fear people because Jeremiah was chosen to be God’s mouthpiece.

Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet because his writings reveal deep sorrow and anguish, reflecting his meek spirit.

Yet God strengthened him—reminding him not to grow weary or shrink back, because fear can distract, manipulate, and derail purpose.

Paul, on the other hand, was bold and confident in his calling. He was dealing with people infiltrated by false teaching and distorted doctrine.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?

Or am I trying to please man?

If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Galatians 1:10 ESV

Paul stood firm in the truth and corrected anyone who twisted the gospel. While doing God’s work, some tried to discredit his past—reminding others of how he once persecuted Christians. They attempted to manipulate minds and discredit the message he carried, but Paul refused to be shaken. He even declared that if even an angel preached another gospel, they should be cursed.

Paul was not moved by human opinions. His confidence was rooted in truth—not in pleasing people.

Scripture is clear: if we live to please man, we cannot be servants of Christ.

The Word of God calls us to rise in boldness and walk in obedience to what Jesus expects—not what people demand. We are called to live, love, and serve God’s way—not the world’s way.

Jesus was compassionate, but He never compromised.

Jesus was kind, yet He never allowed others to take advantage of Him.

Jesus humbled Himself to wash feet, yet He boldly rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan,” when his words opposed the will of God.

Jesus loved humanity enough to die for them, yet He overturned tables when His Father’s house was corrupted.

Do not allow anyone to manipulate or deceive you into choosing worldly approval over godly obedience. God’s commandment is clear: love God first, then your neighbor. It is not reversed.

So the question remains—will you live as a slave to people’s expectations, or as a servant of God?

May the Holy Spirit give you boldness to break free from people-pleasing and live to please God alone.

Prayer

Lord, strengthen my heart to choose Your approval over the approval of people. Remove every fear, insecurity, and pressure that keeps me bound. Fill me with boldness, confidence, and wisdom to walk in truth. Help me honor You in my words, decisions, and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Your Darkness Is Not Too Dark For God

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:5 (ESV)

It was one winter—cold, gloomy, and dark. During that time, I was a single mother living in a five-story apartment with my six-year-old child, and I had already slipped into deep depression. I was walking through loss, pain, shame, and betrayal, and the enemy began to take hold of my life both physically and emotionally. When darkness arrived around 4 PM, fear would start creeping in. Fear soon opened the door to anxiety, and panic attacks joined in as if they had formed an alliance against me.

I wasn’t sure what was in that apartment, but I could feel spirits moving in the room. I remember lying in bed and physically feeling as if I was fighting something evil. My daughter would wake every night around 11 PM complaining of stomach pain. This continued for months. I grew weaker—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I no longer had the strength to resist the enemy.

My mother was with me during that season, helping me in practical ways, but I didn’t tell her what was happening spiritually. She could see my suffering, and she heard my daughter screaming in pain at night. I could hear whispers—words of hopelessness and discouragement spoken into my mind by evil spirits. I once told her, “Something feels twisted in my mind. I’m confused, and I can’t think straight.”

Thank God for a praying mother. I have seen her pray for me day and night.During those months, sleep felt impossible to reach. Anyone who has battled anxiety or panic attacks knows the torment of lying awake through the night.

Many times, suicidal thoughts tried to take root. The enemy kept telling me that this was the end of my story—that the rest of my life would be lived in fear, anxiety, and torment. For a short time, I believed those lies. But thank God for the Holy Spirit—because He can pull anyone out of the darkest pit, even when it feels like there is no way out.

One night, I went into the bathroom and sat silently in a corner, crying and asking for help. The enemy whispered that I should jump from the fifth floor, but the voice of the Holy Spirit was gentle, comforting, and full of assurance. After wrestling for a long time, I chose to listen to the Holy Spirit. The blood of Jesus began to speak for me.

I was led to take communion from a packet that had been in my handbag for months. I believed again in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. I claimed the power of His blood over myself, over my daughter, and over that apartment. With fear still lingering, I grabbed my Bible and opened to John chapter 1. As I read, something shifted in the atmosphere. A light filled the room—not a physical lamp, but a divine presence. I knew someone holy was there.

The grip of darkness shattered. Peace replaced fear. The torment lifted. For the first time in many months, I slept soundly through the night and woke up refreshed.

Truly, my life was spared that night because the Spirit of God came through for me.

The next morning, my mother saw my face glowing. Everything began to change. My daughter stopped having stomach pain. Restoration accelerated. Fear and anxiety began losing their power as His light shined into every part of my life. His Word became a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

What a wonderful Father we have—a God who does not hand His children over to the enemy. Thank God for Jesus Christ, and thank God for the Holy Spirit.

When the light of the Living God touches a person, nothing remains the same.

We see this in Scripture. Saul was persecuting and killing Christians, yet on the road to Damascus, the Light of Heaven met him—and everything changed.

“Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.”

Acts 9:3 (ESV)

That same Saul became Paul—used by God with the same intensity he once used against the church. His writings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, continue to strengthen and encourage millions today.

So today, this word brings hope: your darkness is never too dark for God. His presence brings life. His Spirit brings freedom. If you invite Jesus into your heart, believe His Word, and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, nothing—not fear, not trauma, not depression, not generational bondage—can stop your deliverance.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 8:36 (ESV)

Your life is a gift from God. You do not have to live in bondage. With whatever strength you have left, call on the name of Jesus—He is ready to set you free.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your light that breaks every chain of darkness. Thank You for Your blood that speaks healing, freedom, and life. Holy Spirit, fill every place where fear once lived. Let Your peace rule my heart and my home. Strengthen me to walk in the freedom You purchased for me. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

From Hate To Greatness

“Once again Leah became pregnant and gave birth to another son. She named him Judah, for she said, ‘Now I will praise the Lord!’” Genesis 29:35 (NLT)

One of the most painful places to face rejection is inside your own home. Some parents favor one child and ignore the other. Some marriages become distant and cold because of incompatibility. Some in-laws dislike their daughter-in-law or son-in-law. And sometimes, a person is rejected and hated without any reason at all. When that happens, life feels heavy, lonely, and unfair. But no matter the wound, the Bible always carries an answer.

I once knew a family where the husband was forced into marrying a woman he did not love. His heart was already given to someone else, but his parents emotionally pressured him because the woman they chose came from a wealthy background. He sacrificed his love and obeyed. But shortly after the marriage, the woman’s family lost everything. The very reason she was chosen fell apart. She was already unloved, and now she became a target for blame and humiliation.

Yet she bore him two beautiful children. Even then, I never once saw him proudly acknowledge her, take her out, or show affection. The children watched their father’s treatment and repeated it—speaking harshly, showing no respect, and wanting nothing to do with their mother in public or even at school meetings. Her husband, her children, and her in-laws mocked her. Still, she remained quiet, gentle, and patient, enduring everything with a smile.

Many years later, her husband fell critically ill, and she was the one who cared for him faithfully. Her service softened his heart. The woman once treated like nothing became respected, valued, and finally loved—not because people changed, but because she remained steadfast when everything inside her had reason to break.

This reminds me of Leah in the Bible. Jacob loved Rachel—not Leah. Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but was deceived by Laban and married Leah first. Later, after another seven years of labor, he finally married Rachel. Leah entered a marriage where she was not wanted, yet she longed deeply for Jacob’s affection. Every time she gave birth, she hoped love would follow.

When her first son was born, she named him Reuben, saying the Lord had seen her misery and surely now her husband would love her. When her second son came, she named him Simeon, believing that God heard she was unloved and answered. Then she bore Levi, hoping that this time Jacob would finally feel affection for her. But nothing changed. Time after time she hoped, waited, and longed for attention that never came.

Then something shifted inside of her. Instead of chasing love from a human heart, she turned her eyes toward God. She stopped waiting for Jacob to affirm her and started praising the Lord. When her fourth son was born, she named him Judah and declared, “Now, I will praise the Lord.”

Out of that moment of surrender and praise came greatness. Judah became the lineage through which kings were born. And generations later, Jesus—the Savior—came from the line of the woman who once lived in rejection.

God sees every tear you cry in silence. He hears the prayers you never say out loud. He knows the pain others overlook or even cause. But just like Leah, when you stop looking to people for validation and turn your heart toward God, something begins to shift. The same people who ignored or rejected you will one day witness the work of God in your life.

So let praise remain on your lips. You may feel unseen today, but God is writing a story where pain is transformed into purpose. From your rejection, God will birth something great.

Prayer:

Lord, help me turn my eyes away from the desire for human approval and teach me to find my worth in You alone. Heal every wound caused by rejection and replace it with Your peace and strength. Help me praise You in every season, and bring beauty from my pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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