Daily Devotional
Are You Afraid to Trust God’s Will?
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:17-19
December 14, 2023
Ponder This
I read a young man’s poem about his commitment to Christ. He was devoted and steadfast in His words, ready to follow the Great Commission. He wrote about how God would equip him through His Spirit for the task to which He was called. He said he was a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. That is powerful.
We need church members like that. We need a pastor like that. We need a choir like that. The reason many of us do not know the will of God for our lives is we have not come to the recipe, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Until you’ve done that, don’t complain about not knowing the will of God. You say, “Well pastor, if I were to do that, no telling what He’d have me to do. He might send me as some missionary in Africa. He might make me marry some boring person.”
Don’t be afraid of the will of God. I love that Scripture says, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). That doesn’t mean you love God perfectly. None of us has ever done anything perfectly except sin. It’s not my perfect love for Him that casts out fear. It’s His perfect love for us!
- Why is it difficult for you to know God’s will?
- When was a time you sought God’s will? How did that approach change your perspective on daily life?
Practice This
Ask a pastor or Bible study leader how he or she seeks the will of God. Consider any principles he or she shares that you might follow.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
