Daily Devotional
God Always Gives More
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
February 10, 2024
Ponder This
There was a pastor I knew who said, “You know, God never did give me anything I ever wanted.” Right away, that sounds kind of strange because this was a man who served God all his life and had a fruitful ministry. He went on, “God didn’t let me go to the college I wanted to go to. God never let me pastor the church I wanted to pastor. God didn’t even let me marry the woman I wanted to marry.” His wife is sitting right there. You talk about a guy who was digging a hole deeper and deeper. But then he gave a big smile and said, “God never did give me anything I ever wanted, but He always gave me something better than I ever wanted.” Isn’t that beautiful?
God didn’t give us what we wanted; God gave us something better than we wanted. Paul wanted to go to Bithynia, and into Asia, but the Holy Spirit said, “I want you to go over to Greece. I want you to go over to Macedonia.” (See Acts 16:6-10.) And God opened up all of Europe for the preaching of the Gospel because He was supernaturally building His Church.
- When has God worked differently than you expected?
- When do you struggle to trust what God has for you? How can you trust Him more?
Practice This
Pray and ask God to help you trust Him in the areas where His plans for you are different (and better) than yours.
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.’”
