Category: Devotionals

Imagine packing up everything you own and leaving your home with no map, no itinerary, and no clear destination. It’s a terrifying thought, isn’t it? Yet, this is exactly what God asked of Abram in Genesis 12:1. He didn’t give him step-by-step instructions; He simply said, “Go to the land I will show you.” Abram had no clarity, no details, just a command and a promise. In a world obsessed with certainty and control, this can feel unsettling; the journey of faith isn’t about clarity; it’s about trust.

What is it about the past that pulls us so strongly? Even when God calls us out of it, we find ourselves tempted to turn back. Lot’s wife looked back at a city steeped in sin and destruction—a city where her daughters were nearly violated by an angry mob. Why would she long for that? The Israelites, too, looked back at Egypt, craving the food of their enslavers. And perhaps you’ve done it too—nostalgia rewriting the past, making you question if obeying God was the right choice.

Have you ever hesitated, not because you didn’t believe God, but because stepping into the unknown felt overwhelming? Lot found himself in that very place. He knew Sodom was doomed—he even tried to convince his sons-in-law to leave. Yet, when it was time to go, Lot hesitated. Not because he doubted God, but because Sodom was his home, the life he had built. The uncertainty of what came next made him linger, and it almost cost him everything.

Isn’t that just like us? Leaving the familiar, even when it’s not good for us, can feel terrifying. An abusive relationship, a toxic work environment, or even an unfruitful habit can feel safer than stepping into the unknown.

Can I tell you something? Your future is far more beautiful than your past. But here’s the catch: to step into that future, you have to let go of the past. We often miss the new things God is doing because our eyes are fixated on what’s behind us. Like someone driving forward but staring into the rearview mirror, we miss the signs of God’s movement all around us. He says, “See, I am doing a new thing!” But the question is, do you see it?

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’” – Mark 4:35 (NIV) As the sun sets on this final day of the year, we find ourselves standing on the brink…

The enemy’s tactic of intimidation is nothing new, and Nehemiah knew that well. His opponents hoped that if he became afraid, he would falter and the work would stop. Yet, Nehemiah didn’t let his fears make the decisions; instead, he prayed for strength and refused to let fear determine his actions. This bold move teaches us that though we may feel fear, we don’t have to obey it. Fear is a choice we make, but faith is a choice we can make too. Nehemiah’s discernment was rooted in his firm trust in God, reminding us that we don’t have to let fear rule.

Slander is one of the enemy’s sharpest tools, often aimed at undermining our character and motives. When Nehemiah’s enemies failed to distract him with “peaceful” meetings, they turned to another weapon: false accusation. Sanballat’s letter, filled with vague accusations, claimed Nehemiah had ambitions to make himself king and that his work on the wall was merely a path to rebellion. Nehemiah’s steadfast response teaches us that sometimes, when the enemy’s initial distractions fail, he turns up the pressure with lies designed to cause us to stumble.

Distractions are often subtle. They can come disguised as good intentions, urgent demands, or even seemingly noble causes. But in Nehemiah 6:3, we see a man who understood the value of focus. He was doing a “great work” for God, and he knew that any detour—no matter how harmless it seemed—would draw him away from his purpose. Nehemiah didn’t simply dismiss the invitation from his enemies once; he resisted it four times. Each time, he stood firm, reminding himself that his commitment to God’s work was far more important than any outside influence.

Nehemiah’s ability to discern the true intentions behind Sanballat and Geshem’s invitation was crucial. Their invitation sounded innocent, maybe even friendly, but Nehemiah knew better. He recognized that not every open door is from God, and not every kind word holds good intentions. His example shows us the importance of discernment: seeing situations, people, and decisions through God’s eyes rather than through outward appearances alone. This kind of spiritual insight comes when we draw close to God, allowing His Spirit to guide our hearts.

Nehemiah’s life and leadership provide us with a powerful example of generosity in action. Even though he had access to significant resources through the king’s provisions, Nehemiah didn’t take more than he needed or keep anything for personal gain. Instead, he regularly hosted 150 people at his table, ensuring everyone had enough. He could have chosen personal profit, but he understood that real blessing lies in giving, not receiving. His actions reveal a heart focused on serving others rather than being served.