October 28, 2026 · 5:44 AM

When God’s Delayed

Do you ever stop to think how we’ve built our lives on getting things quickly? Mail was too slow and now you can send an email to get it to them in seconds. You can call someone on the other side of the world and talk instantly. You could hop on a plane and be there within a few hours to see them face to face. We have Ubers and Cybercabs that will pick us up in a matter of minutes to take us where we want to go. We can have groceries delivered within the hour without having to go to the store. Even Amazon next day delivery was too slow. Now they’re delivering your goods by drone same day. It’s no wonder we don’t like to wait and run out of patience when we do have to.

In Daniel 10 he had received a disturbing vision from God and asked for understanding of it. He fasted and prayed for three weeks without an answer. It was then that an angel visited him to bring him an answer. In verse 12 the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer” (NLT). The very first day he prayed, God heard him and sent the answer on its way. However the angel bringing the answer was opposed in the spiritual realm. I believe because Daniel kept praying, even though he didn’t receive an answer instantly, the angel was able to battle through and bring the answer.

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” When we’re used to getting things instantly, it’s easy to give up on prayers when God doesn’t answer right away. However, don’t give up. Keep praying. Depending on what or who you’re praying for, it may be years. Don’t stop. Wait patiently for the Lord. He heard your prayer the first day that you prayed it. We can’t see what’s going on in the spiritual realm nor can we truly understand God’s timing. What we do know is that your prayers are heard by God the first day you say them. I want to encourage you today to not give up in the waiting. Keep knocking, keep seeking and keep asking because to the ones who knock, doors will be opened. To the ones who continue to seek, they will find. It’s the ones who keep asking that get their answers even if they are delayed by our standards. Be brave. Be patient and keep waiting.

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October 27, 2026 · 5:52 AM

Training For Godliness

When I go into the gym, I see lots of people training. Some are on treadmills, some are pulling weights with a harness and some are lifting weights. In order to grow stronger, people do reps or repetitious movements with the weights. Then they do sets of those reps. It’s visible who has been doing it for a while. However, one of the crazy stats I read said that over 60% of gym memberships are never used. People sign up with good intentions, but find reasons not to go. They like the result of the reps and the idea of someone who trains, but when it comes to showing up, doing the reps and building their strength, they’re not willing to go through what it takes.

In 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Paul wrote, “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. ‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come’” (NLT). When he says, “Train yourself to be godly,” he uses the word gymnazo, which means to exercise and to discipline and condition yourself like you would at a gym. He’s telling us we don’t grow stronger in our faith by arguing with people. Instead we grow strong through repetition of spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading our Bible and using the gifts God’s given us. It isn’t easy and it will cost you something to train yourself to be godly.

Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” The writer reminds us that being disciplined is costly and unenjoyable at times, but it produces the strength we need. Like doing reps in the gym, we must be repetitious in our obedience, our surrender to the Spirit over our flesh and in our disciples. The good news is that there are blessings promised to us for sticking with it. We reap the harvest of spiritual growth, spiritual strength and living the way God asks us to. Don’t give up in your training or make excuses why you can’t today. Keep training for godliness.

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October 26, 2026 · 5:40 AM

Staying Moldable

When’s the last time you played with Play-Doh? It may have been a while, but I bet you can still smell it. One of the best things about it is how moldable it is. You can mash it, roll it, shape it and start over. I remember watching the commercials of all the different molds they had. Kids would put the Play-Doh in the mold and it would come out in the shape of the mold. Another great thing is that as long as you keep it in the environment it was created to be in, it will last a long time. However, if you leave it out, it will get hard and crusty. Once it is no longer mold able, the only thing to do is to throw it away. It’s no longer useful.

In Jeremiah 18, God had the prophet go to the house of a potter. Like Play-Doh, the clay is moldable until it is placed in the fire. In verse 3-4 Jeremiah says, “So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over” (NLT). God then reminded the people the He is the potter and we are the clay. He can mold us and shape us as long as we are willing. However some refused to submit to the potter to be shaped by Him. They wanted to choose their own destiny. They became like Play-Doh that had been left out of the canister. They brought disaster on themselves until they would repent.

Isaiah 64:8 says, “And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.” How moldable are you in the Father’s hands? Are you fighting for your own way or are you submitting to what He wants to do? He has a purpose and a plan for your life. We stay moldable by surrendering to His will for our life. The center of His wheel is like being in the center of a potter’s wheel. It’s where the potter can take out what doesn’t belong and He can create a masterpiece. Take time today to pray letting God know that you submit to His plan for you. Let Him know you are willing to be shaped by Him. After all, He is the potter and we are the clay.

Photo by Meruyert Gonullu from Pexels.

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October 23, 2026 · 5:10 AM

Ready For Opportunity

I’ve always heard it said that if you wait until opportunity knocks to get ready, then you’ll miss it. How many conversations have you walked away from saying, “I wish I had said this instead of that?” The Bible tells us to be ready always to give an answer to those who ask about the hope that lives in you. Are you ready to give your testimony? Are you ready to help someone in need if God asked out of you? What do you need to do to be ready for whatever opportunities God places in front of you? Be ready the next time God gives you any opportunity to build and strengthen His kingdom by preparing today.

Here are some Bible verses on being ready for opportunities:

1. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10 NKJV

2. As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 GNT

3. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity], And the idle person will suffer hunger. He who keeps and obeys the commandment [of the LORD] keeps (guards) his own life, But he who is careless of his ways and conduct will die.

Proverbs 19:15-16 AMP

4. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

5. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6 NLT

Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

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October 22, 2026 · 11:16 AM

God Of The Impossible

Have you been in an impossible situation where the only way through it was if God intervened? I have too. As I think about those times, I can recall those times when God miraculously showed up and made a way where there appeared to be no way. I can also think of the times where He didn’t show up and rescue the way I wanted Him too. In those times, my faith had to override my feelings. My trust in Him had to be greater than my pain or sorrow. Just because He didn’t intervene, it didn’t mean He was unable. I still choose to trust Him when I need the impossible to happen.

In 2 Kings 6-7, the city of Samaria was besieged by the Syrian army. The people in the city were running out of food, and some had turned to cannibalism. The King became angry at God and blamed Him for their situation. He went to kill Elisha, but Elisha said that on the next day there would be so much food that it would be cheap. The king’s servant said that was impossible and couldn’t happen even if God sent food from heaven. That night, the Syrian army heard the Egyptian army was coming and fled leaving all their food and supplies behind. There was more than enough food for the entire city as Elisha had predicted.

I don’t know what impossible situation you’re facing, but I do know that God is more than able to meet it. In Matthew 19:26, Jesus said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Everything is possible! Even what you can’t imagine or see. God can make streams in the desert, He can part the Red Sea and He can meet your need. Instead of being angry at Him or declaring that not even He could make a way, put your situation and trust in Him. He is more than able to do the impossible if only we will believe. If for some reason, He doesn’t intervene the way you want, it doesn’t change who He is. Continue to put your faith in Him. He is the God of the impossible.

Photo courtesy of Troy Olson on Unsplash.

Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

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October 21, 2026 · 5:35 AM

A Lifeline Of Encouragement

When you’ve been through something tragic or life altering, you begin to hear lies in your mind disguised as the truth. One I heard was, “You’re the only one who has ever gone through this.” While it was true that no one had been through my exact circumstance, others had been through similar. That lie isolates you. It says that no one can understand you, feel your pain or be able to help you unless they’ve been through that exact thing. Because I’ve heard and experienced those lies, I’ve confronted them in others as I’ve sought to bring them encouragement. The devil roams like a roaring lion seeking to isolate you so he can devour you. There’s strength in receiving and giving encouragement to others to fight off his attacks.

In Luke 22 Jesus knew that Peter and the disciples were going to go through a traumatic experience. He also knew Peter was going to betray Him and feel unworthy to serve Him anymore. In verses 22-23 Jesus told Peter, “Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has demanded permission to sift [all of] you like grain; but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith]” (AMP). What would become Peter’s lowest point in his life, would be the exact thing God would use to qualify him to encourage and comfort others.

Isaiah 35:4 tell us, “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you’” (NLT). Each of us holds a lifeline of encouragement in our hands. Each of us have needed encouragement and also have the ability to encourage. This verse tells us we need to speak up when we feel that prompting. Your words of encouragement may be the faith boost they need to remember that God sees them and has not abandoned them. He is coming to save them and will not leave them helpless.

Photo by Viktoriia Ananeva on Unsplash.

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October 20, 2026 · 5:30 AM

Measure Every Moment

One of the things I’ve noticed is that in our most painful or stressful times we quit looking at the bigger picture and focus on the moment. In the most difficult time of my life I would watch the clock tick away and think, “If I can make it through this minute, I can survive.” When the second hand reached the 12 again, I would repeat it. I was focused on surviving the minute, but also forgetting where my help comes from. When things are hard our perspective gets really narrow. Part of that is a defense mechanism, but also I feel like it’s a distraction from our enemy. If we can stay focused on our problems, then we won’t focus on God who already has a plan to work things out.

In Ruth 1, Naomi had to leave her home because of famine. While living outside of the country, her husband died and then both of her sons died too. Realizing she couldn’t support two daughters in law, she tried to send them to their families. However, Ruth stayed with her for the return to Bethlehem. When they arrived, Naomi was greeted with excitement by friends. Naomi said to them, “Do not call me Naomi (sweetness); call me Mara (bitter), for the Almighty has caused me great grief and bitterness” (AMP). She was so focused on her bitterness she forgot to trust God’s plan. He would restore joy, restore land, give her a grandson, kings in her lineage and ultimately our Savior.

In Psalm 90:12 Moses wrote, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (NLT). Moses was asking God to help him evaluate life correctly and to give him the wisdom to measure his moments through the lens of eternity. It’s a great prayer each of needs to adopt as our own. Life is full of painful moments and joyful ones too. The moment you’re standing in may require every effort to survive, but remember it won’t stay like this. We are eternal beings in physical bodies. What we are experiencing now is temporary. As we go through these cycles, gain wisdom where you can and remember to measure every moment through the lens of eternity.

Photo credit: Anton Darius on Unsplash.

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October 19, 2026 · 5:51 AM

Beyond Expectations

Several years ago someone told me about a person who found a million dollar supercomputer for sale for $100,000. The only catch was that it wasn’t working. He decided to buy it anyway, have it repaired and then sell it for a profit. He found a person who could do the job and they told him it would be $100,000 to get it working. The man thought of the $800,000 profit and promptly agreed. The repair man went to the computer, opened it up, flipped one of the hundred switches inside and powered up the computer. He turned to the owner and asked for payment. The owner was angry over the simplicity of the solution and how much he was having to pay, so he demanded an invoice for the work performed. The repair person wrote, “Flipping Switch – $1,000. Knowing which switch to flip – $99,000.”

In 2 Kings we meet a man named Naaman. He was a commander for the Aramean army’s, but had leprosy. He had a servant girl from Israel that they had captured who told him about the prophet Elisha an how he could heal him. When he showed up at Elisha’s door, Elisha refused to come out or accept his gifts. Instead he sent his servant out to tell him to dip seven times in the Jordan River. He was angry and said he expected the prophet to wave his hand or pick a better river, but his men reasoned with him that if Elisha had demanded something complicated, he would have complied. So they went to the river and he dipped under seven times and found his healing.

In Isaiah 55:8, the Lord said, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (NLT). How many times have we expected God to have us do something complicated with our lives? Most often He’s simply looking for us to be salt and light where we are right now. It may not appear glamorous or that it will change the world, but God looks for simple obedience. He doesn’t work the way we think He should. He actually works the way He knows is best. Instead of seeking something greater, choose to be great where He has you. When we submit to His plan, He does more than we can imagine.

Photo by Na Inho on Unsplash.

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October 16, 2026 · 5:30 AM

Stand Firm

Just before paul tells us to put on God’s armor, he tells us to stand firm. That idea of standing firm is given to us several times in the Bible because of how much pressure is applied to us to give up territory God has given us, to move off of standards God has set and to give into temptation. Putting on God’s armor daily helps us to stand firm. We must also be rooted and grounded in His Word in order to resist the urge and pressure to surrender ground. As we’ve seen in Scripture from Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego it can be costly to stand your ground. Like Jesus, we must think of the joy set before us to endure the pressure of the moment. Don’t give in. Keep standing firm.

Here are some Bible verses on standing firm:

1. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold [tightly] to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 AMP

2. So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 AMP

3. It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NLT

4. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

5. Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks.

Ephesians 6:10-11 GNT

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October 15, 2026 · 5:30 AM

Praying Continually

Do you know what the least attended event at churches is? The prayer meeting. Almost every church I know of provides a day and time to meet to pray. There’s hardly ever more than a handful of people who attend it. I grew up with a pastor who would say that prayer is the wheels of any church. If the people aren’t praying for the church, it isn’t going anywhere. Pastors also need you to pray for them. They come under attack more than just about anyone because they are the shepherd of the flock. If the shepherd is hurt or destroyed, it will affect the whole flock. So whether you attend a prayer meeting or not, be praying for your church, its ministries and its ministers.

The Early Church was built on prayer. When Jesus told the disciples to go to Jerusalem to wait on the promise, the disciples and others didn’t just sit around and wait. They began a prayer meeting that lasted ten days. It was on the day of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit fell on them and for the first time, people had the Spirit of God living in them. Immediately around 3,000 people were saved and the Church grew. Even with the rapid growth, the disciples continued to give themselves to constant prayer. In Acts 6:4 they said they needed to devote themselves to prayer and teaching the Word. They understood the need for prayer in the Church and all throughout the New Testament, believers were encouraged to pray for their needs and the needs of the Church.

In Ephesians 6:18, right after Paul gives us the Armor of God, he said, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (NLT). Part of the armor is prayer. It is a covering for you and other believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. How often do you pray for yourself, your family, your church or your leaders? If you haven’t gotten in the habit of it yet, start today. Take time to call out their names before God and ask Him to cover them with His protection, to guide them with His Spirit and to bless the work of their hands. We all need prayer, and we need to be in prayer. Whether you have the gift of intercession or not, you are still called to pray at all times and on all occasions for all believers.

Image created by Grok

Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

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