Daily Devotion - February 6, 2023

Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:31-32)

We can make terrible decisions that damage us and those around us. A pastor friend went down such a path. It started as he began viewing the Bible as more a cultural document of human invention, rather than as the inspired Word of God. That led him to question Christ’s ministry just as Simon Peter did.

The questioning led him to honor only the parts of the Bible that he liked in the moment. The results destroyed his marriage, his ministry, and most that was dear to him in life. 

He walked away from God, but the Lord was not done with him. On a “recreational trip” to the Holy Land, he confronted the realities of faith and began to “thirst again for God’s Word.” That Word led him back to the God in whose grace there was pardon, new life, and renewed ministry – a ministry even more committed to the necessities of grace. 

If you’ve hit rock bottom, don’t believe that means God is done with you! The darkness may be closing in, but you’re not abandoned. The Lord who spells out unchanging truth in his Word, is also saying, “Here’s my heart for you.” In that heart of grace is pardon and new life through Jesus Christ.”

If such wandering from the Word marks you today, may God lead you through his Word and back to his heart!

Prayer: Father, when I feel hopeless and far from you, please help me to find strength and comfort in your Word that promises your pardon, presence, and plan is never far.