Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
December 13th 2022

Faith Dares – Continue to Believe

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

Bible Reading: Acts 16:16-34

Tests, trials and challenges are inevitable in life, and as believers, they are meant to strengthen our faith. God allows them purposefully to teach us faith and prove our dependence on Him. Without the test, the quality of our trust in God cannot be proven. Judges 3:1-2 says, “these are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.”

In our Bible reading today, Paul and Silas, though born again and Spirit-filled, faced challenges. It was not because they sinned; in fact, it was for the cause of the gospel that they were stripped and beaten with rods. They were persecuted because they delivered a girl who had an evil spirit. The doctrine that because you are a Christian, you will not experience challenges in life is not scriptural. Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT). The confidence we have is that, amidst tests and trials, we are more than conquerors, for He has overcome the world. His assurance is that He is right there with us. God is with us through the thick and thin of life, for “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”. He assures us a safe landing in life’s rough journey as we hold onto Him in faith. Though Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they praised God. They never allowed their situation to distract their attention away from Jesus. They were confident in God, and God showed himself strong in their situation. After the miraculous deliverance, their faith was strengthened, and through their experience, the jailer and his household were saved.

Dear friends, are you going through some difficult moments at the moment? Know that you are not alone- for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Helper, is right there with you. Hold onto Jesus because He won the victory on your behalf at the cross. No matter the situation, remember “all things work together for the good of them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Self-Reflection: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops. James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Faith dare: Believe God’s assurance of His presence in whatever situation you face

Daily Confession: I believe God’s Presence is with me; I choose to do what pleases Him, and I look unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. Thank you, God, for comforting me in the situation/challenge I found myself. Help me, Lord, to trust You that You are with me in Jesus’ name.

Intercessory prayer: Choose someone you know needs deliverance and pray for them.

Hymn: Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you; God will take care of you; Through ev’ry day, o’er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you.