November 1

My mind has turned to the upcoming holidays. I have been working on some special Advent lessons to share, and every time I go through these teachings I am struck anew at how God has worked through each generation.

The story starts at the creation of the world. We see where sin enters in and how God revealed his plan to his people for a Messiah that will reconcile them to himself. We see different patriarchs of our faith stumble and fall in their human efforts to make God’s plans come to fruition. And we see that when the Messiah does appear, most people didn’t recognize him.

Sometimes we are blinded by our circumstances. We miss God working in our lives because we don’t recognize his voice and because we aren’t listening for him. Consider how Israel had God as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night to lead them out of captivity in Egypt. They were surrounded by the presence of God, yet they were blinded by fear when they saw Pharaoh in pursuit.

Let’s decide in our hearts to trust in him who led his people out of danger in spite of their fear and disbelief. We will be tried in this life, asked to step out in faith, but God will be with us through all.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness in my weakness. Help me to recognize your presence in my life because I want to see you, love you, and choose you everyday. Give me the strength to follow you when I am afraid of my circumstances. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.