December 26, 2022
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:23) ESV.
Often God will test us to see how we will react when put under pressure of tests. These tests can take many forms; what is essential is our reactions to them when they do come. So many people moan and complain because of their lot in life. Paul has this advice for us when facing tests in life, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22) ESV
Today’s Devotional Thought speaks of the parable of three servants and their reaction to the test their master set for them. They each reacted differently. The one talent that the unfaithful servant had was taken away and given to the faithful servant. The lesson Jesus wanted His Disciples to learn from this story is: “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Matthew 25:29) ESV tells us.
The faithful servant, like Caleb and Job, both had different spirits. They served God without abandon, not holding anything back. Through the good and the bad times, they were faithful. The result was that they were entrusted with great blessings. This is the key that we so often don’t get. Moreover, Job had to endure much suffering and hardships before God restored to him double what he had lost.
Friends, all that said, isn’t it our human nature to want everything and want it now? Are we kind of like the Israelite people who desired to return to Egypt when things got rough on them, believing that life would be easier there? Or do we remain faithful to God no matter how wild things may get? Would you join me in this Pray today?
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility and thankfulness today. You are showing me that perseverance and faithfulness are characteristics that You value highly. I want to be the kind of person to whom You can entrust blessings. Please help me to be faithful in the more minor things first. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Encouraging Words from Rick Warren: God's ultimate goal for our life on Earth is not comfort but character development. He wants us to grow up spiritually and become like Christ… Christlikeness is all about transforming our character, not our personality.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
Feedback, or Devotion Ideas? Send an email to info@wearethebridge.org
Download The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest devotions, blog posts, podcast episodes, and more as soon as they are published!
