daily devotional

A girl who is going to do big things cannot let small things get to her. A girl with good plans ahead of her, like the ones God has for you, must stay focused when the world tries to distract and discourage.

Out of my 16,320 days of life so far, about 99% of them have had something seemingly wrong in them. Something that wasn’t right, something that wasn’t fixed, something still uncertain. And in these less than perfect circumstances and undone details, there was always something bigger at work.

You may not see it right now, but in the middle of your mess and right in the midst of all that still isn’t right, there’s something bigger at work. God’s plans for your life are unfolding, and the unfolding doesn’t wait for perfect timing and calm seas. It doesn’t wait for the storm to pass and the path to be clear. Nope, it happens right here, right where you are in the chaos. Right here is where God’s good plans for you are developing.

Your job is to not be brought down by all the little things the world throws at you. The evil one works through distraction even more than mass destruction. He knows destruction brings us to our knees and that’s really the last place he wants us to be, so instead he distracts us. Distraction keeps us busy. Distraction keeps us wound up. And distraction keeps us from doing the very things we are here to do. Distraction has us chasing shiny objects instead of walking boldly through open doors.

What little things have been distracting you? What have you allowed to creep in and disrupt the next steps you know you should be taking? What little things have been getting to you, stealing your peace, robbing you of joy, and stripping you of your power?

You have a decision to make right now. Will you be distracted or will you be determined?

Will you be distracted by all that isn’t right, all you wish you could change, all you’re not satisfied with, and all you don’t currently have? Because if you are, understand what you’re missing. You’re missing the unfolding of better things God has for you. You’re missing his divine plans. You’re missing his cues that guide you exactly where you should go.

If you will instead be determined, you will receive it. You will receive his guidance. You will receive his strength. You will receive his peace. You will receive his goodness.

While David was under attack, surrounded by enemies and everything going wrong as he ran for his life hiding in the mountains, he writes the book of Psalm, a journaled prayer of ups and downs.

Psalm 27:13 he says “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

This, while he is hiding from his enemies. This, while he is under attack. This, while everything has gone wrong. Here he is harnessing his thoughts and making his mind be obedient.

Is that what you need to do? Do you need to make your mind be obedient? Do you need to get your thoughts back in alignment with God’s truth? Do you need to be determined here instead of distracted?

One translation of David’s prayer says “still I believe.” He’s just poured out his heart to God about how his enemies are closing in and things are getting worse, and he then says BUT STILL I BELIEVE. Still I believe I will see the goodness of God in my life.

Maybe there’s a declaration of “still I believe” you need to make today. Here, while things are still uncertain. While there’s a whole lot you don’t know, will you still believe? Will you be determined in what you know to be true? Will you stand firm on the promises of God? Will you stay focused and refuse to back down?

We received some seemingly devastating news yesterday. News that made my world stand still for a minute and left me speechless. News of something we can’t control and honestly I don’t even know how to pray about. Thoughts of worst case scenario came flooding my mind at a rapid pace and in an instant I saw how this could all play out into something tragic. This is a time for a STILL I BELIEVE prayer.

I believe I will see the goodness of God in my life. I believe he will use this harm for good. I believe his plans are better and bigger than my plans and he will work every detail together for more than I could have ever imagined. I believe his good plan for my children. I believe he sees it all, knows it all, wasn’t surprised by this news and is already working in the middle of it.

I won’t be distracted. I have work to do. I have a purpose to fulfill. I have beauty to behold and blessings to share. I am determined to stay focused through this. Still I believe!

Won’t you join me in that? Won’t you declare with me that you will not be distracted? Won’t you commit now to staying focused by harnessing your thoughts and making them obedient? Won’t you stay focused on your mission and remain grounded in your truth?

The evil one works in distraction. He knows the power your focused faith in action can bring and he trembles thinking you might march right through this. Tremble on Satan, we’re moving forward!

God’s plans for your life are unfolding. Good is developing here. Don’t miss it because of the small things that have gone wrong and the threats of bigger things going even worse. Be determined. Remain confident.

I will not be shaken, I will stand on the Rock.
I will not become discouraged, I will dig deep and move forward with courage.
I will not be disheartened, God holds my heart.
I am not overwhelmed, I am covered by the almighty.

As the storm rages on, as enemies close in, as bad news is delivered, as things fall apart … STILL I BELIEVE.
I believe I will see the goodness of God in my life.
I believe his bigger plans are unfolding.
I believe he can use all harm for good.
I believe he knows, he cares, and he is in action on my behalf.
On your behalf.
Here, now, today.

Still, I believe.