Author: tommestevenson@gmail.com

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Living a Life of Thanksgiving

ThankslivingA Season of Gratitude

At Thanksgiving, we take time to thank God for all He has done in our lives—for family and friends, for food and shelter, and for the many blessings that fill our days. We express gratitude for His provisions, and then our minds often shift to Christmas and the celebration of His most incredible gift.

1 Corinthians 1:30, “Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate, and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.”

Thanksgiving is special because even the secular world pauses to give thanks for its blessings. If those who do not believe can express gratitude, how much more should we, who know the Giver of every good gift, overflow with thankfulness? Can you name even one good thing in your life that God did not provide?

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy.

Giving Thanks Beyond the Table

Take a moment—just a single moment—to revel in the miracle of your life. Before you eat, offer a prayer that comes from the depths of your soul and sincerely thanks the God who created you, wrote your story, and guided every step of your journey.

Sadly, after that moment of gratitude, most of us go back to our routines—overeating, socializing, and then falling back into the daily grind. But imagine if we could live in that moment of thankfulness every day. What if gratitude became the rhythm of our lives instead of an annual event?

God crafted us uniquely and perfectly for the journey ahead. Even though we see flaws, detours, and wrong turns, He sees the perfection of His plan unfolding. We often treat blessings as isolated events, but God views them as part of a continuous story—His ongoing work in our lives. He doesn’t simply check off answered prayers; He blesses us continually, if only we would notice. God lives in the moments.

James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Gratitude in the Hard Places

But what if your circumstances are challenging—if pain, conflict, or loss define your days? Remember this truth: If you’re still breathing, God isn’t done with you yet. As long as you have breath, you have purpose.

I’ve experienced dark seasons when the only thing that kept me going was knowing that God still had a purpose for me that day. I didn’t always understand what or why—but I knew it was bigger than my pain. I was committed not to meet Him in an incomplete state.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

The way to overcome your struggles is to immerse yourself in God’s overwhelming love. He draws close to those who call on Him in their distress. Every moment—yes, even the painful ones—is a gift and an opportunity to express gratitude to Him.

Isaiah 66:1-2, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Haven’t I made all these things? …These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.’”

Living With Kingdom Purpose

We live in a broken world that often produces bitter fruit. Some seem to endure more suffering than others. I don’t always understand it—not in my own life or in others’. But I know this: when I take my eyes off the eternal prize, the weight of the struggle increases. A life without purpose intensifies pain; a life with purpose can redeem it.

Knowing that each trial has a purpose in the kingdom gives me the strength to keep going. Moment by moment, I thank God that I am still standing—and that He’s not finished with me yet. That gives me meaning. And with meaning comes hope.

So, commit yourself to this truth: don’t face God unready. Live grateful. Live polished. Live prepared.

Revelation 7:12, “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

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Greatness: The Journey from Potential to Purpose

Not the Dreamers, but the doersGreatness. One of the images that haunts me every day of my life is that of the relentless, voracious doer of the impossible. My mind envisions the shadow of greatness; it longs to be in the presence of the world changers. I cannot fully describe the exhilaration of knowing that God has created creatures who have the potential to not only uplift those around them but also, from that nucleus, transform the world. Warriors— that word is not significant enough to define them.

1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

The fantastic part is that each of us was created with that potential. Each of us can burst into the night sky with meaning and purpose, a purpose that drives us to chase dreams beyond our wildest hopes. God made each one of us incredible.

Jeremiah 17:7-8, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear the heat; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

The Definition of Greatness

But we allow the world to redefine us. The world isn’t able to accept who we truly are. It wants to shrink us, mold us into something less. Greatness in others can be intimidating because it reveals raw power. We fear others will use it against us instead of for us.

In each of us, there is that still, small divine voice that pleads with us to unlock the power of our greatness. We can listen to the world and become swallowed up by its petty nature. Living a life of merely existing, never reaching our full potential. Or, we can seek the divine, step outside our comfort zone, and become who we were meant to be.

“Good is the enemy of great, and that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great.” – Jim Collins, Good to Great.

Isaiah 58:11, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

The Path to Greatness

Everyone desires greatness until they face the cost. Greatness involves sacrifices: time, rejection, sleep, doubt, anxiety, and pride. To reach true greatness, we must reject society’s narrow view of success, which often centers on money, power, position, or influence. Genuine greatness is characterized by humility, service, and sacrifice. It stems from our God-given passions. Stop depending on worldly success standards and look inward. Are you willing to risk everything for the fire in your soul, the idea you can no longer think about? Always choose the freedom given by Christ over mediocracy. Do what God has put inside you that brings you immense joy. What could you do that you might someday regret leaving behind? You could pursue this forever and still feel fulfilled.

James 2:17, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Don’t Just Be Great, Be a Legend

Do you want to become a legend, not just in name but in impact? It’s not vital that they remember your name, but that they remember who you were. They not only aspire to be like you, but they also want to pass on what you were to the next generation. God has given all of this. It’s yours to accept, not create. But it costs. The return on that investment is eternal presence in the perfection of God.

Don’t just be great—live a legacy. Let your greatness echo through eternity.

 

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Crushed but Not Broken

Shattered not brokenHave you ever felt like your plans were crushed, only to realize they weren’t broken but simply redirected for God’s purpose? Sometimes, God uses minor setbacks to teach us. This is a story of one such experience. Traveling internationally is always challenging. It’s not just about different languages and cultures; it’s also about everyday things like water and electricity. I was telling a friend the other day that I’ve never felt more entitled than when I stepped outside my environment into someone else’s.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This story illustrates how God uses a big problem for one person, and the solution then benefits someone else who wasn’t even involved at first.

Disaster in the Air

A laptop was crushed during transit—nothing serious, just an accident that happened at the worst possible moment. All of the documents and information needed to complete the mission were intact but unavailable. Work stopped. Plans were delayed. But God often hides His provision within our problems.

That same week, two young interpreters — twin sisters who were second-year college students — were busy helping the mission with translation and support. Both were intelligent, dedicated, and persistent, but neither had a computer, so using a borrowed computer wasn’t an option. They completed every school task and assignment on their cell phones. One was studying law, while the other was studying psychology. Their determination was inspiring, but their resources were limited.

Psalm 34:10, “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Disaster Opens Opportunity

Replacing the broken laptop opened a new opportunity. When shopping for a functional laptop to finish the mission, it was surprising to discover how affordable they were in this country. This realization would never have happened if the need for a laptop hadn’t been essential. It also brought to light the students’ needs.  What seemed like a problem turned into a chance to address a larger need. Losing one computer created space for two others to be used, allowing them to make a difference. What appeared to be a setback became an opportunity for growth.

Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done…”

Opportunity Guides Solutions

One laptop was purchased to complete the mission and then given to one of the twins, while the second laptop was bought simply because God made the need clear. Now, both twins had an essential tool that made graduating from college easier. The lesson wasn’t about losing or giving up—it was about trusting. The tool was temporary; the impact was eternal. God turns inconvenience into influence and frustration into fruitfulness when we let Him write the story.

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Did God turn to Esther to finish what Joshua and Saul left undone?

Esther and the Amalek'sDid God turn to Esther to finish what Joshua and Saul left undone? I love the story of Esther. Mordecai’s exhortation to Esther, “Who knows—perhaps it was for a time like this…” is one of my favorite verses. It reminds me to act even when the outcome is uncertain, as evidenced by his other statement, “Even if you now remain silent, relief and deliverance will come from another source.” I know I can either be a part of God’s plan for another, or God will choose someone else.

As much as I love the story of Esther overcoming all the obstacles in her life to act when destruction is almost assured, it is not the bigger story. Esther is a living illustration of 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient…”

The Start of Esther’s Story

The larger story begins nearly a thousand years earlier, when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. This marks the beginning of the Conquest of Canaan under Joshua, after 40 years in the wilderness (Joshua 3–4). The Amalekites had attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8), so God told Joshua, through Moses, to destroy the Amalekites.

Exodus 17:14-15, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as a reminder and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely erase the name of Amalek from under heaven. “

But Joshua didn’t; he allowed a remnant to survive. This remnant was a thorn in the side of the Jews for hundreds of years.

King Saul’s Disobedience

About four hundred years later, King Saul was instructed to carry out that judgment (1 Samuel 15:2–3). However, Saul’s disobedience—sparing King Agag—left the task incomplete. Samuel, the prophet, told Saul: “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:23) This declaration marked the start of the story of David and his struggle with Saul. That act of disobedience also caused ripple effects that lasted for generations.

Along Came Haman

Another six hundred years passed, and Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, an Amalek (Esther 3:1), appears. This isn’t just a minor detail in Esther’s story; it reveals Haman’s deep-seated hatred for Mordecai and everything he stood for. Since Haman was from the tribe of Amalek, this sets the stage for the story’s climax. I have always seen the story of Esther as one of an orphan who rises to become a queen and saves her people. While this is a fantastic story of God working behind the scenes to save His people, it is not the whole story.

The Destruction of Amalek’s

In Esther 8, Esther pleads with the King to undo Haman’s decree to kill the Jews. The King grants her request. This, for most purposes, would be the happy ending we all hoped for, but it is not complete. There is one more chapter. The King also decreed that the Jews could defend themselves against those plotting against them (Esther 8:9). When the day arrived, Esther got the King to extend the decree (Esther 9:9). The Jews killed seventy-five thousand Amalekites.

And Now Us

Many times, we may feel that God has forgotten us. We keep experiencing suffering. God’s timing is always perfect. There are lessons to learn and testimonies to share during dark times. When the right moment arrives, God acts. When He does, good things happen to those who love Him.

“When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that can make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.”—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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The Danger of a Single Story: Seeing People as God Views Them

forgiveness and understandingThe Trap of a Single Story

Have you ever been judged for just one mistake? A single weak moment that tainted an entire relationship. We’ve all been caught in someone else’s narrow story of us. We live in a world where it’s easy to judge quickly. One incident, word, or first impression can define our whole story. Scripture reminds us that people are more than the single stories we see.

1 Samuel 16:7, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Look at the lives of these four prominent characters that ultimately crafted the narrative of the Bible:

Rahab the Prostitute (Joshua 2; Matthew 1:5)

To Jericho, she was considered a prostitute. She was not only a woman in a male-dominated society, but her profession placed her on the fringes of civilized behavior. Yet, in God’s eyes, she was a woman of faith who sheltered spies and was a part of the Messiah’s family tree. A single story of sin was not her final story.

Like Rahab, Moses’ story demonstrates that one failure doesn’t invalidate God’s calling.

Moses the Murderer (Exodus 2; Acts 7)

Moses fled into the wilderness after killing an Egyptian. He lived a shepherd’s life, tending his father-in-law’s sheep. God rewrote his story: deliverer, prophet, lawgiver. The first impression did not define his purpose.

The story of Peter reminds us that even repeated mistakes can be redeemed.

Peter the Denier (Luke 22; John 21)

Peter was a mess. After three years of learning from Jesus, he still did not understand. Most remember him for denying Jesus three times. However, Jesus forgave him: “Feed my sheep.” He became the rock of the early church.

Paul began as an enforcer of the anti-Christ movement, but he was still part of God’s plan to redeem humanity.

Paul the Persecutor (Acts 9)

This is probably the most incredible story of all. Despite Paul’s career choices, God understood his heart. We know his early history of threatening Christians. He even held the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen. God transformed him into one of the greatest missionaries and writers in the New Testament. God’s story of grace replaced his backstory of violence.

The Problem with Partial Information

As humans, our understanding is limited by the physical world around us. The way we perceive life is shaped by our experiences and the constraints of the world around us. However, God is not bound by the physical laws He created; He is not constrained by the flow of time. We see moments. God sees lifetimes. We see a chapter. God sees the entire book. Not only that, but it is His story being told by Himself. Nothing is new or unknown.

“The proof of love is the willingness to listen.” – Mike Murdock.

When we face a hostile interaction, the outbursts or failures often stem from hidden causes like wounds, fears, or past experiences. There’s a story behind it waiting to be told. Those who offend us are often just trying to be understood. It is during those moments that we, as Christians, have an opportunity to reflect Christ. This is our chance to listen to their story.

James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

How God Calls Us to Respond

Look beyond the surface; do not let labels or single events define people in your mind. Ask yourself: What might God still be writing in their story? God uses every moment to shape us into the individuals He wants us to become. This interaction is not accidental. It is not just about them. It is meant to shape you. So, the first question is: What do You, God, want me to learn from this?

God calls us to extend grace to others as Christ did. Jesus saw potential in the Samaritan woman at the well, while others only saw shame. He offered her living water, not condemnation. He looked beyond the immediate encounter toward eternity. When emotions run high, can we look past the moment and focus on eternity?

The best approach is to let them tell their whole story. Giving them space to vent decreases tension and helps you gather your thoughts and calm your emotions. It also allows you to understand the background and the true origin of the interaction.

Remember how God writes new chapters in your life and the lives of others.

Practical Application

In business: Do not dismiss someone after a failure.

In ministry: Do not judge a seeker based on their past life.

Within family: Remember that even those who stumble can rise again by God’s grace.

Everyone’s story is never truly complete until God brings it to a close. Do not settle for just chapter one or even chapter ten. Trust that He is weaving redemption, even when all you see is brokenness. The danger of a single story is that it leaves no room for grace. However, God’s story always offers space for redemption.

Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

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To A Warrior Princess, My Undying Gratitude

Warrior PrincessTo my warrior princess, you know who you are. You have changed my life for the better and challenged me to be greater.

Yesterday I talked with a friend from Kyrgyzstan. She is only in her 20s—beautiful, intelligent, and motivated. A Christian, she recently moved alone to another Central Asian country to start a ministry that reflects her faith. She is a warrior for the Kingdom of God. She will make a difference in the world around her.

Romans 10:14-15, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” 

I Stand in Awe.

I stand in awe. The courage. The confidence. The selflessness. All gifts from God’s hand. And I wonder—what could my life have been like if, in my 20s, I had lived with that same boldness?

But here’s the truth: God creates each life uniquely. No purpose is more important than another. Impact doesn’t determine worth. God knows exactly what He is doing.

We are all created with purpose. Whether we cross borders to sow seeds of faith or quietly support a neighbor who feels overlooked, both leave a mark in eternity.

I am an engineer and a computer scientist at heart. Words are not my first language, they do reflect my experiences. Over the years, I’ve met people who will never have the material advantages I’ve had, yet they possess something far greater.

It’s a relentless determination to make a difference—a fire that cannot be bought or taught. It humbles me. I realize how insignificant my own achievements are compared to their faith, courage, and sacrifice.

Gifts

They remind me that God distributes gifts in different ways. He gives some people resources and others resilience. He calls some to build and others to go. Yet He invites all of us to make a difference where we are.

1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

No act is greater than another. Every gift counts. Every act of obedience echoes through eternity

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Where Were You?

Where Were YouWhere were you when My children were being murdered, raped, and starved? I gave you talents, resources, relationships, opportunities, and passion. I placed you in a world where you could flourish. As My chosen, I fed you, protected you, and surrounded you with abundance. And when My children cried out in need—where were you?

Isaiah 58:10, “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.”

The World Groans

The world groans under the weight of evil. This message is not for the lost, but for the found— for those whom God has blessed with safety, wealth, and comfort so they might care for those who have none. But we, the protected, have grown numb. We live such entitled lives that we fail to see the purpose behind the blessings God has poured upon us. We chase comfort, not calling; we protect our way of life instead of protecting life itself.

Luke 12:33, “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail…”

One day, when judgment arrives—and it will—I fear we will hear God’s voice echoing through eternity: “Where were you?” He will cry that His people—those He trusted with resources and influence—used them for comfort instead of compassion. They followed culture rather than Christ. They built bigger houses, bought faster cars, and stored up treasures on earth while His children went hungry.

The World At Large

Imagine being born into a world where a warlord raped your mother, where, as a child, you were forced to kill strangers, and where your sister died of hunger while you watched helplessly. You never knew love, never felt safety, never heard laughter that wasn’t born of cruelty. You look up at the same night sky we do, and you ask, “If there is a God of love, where is He?” And God cries out once more, “Where were you, My chosen people?”

Colossians 3:12, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

We send missionaries who talk about love, but the hungry wonder, “Where is it?” We parachute into their pain, bringing gifts and good intentions, then retreat to our comforts, convinced we’ve made a difference. Yet, all too often, we leave behind only disappointment— hope that flickered for a moment and then faded. They stay, still hungry, still hurting, still asking where God is— while we scroll, shop, and sleep peacefully.

Mark 10:21-22, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”

Where Were You?

1 John 3:17, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

Many faithful believers will one day stand before their Maker, expecting crowns and jewels, but instead meet a tearful God who asks, “Where were you when My people suffered?” Jesus said the poor will always be among us—not merely because the world is broken, but because He knew our comfort would be too precious to sacrifice.

“Whenever you serve others in any way, you are actually serving God.” — Rick Warren

So I challenge you: Travel to a place where the world is harsh and hope is fragile. Don’t go to preach—go to listen. Sit with them. Hear their stories. See the image of God in faces marked by suffering. Ask yourself what your life might have been if you were born in their village, not yours.

James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

If you do, and you truly listen, you’ll never see the night sky the same way again. You will understand why God still asks, “Where were you?”

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Are You in a Storm?

Great Storms Great BeautyIs today, this week, or this year overwhelming? Do you feel trapped, searching for a way out? We all face storms. Some are caused by our choices, while others are thrust upon us. The winds rage, the rains wash away what we cherish, and darkness presses in. Worst of all, it seems like the storm will never end. That is Satan’s lie. He wants us to believe there’s no way forward.

Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Your Life Is Priceless

Your life has priceless value. You bear the image of God Himself (Genesis 1:27). He designed you with gifts, passions, and potential that no storm can erase. The world and its voices try to diminish you, to reduce you to comparisons, trends, or failures. But God created you for eternity.

Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

I understand what it feels like to live in despair, weighed down by unmet expectations. The world claims that this moment of pain defines us — but it doesn’t. God has placed within each of us a unique design. Even our weaknesses are part of His plan, not to erase but to reshape for His glory.

When storms make you feel abandoned, remember: you are set apart, loved, and created for good works. God’s light in you is greater than the storm.

Romans 12:6, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

Your Calling

Your calling isn’t to become someone else’s definition of greatness, but to discover the greatness already inside you. Stop paying attention to the storm and start listening to the One who created you.

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

The way forward isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about serving others. When we invest in others, God’s love flows through us. Helping someone else helps us discover who He created us to be. That’s when storms lose their strength.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. And storms don’t last forever. Change the world, be the storm.

“Be the storm that’s relentless, not the one that passes by and is forgotten.” – Maya Angelou

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What If You Quit Before the 41st Day?

enduring until the 41st dayTroubles Are Inevitable

The Bible makes it clear: we will face troubles. Troubles are the natural result of a fallen world. Some come because of our faith—the world does not readily accept God’s Word. Others are self-inflicted, born of our own sinful actions.

No matter the source, everyone faces difficulties and setbacks. Yet Scripture assures us that our struggles are not unique—and that God will always provide a way to endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

That which is bitter to endure may be sweet to remember. – Thomas Fuller

The Biblical Pattern of 40 Days

Throughout Scripture, the number 40 marks a season of testing, waiting, or trial. But what comes after is just as important. On the 41st day, God’s faithfulness is revealed.

  • It rained for 40 days—and on the 41st day, the rain stopped.
    Genesis 7:12
  • Moses was on the mountain 40 days—and on the 41st day, he received the Ten Commandments. – Exodus 34:28
  • Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days—and on the 41st day, David struck him down. – 1 Samuel 17:16
  • Jonah preached to Nineveh for 40 days—and on the 41st day, God spared the city. – Jonah 3:4
  • Jesus fasted 40 days—and on the 41st day, the devil fled. – Matthew 4:1–2
  • After His resurrection, Jesus appeared for 40 days—and on the 41st day, He ascended to Heaven. – Acts 1:3

The pattern is clear: God shows up when the trial has run its course. Day 41 always comes.

Don’t Quit Before the Breakthrough

The psalmist reminds us:

Psalm 46:1–2, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

The rain will stop. The giant will fall. Redemption will come. But you must not give up on Day 40.

Your “40 days” may not be literal. It might last hours, weeks, or even years. But the principle remains: God is faithful, and His breakthrough is certain.

Your Personal Day 41

The question is: Do you have enough faith to believe it? Are you so deep in the storm that you can’t imagine an end—or do you trust the God who created the universe, who sent His Son for your salvation, and who promises never to leave you?

Day 41 is coming. Will you endure until it arrives?

Faith That Endures

The heroes of faith in Hebrews knew this truth.

Hebrews 11:35–39. “Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning,  sawn in two, and killed by the sword. Many went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. Others wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”

They endured without seeing the fullness of God’s promise—yet they were commended for their faith. How much more should we endure, knowing Christ has already secured the victory?

The Final Challenge

Don’t give up on Day 40. Trust that God is already at work. The storm will pass, the giant will fall, and your Day 41 is near. Stay faithful—because God always is.

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Cain and Abel: Effort vs. Obedience

Cain’s Offering: Effort and Achievement

Cain offered God the fruits of his effort. He cleared the land of rocks and thorns, plowed the soil, planted, watered, fertilized, and protected his crops. His offering was the result of sweat, discipline, and hard work.

Abel’s Offering: Trust and Obedience

Abel, meanwhile, brought the firstborn of his flock. He couldn’t control how the sheep grew or multiplied. He simply cared for them, led them to pasture, and trusted God with the rest. His offering wasn’t about effort—it was about obedience.

Hosea 6:6, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

The Contrast Between Effort and Obedience

That’s the difference: Cain gave what he produced. Abel gave what God provided.

We often adopt Cain’s mindset. We take pride in what we do “for God”—such as attending church, participating in small groups, going on mission trips, being generous, and involved in ministry. We count conversions, hours served, and dollars given. We create spiritual scorecards and secretly hope God is impressed.

But what He really desires is obedience.

“If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it.” – Henry Blackaby

Cain’s Reaction and God’s Judgment

When God rejected Cain’s offering, Cain became bitter. He felt ignored, even though he had worked harder than his brother. He wanted acknowledgment, but instead he heard these words:

Genesis 4:11 – 12, “Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground… When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

The skills Cain relied on became his source of frustration. The same thing happens to us. When we seek recognition through our efforts, our work can feel empty. Success might come, but our souls remain unsatisfied.

The Peace of Abel’s Path

Matthew 12:7, “And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”

Abel’s path appears different. Obedience brings clarity and peace. Those who walk in it know their identity and purpose. They don’t judge worth by results but by faithfulness. They understand that it is God—not them—who produces fruit and transforms lives.

God Works in the Small Moments

1 John 2:3-4, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

I believe God encounters us in the moments, not the milestones. He isn’t waiting to see if we cross the finish line first or win the trophy. He’s focused on the next step we take. Do we trust Him enough to obey, even when it feels small or unseen?

What looks like a “participation trophy” to us can mean everything to Him. It demonstrates consistency, trust, and obedience—faith lived out in everyday life.

Living It Out Today

So don’t worry about outworking everyone else. Focus on out-trusting them. Master the small acts of obedience God places before you. Leave the results in His hands.

Isaiah 1:19, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”

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