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Daily Devotion – A Real Difference

“On that day I will deal differently … where my people live … so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people.” – Exodus 8:22-23 NIV

In many ways, believers are just like nonbelievers. We all are human beings and go through the same kinds of challenges. As Jesus said, God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45).

The message is simple: Believers are not superhuman. We all are just “jars of clay.” All our abilities are gifts from God (2 Corinthians 4:7).

This is true so nonbelievers can look at our lives and see the difference that God makes and turn to Him. Faith and belief sustain us. We can be transformed by Biblical principles. Anyone can know God. Anyone can be forgiven. Unbelievers can also see why we need to be born again.

Yet, as He sent plagues in Egypt, God promised to “deal differently” with regions where His people lived. This was to “make a distinction” between His people and others, making sure there was no question that He was God, and they were His.

He was demonstrating that there are ways in which God treats His people “differently.” The fact is that we are different because of our relationship with Him. He makes the difference.

Today, seek the differences that God can make in your life. Apply the principles in His Word. Pray. Commit your needs to Him. Get to know Him more intimately. Be filled with His Spirit. Trust Him.

Prayer: Father, help me today. May others see the difference You make in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading: Exodus 8

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Daily Devotion – Fragile Clay Jars

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

Paul confirmed this fact: Each of us will face various challenges. Some will be simple. Others will be complex. Some will be easy. Some difficult. We might have physical or financial needs or face stress on the job. We may experience conflicts in our relationships. Problems will continue even after we commit our lives to Jesus.

How do we react to this news? Unable to find solutions, we might feel like quitting or giving up. If we don’t reach our goals, we might feel discouraged or deserted or like failures. Our resources can seem too small. Our adversaries may seem too big.

As Paul told the Christians in Corinth, we should not be surprised by these experiences. We aren’t superhuman or infallible but just earthen vessels, like fragile clay jars. Instead of having all the answers, we might feel perplexed about what to do or feel pressured to do the right thing.

These are moments when we become conscious of our weaknesses and our need for God. In fact, in those moments we should turn to Him, confident we can depend on Him. We need to realize that He has everything we need.

If you experience challenges or go through difficulties, remember that you can depend on God. Don’t be discouraged, afraid, or worried. And don’t feel defeated. Call on God right now. He will not leave you. You can trust in Him!

Prayer

Father, thank You for the victory I have through Jesus. I will not be defeated or discouraged but hope in You. I praise You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

2 Corinthians 4