Isaac Boluwatise

Move Forward in Faith

October 31st, 2024

Scripture: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13–14

Reflection: In Philippians 3:13–14, Paul revealed his relentless faith. It was to press toward his heavenly goal in Christ. He admitted he had not arrived yet but stressed the need to keep moving. Paul’s focus was forward; he refused to dwell on the past. He strained toward what God had for him.

Setbacks can freeze us in life. We may fixate on past failures or missed chances. These will, however, chain us and keep us from God’s plan for the future. Paul’s example shows us the power of letting go. The past does not shape our future—God’s call does.

Moving in faith means trusting God’s promises. It means stepping out, even when the path is foggy. We won’t always grasp what lies ahead. But we can trust God is guiding us toward His purpose. Instead of fearing the past or the unknown, let us push on. We fix our eyes on the eternal prize awaiting us in Christ.

Prayer: “Lord, help me release what’s behind. Give me the strength to press on toward what You have planned. Grant me the courage to move forward in faith, trusting You are leading. Amen.”

Action Step: Identify where you have been stuck. Take a bold step today, trusting that God is guiding you forward.

Recommended Readings: Isaiah 43:18–19, Hebrews 12:1–2
Let Go of Control

October 30th, 2024

Scripture:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Reflection:
Letting go of control is a prominent battle we fight. Proverbs 16:9 reveals that while we plan our path, God establishes our steps. We crave control, crafting plans and steering decisions. We long to command life. Yet, this verse urges us to loosen our grip and trust that God knows the way.

This does not mean we abandon our goals. But we must see that God’s wisdom towers over ours. While we think we know best, it helps to remember God sees the full picture. His plans may not agree with ours, but they are always the best. Trusting Him requires humility and faith. Even when we don’t understand, He leads with purpose.

Surrendering control is not weakness. It’s bold trust. When we yield, we declare that God’s ways exceed ours. Letting go frees us from anxiety and the pressure to know it all. We rest in the peace that God is in charge and guiding us toward the light.

Prayer:
“Father, I lay my plans in Your hands today. Help me trust Your higher ways. Lead me for my good. Teach me to let go and trust You with my future. Amen.”

Action Step:
Identify where you have clung to control. Pray and release it to God today.

Recommended Readings:
James 4:13-15, Luke 22:42
Embrace the Process

October 29th, 2024

Scripture:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

Reflection:
Paul drew a sharp contrast in Romans 8:18, setting current suffering against future glory. Paul spoke from experience—he knew pain, persecution, and hardship. Yet, he counted these trials as nothing compared to the eternal glory awaiting God’s people. This does not remove the reality of hurt that comes with current challenges but shifts our perspective. While life may hurt now, God’s plan leads us to joy and, ultimately, an eternal one.

This verse calls us to embrace the growth God brings through our current struggles. Each trial moulds us for what’s ahead. Every hardship purges our faith like gold refined by fire. The challenges serve as stepping stones. The “glory” Paul mentioned speaks to the completion of our salvation. It also refers to every manifestation of God’s power and presence along the way. It marks our ongoing transformation into the likeness of Christ until we fully reflect Him. The journey may be challenging, but it’s rich with God’s grace.

When trials hit, we should change our questions. Instead of asking “why,” we should ask “what.” What is God teaching me? What areas of my character need refining? Focusing on the eternal gives us hope, knowing that God is shaping us for His glory.

Prayer:
“Lord, give me strength to embrace the journey, even when it passes through suffering. Fix my eyes on the eternal glory You are forming in me. Fill me with patience as I endure life’s trials toward perfection and completion. Amen.”

Action Step:
Identify a hardship you are facing. Ask God how He is refining your faith through it.

Recommended Readings:
James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 4:18
God Is the Master Planner

October 28th, 2024

Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Reflection: We quote Jeremiah 29:11, often for comfort, but its context unlocks deeper meaning. God gave this promise to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon–a season of intense suffering and doubt. They were far from home, cut off from the temple, and reeling from the consequences of their rebellion. Yet, amid their pain, God spoke words of hope. His plan was not for immediate rescue but for eventual restoration after 70 long years. His promise was not a quick fix, but a pledge for their future and lasting good.

This reveals a vital truth about God’s plans. They often unfold slowly, far beyond our timelines. We crave quick fixes and instant blessings. God’s work, however, follows a different rhythm. His promise to give us hope and a future does not exempt us from trials. The promise only assures us that, in the end, God’s design leads to our highest good. Whether in seasons of waiting or hardship, we can trust God as the master planner. He is good at crafting every moment into His greater purpose.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being the architect of my life. Help me trust Your perfect timing, even when I don’t witness immediate change. Shape my heart with patience and deepen my faith as I wait for Your plans to unfurl. Amen.

Action Step: Write down an area in your life where you wrestle with timing. Reflect on how God might be using this season to carve out His greater purpose.

Recommended Readings: Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 5:3-4
Trusting God in Difficult Times

October 27th, 2024

Scripture: “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.” Romans 8:28

Reflection: It is reassuring to grasp. Romans 8:28 reveals that God orchestrates all things for our good. This is true regardless of the situation. This promise, however, does not imply that life will glide by without difficulties. The phrase “in all things” shows that God’s plan holds life’s highs and lows. Paul assures us that God takes even the worst moments and weaves them into His greater purpose. The “good” He works toward may not be quick or obvious. The “good” refers to our spiritual progression—our transformation into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). it refers to the fulfillment of God’s eternal purposes.

Trusting God’s unseen work is challenging, especially when life feels confusing. We may not see or understand what He is doing, but faith calls us to cling to His promises. Joseph’s betrayal and Moses’ exile seemed like non-fulfillment and failure, but God was quietly fulfilling His plan. In the same way, God is working in your life, even in the most challenging times. Trust Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me lean into Your unseen hand in my life. In moments of doubt, stir my heart to remember that You always weave all things for my good, even when I cannot grasp it. Fortify my faith and plant peace within me as I rest in Your plans. Amen.

Action Step: Reflect on situations where you wrestle with trusting God. Release them to Him in prayer today, trusting He is already shaping them for your good.

Recommended Readings: Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 37:5