Acts of the Apostles 14:20

Trauma plays a major part in shaping our character. Whether good or bad, there are lessons that we can extract from each experience. Sometimes the effects can linger and negatively impact us and our relationships. Speaking from personal experience, trauma can also be used as a tool to position us for triumph. In this devotional, we will explore components that resonated with me as I navigated my own healing.

God created people so we could enjoy intimate fellowship with Him and give Him the praise and recognition He deserves, but we messed things up. Through Adam, sin entered the world and separated all of us from God. Imperfect, limited people, we are helpless to undo what sin has done, but God is not! For generations, His rescue plan remained a mystery, but now it’s been revealed.

Follow Jesus and you’ll face hardship. It was true of the early disciples. It will be true for you. This 5-day plan uses Acts 14 as a guide for living for Christ when hardship comes. It continues a journey through the book of Acts, the Bible’s gripping sequel of Jesus at work in the life of his followers as he expands his kingdom to the ends of the earth. It’s a journey on what it means to be a Christian. It’s a story in which you have a role to play.

What does it look like to follow Jesus? How can we express our love through obedience? Focus on knowing and loving Jesus more. See also "Jesus, I Want to Love You" (companion prayer) by Thistlebend.