Thursday, November 19, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 10-14 | 1 Thessalonians 3

My family has a rich history, thanks to the thirteen siblings in the Cephas family. One such story is how my great-grandfather, Papa Josiah, secured one of the largest farms in Maryland. 

He and his family lived on and worked the land, and the owner's daughter wanted Papa Josiah to have it when it went to auction. I always thought the woman told him to bid, and she would lend him the funds until he could pay it back. It turns out Papa had plenty of money, but since 1930s Maryland wouldn't allow a black man to bid at auction, she had bid in his place. 

My family still owns that land to this day.

Our country has many stories of someone taking action to remove an obstacle instead of passively offering encouragement like, "Maybe things will change," or "That’s just how things are,” or even, "I'll pray for you.” Last weekend’s featured movie, Hidden Figures, is a great example of how to take this kind of action in support of others. 

The film paints a vivid picture of just how much the real-life characters and others in our history endured before someone with the power to make a difference took action.

Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Sometimes, serving someone means giving them something. But sometimes, it means getting something out of their way. Al Harrison, Katherine’s boss in the movie, finally did that for her. Once he fully understood her worth and the barriers she needed to break through, he realized he was the key.

Think about your church, workplace, family, and community. Someone in that circle is someone you believe in, value, or need, but life is pushing back on everything you know they are worth. Consider your influence. Your step of action may look like an introduction, a conversation, a recommendation, or having the courage to speak up on their behalf. 

Maybe you had an easy time finding your place in life, or perhaps you struggled and made it by grit alone. That's your story, but it doesn't have to be theirs. Don't confuse equality of opportunity with equality of access. The greatest contribution of your experience may be helping someone else reach their unimaginable possibilities.

You have the key. Why is the door still locked?

Questions: 
Who opened a door for you that you couldn't open on your own?

What obstacles can you remove for someone simply because it's the right thing to do?

What authority do you possess today that can alter someone's tomorrow?

Next Steps: 
When someone is in need, pray for them, but also ask yourself what actions you can take to make a difference.

Reflect on your experiences and guide someone with your advice and knowledge as they work through their struggles.

Introduce someone to people who can advocate for them and make changes in their lives. Groups are a great way to do this.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, I am blessed by the people you've placed in my life to guide, encourage, and fight for me. Help me use my influence to do the same for others. Give me the courage to act when I know you've equipped me to make a difference. I know you are with me and cheering me on as I do what I can today to create opportunities for tomorrow and future generations. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Acts 17:28
“For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”

Written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.