Friday, November 13, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Hosea 1-7 | John 20

If our lives had a movie trailer, the final cut would probably be the big moments: the exciting milestones, the unexpected plot twists, and the moments when things finally start to come together … until they twist again!

But here's the thing - our lives aren't shaped by a handful of big moments. Thousands of ordinary choices shape us, many of which happen when nobody is watching. In these moments, we might hold the door for someone with their hands full, choose to respond kindly to a frustrating email, or pick up that stray piece of trash instead of walking past it. Or maybe it's small daily habits, like making your bed, checking in on a friend, or putting your phone away at dinner. Sometimes, it's choosing patience when we're stuck in traffic or when a loved one tests our nerves. None of these will ever make a highlight reel, but they definitely shape who we become.

The same is true of our faith. Spiritual maturity doesn't happen overnight or come from one emotional Sunday morning. It develops as we choose to follow Jesus day after day. Every time we make room for prayer, open Scripture, worship when we don't feel like it, extend forgiveness, practice generosity, or obey God when it's difficult, we're growing.

Because the truth is, we need to train ourselves to live a godly life. Just as physical training requires consistency and commitment, growing spiritually requires us to keep showing up.

1 Timothy 4:7-8
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

It's easy to underestimate the little things because we want to see big results. But God often does some of his greatest work through the small, seemingly insignificant decisions we make every day.

So don't overlook today's opportunity to grow. You don't need a dramatic turning point or a perfectly scripted life. Just take the next faithful step. Then take another one tomorrow.

Because big transformation is usually the result of small acts of faithfulness repeated over time.

Questions:
Where have you seen small, faithful steps make a difference in your life or someone else’s?

Is there a daily choice you tend to overlook that could become an act of faithfulness?

Next Steps:
God has a bigger purpose for you - and discovering it starts with small, faithful steps. Take your next step by joining Your Purpose at GrowthTrack, a three-weekend, in-person experience that will help you see how your unique place, personality, and passions come together to reveal the purpose God created you for.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being present in the ordinary moments of my life. Help me to notice the small opportunities to be faithful and to trust that you are working through every choice I make. Give me strength to take the next step, even when it feels insignificant. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. 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 Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.