Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 1-4 | 1 Thessalonians 1

My daughters are some of the greatest joys in my life. They are strong, loving, and sassy women. Being a parent is an amazing gift, but it can also be extremely challenging.

During their teenage years, my once-adoring daughters couldn’t seem to stand me. All of a sudden, I received eye rolls and looks of disgust, which left me feeling so defeated. I desperately wanted to be a good mom, but it felt like I was failing. 

Unfortunately, we all feel this way at times. We try to love others and serve them well, but we run into obstacles, like miscommunication, fear, prejudice, jealousy, chaos, or so many other things.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus experienced the same hurdles we deal with today. Our perfect Savior came to earth to save us from our sins. He showed everyone unconditional love, teaching, spending time, healing, and pointing them to God. Yet the Pharisees hated him, and some even wanted to kill him. Jesus was lied about and accused of falsehoods. Even his closest friends betrayed and abandoned him. Eventually, he was murdered.

Despite knowing what was going to happen to him, Jesus kept showing up, serving, and loving difficult people. Thankfully, we have been blessed with the Holy Spirit to help us show up with a heart like Jesus. He is working through us, especially during the tough times when it seems like we aren’t making a difference.

Galatians 6:9
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

My daughters are in their thirties now, and we have a good relationship. A couple years ago, one of them shared something that blessed me more than she could ever have imagined: “Mom, do you remember when we went through that really hard time? I want you to know, I always knew you loved me.” 

Even when we don’t realize it, we are making a difference. Even when it seems hopeless, God is working through us in ways we’ll never know. God wants us to use our gifts to do our part, but we also have to trust him to do his.

Questions: 
What obstacles are you facing when using your gifts to serve others?

How does Galatians 6:9 encourage you?

What can you do the next time you face obstacles in serving others?

Next 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.

Once you know your Purpose, Personality, Passions, and Place, use your spiritual gifts to serve and encourage others.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, I love and adore you. You are such an amazing God. Sometimes, it is hard for me to stay upbeat and positive, especially as I run into obstacles when I am trying to love and serve others. Help me to be patient and trust you when I am discouraged. Remind me that you are working, and fill me with hope and perseverance during these difficult times. I know you can handle everything I’m going through, so I surrender it to you. I can hardly wait to see what you will do. I worship and praise 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 Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.