Monday, November 24, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Luke 1
There are moments when we are reminded that purpose isn’t something we step into on our own. It’s something we grow into with the people God places around us. The burdens of shame, regret, and fear feel heavy because they were never meant to be lifted alone.
Romans 8:1-2
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Freedom isn’t something you earn. It’s something you receive. And when you receive it, you begin to walk, breathe, and believe differently. But here’s the beautiful and sometimes uncomfortable part: God rarely grows us in isolation. He grows us in community.
Your calling needs people. People who remind you of your identity when you forget, who speak life when the enemy whispers lies, who walk close when your steps feel unsteady. And often, that kind of growth unfolds when you take the first small, courageous step toward someone else.
I remember sitting at Panera one morning when I noticed a woman at a nearby table. I didn’t know her, but I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me: Lean in. Ask her how she’s doing.
Everything in me resisted. What if I’m wrong? What if she thinks I’m odd? What if this gets messy? But the prompting didn’t go away. So I took a breath, walked over as I refilled my coffee, and gently asked, “Is there something on your heart today?”
She exhaled in a way that told me she had been holding her breath for far too long. Tears filled her eyes. She whispered, “I’ve been asking God to help, I just didn’t know where to start.”
A simple question opened a door. A small step forward became a moment of freedom for both of us.
Sometimes the people God places in our path are carrying the same fears, shame, or questions that we are. And when we lean in with holy curiosity, the chains loosen. Healing comes, and purpose becomes clear.
Purpose is impossible without the right people. God knows who you need and who needs you.
There is no condemnation in Christ. None. True freedom begins with belonging to Christ, to his people, and to a story stronger than your shame and more powerful than your fear.
Questions:
Where are you trying to carry shame, fear, or regret alone instead of bringing it into the light of a trusted community?
Who has God placed around you that you may need to approach with curiosity, courage, or vulnerability?
How have you seen freedom grow when you’ve stepped toward others, or allowed others to step toward you?
Next Steps:
Reach out to one person God brings to mind, someone you trust or someone you’ve been nudged to check on. Send a text, make a call, or ask one simple question: “How’s your heart today?” Lean in and listen.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for reminding me that I was never meant to walk alone. Thank you for freeing me from condemnation and inviting me into a life of grace, belonging, and purpose. Help me recognize the people you’ve placed in my path and give me the courage to take the first small step toward deeper connection. Make me someone who speaks life, offers presence, and reflects your love. Lead me into the kind of community where healing grows and freedom deepens. I trust you with my journey. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
This post was written by Monique Myers, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.