Monday, August 3, 2026

Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 47-52 | Luke 24

Have you ever felt like you were waiting for someone to tell you it was okay to lead, speak up, try something new?

It's easy to spend our lives looking for permission from the people around us. We wait for approval before we move, hoping someone else's confidence will become our own.

In Luke 20, the religious leaders approached Jesus, hoping to trap him.

Luke 20:2
They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

They wanted credentials, an explanation, and a source they could approve.

But Jesus didn't build his ministry on human validation. His authority came from his Father.

The same is true for us.

If God has called you to encourage someone, serve faithfully, forgive generously, or use the gifts he's entrusted to you, you don't have to wait for everyone's approval before taking the next faithful step. Your purpose isn't rooted in human recognition. It's rooted in God's invitation.

That doesn't mean we ignore wise counsel or refuse accountability. God often speaks through trusted people in our lives. But there's a difference between seeking wisdom and depending on approval.

One draws us closer to God.

The other can leave us stuck, waiting for permission God has already given.

So today, take a moment to reflect: Whose voice shapes your confidence and direction? Are you waiting for someone else's approval before you step forward into what God is calling you to do? What would it look like to trust His invitation above all others?

When your identity is grounded in Christ, you can move forward with quiet confidence—not because everyone agrees with you, but because you're walking in step with the One who called you.

The world may ask, "Who told you that you could?"

God simply asks, "Will you trust me enough to go?"

Questions:
What holds you back from speaking up or leading where you feel called?

Whose approval or opinion do you tend to value most when making decisions about your purpose?

Next Steps:
Take a practical step this week, even if it feels small, to move forward in faith.

Share your intention with a trusted friend or mentor for encouragement and accountability.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling me and equipping me with gifts and opportunities. Help me to listen to your voice above all others. Give me courage to step out in faith, even when I feel unsure or unqualified. Surround me with wise counsel, and remind me that my identity and purpose are secure in you. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.