Saturday, August 22, 2026

John 13:34
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

What if your next step is for someone else?

We've been praying for God to show us our next step and to help us see his vision for our lives, grow in our faith, and become more like Jesus. But what if part of that next step is less about what God wants to do through you and more about who God is asking you to love?

Because people can be easy to love … until they disappoint, hurt, disagree with us, or worse yet, see things differently than we do.

Jesus knew this firsthand. His disciples were incredibly different people with plenty of reasons to disagree, clash, and even turn against one another. Yet Jesus brought them together and taught them a better way. Their unity wasn't built on having everything in common. It was built on having Jesus in common.

Maybe that's the part God wants to grow in us, too.

We don't have to agree with everyone to be for them. We don't have to approve of everything someone does to treat them with dignity. And we don't have to pretend we're not hurt to choose love over letting that hurt shape who we're becoming.

As you spend time reflecting, don't rush past the question, "What's my next step?" Sit with it and ask God to show you where he wants to grow you and who he wants you to love a little more like Jesus loves you.

Because sometimes the next step in our faith isn't a bigger platform, a new purpose, or a major life change. Sometimes it's choosing to love instead of letting someone else's actions decide who we become.

What if your next step isn't just about getting closer to God? What if it's also about helping someone else experience his love through you - starting now?

21 Days of Prayer | Today’s Focus: To Grow in Faith 

Prayer:  
Dear God, I pray for individuals to understand your vision for their lives and to grow in the life-changing adventure of knowing you, finding freedom, discovering purpose, and making a difference. I pray for the courage to take the next step you have for me, and I pray for others - that they will see the next step you have for them so they can move forward on their journey with you. Keep our hearts open and ready for the growth you have in mind for us, even when it’s hard. Help us to trust you every step of the way. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

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