Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: 

Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Reflection:

Jesus, in His ministry, modeled the perfect example of both compassion and action. As He traveled through towns and villages, His heart was deeply moved by the suffering of the people. He saw them not just as a crowd but as individuals who were lost and in need of a shepherd. This compassion fueled His mission, leading Him to teach, heal, and proclaim the good news of the kingdom.

This passage challenges us to recognize the needs around us and act with the same compassion that Jesus showed. It also reminds us that the work is vast—“the harvest is plentiful”—but there is a shortage of workers. We are invited to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to send more workers into His field. The harvest represents those who are ready to receive the message of hope and healing, but without enough laborers, much of that harvest remains untouched.

Our Father knows best, and He calls us to be part of His solution. He desires not only that we pray for more workers but that we also answer the call ourselves. Whether through teaching, serving, or sharing the gospel, each of us plays a vital role in God’s mission to reach a world that is in need of hope and healing.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your compassion and love for all people. Open my eyes to see the needs around me, and give me the heart to respond with love and action. I pray for more workers in Your harvest field and ask that You guide me in how I can serve in Your kingdom. Use me to bring hope and healing to those who are lost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application:

	1.	Recognize the Need: Look around your community and notice those who may be spiritually or physically in need. Ask God to give you compassion for them.
	2.	Pray for Workers: Make it a habit to pray for more laborers in God’s harvest, especially in areas where the gospel is not well-represented.
	3.	Be a Worker: Actively seek ways you can serve, whether it’s volunteering, offering help to those in need, or sharing the message of hope with others.