Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Matthew 11:25 – “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’”

Reflection:

In this verse, Jesus praises God for revealing His truths not to the “wise and learned,” but to “little children.” This is a powerful reminder that God’s wisdom often transcends human intellect and pride. The “little children” here represent those with childlike faith—those who humbly trust in God and are open to His guidance without trying to control or outthink Him.

We live in a world that celebrates human knowledge and achievement, but Jesus shows us a different path. God’s greatest truths—about love, grace, and salvation—are not grasped through cleverness or academic prowess. They are revealed to hearts that are simple, open, and ready to trust.

This teaches us a vital lesson: the key to understanding God’s will and purpose is not found in striving for worldly wisdom, but in coming to Him with humility. When we approach God with the innocence and trust of a child, He opens our eyes to His deeper truths, giving us peace and understanding beyond what the world can offer.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Your truths to those who come to You with a humble heart. Help me to approach You with childlike faith, setting aside my pride and intellectual striving. Teach me to trust You fully, knowing that Your wisdom is greater than anything I can imagine. Open my heart to receive Your guidance today. Amen.

Takeaway:
Today, embrace childlike faith. Trust God’s wisdom, even when you don’t fully understand it, and He will reveal His deep truths to your heart.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

Reflection:

As we go through life, we often make our own plans, set our own goals, and chart our own paths. It’s easy to believe that if we work hard enough, we can control our future. But the wisdom of Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that no matter how many plans we make, it is ultimately God’s purpose that prevails. His ways are higher, His knowledge is greater, and His love for us is deeper than we can comprehend.

God’s guidance comes through discipline and advice, as Proverbs 19:20 teaches. Sometimes, we need correction or a nudge to stay on course. These moments can be uncomfortable, but they are expressions of His care. When we accept them, we grow in wisdom and align ourselves more fully with His will.

Life might not always go according to our plans, but we can take comfort in knowing that God’s purpose is perfect. His path for us may not be the easiest, but it is the best. Trusting in His guidance and sovereignty brings peace, especially when we face uncertainties or detours.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing what is best for my life. Help me to listen to Your voice, accept Your discipline, and seek wisdom in all things. Even when my plans fall apart, remind me that Your purpose prevails. Teach me to trust in You fully, knowing that Your love and guidance will never fail me. Amen.

Takeaway:
Today, embrace the wisdom that comes from trusting in God’s purpose. Even when your plans change, remember that His plans are always for your good.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

In life, we often face situations that shake us—whether it be trials, uncertainties, or fears. It’s during these moments that we are reminded of a comforting truth: our Father knows best. He is our rock, steadfast and unshakable. No matter what comes our way, God remains our fortress, shielding us from harm and providing the strength we need to endure.

When the path ahead is unclear, we can take refuge in the knowledge that God is in control. He is not only our protector but also our deliverer. In Him, we find safety, hope, and a stronghold that nothing can penetrate. Whatever battles we face, our Father has already equipped us with His salvation and guidance.

Today, rest in the truth that God’s ways are higher than ours. Trust His timing and His plans, knowing that He is always working for our good. Let your heart find peace in His strength, for our Father knows what we need before we even ask. His wisdom and love will carry us through every storm.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my rock and fortress. I trust in Your wisdom and guidance in all things. Help me to lean on You and remember that You know what’s best for my life. In Your name, Amen.

May 26
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Job 5:17
“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”

Reflection:
Discipline can often be difficult to accept, yet Job 5:17 reveals a profound truth: we are blessed when God corrects us. His discipline is not meant to harm us but to shape us, guiding us back to the path of righteousness. Just as a loving parent corrects their child to help them grow, our Heavenly Father corrects us out of love, molding us into the people He created us to be.

When we face God’s discipline, it’s easy to feel frustration or even resistance. But if we trust that our Father knows best, we can embrace His correction as a sign of His care for us. His discipline brings us closer to Him, refining our hearts and drawing us deeper into His love.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your loving discipline and correction. Help me to see Your guidance not as punishment but as a blessing that leads me closer to You. Teach me to embrace Your discipline with a willing heart, knowing that You are shaping me for Your purpose. Strengthen my faith in Your wisdom, and may I always trust in Your loving care. Amen.

Challenge:
Today, take a moment to reflect on any area of your life where God may be correcting or guiding you. Instead of resisting, open your heart to His discipline and seek to understand the lesson He is teaching. Trust that His correction is part of His perfect plan for you.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Romans 1:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Reflection:
In a world that often challenges or dismisses the message of the gospel, Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16-17 is a powerful reminder for us to stand firm in our faith. The gospel is not merely words; it is the very power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. It reveals the righteousness of God, a righteousness that we can only receive by faith.

Living by faith means trusting in God’s plan and power, even when the world around us doesn’t understand. It means we are not ashamed to declare the good news, because through the gospel, God’s love, grace, and salvation are made available to all. Our Father knows best, and He has given us the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of the gospel that brings salvation to all who believe. Help me to never be ashamed of this truth and to live boldly by faith, trusting in Your righteousness and plan for my life. Let my life be a reflection of Your grace and love, and may others come to know You through the power of Your gospel. Amen.

Challenge:
Today, reflect on what it means to live by faith. Share the gospel with someone in your life, whether through words or actions, and trust that God will work through you to reveal His righteousness.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture:
Romans 6:13
“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”

Reflection:
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the freedom He has given us—freedom from sin and the old ways that once held us captive. Romans 6:13 is a powerful reminder that our lives are no longer meant for sin, but for righteousness. Our Heavenly Father, who has brought us from death to life through His Son, calls us to offer ourselves fully to Him.

Every part of who we are—our minds, hearts, bodies, and actions—are meant to be instruments for God’s purpose. When we surrender ourselves to Him, He can use us to reflect His love, truth, and grace in the world. No longer slaves to sin, we are transformed into vessels of righteousness, bringing glory to the One who gave us life.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for rescuing me from sin and bringing me from death to life. I offer myself to You today, every part of who I am. Use me as an instrument of righteousness for Your kingdom. Help me to turn away from anything that pulls me back into sin and to live in the freedom and purpose You’ve given me. Amen.

Challenge:
Today, think about an area of your life where you may be holding back from God. Surrender it to Him and ask Him to use you fully as an instrument of righteousness in His hands. Trust in His perfect plan for your life. 

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture:
James 1:4
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Reflection:
There are seasons in life when we face challenges and trials that test our endurance and faith. In those moments, it can be tempting to seek a quick escape or solution, but James 1:4 reminds us of the importance of perseverance. Our Heavenly Father knows that through these trials, He is shaping us into the people He desires us to be—mature, complete, and lacking nothing.

God’s process of refining us often takes time. He allows perseverance to have its full effect, not to harm us, but to equip us with the strength, faith, and wisdom we need. Every challenge, when entrusted to His care, is an opportunity for growth and transformation. As we trust in our Father’s timing and purpose, we can rest in knowing that He is working all things for our good.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for walking with me through every trial and challenge. Give me the strength to persevere, knowing that You are using these moments to mature and complete me. Help me to trust Your process and Your purpose, even when it’s difficult. May my faith grow deeper as I rely on You each step of the way. Amen.

Challenge:
Today, reflect on an area in your life where you feel weary. Instead of seeking an immediate way out, ask God for the perseverance to see it through. Trust that He is using it to strengthen and mature you.