Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:21
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Reflection:
In this verse, we see the heart of God’s plan for salvation. Jesus, who lived a perfect, sinless life, took upon Himself the weight of our sin, so that we could stand before God as righteous. This ultimate act of love and sacrifice was not something we earned or deserved, but it was God’s plan from the beginning because our Father knows best.

God knew that we could not bridge the gap between our sin and His holiness on our own. So, He provided a way through Jesus Christ. When we accept this gift, we are no longer defined by our failures, but by the righteousness of Christ. This truth allows us to live in the freedom of God’s grace, knowing that we are fully accepted and loved by Him.

In moments when we feel unworthy or burdened by our mistakes, we can rest in the knowledge that Jesus has already carried our sin. Our Father, in His perfect wisdom and love, gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive—His righteousness, through Christ.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the incredible sacrifice of Jesus, who took my sin upon Himself so that I might become righteous in Your sight. Help me to live in the freedom and grace You have given me, and to always trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 63:1
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

Reflection:
There are seasons in life that feel like spiritual deserts, times when we may feel distant from God, weary, and longing for something more. In Psalm 63:1, David expresses his deep thirst for God while in the barren wilderness of Judah. Even in his isolation, he knew that only God could satisfy the longings of his soul.

In our own lives, we may experience times of dryness—moments when nothing seems to fulfill our hearts. It’s during these times that we must remember our Father knows what is best for us. He allows these desert moments to deepen our dependence on Him. When we seek God earnestly, our spiritual thirst drives us into a closer relationship with Him, leading us to discover His sufficiency and grace.

God is our living water in every wilderness, and when we seek Him with our whole being, He is faithful to refresh and restore us. Trust that even in your driest seasons, the Father knows best and is drawing you nearer to Him.

Prayer:
Lord, I seek You in the midst of my spiritual thirst. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, even when I feel like I am in a desert. Quench my soul with Your presence, and let me draw closer to You each day. Amen

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Reflection:
In a world often filled with uncertainty, it’s easy to lean on our understanding and attempt to navigate life’s complexities alone. Yet, our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, guiding us through faith, hope, and love.

Faith anchors us in the assurance of God’s promises. Even when life doesn’t make sense, faith reminds us that God’s plans are far greater than what we can see. Hope gives us the strength to press on, trusting that tomorrow will bring the fulfillment of His will. Love, the greatest of all, mirrors God’s own nature—unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal.

When we choose to trust in our Father’s wisdom, we recognize that love is the greatest gift He has given us. His love never fails, and it is through His love that we find peace in every circumstance. Let us walk in faith, hold onto hope, and share His love generously, knowing that our Father knows best, and His plans for us are rooted in love.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your infinite wisdom and love. Help me trust in Your guidance, walk in faith, and cling to the hope You’ve given me. May Your love flow through me, so that others may know You more. Amen.

May 11
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This verse from Isaiah is a powerful prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. It reminds us that God’s plan for our salvation was in motion long before we understood it. In His wisdom, God gave us the greatest gift—His Son, Jesus. Each title given to Jesus in this passage reflects the depth of His role in our lives and His perfect understanding of our needs.

Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, guiding us with wisdom beyond human understanding. He is the Mighty God, who holds all power and authority, capable of overcoming any challenge we face. As our Everlasting Father, He cares for us with unending love, never leaving or forsaking us. And as the Prince of Peace, He brings calm to our storms and peace to our hearts, even in the midst of chaos.

Our Heavenly Father knows best. He knew we needed a Savior, and He provided the perfect one in Jesus. Today, let us trust in His divine plan and rest in the peace that comes from knowing He is in control.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Help me to trust in Your perfect plan and to find peace in Your presence today. Amen.

Reflection:
Which of the names of Jesus resonates with you the most today—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace? How can you lean on Him in that role in your life right now?

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Galatians 1:15-16 – “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”

Paul’s words in Galatians remind us that God’s plan for our lives is established long before we are aware of it. From the very moment we were formed, God set us apart and called us according to His purpose. Paul’s experience shows us that God’s calling is not based on our merit or knowledge but on His grace and sovereign will.

When God reveals His purpose in our lives, like Paul, we are called to trust Him fully, without relying on the opinions or advice of others before moving forward. This doesn’t mean we disregard wise counsel, but it emphasizes the importance of first listening to God and aligning ourselves with His will. He knows best—His calling for us is unique, and His timing is perfect.

God’s revelation to Paul led him to preach to the Gentiles, a mission that might have seemed unexpected or unconventional. But Paul responded in obedience and faith, trusting that God’s plan for him was greater than anything he could imagine. Today, let this encourage you to trust God’s purpose for your life, knowing that He has set you apart and will guide you as you walk in faith.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my life. Thank You for setting me apart by Your grace and calling me to live out Your purpose. Help me to follow Your lead without hesitation, knowing that You know what is best for me. Amen.

Reflection:
Are there areas of your life where you hesitate to follow God’s calling? Ask Him for the courage and clarity to move forward, trusting that He has set you apart for a reason.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Isaiah 26:4 – “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”

When life feels uncertain, and circumstances seem beyond our control, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But Isaiah reminds us to place our trust in the Lord forever. Why? Because God is not just a temporary solution or a fleeting source of comfort; He is the Rock eternal—unshakable, unchanging, and ever-present.

God knows our past, our present, and our future. He sees what we cannot. Like a loving father, He guides us with perfect wisdom and understanding. Even when we don’t fully understand why things happen as they do, we can trust that He knows best. When we place our faith in His eternal strength, we can rest in the assurance that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Today, let go of your worries and anxieties, and trust that your heavenly Father is in control. His plans are perfect, His timing is flawless, and His love for you is endless. Remember, our Father knows best.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You fully, knowing that You are my eternal Rock. When my faith wavers, remind me of Your steadfast love and perfect wisdom. Amen.

Reflection:
Are you holding on to something that you need to release into God’s hands today? Trust that He knows what’s best for you.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Reflection:

Life often presents challenges that feel overwhelming. In moments of temptation, we may wonder if we can withstand the pressure, doubting our ability to resist or make the right choices. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and love, God reassures us that we are never alone in these battles. The temptations we face are not unique—they are common to all humanity. And more importantly, God knows our limits. He promises that He will never allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear.

Our Father knows best what we can handle, and in every situation, He provides a way out. This doesn’t mean the temptation will disappear, but that God will equip us to endure it. His faithfulness never wavers, and He offers us the strength to resist, the wisdom to see the way out, and the courage to walk through it. When we trust Him, we learn that even in the hardest moments, we are never without hope.

When temptation comes, remind yourself of this truth: God is faithful. He is with you in the struggle, and He will guide you through it. He always provides a path toward victory.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in the face of temptation. Help me to trust that You know my limits and will always provide a way out. Give me the strength to endure and the wisdom to see the path You’ve prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Reflection:

God’s heart has always been toward the vulnerable—the weak, the fatherless, the poor, and the oppressed. In His divine wisdom, He calls us to do more than just observe the struggles around us; He asks us to act. This calling isn’t a burden but a blessing. As we stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, we reflect God’s own character. He is the ultimate defender, provider, and rescuer, and He has equipped us to mirror that love in the world.

Living defensively as Christians doesn’t mean we are only guarding ourselves—it also means we are defending the helpless. When we offer a hand to someone in need, we are participating in God’s redemptive work. We become His instruments of justice, mercy, and love in a broken world. Our Father knows best how deeply we need community, care, and compassion. As we defend and rescue others, we fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives.

Today, ask yourself: How can I be a defender of the weak? Where can I offer rescue to the needy? Trust that as you serve others, God is not only blessing them—He is transforming you to become more like Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me how to defend the weak and care for the oppressed. Help me to see those in need through Your eyes and respond with compassion and boldness. May my actions reflect Your love and justice as I follow Your lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Reflection:

As we journey through life, there are moments when we wonder about the path ahead. Questions arise: Why am I here? What’s next? Will everything work out? These are the moments when we must remember that our Father knows best. Just as David reflects in Psalm 23, God’s goodness and love are not distant promises but constant companions. They follow us, pursue us, and surround us each day of our lives.

In the midst of uncertainty, we can rest in the assurance that our Father has laid out a perfect plan for us. Even when circumstances don’t make sense, God’s loving care is always at work. He knows the trials we face and the triumphs that lie ahead. His goodness is a guiding force, not only for today but for all our tomorrows.

When we fully trust that God is working everything for our good, we can let go of fear. He leads us, not just to provision and peace but to an eternal home with Him. Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is more than a future hope—it’s a present reality. As His children, we are already embraced by His eternal love, right where we are.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant goodness and love that follow me each day. Help me trust in Your perfect plan for my life, knowing that You know best. Guide my steps and remind me that I am always held in Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.