The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
When Things Fall Apart
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Introduction
Life is full of inconveniences, many of which catch us off guard. A coffee pot breaking down in the early hours can throw off an entire morning routine. Such moments remind us of how much we depend on things to work as expected. Today's verse challenges us to examine our reliance—not on things, but on God.
Reflection
Picture this: You wake up, craving the warmth of a morning brew. You press the button on your trusted coffee maker, but instead of the familiar hum, there's silence. Frustration sets in. Suddenly, a mundane tool’s failure creates chaos. Isn’t it remarkable how reliant we become on things working as planned?
In the same way, our spiritual lives can falter when we depend on our understanding rather than God’s guidance. Life’s “broken coffee pot” moments—unexpected trials—challenge us to trust Him even when plans go awry.
A pastor once shared a sermon illustration of a time his car broke down on the way to an important meeting. Stranded and stressed, he prayed, asking God for help. To his surprise, a stranger stopped to assist. The man turned out to be someone who needed encouragement and prayer himself. The breakdown became a divine appointment for both.
Like that pastor, we may not understand why things go wrong, but God sees a bigger picture. When life’s appliances—literal or metaphorical—fail, they create opportunities to rely on God and discover His unexpected provision.
Application
1. Pause and Pray: When frustrations arise, take a moment to breathe and seek God’s guidance instead of reacting in frustration.
2. Trust in His Plan: Remember that disruptions are often opportunities for God to work in and through you.
3. Extend Grace: Use these moments to practice patience and kindness, reflecting Christ’s love in your response.
This week, as you go about your routine, reflect on how you respond to small inconveniences. Can you see God’s hand even in the disruptions?
Conclusion
A broken coffee pot may seem trivial, but it’s a powerful metaphor for life. Things break, plans change, and we often feel out of control. Yet, when we trust God with all our hearts, He transforms our frustrations into blessings, showing us paths we might never have chosen on our own.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, thank You for being our constant in a world full of uncertainties. When life doesn’t go as planned, help us to trust in You rather than our understanding. Teach us to see Your hand in every circumstance, even in the small frustrations of daily life. May we glorify You in our response and grow closer to You in our reliance. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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