The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Faith in the Storm
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
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born on this day in 1809 in a humble log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. His life was marked by hardship, loss, and challenges that would have broken many men. Yet, through it all, Lincoln leaned on faith, wisdom, and perseverance to guide a divided nation through its darkest hour. Coincidentally, my great-grandaunt Lovina was born on the same farm in 1850, a reminder of how history intertwines with our own lives in unexpected ways.
Reflection
Lincoln once said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." Throughout his presidency, particularly during the Civil War, he wrestled with decisions that would determine the fate of a nation. The weight of leadership, the loss of his son Willie, and the immense suffering of the American people led him to rely on God more deeply.
A powerful sermon illustration comes from Lincoln's own habit of prayer. One evening, a White House staffer found him kneeling, Bible open, whispering prayers. When asked about it later, Lincoln replied, "I have been driven to my knees many times by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."
Like Lincoln, we often find ourselves in situations where human wisdom falls short. We may face personal trials—illness, grief, financial struggles, or uncertainty about the future. It is in these moments that Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to place our full trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on our own understanding. When we acknowledge God in all things, He promises to direct our paths.
Application
Lincoln's faith was not just a private sentiment but a guiding force in his leadership and decisions. His reliance on prayer and Scripture teaches us an important lesson: we are not meant to navigate life’s storms alone.
1. Seek God in Difficult Decisions – When facing challenges, turn first to prayer rather than relying on your own understanding.
2. Lead with Humility – Lincoln's leadership was marked by humility and a willingness to listen. In our families, workplaces, and communities, we should do the same.
3. Trust God’s Plan – Even when the path seems unclear, God is working. Like Lincoln guiding a nation through war, trust that God is leading you through your personal battles.
Conclusion
Lincoln’s life reminds us that true strength is found not in our own might, but in surrendering to God’s wisdom. He was a leader who trusted God in the darkest of times, and his faith sustained him through great trials. Today, as we remember his legacy, let us also reflect on how we can deepen our own trust in the Lord, acknowledging Him in all our ways.
Prayer
Gracious Father, Thank You for the example of Abraham Lincoln, who led with faith and wisdom even in the face of great trials. Teach us to trust in You with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. When life’s burdens grow heavy, remind us to fall to our knees in prayer, just as Lincoln did. Guide our paths, Lord, and help us to lead lives of humility, faith, and perseverance. 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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