This Week: Mar. 30 - Apr. 5
Wars and Rumors of War
In Matthew 24:3-14, Jesus speaks honestly to His disciples about the trials they will face—false prophets, division, suffering, and a world seemingly falling apart. Yet in the midst of His sobering words, Jesus offers something deeply hopeful: a path forward.
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars... but the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:6,13)
We often expect life and faith to progress in a straight line, moving from one victory to another. But the reality Jesus offers is far more truthful—faith includes valleys. Yet even in those valleys, especially in those valleys, Christ calls us to endure, to love, and to serve one another.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- The Valley of Despair is Real – Every journey of faith includes hardship, disappointment, and spiritual fatigue. Jesus tells us to expect it and gives us the tools to survive it.
- Don’t Panic—Be Still – When fear and uncertainty rise, we are called not to react hastily but to center ourselves in prayer and clarity.
- Do What You Can – Jesus reminds us that when the world feels overwhelming, our job is to focus on what we can control: love God, love our neighbors, and love ourselves.
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Naming the Valley
Scripture Reference: Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me."
Where in your life are you walking through a valley? Have you named it and brought it before God?
Action Step: Journal about an area of your life where you’re currently struggling. Offer it honestly to God.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me name my valley and trust that You are with me in it.
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me."
Where in your life are you walking through a valley? Have you named it and brought it before God?
Action Step: Journal about an area of your life where you’re currently struggling. Offer it honestly to God.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me name my valley and trust that You are with me in it.
Day 2: Endurance Through the Storm
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24:13
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
What does endurance look like in your life right now? How can you take one faithful step today?
Action Step: Choose one small but meaningful thing to do today—even if you're tired or discouraged.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, give me the strength to keep going, even when the road is long.
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
What does endurance look like in your life right now? How can you take one faithful step today?
Action Step: Choose one small but meaningful thing to do today—even if you're tired or discouraged.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, give me the strength to keep going, even when the road is long.
Day 3: Don’t Be Alarmed
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:10
"Do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you."
In chaotic times, it’s easy to become consumed with fear. How can you quiet the noise and focus on God's voice?
Action Step: Take 10 minutes today for silent prayer or stillness.
Prayer Prompt: God, help me hear Your calm voice above the chaos.
"Do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you."
In chaotic times, it’s easy to become consumed with fear. How can you quiet the noise and focus on God's voice?
Action Step: Take 10 minutes today for silent prayer or stillness.
Prayer Prompt: God, help me hear Your calm voice above the chaos.
Day 4: What Can I Do Today?
Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:35-36
"I was hungry and you gave me food... I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
Instead of focusing on what you can’t fix, what is one thing you can do today?
Action Step: Perform one act of kindness—send a note, offer a meal, make a call.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, guide me to someone who needs love today—and help me serve with joy.
"I was hungry and you gave me food... I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
Instead of focusing on what you can’t fix, what is one thing you can do today?
Action Step: Perform one act of kindness—send a note, offer a meal, make a call.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, guide me to someone who needs love today—and help me serve with joy.
Day 5: Holding On to Hope
Scripture Reference: Romans 5:3-5
"Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
How is God shaping your character through struggle? What hope are you holding on to?
Action Step: Write a prayer of hope for yourself or someone else and keep it where you’ll see it.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, grow hope in me, even in dark seasons.
"Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
How is God shaping your character through struggle? What hope are you holding on to?
Action Step: Write a prayer of hope for yourself or someone else and keep it where you’ll see it.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, grow hope in me, even in dark seasons.
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