Devotion for Tuesday, July 4, 2023

“When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them” (Revelation 11:7).

It is a unpleasant thought, but the truth is, we are all going to die.  Why do people act as if they are exempt from this reality?  Even Jesus died.  But in Christ, though we die, yet shall we live.  We have a hope that is not that we will not die, but that in the last day Christ will raise us from the dead.  Live then in the hope of Christ and do not let the false hopes of this world get in the way.

Lord, You know where I have my shortcomings.  You know where I say one thing, but inwardly fear another.  Guide me into thinking as a new creature in You.  Help me to have faith such that I do not live in the fear of dying, but by the hope that Your promises are true.  No matter what happens Lord, guide my faith to be unwavering as I look to You for guidance.  Be the One who always leads.

Lord, You know that I do waver and doubt.  You have made promises and I do not fully believe them.  Work on my heart and raise in me stronger assurance that because You live, I too shall live.  Help me, Lord, and remind me that even though I die, like You, I shall live.  You came alive after Your death and You have given the promise to me as well.  Thank You for that promise to bring me to hope in You.  Amen.