January 8, 2026

HELP BEYOND THE STRUGGLE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land—the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Jeremiah 1:17–19 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Jeremiah was given a difficult assignment. The people of Judah had turned away from trusting God and placed their hope in human alliances and political power.

As Babylon threatened the nation and destruction loomed, God called Jeremiah to speak truth and call the people to repentance in the middle of coming devastation. This was not a comfortable calling.

God was honest with Jeremiah from the beginning. His message would be resisted. Leaders would oppose him. At times, he would be imprisoned and rejected. Life would be hard.

Yet God also gave Jeremiah a powerful promise: “I am with you, and I will take care of you.” God did not remove the opposition, but He guaranteed His presence and protection through it.

The same is true when we set God-honoring goals for our lives. Growth is never easy, and there is no promise it will be without resistance. Every step forward brings challenges, and meaningful change always requires perseverance.

What carries us through those difficult seasons is a God-given vision of a preferred future. When that vision is clear, it becomes strong enough to sustain us through short-term disappointments and frustrations. The clearer the dream, the stronger the resolve to keep moving forward.

That’s why we need to invite the Holy Spirit to help us see beyond the struggle. What will life look like when this work is complete? How will I be more Christlike? How will I be able to serve others more effectively? How will God’s kingdom advance through my obedience?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, give me a God-sized vision for Your will in my life. Help me to see it clearly and hold onto it firmly when the road is difficult. Guide me in setting wise and purposeful goals that move me closer to that vision. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”