Devo for 8/2/2026 - Message By Brad Stroup

Pastor Brad shared an amazing testimony that showed God's goodness.  He encouraged us all to talk to God every day about things He says about our role in His Kingdom.  When it is time, God will make it happen!  

From Brad’s testimony, you can see that, even though we might not understand exactly what God is doing, it is always best to let Him write your story.  I assure you His story for us is MUCH better than anything we can dream up!!

Another takeaway from the message was the idea that God’s timing is not our timing, and the seasons we are in will probably change.  Pastor Brad felt called to go overseas and prayed on it for a long time.  During that season, God was working in him to prepare his heart for the next season, the GO portion.  After he went became established on the mission field, God brought him into a new season, back to the States.  It was clear Pastor Brad was not expecting that change.

Sometimes we can get into a comfort zone with where God has us.  Many people, faced with Pastor Brad’s call to leave the mission field, would have fought the call.  Or maybe they would not have even gone in the first place.  It is very easy to allow our comfort to guide our decisions.  Unfortunately, doing that can put you in a position where you are opposed to the role God has for you. 

If we are going to let God write our story, we have to spend time in His presence.  Being in His presence can, and should, be a little uncomfortable.  He is the God of the universe, creator of all things, our Father in Heaven.  We should fear Him with an awe driven by wonder, our smallness, and holy reverence and gratitude that we can even be in His presence.  With that in mind, we need to be good at being comfortably uncomfortable, and walk in the faith that His way is THE way. The more we go to Him, the easier it becomes to be comfortably uncomfortable.

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

So, do you believe what Paul writes above?  If so, spend time every day in the presence of God, ask Him what He has for you, and let Him write your story!

Don’t forget to invite God into your day!

Topic for Study

• Trusting God

  • Proverbs 3:5

  • Jeremiah 17:7

  • Psalm 56:3-4

August Memory Verse: 

Romans 8:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ”