Category: Shepherd Daily Devotional

Don’t suffer for the wrong reasons.

One time, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23-27). Obviously, Jesus wasn’t referring to a physical cross. Specifically, Jesus wanted us to know that we would have to go through pain, if we follow Him.

Though we are bound to experience some pain, Christ assures us that our suffering will not be in vain. But it is important for us to realize that the cross isn’t just any kind of trouble.

If your suffering is as a result of your selfish acts, then it isn’t a cross. Don’t suffer for the wrong reasons.

Written by Ben Dankaka

Just as a lion can be cornered by hyenas, you too can be cornered.

As a kid, I was often intrigued by stories of lions. But as I grew up, I discovered that they don’t always win, even though they are powerful. Like lions, we are built to conquer. But life can still hit us with a crisis, capable of weakening us.

But when we are at our weakest point, our ability to bounce back will largely be determined by our relationship with God. The psalmist said, “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34).  

No matter what you are going through; you can get back on your feet if you would only trust God.

Written by Ben Dankaka

If you are not persistent, crisis will make you quit.

No matter how talented you are; you are going to incur obstacles. No doubt, there will be times you wouldn’t feel like getting up from bed. And if you are not persistent, you will quit.

Being persistent is important because the little steps you take each day will eventually mount up and force its way, pulling you out of any crisis.

The apostle Paul knew this principle. In letter to Timothy, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the good faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Paul acknowledged the fact that his journey was a battle, but like a sportsperson, he was persistent.

Written by Ben Dankaka

For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.

There was a time I was praying and it seemed like God had shut his door on me. Instead of moving ahead, I was stuck.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like that, wait quietly. Even if you think God has abandoned you, continue to wait. That was exactly what I did after I stumbled on the scripture that says, “it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Read Lamentation 3:1-32). 

I was inspired by that verse because it captures the story of a people who were going through deep pain, yet were hopeful that God will redeem them.  Don’t grumble; wait on God.

Written by Ben Dankaka

God had great plans for Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob. But he was a small Jewish boy who only knew how to run errands.  To prepare him, God had to let him go through crises until he got to the very place God had planned for him.

Just as we enroll in a school in order to prepare ourselves for opportunities, God also enrolls us in His school. In our schools, we pay money but in God’s school, the cost is patience.

In the same way that our skills were tested by our teachers, God also allows life to test our character, before He promotes us (Psalm 105:17; Genesis 45:7).

Written by Ben Dankaka