Shepherd Daily Devotional

As you walk with God, some of your closest allies might mislead you.

When Sarah asked Abraham to have a child with her maidservant, she actually thought it would solve their problem. Sarah’s suggestion was a sincere plan, intended to help her and Abraham fulfill their dream (Genesis 16:2).

Apparently, Sarah couldn’t have had the kind of faith Abraham had because she wasn’t the one who held the vision. If God had showed Sarah the same thing, He showed Abraham she wouldn’t have doubted.

In your walk with God, you might encounter people who would play the same role as Sarah. They are often the closest to you. Because they have ties with you, whatever vision God lays on you will affect them. These people may not understand God’s plan for you. So, forgive them if they give the wrong advice.

Written by Ben Dankaka

When things don’t work out as we expect, we allow other people’s opinion to get in the way.

When God told Abraham that he would be a father of many nations, He backed up His promise with a covenant (Genesis 15:8-9). Normally, Abraham should have gone to sleep thereafter. But he didn’t.

By having a child with Hagar, Abraham meddled with the agreement. One could say that Abraham’s decision to have a child with Hagar was an attempt to help God fulfill His word. Although their strategy bore Ishmael, it backfired.

Interestingly, we are like Abraham. Oftentimes, we begin our journey with God, with high hopes and commitment. But when things don’t work out as we expect, we allow doubt and other people’s opinion to get in the way.  Wait on God!

Written by Ben Dankaka

If you’ve ever waited on God, you would understand what Abraham went through.

After God reassured Abraham that he would have a son, “Abraham believed the Lord” (Genesis 15:6). But despite Abraham’s faith, the child didn’t come as he grew older.

So, when Abraham’s wife came up with the idea that Abraham should sleep with her maidservant so they can build a dynasty through her, Abraham fell for it. At that time, Abraham was not only concerned with having a son that would inherit his wealth; he also wanted to build a family.

Although the idea came from Sarah, the decision was taken by Abraham. What Abraham did is what usually happens when we let others get in the way of our divine assignment. Stay focused!

Written by Ben Dankaka

Are you trusting God and at the same time worried?

God had said to Abraham, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” Although Abraham heeded God’s call, He didn’t do exactly what God asked him to do because Lot, his nephew went with him (Genesis 13:1-18; Genesis 15:3).

Recall that when God called Abraham, he didn’t have a child of his own. So, he didn’t have an heir even though he was wealthy. Maybe, Abraham took Lot along because he needed to feel safe that his wealth would at least go to his nephew if he eventually died without a child. 

Obviously, Lot had been Abraham’s back up plan – a strategy intended to make him feel secure. But in the end, it turned out to be pointless.

Are you trusting God and at the same time worried that He might fail you?

Written by Ben Dankaka

God will not ask you to do something that will not succeed in the end.

Terah, Abraham’s father had initially desired to stay in Canaan. The Bible didn’t tell us that he got that idea from God. On the other hand, Abraham’s decision to move to Canaan was inspired by God (Genesis 12:4-9).

Possibly, if God was the one who asked Terah to move to Canaan, Terah wouldn’t ended his journey in Haran even if he encountered challenges.  Although Abraham faced obstacles along the way, unlike his father, he never gave up because he was following God’s instructions.

If God is asking you to fulfill an assignment, know that He would see you through. God will not ask you to do something that will not succeed in the end. Fear not!

Written by Ben Dankaka

If God is asking you to embark on a journey with Him, comply.

When God called Abraham, He said to him, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2-3).

Abraham had to leave his country. But he was consoled by God’s promises. God had chosen him to be the father of many nations, even though he had no child at the time.

God is aware of your needs. If He is asking you to embark on a journey with Him, comply even if it means losing everything you currently have.

Written By Ben Dankaka.

Whatever God tells you to do, do it in faith.

When God asked Abraham to leave his country and his father’s household to a land, He would show him, Abraham obeyed. He complied even though he was already doing well in Haran (Genesis 12:4-5).

Oftentimes, God would visit you when you are comfortable, at a time you are not expecting Him. So, His “call” may seem strange because you would wonder why He is disrupting your peace. You might even be tempted to think the revelation is just a figment of your imagination.

Whatever God tells you to do, do it in faith.

Written by Ben Dankaka

It’s time to do what God wants you to do.

God said to Abraham, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you”(Genesis 12:1-4).  AndAbraham left. We don’t know how long it took Abraham before he obeyed God’s instructions. But we know that when Abraham got that message, he obeyed.

Possibly like Abraham, you’ve had an encounter with God but then have been in your comfort zone, wondering whether to obey the call or not. You’ve been sitting in that room, thinking you can’t go beyond the limits that others have set for you. It’s time to do what God wants you to do. Move!

Written by Ben Dankaka

God’s plan might be different from your father’s plans for you.

Do you know that Abraham’s father had intended to live in Canaan? (Genesis 11:27-32). But instead of getting to his destination, Terah settled in Haran and died there, leaving behind his family.

Interestingly, Abraham didn’t try to live Haran until God called him. Possibly, after his father’s death, Abraham had decided to remain in Haran. Abraham might have decided to sustain his father’s legacy. Initially, Abraham didn’t try to go beyond his father’s limits. But when God met him, everything changed.

I don’t know what you are going through at the moment. Perhaps, like Abraham, you are trying to be like your father. I want you to know that God’s plan might be different from your father’s plans for you.

Written by Ben Dankaka

Keep your mind focused on your goals.

As Jesus went about doing His work, He was often confronted by challenges. Once, some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” Normally, that statement was enough to put fear into His heart. But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.”

Even as the Son of God, Jesus had to face a lot of challenges, including direct confrontation from Satan.  If Satan would have the audacity to attack Jesus, He would do the same thing to anyone.

To overcome the devil, do what Jesus did: Keep your mind focused on your ultimate goal.

Written by Ben Dankaka