“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8 ESV)

A shoemaker’s greater purpose

Years ago, a man named William Carey worked as a simple cobbler in England. Many thought his life would be spent repairing shoes in a quiet village. But he believed God had a greater purpose for him. With little formal education, he studied the Bible, learned languages, and felt God calling him to missions. Against great opposition, he sailed to India, where he translated the Scriptures into multiple languages and shared the Gospel with thousands. Carey once said, “I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.” God took a village shoemaker and fulfilled His divine purpose through him—impacting nations for eternity.

God Has Made You for His Purpose

You are not an accident. God handcrafted you with intention and designed you to live out the good works He prepared in advance. His plans for your life are not random—they are divine assignments.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10 NASB)

• Your Purpose Is to Fulfill the Great Commission

Your highest calling is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Every believer is part of this mission—to make disciples, to teach, and to share Christ’s love.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20 ESV)

• Your Purpose Is to Glorify God in All Things

No matter how ordinary the task, it can still honor God. From daily chores to major life decisions, everything you do is an opportunity to reflect His glory.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31 ESV)

Therefore

Ask yourself today—“Am I living for my purpose, or God’s?” Take one small step to align your actions with His calling for you.

Because God’s purposes never fail, you can walk confidently knowing that He is working all things—even struggles—for your ultimate good and His eternal glory.

“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.” (Rom. 8:28 NIV)

Faithlessness and double-mindedness will hinder prayer!

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6–7 ESV)

Stepping ahead in trust

A man leaned a sturdy ladder against a tall wall. He looked at it, tested it with his hand, and even put one foot on the first rung—but then pulled it back in hesitation. He doubted if the ladder would hold him, so he never climbed it. The ladder was perfectly strong, but his doubt kept him from reaching the top.

Prayer without faith is just like that. God’s promises are firm and reliable, but if we never step fully onto them in trust, we will never rise to the place of answered prayer.

Jesus said

“Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matt. 21:21–22 ESV)

Faith is complete confidence in the faithfulness of God

Doubt will keep you frozen at the bottom of the ladder, but faith compels you to climb higher into the presence and promises of God. The strength is not in your ability but in His reliability. Prayer anchored in faith is steady, powerful, and fruitful.

Therefore

Today, step fully onto the ladder of faith. Don’t just place your foot on the first rung—climb, trusting God to hold you. Pray with confidence, and live as though His answer is already on the way.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matt. 21:22 ESV)

Quotes

“When the devil sees a man or woman who really believes in prayer, who knows how to pray, and who really does pray, and, above all, when he sees a whole church on its face before God in prayer, he trembles as much as he ever did, for he knows that his day in that church or community is at an end.” – R.A. Torrey

“Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart—so will you be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” – Andrew Murray

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16 KJV)

He knew he was welcome!

A young child once burst into a king’s throne room, running past guards and servants without hesitation. Gasps filled the room—no one approached the king that way. But the child ran straight into the king’s arms. Why? Because he was the king’s son!

In the same way

Through Jesus Christ we are adopted as children of God. We don’t tiptoe into His presence in fear—we can run boldly into His throne room of grace, confident of His love and welcome.

Approach God through faith in Jesus with freedom and confidence

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Eph. 3:12 NIV)

Hold firmly to your confidence and hope

“But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” (Heb. 3:6 NIV)

“(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” (Heb. 7:19 NIV)

Therefore

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:19-23 NIV)

Here is a short verse—only nine words. You can easily memorize it!

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 43:5)

Two important truths to remember from this passage

1. “Do not be afraid.” This is not a suggestion—it is a command.

2. “For I am with you.” This is a promise to trust and rest in.

God tells us 365 times in the Bible not to fear—one for each day of the year! That means you are not to fear—ever. Remember, God will never command you to do something without also giving you the ability to obey. To recognize and resist fear is a matter of self-control. And self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5). You can control your response to fear!

Here are just three of the many verses that remind us of God’s answer to fear:

• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)

• “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6 ESV)

Therefore

When fear knocks on the door of your heart, answer with faith in God’s presence and promises. Remind yourself daily: I will not fear, for the Lord is with me.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5)

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)

God is able!

We serve a God who is able to do the impossible (Luke 1:37). Scripture says He is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). In this passage, He promises to bless us abundantly. Abundantly means generously, plentifully, and beyond measure. God’s blessings are never small or half-hearted—they are overflowing.

But why does He bless us so abundantly?

The verse at the top of the page gives the answer: “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” God blesses us not just for our own benefit, but so we are equipped and empowered to carry out good works for His glory. You are His workmanship, created to shine as a model of good works (Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:7).

Therefore

Remember that God’s abundant blessings are given so you can overflow in every good work. Let His blessings flow through you to impact others for Christ.

• “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10 ESV)

• “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,” (Titus 2:7 ESV)

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)

A college student was preparing for final exams. He carried his Bible everywhere but admitted later, “I wasn’t really abiding in Christ—I was just hoping for a miracle grade.” Over time, he realized that abiding in Jesus meant far more than quick prayers in stressful moments. It meant staying connected daily—like a branch to the vine—through prayer, obedience, and soaking in God’s Word. Then he noticed a change: his prayers became less about asking for shortcuts and more about asking for strength, wisdom, and God’s will. And that’s when he saw God answering in powerful ways.

Therefore

Abiding in Christ is not about asking God to bless our own plans—it’s about letting His words shape our desires and direct our requests. When His Word fills your heart, your prayers align with His will, and fruit follows naturally.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Ask yourself today:

“Am I just praying for what I want, or am I truly abiding in Christ so that my desires reflect His?” Take one step—read His Word, obey what it says, and let that shape your prayers.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7, NIV)

“And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” (1 John 3:22, ESV)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38–39)

A father once said about his grown son, “I don’t always agree with his choices, but he’s still my son—and nothing will ever change that.” His love wasn’t based on the son’s performance or perfection, but on the unbreakable relationship they shared. In a much greater way, God’s love for us isn’t conditioned on our successes, our failures, or how worthy we feel. His love is steadfast, eternal, and rooted in Christ. Even at our worst, God loved us enough to send His Son to die in our place.

Therefore

Because God loves you unconditionally, you are free to live without fear of rejection and without striving for His approval—it has already been given in Christ. The right response is to extend that same love to others:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12, ESV)

Challenge:

Today, remind yourself: “God’s love for me is not earned—it is given.” Then choose one person to show that same kind of unconditional love to, whether through forgiveness, kindness, or encouragement.

Additional References

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16–17, ESV)

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:4–5, ESV)

“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8, ESV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8, ESV)

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

A cancer patient once said, “The hardest part wasn’t hearing the diagnosis—it was lying awake at night imagining all the worst outcomes.” Fear has a way of magnifying the darkness. But as she continued through treatment, she found peace by quoting Psalm 23 during those long nights. She said, “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds my tomorrow.” Her confidence wasn’t in medicine or her own strength, but in the presence of the Shepherd who walked with her through the valley.

Therefore

Be still before the Lord and trust His presence, even when evil seems to prosper. Let your love be genuine, holding tightly to what is good and turning away from what is evil. Seek peace and pursue it, knowing that God’s hand is holding yours through every valley.

The next time fear grips you, stop and say aloud: “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Let God’s Word quiet your mind and steady your heart.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12, ESV)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21, ESV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)

Fear is like a shadow

Fear looks big and threatening, but it has no real substance. A child may see a shadow on the wall and tremble, but when the light is turned on, the shadow vanishes instantly. In the same way, when the light of God’s Word and Spirit shines, fear disappears, replaced with power, love, and a sound mind.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isa. 40:29)

“God is my strength and power; and He makes my way perfect.” (2 Sam. 22:33 NKJV)

Therefore

Walk in faith today—sing of God’s power, lean on His strength, and remember: you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).

“But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.” (Ps. 59:16 NKJV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13 NKJV)

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Eph. 3:20 ESV)

Wisdom from Others

• “Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love.” – Rick Warren

• “The worst evils of life are those which do not exist except in our imagination. We feel a thousand deaths in fearing one, but the Christian is cured of the disease of fearing.” – Charles Spurgeon

• “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.” – John Newton