Nothing Left Hidden
Nothing is hidden in the light of His presence—and nothing is uncovered without
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In today’s devotional from Ray Stedman, we’re confronted with the sobering encounter between Paul and Felix. The apostle, faithful to his calling, doesn’t soften the truth—he speaks clearly about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Felix listens, and fear briefly grips him. But tragically, that fear fades. Rather than yielding to the truth, he dismisses Paul with the haunting line: “That’s enough for now… when I find it convenient, I’ll send for you.” His procrastination reveals a divided heart—he was curious about spiritual things but equally entangled with worldly desires.
Stedman powerfully paints the reality of that coming day when no part of our life will be hidden. Every thought, every motive, every act—exposed and weighed before the One who sees it all. The devotional calls us to imagine the unthinkable: our innermost thoughts played publicly on a screen. It’s meant to provoke honest reflection and a reverent awareness that nothing is hidden from God’s sight.
But the purpose of this truth isn’t condemnation—it’s invitation. God already knows our hidden parts. The question is, what do we do with Christ? He is the only safe place to run. Felix had the chance of a lifetime—hours with Paul, a direct line to the truth—and yet he stalled, delaying in favor of his own comfort and ambition.
And here lies the danger for every soul: to be awakened by truth and yet walk away unmoved. Felix’s fear faded, and his window of opportunity quietly closed. He spoke with Paul often afterward, but never again was he stirred. The devotional challenges us not to waste the moment when God reaches in. It reminds us of Jesus’ words—Seek first the kingdom…There is no convenient time to do what only grace makes urgent.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I see everything. Not with the eyes of men that look upon outward appearances, but with eyes of flame that pierce to the very marrow. I search the heart, test the mind, and know every anxious thought. Nothing in you is hidden from Me. But fear not—I did not come to expose you to shame, but to rescue you from it.
You were once darkness, but now you are light in Me. You were once fearful of judgment, but now perfect love has cast out that fear. I bore your judgment so that you might live in Me, holy and blameless, without spot or blemish. The day of My return will not be terror for you, for you are clothed in My righteousness.
Yet I call you to live with a sober heart. Not to tremble as one condemned, but to walk as one awakened—alert to the reality that what is done in secret matters, and what you yield to today is shaping eternity. The world says, “Not now. Maybe later.” But I say, “Now is the day of salvation.” Do not grieve Me by delay.
Rest in Me. I have made you new. I am your life, your righteousness, your purity. Let My Spirit govern your responses, your choices, your quiet thoughts. Live with Me, not just for Me. Let your soul echo what your spirit already knows: that you are Mine and I am in you. On that day, there will be no shame, for I will present you faultless in My glory.
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:13; Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 4:18; 2 Corinthians 6:2; John 3:20–21; Romans 13:12–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6; Jude 1:24; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 1:6
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine walking into your living room and seeing your phone’s screen automatically casting your last hour of private thoughts and inner dialogue onto your TV for everyone to see. Even the most private whispers of your heart are right there—transparent, unedited, unable to be spun. You’d feel vulnerable, perhaps even panicked.
Now imagine that instead of judgment, the One in the room is Jesus. He watches it all, then looks at you with unwavering compassion and says, “I already knew—and I died for that. You are covered, cleansed, and Mine.” That’s the reality we live in as those who are in Christ. His blood has covered the recording. But we still live before His eyes, not to earn His love, but to honor it.
So, the next time you face temptation to cut corners, respond in anger, or entertain a thought in secret—pause. Instead of saying, “Later, Lord,” simply breathe out, “Jesus, I trust You to live Your life through me in this very moment. Govern my thoughts and actions by Your Spirit.” Yield there, and you’ll find the peace Felix missed.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for the safety I have in Christ. Nothing is hidden from You—and nothing is beyond Your grace. You know my thoughts, my motives, and even the moments I would prefer to forget. And still, You chose me. Still, You dwell in me.
Today, I don’t run in fear from the idea of judgment—I rejoice in the righteousness You’ve already given me in Christ. I rest in the truth that You will complete the good work You began in me. Thank You for keeping me sober-minded, not to scare me, but to keep me walking in the light with You.
You are not waiting to catch me failing—You are inviting me to keep trusting, keep yielding, and keep walking in Your Spirit. And that is where I choose to remain.