Loving Kindness
God's redirections are not setbacks—they are scenic routes toward deeper life in Christ.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above, April 29 – Loving Kindness
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today's Abide Above devotional draws our hearts to the reassuring truth that our life is not merely in God's hands—He is our very life. Every breath, every heartbeat, every hidden detail of creation is sustained by Him (Colossians 1:16–17). Because He upholds all things, we can rest in His faithfulness to uphold us too.
We are continually under His loving gaze. While we bask in His unchanging love, we are also participants in His wise, moral dealings. His work in us is not arbitrary: sometimes He prevents us from disaster, sometimes He corrects our path, but always, His dealings are instructive, anchored in a deep, fatherly kindness.
There are times when we set our hearts on plans that would have ended in heartache or ruin. In mercy, God dismantles those plans—not to punish us, but to redirect us toward the light of true life (Job 33:29–30). In all these things, His goal is to form Christ in us, to mature us into those who do His will with hearts that trust His perfect goodness (Hebrews 13:20–21). Even when dreams crumble, it is only to clear the way for greater triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am your life, your breath, your very being. By Me all things were created, and by Me all things consist. You are upheld moment by moment by My Word, sustained not merely in existence but embraced in love. I withdraw not My eyes from you; My gaze never leaves you.
In My wisdom, I sometimes steer you away from paths you do not see would lead to ruin. I dismantle the castles built on shifting sands to establish you upon the Rock. My dealings are not to destroy but to instruct, to bring back your soul from the pit and enlighten you with the light of the living.
Trust that I work in you what is well-pleasing in My sight through Christ Jesus. Give thanks, for I always lead you in triumph in Him. Every apparent loss is a victory in disguise, a redirection to deeper life. You are not left to yourself. You are a vessel of My kindness, a participant in My triumph, and a bearer of My life.
(Scripture references: Colossians 1:16–17; Job 36:7; Job 33:29–30; Hebrews 13:20–21; 2 Corinthians 2:14)
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine driving toward a beautiful destination you've longed to visit, only to find the road unexpectedly closed with a detour sign forcing you onto another path. At first, you're frustrated—your plans, your timing, your hopes seem dashed. Yet as you follow the new route, you discover breathtaking scenery you would have otherwise missed, and eventually arrive safely at a destination even better than the one you imagined. In much the same way, God's redirections in our lives are not roadblocks—they are reroutes filled with unexpected beauty and protection, led by His loving hand.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice that You are not only my Sustainer but my very life. Thank You for every unseen mercy, for every prevention, every redirection, every reshaping of my desires according to Your will. I trust Your wise dealings and Your endless lovingkindness toward me. I gladly rest in the security of Your gaze and in the certainty that You are always working what is well-pleasing in Your sight. Whether through correction, prevention, or fulfillment, I know that I triumph in Christ, for He is my victory, my life, and my song.