When Blessing Draws Fire
Headlights through a cleared windshield, a simple picture of the Spirit giving clear sight in the middle of a storm.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A. B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Peter tells us not to be surprised when a fiery trial shows up. Many of us expect calm seas after a step of faith, then feel confused when the wind rises. Today’s reading in Days of Heaven on Earth helps me name what is happening. Opposition is not proof that Jesus has left. Often it is the trace of His nearness.
This is a kind word for tender hearts. Temptation is not the same as sin. Waves can crash around a boat that is still seaworthy. Thoughts and feelings may rush in, yet our life is hidden with Christ in God. We are not back under the old rule. We are invited to stand in the gift that grace has already given.
I appreciate how A. B. Simpson keeps the tone steady and human. He does not ask us to act tough. He invites us to expect resistance, prepare for it, and walk through it with Jesus at the center. The Holy Spirit meets us in the middle of the week, not just at the end of it.
So here is the path for today. Receive the blessing without fear of the battle. Call temptation what it is, an outside knock on the door, not your true identity. Yield to the Holy Spirit, and keep moving with a quiet heart.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I remind you, do not be surprised at the fiery trial. You share in the life of My Son, and I am with you in all of it. I have united you with Jesus. You were crucified with Him, you died to sin, and you live to God. Your life is hidden with Christ in Me.
When temptation presses, remember, it is a test, not your identity. There is no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus. I make a way of escape so you can endure. I strengthen you in the inner person. I teach your hands for the good fight of faith, not against people, but against thoughts that rise against the knowledge of God. I keep you from stumbling as you lean on Me.
Count it joy when trials come, because I use them to produce steadfastness. You overcome because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. My grace is sufficient for you. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. Stand firm in the armor I provide. Resist the evil one, and he will flee. Fix your eyes on Jesus. He has overcome the world, and I will finish what I began in you.
Scripture references: 1 Peter 4:12 to 13, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6 to 11, Colossians 3:3 to 4, Romans 8:1 to 2, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 10:3 to 5, Jude 24, James 1:2 to 4, 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 12:9 to 10, Romans 8:37 to 39, Ephesians 6:10 to 18, James 4:7, John 16:33, Philippians 1:6.
Real-Life Analogy
Picture a windshield on a rainy drive. The fog builds on the glass, and shapes blur. You tap the defogger, the warm air clears the view, and you can see again. Trials and temptations feel like that fog. The indwelling Spirit is the One who clears the inner window. We do not muscle the weather. We rely on His steady work in us.
Try this today. When a wave of pressure hits, pause for a few seconds and let the inner window clear. Say, Lord, I trust You to steady my thoughts and to express Your patience and honesty through me right now. Then answer the email, take the call, or walk into the room with a settled heart.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am secure. Thank You that temptation is not my identity, and that Your Spirit provides a way through every test. I receive this day as a place to walk in the victory of Your Son. I rejoice that Your grace is enough, and that You will finish what You began. Lord, I trust You to keep my heart quiet and to live Your life through me in every conversation and task.