Failure in Faith
Every one of us will fail – sometimes in ways that cut deep. Peter knew exactly how it feels. Jesus warned him that Satan had asked permission to “sift” him like wheat (Luke 22:31) – to shake his faith so hard that he’d fall away like chaff. Peter was confident no such thing would happen: “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not” (Mark 14:29). But that confidence was rooted in his own strength, which is exactly where the Enemy struck. When Satan sifts believers, his goal is to damage our faith so deeply that we’re sidelined from God’s kingdom. He goes after our strengths – the areas where we believe ourselves to be invincible or well protected. Peter’s loyalty to Jesus was genuine, but it was also something he was proud of – and pride made it a target. When the Enemy succeeds, the disappointment and shame can feel paralyzing. But we don’t have to stay there. If we are willing, God can use even our worst failures to reshape us. Peter’s denial didn’t disqualify him – it dismantled the self-reliance that had been blocking his way. What replaced it was the Holy Spirit’s courage. That transformed a man who couldn’t face a servant girl’s question into one who risked everything to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2:22-24). Failure wasn’t the end of Peter’s story. It was the turning point.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by In Touch Ministries, September 13, 2026.
Obstacles as Opportunities
Learning to see obstacles as opportunities takes time. When we’re facing barriers, our natural response is frustration or fear. But recalling God’s faithfulness can lead us to a truer perspective. It helps to remember; God is at work. He’s actively moving His plan forward, even when we can’t see it. The Lord will either provide a way around obstacles or show us how they fit into His larger purposes. This doesn’t mean every difficulty is part of some divine test, but it does mean God is present and working. God equips and guides us. His indwelling Holy Spirit communicates what we need to know (John 16:13). Whether we receive His direction in stages or all at once, He asks us to trust Him rather than human wisdom. God invites our participation. It takes courage to move forward despite barriers. Patience is necessary as we wait for Him to work and reveal His plan. And faith enables us to trust God with the outcome. Obstacles don’t disappear because we trust the Lord, but our perspective shifts. When we remember these truths, we can face barriers with confidence that God is already at work in ways we may not yet see.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by In Touch Ministries, August 15, 2026.
Purpose in Trials
People often refer to “the patience of Job.” But the truth be told, Job was not all that patient – he persisted in declaring his own innocence. It was not until God revealed Himself to Job at the end of his trials that Job repented of his self-defense and yielded himself to God’s sovereign will and wisdom. The hardest thing about going through a time of trouble is continuing to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith means trusting God and His purposes, even when we can’t see or understand His reasons. In the Old Testament, Joseph is a good example of one who realized that God had a sovereign purpose for the suffering he had endured. He declared to his brothers, the ones who had sold him into slavery in Egypt, that God had sent him to Egypt to prepare for the salvation of his family during a time of famine (Genesis 45:4-8). When you experience a time of difficulty, stay focused on God and His sovereign purposes in your life. Trust that He has a plan for you.
Commentary from the Turning Points devotional and magazine, July 15, 2026.
Overcoming Obstacles
Nothing is impossible for God. No obstacle confuses Him or poses any kind of challenge. Though we know He is sovereign over all, we have trouble maintaining this perspective, just like the disciples did many times in the New Testament. When difficulties arise, we all too often…
Experience a shift in focus. During trials, we tend to take our eyes off the Lord and instead see only our problems. The longer we look at our circumstance, the larger it seems. As we dwell on it in thought and conversation, our mindset can become negative.
Develop an incorrect assessment of resources. In times of trouble, we start taking inventory of our own strength and abilities. The truth is that we don’t have what is needed for life’s trials – Jesus Himself told us that (see John 16:33). But God’s capabilities are unlimited, His power is never-ending, and His wisdom is complete.
View obstacles as barriers. The Lord can demonstrate His awesome power through our difficulties (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). At such times we grow in our faith and learn more about our Father. If we view hardships simply a troubles, then we can miss demonstrations of God’s love, power, and wisdom.
May we start each day committed to a Christ-centered focus, be dependent on His resources, and trust that God is in control.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional, August 14, 2026.
Blessing in Difficulty
In the Book of Job, Job had accepted great good from God. He had ten children and owned herds of thousands of sheep, camels, oxen, and donkeys. He was the greatest man of his day (Job 1:1-5). Job showed his gratitude to God by living a righteous life in every regard. But when God allowed Satan to remove all of Job’s many blessings, he was faced with a choice: bless God in spite of his difficulties or curse God because of them. To his credit, Job refused to curse God – though it took time for him to understand why he should continue to bless God (Job 42:1-6). If you are looking for a reason to bless God in the midst of your difficulties, meditate on Romans 8:28-29.
Commentary from the Turning Points devotional and magazine, July 14, 2026.
The Basis for Discernment
Spiritual discernment is the ability to see life from a godly vantage point. One of the primary ways we develop this perspective is through Scripture – God’s reliable revelation of Himself. Throughout the Bible, He shows us who He is and how He works. Though the stories took place centuries ago, the principles remain relevant, offering discernment and guidance for today. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). The words don’t simply sit on the page; they illuminate our heart and reveal our thoughts and motives. When we approach Scripture with an open spirit, God gently brings to light things we might not see on our own – hidden motives, blind spots, and areas where we need to grow. Spiritual discernment involves seeing not just our circumstances but also ourselves from God’s perspective. As we regularly spend time in His Word, we gain insight into who we really are and who He’s calling us to become. Have you been avoiding deeper engagement with Scripture? If so, remember this: When God reveals something in us that needs attention, His purpose is always restorative – helping us become healthier, freer, and more like Christ (Romans 8:29). That kind of insight is a gift worth embracing.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by In Touch Ministries, July 6, 2026.
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
God’s plan for every believer is made up of a lifetime of opportunities. No matter what our career or calling may be, we should seek ways to serve the Lord daily. We do this by ministering – wherever we are – to family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers (Romans 12:10-13). The Lord gives His children gifts and talents suitable for fulfilling His purposes, so we know He wants to use us. You can be sure that when you make yourself available to follow Him in any circumstance, He’ll equip you with the right tools for the task. Are you ready to say, “Yes, God can use me”? If so, then tell the Lord you are available to work for Him in any way He desires. He will respond by placing people and opportunities in your path. Through His strength, you will do more to further the kingdom than you ever imagined – one day and one small act of service at a time.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by In Touch Ministries, July 25, 2026.
