Day 5

Lisa Sheffler, author

Happy Friday!

Let’s take some time reflect on what we’re learning here in Galatians, spend some time with the Father as we rejoice in the work of the Son, and ask the Spirit to guide us according the Word.

Reflect

Take another look at Galatians 4:21–31

What are Paul’s main points in this passage? Why do you think he uses the story of Hagar and Sarah’s sons? Why would that be an effective way to reach the Galatian Christians who’d been led astray?
What has stayed with you personally as you’ve studied this passage?

Connect

It’s not easy to wait on the Lord to act. To stand on his promises when all the circumstances that surround you are screaming, “God’s not coming through!” Yet the Bible is full of stories of people who had to wait on the Lord. Not only Abraham and Sarah, but Joseph in prison, the people crying out from slavery in Egypt, Israel waiting to enter the promised land, an anointed King David living on the run from Saul, and on and on.

But God always comes through. And when we doubt, we can look to the cross and the resurrection — the fulfillment of God’s promise to save his people and dwell with them. God is true to his word. Always faithful.

So let’s live like children of the promise, because that’s who Paul says we are. We look backwards to the cross, but also forward to Christ’s return and the new Jerusalem. Mediate on the description of the new Jerusalem in Revelation — the new city that awaits the heirs of God:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:1–5)

Respond

Slow down, pray over these prompts, and ask the Spirit to direct you.

Ask the Father:

What do you want me to take away from what I’ve studied this week? What do you want me to remember and keep present with me?
What do you want me to do with the truth of your Word? What is the one, next, right step that you want me to take?
What are you teaching me about you? About who you are and the relationship I have with you? How can I worship and love you based on what you’ve revealed?

Pray for the opportunity for meaningful conversations— to share the good news of what Jesus has done for us! Who do you know who needs to know that God is always faithful to his promises? How can you encourage them this week?

Coming up next week…

Next week’s Engage God Daily will be a special Mother’s Day edition with a special guest author! We’ll be talking about how we can show grace to all the mothers, mentors, and caregivers in our lives. You don’t want to miss it!