From: February 27, 2026
“But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him” (Mark 9:13 ESV).
Mark recorded that after the transfiguration, Jesus spoke to His disciples as they descended the mountain and addressed their confusion about Elijah’s coming. The scribes had taught that Elijah must return before the Messiah’s kingdom was fully revealed (Mal. 4:5–6). Jesus affirmed that Elijah had indeed come, but not in the way many expected. He referred to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah as the promised forerunner. Yet instead of being celebrated, John was rejected, imprisoned, and executed. Mark showed that Jesus connected John’s mistreatment with the prophetic pattern already written in Scripture. Just as Elijah suffered persecution, and just as John suffered at the hands of Herod, so too the Son of Man would suffer. Jesus clarified for His disciples that God’s redemptive plan included rejection and suffering before glory and restoration.
We are often tempted to expect God’s promises to unfold according to our preferences. We may look for visible triumph before embracing the path of suffering. Yet Jesus reminded His disciples, and reminds us, that God fulfills His Word, even when fulfillment comes in unexpected ways. Elijah had come. The promise had not failed. It had been fulfilled through John, though the world rejected him.
When we face misunderstanding, opposition, or disappointment, we must remember that rejection does not mean God’s plan has failed. The pattern of Scripture shows us that faithfulness often means facing resistance. If John suffered as the forerunner and Jesus suffered as the Savior, we should not be surprised when obedience costs us something. Instead of expecting glory now, we can trust that God is working through hardship to accomplish His purposes. Today we can anchor our hope in this truth: God keeps His promises. Even when the world rejects His messengers, His Word still stands.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You are faithful to fulfill every promise. Forgive us when we expect Your plans to unfold according to our comfort rather than Your wisdom. Strengthen us to remain faithful even when obedience leads to rejection. Help us trust that suffering is not the end of the story, but often the pathway to glory. Give us courage to follow Jesus with steadfast hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 27, 2025
‘Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”’ (Mark 9:24 ESV).
This was the confession of a father who desperately wanted to believe, but still had doubts. This doesn’t sound like the greatest of confessions, yet Jesus healed the man’s son nonetheless.
Jesus still answers the prayers of those who have a mixture of doubt and belief. The important thing is to confess the doubt, saying, “Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith!” We all begin our journey with Jesus with a “mustard seed” of faith. Following Him, the seed grows into a tree, overshadowing all our doubts, so that only our believing remains.
The father needed help from the Lord not only to heal his son, but to help him overcome his unbelief. He urgently asked Jesus for both. And the Lord answered him.
What are you facing today with a mixture of faith and unbelief? Bring both to the Lord in prayer today. As someone has said before, it’s not GREAT faith in God, but faith in a GREAT God that matters.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we all face things beyond our control, things we can’t handle ourselves. We bring them to You for help. We believe Lord, yet help us overcome our unbelief. For even our faith is a gift from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 27, 2024
“This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Mark 9:7 ESV).
Peter couldn’t keep quiet in that holy moment on the mountaintop when Jesus was transfigured and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. So, a cloud overshadowed Peter, James and John, and the voice of the Father was heard saying, “This is my dearly loved Son; listen to him!”
Peter represents many of us. How often we interrupt holy moments with our own speech, when quiet listening is called for. Even in prayer, we pour out our laundry list of needs to the Father, but forget to be quiet and listen for the voice of His Son. Have you learned to ask the Lord to speak to you when you read His Word? Have you learned to say as young Samuel did, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:7)?
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we allow the noise around us and the loud concerns in our heads to drown out Your voice. Today, we say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” We are learning to listen to Your Word. Sharpen our hearing to hear You better. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 27, 2023
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5 NLT).
David learned to address his own soul in his prayers to God. Knowing that he was feeling discouraged and sad, he encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Sam. 30:6), He urged his soul to hope in God.
We can learn from David’s prayer life. Sometimes we don’t even know why we feel discouraged, but we can direct our souls to God. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Putting our hope in Him and lifting up prayers of praise, not only brightens our faces, but it refreshes our souls.
When you are feeling down and discouraged, ask the Lord about it. Give Him your attitude. Move your dependence off of yourself and put your hope in God. Instead of expressing your blues, sing your praise. Let the Lord renew and encourage you.
Do you feel sad or discouraged today? Direct your soul to hope in God. For he cares for you.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You know us better than we know ourselves. We bring our hearts to You, asking You to search us and reveal to us where we may not be trusting You fully. Show us the source of our discouragement that we might turn it over to You. Thank You for Your love and care for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From: February 27, 2016
This is the confession of a man who desperately wanted to believe, but still had doubts. This isn’t the greatest of confessions, yet Jesus healed the man’s son nonetheless. Jesus still answers the prayers of those who have a mixture of doubt and belief. The important thing is to confess the doubt, saying, “Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith!” We all begin our journey with Jesus with a “mustard seed” of faith. Following Him, the seed grows into a tree, overshadowing all our doubts, so that only our believing remains.