October 9

Morning

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy— — Jude 1:24 BSB

In some ways, the path to heaven is very safe, but in other respects, it is a path filled with danger. It is fraught with difficulties—one wrong step, and we could fall. And how easy it is to take that misstep if grace is absent!

How slippery the path can be for some of us! How many times have we cried out with the Psalmist, “My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone!” If we were strong and sure-footed like mountaineers, we might not fear as much, but we know how weak we are in ourselves.

Even on the best roads, we falter easily. On the smoothest paths, we stumble quickly. Our feeble knees can hardly carry us. A simple straw could trip us up, and a small pebble could cause a wound.

We are like little children, taking trembling steps on the path of faith. It is only our heavenly Father, who holds us by the hand, that prevents us from falling.

If we are kept from falling, how much praise we owe to God’s patience, power, and wisdom! He watches over us every moment of every day. Consider how prone we are to sin, how easily we choose dangerous paths, how strong the temptation to cast ourselves down. These reflections should make us sing with greater joy than ever before: “Glory to Him who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before His glorious presence with great joy!” (Jude 24)

We have many enemies who try to push us down and destroy us. The road is rough, and we are weak. But in addition to these obstacles, hidden enemies lurk along the way, waiting to strike when we least expect it, trying to trip us up or send us tumbling over the nearest deadly cliff.

Only an Almighty arm can defend us from these unseen foes. And thank God, such an arm is engaged in our defense! He who promised to keep us is faithful. Though we are weak, we can confidently trust in His perfect protection.

Evening

But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” — Matt 15:23 BSB

Genuine seekers, who have not yet obtained the blessing they desire, can find comfort in this story. Even though the woman had great faith, Jesus did not immediately grant her request. He intended to bless her but delayed for a time.

“Jesus gave her no reply—not even a word.” Were her prayers flawed? Far from it! Her prayers were sincere and fervent. Was her need not pressing? It was deeply urgent. Did she not feel her need enough? She felt it intensely. Was she not earnest? Her intensity amazed even Jesus. He said to her, “O woman, great is your faith.”

So, while faith often brings peace, it doesn’t always bring it instantly. Sometimes faith must be tested before it is rewarded. It may be like a seed, hidden beneath the soil, that has yet to sprout into joy and peace. A painful silence from the Savior can be one of the most difficult trials for those who are earnestly seeking Him, and a harsh response—like “It’s not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs”—can be even more trying.

Some seekers find immediate joy and peace, like the jailer who was instantly turned from darkness to light. But others grow more slowly in their faith. You may experience a deeper conviction of sin instead of an immediate sense of pardon, and in that case, you will need patience to endure the struggle.

Ah, dear soul, even if Christ seems to ignore or rebuke you, trust Him. Even if His words seem harsh, believe in His love. Don’t give up seeking or trusting Him because you haven’t yet experienced the joy you long for. Throw yourself at His feet and keep depending on Him, even when hope seems faint.