THURSDAY - Devotional

Isaiah 41:10

• Have you ever felt dismayed or frustrated when you’ve tried to do what is right but others haven’t listened? How does it help to know that God is with you during those times?

Do you ever feel sympathy for the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son? A recap on the famous parable: it is about the son who takes off from home, practically robbing his own father by claiming his inheritance early. He wastes all of the money on excessive living, only to end up shamefully and desperately meandering back home, begging his father for a second chance. When he gets back, to his surprise, his father welcomes him home with open arms, insisting on throwing a party to celebrate his returned son.

Except, lurking in the corner is the jealous and dutiful older brother. “What about me?” he asks. What about me?

Have you ever felt this way? Like you do the right thing and no one notices? Like you follow all the rules but it feels like it doesn’t gain you anything?

Doing the right thing will always be rewarded by God. Even though you may not feel instant gratification, or ever get credit here on earth, know that God is proud when we have integrity.