In life’s most difficult moments, when the weight of temptation or trial feels like more than we can bear, it can be easy to feel alone or overwhelmed. We might even wonder if there's any way out, or if we've been left to figure it out on our own. But Scripture reminds us that our God is not only present, but deeply faithful. His faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances—it is rooted in His unchanging character.

Scripture:

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

— 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

This week we’re studying the topic Bold Believing in the Face of Opposition.

Yesterday we saw how Israel was called to believe when they were outnumbered. Today, we move to another moment of great courage—believing in the fire.

What do you say when the flames rise and the outcome is unclear? It’s easy to declare our believing when deliverance seems near—but bold believing speaks with conviction, even when the result is uncertain and yet out of our sight.

Before we read today’s Scripture from the Book of Daniel, let’s remember the setting. The Babylonian Empire had conquered Jerusalem, and among the captives taken to Babylon were the young men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who were trained to serve in the king’s court. When King Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive golden image and commanded all people to worship it, these three men refused, choosing instead to obey the one true God. Their refusal led to a death sentence by fiery furnace.

In Daniel 3, the three young boldly declare their confidence in God when the outcome still was uncertain.

Scripture:

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

– Daniel 3:17–18 (KJV)

Today, we begin our new devotional series on Bold Believing in the Face of Opposition, and we start with one of the most defining moments in Biblical history—a moment where bold believing rose above fear.

Bold believing doesn’t wait for perfect conditions; it often rises in the midst of pressure, uncertainty, and overwhelming odds.

Have you ever felt completely trapped, surrounded by pressure, with no way out in sight? That’s exactly where the children of Israel found themselves—pressed between Pharaoh’s chariots and the Red Sea.For over 400 years, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt. After God sent ten devastating plagues and finally broke Pharaoh’s resistance, the Israelites were allowed to leave. But as they journeyed out, Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his army. Israel had no weapons, no military training, and no clear escape. Mountains flanked them, the sea blocked them, and the world’s most powerful army closed in behind them. From every earthly vantage point, they were outnumbered and outmatched. But this was precisely where God wanted to show His power.

Scripture:Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.– Exodus 14:13 (KJV)

This week we’re studying the topic The Servant’s Heart: Lessons from Samuel’s Calling.

Today, we come to one of the most powerful moments in Samuel’s calling—a simple but profound response that captures the very heart of a true servant. After hearing God’s voice and receiving wise instruction from Eli, Samuel answers with words that still echo today: “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

What would change in our lives if we began each day with that posture—ready not just to hear from God, but to obey?

“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” —1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)

This week we’re studying the topic The Servant’s Heart: Lessons from Samuel’s Calling.

Yesterday, we reflected on how God calls us personally and persistently. Today, we consider a truth often overlooked in our spiritual walk: we need others to help us recognize God’s voice. Even Samuel—chosen, called, and serving—needed guidance to understand what was happening.

Who are the mentors in our lives who help sharpen your hearing and shape your walk?

“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.” —1 Samuel 3:8 (KJV)

This week we’re studying the topic The Servant’s Heart: Lessons from Samuel’s Calling.

As we continue following young Samuel’s journey, we see a powerful truth unfold: God’s call is not vague, nor is it random—it is personal and persistent. God doesn’t whisper once and walk away. He calls again and again until the heart is ready to respond.How do we respond when we sense the Lord reaching for our heart, even if we don’t yet understand what He’s asking?

“That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.” —1 Samuel 3:4–5 (KJV)

This week we’re studying the topic The Servant’s Heart: Lessons from Samuel’s Calling. Yesterday, we saw how God can call us even in spiritually dry times.

Today, we turn our attention to Samuel’s posture of service before he ever heard the voice of God. His humble obedience prepared the soil for divine revelation.Are we willing to serve faithfully under human leadership—even flawed leadership—while we wait to hear from God?

“And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” —1 Samuel 3:1 (KJV)

We begin this week exploring the heart of a servant through the story of young Samuel—an ordinary child called by an extraordinary God. His journey, recorded in 1 Samuel 3, invites us to examine what it means to serve with a ready heart, especially in times when God seems silent.Have you ever experienced a season when God's presence felt distant or His voice hard to discern?

“And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” —1 Samuel 3:1 (KJV)