Ecclesiastes 11:1–8; Galatians 5:16–24; Matthew 16:13–20

O, to excel in faith!

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” is the proclamation that answers all of life’s doubts. That statement of faith greets the uncertain day with confidence and ends the troubled day in peace. People of faith plant their seed in difficult times, are generous with the little or much they possess, and rejoice each day in God, who preserves their lives.

The fruit of this faithful life in the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” This joyful communion with the Father is not disrupted because of life’s difficulties, turbulent times, or even the ongoing struggle with the flesh. Instead, faith remembers its baptism, looks to Christ, and longs for the glory of eternal fellowship with him while it lives out its days with an undisturbed trust in “Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Christ builds his kingdom upon this confession of faith. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against such excelling faith in God. May we turn again and again to Christ, uncertain of the days ahead, but confident in him.

Prayer: Empower me, Father, to walk by your Spirit with faith in Christ my Lord. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Communications Coordinator for the NALC.