Stumble, but Don't Crumble

Daily Reading: Romans 11

Scripture Focus: So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. (Romans 11.11)

Devotional Thought: Recently, we spent some time in South Carolina with our one year old granddaughter, Ellis. She was learning to walk, and she loved to grab Nana's finger and lead her around the condo. We were hoping to see her walk on her own while there, but we didn't get to. We did see her stumble and fall several times, though! In a few short days after the trip, we were able to watch videos of our little girl walking on her own - and still stumbling! We weren't concerned about the stumbling, though, because we know that she got right back up!

Paul wrote that the Jews had stumbled in their faith, meaning that they did not fully understand the nature of God's salvation and had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. But, Paul said, their stumbling was not final! They stumbled in order to lead the Gentiles into salvation and then to come to faith themselves.

Often times we stumble in life, don't we? Though we don't want to, we know it is to be expected. We want to see ourselves and others walk 'on our own,' but it is a struggle and requires effort and concentration. It also requires that when we do stumble we get back up and try again! We cannot give up!

How is your walk with Christ right now? Have you stumbled? Get back up! As we read yesterday, "Call upon the name of the Lord!" Are you walking upright? Then rejoice and reach your hand of love and patience to another and help them get back on their feet!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are a God of great mercy and grace. Forgive me when I stumble and help me to get back on my feet. Also, Lord, help me to be patient and show grace to my fellow-traveler who himself/herself has stumbled. Help me to extend a hand of help and encouragement. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 21.1-7

1 O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,

and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

2 You have given him his heart's desire

and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3 For you meet him with rich blessings;

you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,

length of days forever and ever.

5 His glory is great through your salvation;

splendor and majesty you bestow on him.

6 For you make him most blessed forever;

you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the Lord,

and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.