INSPIRE Devotionals
With Emmanuel Afiawari
Monday, June 8, 2026
Topic: DON'T LOOK LIKE YOUR STORM!
Memory Verse: "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward" - Matthew 6:16 KJV
Bible Text: Isaiah 53:2 NIV
2. He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
INSPIRATION: Sometimes, we let our appearance betray us before others. We let it give us away, letting everyone know if all is well or not well with us. This wasn't the case with Jesus, our perfect example. Although He had no form of comeliness. That is, there was no beauty or majesty left in him to attract anyone or be desired after he had gone to the cross. But it was for a just cause, to redeem mankind back to God. He never looked uncheerful, pitiable, discouraged or drained while here, even though He knew the nature of His death.
You don't have to look like what you're going through. Do not wear your challenge like a garment. Don't become a subject of public sympathy and gossip. Be real, you need not fake anything but you can be cheerful while dealing with even a tough problem. Cheerfulness helps lighten the burden and inspires faith. Cheerfulness may attract the kindness that gloominess may not. Reckon that everyone goes through rough patches and yours might not even be the worse.
TODAY'S TAKE HOME:
Challenges trigger either a positive or a negative response. Be positive regardless.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help me to know and see that my current challenges are temporary and they work for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory than I could ever imagine. Give me the wisdom and courage to deal with life's challenges with a sense of hopeful expression of faith, in Jesus name.