Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 May 2026 Ephesians 3:13b.
Ephesians 3:13b. but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth (forward) unto those things which are before (ahead),
Wow! It’s Friday! And many sing ‘Praise the Lord!’ Yes, we ought to give him much thanks and praise for allowing us to see another day, a bright and sunshiny fairly hot one. And you can be sure that our Friday Mantra went up with much gladness. ‘TGIF! Thank the Lord it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at long last.’ Yes, the weekend is come, but let’s not forget we still need to navigate the many challenges that Friday will undoubtedly throw at us.
And by the way, that tree in my neighbour’s backyard that had the light brown leaves that survived during the winter, I recently looked for them and could not find them, for all the leaves are now green. They must have either finally dropped off, or by some miracle the Lord infused them with new life and turned them green again. And I like to think the latter idea is what happened, because it shows the miraculous, mysterious and intriguing aspects of our great God.
And that mysterious, intriguing aspect of God also applies to the prayer we’re going to read today. Why, you ask? Because this is the third day that I’m bringing the May In Touch Devotional downstairs to write about the prayer, but surprisingly, the first two days the Lord guided me elsewhere. But today seems to be the day for the prayer.
So let’s pray: ‘Lord, my life took a strange turn, and I ended up somewhere unexpected. I keep looking back – confused and wondering what happened. But You don’t waste detours. You’re teaching me something I might never have learned on another path. Help me to stop trying to get back to what I had planned and instead to see the good things happening here – how You’re meeting me where I am. Teach me to be content, to trust You’re at work in this place and season of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
Oh friends, that’s certainly an interesting prayer, one that all of us can testify to at some time or other in our lives. I know I can. And writing this Bit is certainly one of those times. When the Lord came calling with the idea, I laughed and told Him my lack of sufficient Biblical knowledge made it impossible. But as is His custom, He persevered, and finally I agreed and began with small steps, as He gently and slowly guided me along the way. That’s what happens when you accept Christ as Lord and Saviour; you are motivated to do His will, sometimes by gentle leading, or by sudden, unexpected closure of doors in your face.
However, let’s remember that when the Lord closes one door He is planning to open another, but in His own good time. That means we have to be patient and trust Him completely. And in Psalm 27, Bruh David wisely advises us to; ‘Wait (in faith, patiently) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith, patiently), I say, on the Lord.’ (Ps. 27:14)
Then there’s this promise of God through the prophet Habakkuk, when He directs him to; ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (tablets), that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’ (Hab. 2:2-3) Yes my people, whatever the Lord promises, will come eventually, but we need to have enough faith to wait patiently for it.
And when the Lord’s leading is different to our plan, we always try to go back to our original plan, instead of looking forward to what God has in store. But I guess that’s human nature, which points to an important aspect of our faith; the fact that the Lord will always meet us exactly where we are. We don’t have to change before He comes to us . No. He will change us when we come to Him. And the Lord certainly doesn’t waste detours, for He teaches, or tries to teach us something on whatever path we’re on. That means we have to learn to be contented and move forward with the Lord on any path He chooses to lead us.
It’s as Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Not that I speak in respect (in regard) of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.’ (Phil. 4:11) Now contentment is no easy ability to develop. Certainly not! For as the scholars tell us: ‘Contentment is a lesson learned neither in a classroom, nor overnight, but through many practical experiences in life.’ In other words, contentment is only learned through the many ups and down of life, through trusting the Lord’s goodness and mercy during our many difficulties, as well as appreciating the good times.
And Bruh Paul’s earlier words to the Philippians, is a most worthwhile example of how we ought to conduct our own lives. He writes: ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended (fully knowing God): but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth (forward) unto those things which are before (ahead), I press toward the mark (goal) of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 3:13-14) That’s the attitude we must adopt my people, especially in these dark, gloomy and chaotic times. Let’s forget what’s behind us, forget out past mistakes and /or accolades, while looking and moving forward to the future God has planned for us.
Now, none of that is easy to do, but our God is so wonderful that He never asks to do anything without giving us the tools to do it. And in times of trouble, He invites us to come to the throne of grace for divine help to do His will. So let’s do that right now through our Friday Chant.
Altogether: Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work. It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. You know our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving, and we desperately need your help to fix them. Heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So please give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly.
And despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, help us to be responsible, and get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that we can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out next week and further your glorious kingdom by the good example we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And friends, it pays to remember that we supposed Christians also need to wake up from our slumber and smell the coffee, so that we can do a better job for Jesus! Much LOVE!
…God will never lead us astray…but we must surrender our all to Him…for it to work…
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