Faithfulness Matters

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Acts 20:17-38 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

In this reading, Paul is speaking to the church leaders in Ephesus. He knows he won’t see them again, so what he says really counts. He reminds them that following Jesus means being humble, staying grounded in God’s word, paying attention to what can pull us off course and giving ourselves generously to God and to others.

It’s a powerful message for church leaders, but it’s also meant for all of us—as we move through everyday life with our families, our work, the bills we juggle, the illnesses we face and the uncertainty we carry.

There’s one verse that really stands out to me—verse 24. This is what Paul says: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul isn’t saying his life doesn’t matter. He’s saying that his life finds its meaning in following Jesus. What matters most isn’t comfort or success, but faithfulness—keeping going, finishing the race God has set before him.

Most of us aren’t called to travel the world or face prison for our faith. But we are called, every day, to follow Jesus where we are: loving our families, being kind at work, caring for others when we’re tired ourselves, and holding on to hope when life feels heavy.

The race Paul talks about isn’t a sprint. It’s a long journey. Some days we’ll run well; other days we’ll just keep putting one foot in front of the other. And that’s okay. God isn’t asking us to be impressive—just faithful.

So, if this Lent you’re feeling weary or wondering if you’re doing enough, hear this encouragement: faithfulness matters. Staying the course counts. God is at work in your ordinary, everyday lives. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going, one faithful step at a time.

Let us pray: Faithful God, give us grace to keep going one faithful step at a time, trusting that you are at work in our everyday lives. Amen.