"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV)

I unfolded the scrap piece of paper to find a Bible verse scribbled on it. It was a verse I had never read but one that would change my life in countless ways in the years to come.

At the time, I was 15 years old and a new Christian, still just taking my first steps toward Jesus. I hadn’t been to youth group in weeks, so when my friend delivered a note from my youth pastor, I was anxious to open it.

The Bible verse I read that night was John 3:30: “He must become greater; I must become less.”

My youth pastor’s gentle message was clear: I needed to stop living for myself! Up until that point, my life had been centered around me. At that moment, I began to learn what we all must learn: My life — every part of it — is to be lived for Jesus. And even more significantly, it matters for eternity.

In the Bible, the life of Moses’ mom gives us a peek into why this is so important. Her story has a lesson for all of us, and it is a beautiful account of someone who was faithful when no one was watching, no matter the cost, and not for accolades but for the glory of God.

Moses’ mom’s name was Jochebed, and she knew, as every Hebrew woman did at that time, that to give birth to a baby boy in Egypt was a death sentence for that child. (Exodus 1:15-17) After she gave birth to Moses, she hid her young son for as long as she could. The day came, though, when she had to do the unthinkable. Desperate, she put Moses in a basket in the Nile River.

Moses’ sister, Miriam, watched from a distance as Moses was soon discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter. And it was Moses’ sister who approached Pharaoh’s daughter to suggest a Hebrew woman would be a fitting person to nurse this abandoned baby. With Pharaoh’s daughter’s permission, Miriam reunited young Moses with his birth mom but only for a short season. (Exodus 2:1-9) The time would come when Jochebed would have to let him go again. (Exodus 2:10)

Jochebed’s hidden faithfulness in caring for her son may have seemed insignificant, but God was using her beyond what she could’ve imagined. Moses would grow up to save a nation of fellow Hebrews from slaughter, becoming Israel’s great leader and the man to whom God gave His law. Jochebed’s obedience had an eternal impact on generations to come. She was faithful to what God called her to when no one was watching.

This lesson I learned at the young age of 15 is something I keep coming back to over and over again: The way we live our days is our greatest testimony. No matter what God has called us to, it starts right where we are today. At home. At work. In the grocery store. With our neighbor. It starts with who we really are — our integrity and our character.

Every season is different, and every season demands a different capacity from us as humans. Sometimes we will be busy and distracted. Sometimes we will feel like we have it all together. Sometimes we will feel close to God. And sometimes we will feel far away from God. But no matter how we feel or what is going on in our lives, the call is still the same — to keep being faithful to God in the seen and unseen moments of our lives.

We must become less, allowing Jesus to live His life in us and through us, trusting God will use our hidden faithfulness today for His glory tomorrow.

Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me right where I am. I want to serve You and honor You with my life. Help me to be faithful to You today and to trust that You will use my obedience for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Our next study is here … Numbers: How To Wrestle Well When You’re Worn Out in the Waiting starts August 29 in the First 5 mobile app! The book of Numbers may not be what you think. It’s not just a list of names and numbers. It’s the story of God speaking to His people while they were in the wilderness. Through this study, you’ll learn that, whatever “wilderness” you currently find yourself in, He is still speaking. Don’t miss out on this one! Click here to get your study guide.

If you are struggling to find peace and live faithfully right where God has you today, encourage your heart and grab a copy of the brand-new devotional Trusting God in All the Things from Ruth Schwenk and Karen Ehman. This beautiful 90-day devotional will help you learn to follow God in your every day and experience the peace your heart desires. Click here to order your copy today!

ENGAGE

For encouragement and hope every day, you can connect with Ruth on Instagram. Head there now to learn how you can join her fall study, 90 Days to Trusting God in All the Things!

While you’re at it, don’t forget to join our Encouragement for Today devotions community group on Facebook!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (NIV)

The Hebrew word for “wise” also means “skillful.” In what area of your life do you need to live with more wisdom and skill to remain faithful to what God has called you to? What is one way you can begin to do that today?

I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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