Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion from 40 Days to Look Again by Tim Tebow.
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Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. — James 1:22
I can’t tell you how many times people have come up to me and asked, “Tim, how do I know if God is leading me to do something?” It’s a great question, and one I’ve wrestled with too.
There have been moments when I’ve felt that gut-level nudge. That moment when something breaks my heart or fires me up, and I feel, I have to do something about this. Maybe you feel the same nudge when you see someone being mistreated, hear a story about a person with special needs who’s been left out, or discover an unmet need in your community. It’s the same feeling my dad got when he heard about four girls who were being sold into trafficking. His heart wouldn’t let him ignore it.
Whenever I feel that stirring, I’ve learned to take it back to God’s Word. That’s the filter. Does what I’m sensing line up with Scripture? Because if that nudge in my heart matches what God has already told us to do, then the answer is already yes. We don’t have to wait for a sign in the sky or a booming voice. The Bible says it clearly, over and over again:
Defend the weak and the fatherless. — Psalm 82:3
Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8–9). Care for the orphan and the widow (James 1:27). That means
- when our hearts are stirred by injustice or pain, we’re not just having an emotional moment; we’re being invited into obedience.
Sometimes we overcomplicate that. We want a full blueprint before we take the first step. But God doesn’t always give us the whole picture. He gives us a person to help, a moment to step in, an opportunity to say yes right where we are. It’s not about being the hero. It’s about being faithful with the small things. And God can multiply even our smallest act of obedience in ways we might never see this side of Heaven.
Here’s a tip: We don’t need to overanalyze doing the right thing. If Scripture already tells us to serve, defend, and care for people, that’s direction! And a great place to start.
Saying yes in one moment doesn’t mean you’re locked into a lifelong calling. Just ask, “Can I do something right now?” If the answer is yes, step in. Help. Serve. Love. Encourage. You are not called to fix every problem forever, but you are called to be faithful with what’s right in front of you.
That’s why I believe we should always lean toward action, not simply talking about it or praying about it, but doing something. That’s what James meant when he wrote, “Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says.” We’ve been told to love others, to serve, to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. So let’s do it.
What is God showing you right now? Who is He calling you to see with new eyes? What hurt, injustice, or need is He letting you feel in your gut?
Don’t wait to figure out the whole story. If your heart is stirred and God’s Word confirms it, step in. Say yes. Obey. God may be inviting you to be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
DECLARE:
“Obedience starts with one small yes.”
DO:
Ask God in prayer, “Lord, who do You want me to see today?”
Then act when He opens your eyes. Be willing. Be ready.
Excerpted with permission from 40 Days to Look Again by Tim Tebow, copyright Timothy R. Tebow.
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Your Turn
What’s your one small yes of obedience today? Lean toward action. Instead of thinking about it, talking about it, or praying about it, do something. Let’s be faithful with the small things. ~ Devotionals Daily