A Single Day

Finding God’s will for our lives. Doing what God wants us to do. Being all God created us to be.

These phrases are often buzz words for sermons, Bible studies, or podcasts. They represent thoughts we pray for, seek to attain as true Jesus-followers. Often with the hope of pleasing God. We focus on purpose rather than being in the present.

When I was young, I was certain God wanted me to live a monastic life, suffer for my faith, and be willing to face the martyr’s blade (always hoping it would not hurt too much). It seemed top-of-the-line destiny to end up on a mission field, behind a pulpit, or literally — on the chopping block. I lost track of the number of times I marched forward and knelt at the altar to ‘give my life to God.’

Later, I just hoped God would allow me to hole up in a cabin somewhere and write incredible words that would influence the world. The pen-mightier-than-the-sword type of words. Keeping my head (literally), yet marching forward with written truth. I’m still seeking this path with my books, articles, and blog posts such as this one.

Now older and hoping I am wiser, I consider the fact that each day and each moment is itself a special calling. To focus more on the ‘being’ rather than the ‘doing.’ To embrace the mission Jesus called us to as we devote our lives to live within his greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38). To just be aware of how I can serve and love others, even while doing something seemingly mundane:

• Washing dishes after I serve my children a meal.
• Giving gratitude for the hot water that sterilizes said dishes.
• Answering the phone and listening — really listening — to the voice on the other end.
• Praying for that person on the phone.
• Smiling and waving at a neighbor.
• Feeding a feral cat, part of God’s creation.
• Giving an extra amount to tip a harried waitress.

What does God really want us to do? Dedicate ourselves to some noble cause that offers to place us on a pedestal? Or to just live and love throughout each day? To be aware of those divine coincidences that turn into divine assignments that look like Jesus. To just serve each other every single day and praise God for the opportunities that come our way.

No need to be in the pulpit or on the mission field or listed as church staff in order to please God. And God bless those folks who have given their lives for those noble causes.

But we ordinary and less-than-monastic devotees can embrace life, live in the present, and love each single day. We can be God’s people in the everyday moments of life. We can breathe instead of strive. And let ‘Ruach Elohim—the breath of God—love through us.  

©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved

Image Attribution: johnhain / Pixabay

For more devotional ideas, check out Building Faith into your Life: Spiritual Strength for Each Day.