1) Today, you will undoubtedly face setbacks. Becoming a Christian does not exempt us from adversity or daily trials. In this regard, we are no different from anyone else. Left to our own devices, our natural inclination would be to respond in ways that dishonor God. However, those who are in Christ possess a precious privilege—the access to the throne of grace. Through this, we are empowered to endure our daily trials and adversity in a manner that glorifies God and bears witness to His reality in a world devoid of hope. So instead of praying that you will escape all setbacks, pray and develop a gospel response plan to prepare yourself for them.

2) Someone is likely to criticize, hurt, offend, disappoint, betray you or otherwise sin against you today. How will you respond? Will your reaction honor the gospel? Take a moment to pause and pray. Remind yourself of the gospel truth that you have been forgiven much by God that you might extend the same grace you’ve received. Commit beforehand that you will forgive others quickly and find ways to show love and kindness to those who have offended you

3) Likewise, you will sin against someone else. When that happens, how will you handle it? Will you make excuses for your sin? Will you rationalize or shift the blame onto others? Or will you humbly acknowledge your wrongdoing, confess it before God, seek forgiveness from those you have wronged, and demonstrate a response that honors the gospel?

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Heavenly Father, as we step into this day, we acknowledge that challenges and setbacks are inevitable. We ask for Your strength and wisdom to face them with grace, rather than frustration. Help us cultivate a heart of preparedness, rooted in prayer, so that our reactions may reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name, even in the midst of adversity. When others criticize or offend us, grant us the patience and forgiveness to respond in a way that honors the gospel. And Lord, when we fall short and sin against others, give us the humility to confess our wrongs before You and those we have hurt, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. May this be my daily prayer and commitment, to live out the gospel in every situation, bearing witness to Your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.