April 24, 2026 Devo

This promise of God is one of the richest verses of scripture in the Bible. I want to spend the next few days unpacking it from a few different perspectives. Today, I want to look at the idea of God helping us off of the destructive path we’re on and helping us onto His Path, which leads to life.
I was talking with a father recently who is at his wits’ end with his son. His son is smart, capable, and could easily be an honor student. But there’s a problem. The son is addicted to “the screen.” Instead of doing his homework or studying for his tests, he plays games on his computer or watches videos on his phone. We’re not talking about MINUTES here. We’re talking about HOURS. As a result, his grades have dropped. His work is not getting done. And here’s the kicker. The son doesn’t understand the hole he is digging for himself.
As I talked with the father about various ways to address the issue, including taking away the devices he’s addicted to, he said he’s already putting that plan in place. But the deeper concern is that the son is having a hard time grasping the future consequences of the path he’s on. Lower grades mean fewer scholarship opportunities. Fewer scholarships mean fewer choices for colleges. If the bad habits continue into college, it means wasted money spent on classes that he will fail and not get credit for. Those same habits, carried into the workforce, mean fewer job opportunities and lower income—which will, in turn, impact financial and future family stability. The boy sees the NOW. The father sees the FUTURE.
That’s exactly how God is with us. When we choose our own path rather than the path of God, it’s not just about the now. It’s also about where this path is taking us. The boy likes the path he’s on right now because it’s easy and fun. But that fun is going to give way one day to heartache and regret if he doesn’t turn it around. The same is true when we choose our own path rather than God’s Path. The Book of Proverbs tells us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but it ends in destruction.” If you don’t believe that, read the story of the Prodigal Son again in Luke 15.
God loves you infinitely more than this father loves his son. God doesn’t just want you to obey Him for obedience’s sake. God wants you to follow Him for YOUR sake. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full!” So, take a moment today to truly evaluate the path your life is on. Is it taking you TOWARD God or AWAY from Him? If you’re on God’s Path, fantastic! Keep up the good work! But if you’re on another path, remember this: God allows U-Turns. Like the Prodigal Son discovered, a happy ending to your journey is sometimes one good decision away. That’s God’s Word for you today.