Day 126: Stay in the Story

Today’s Reading:
Deuteronomy 22–23, Psalm 108, Proverbs 5, Acts 13

Today’s Scripture: Acts 13:36 (NLT)
“This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed.”

Devotional:

There’s something sobering and freeing about this verse. David—arguably Israel’s greatest king—had a beginning, a calling, and an ending. His story wasn’t forever, but it was faithful. “He did the will of God in his own generation.”

What if that became the measure of success for us?

Not popularity.
Not going viral.
Not living forever in people’s memories.

But this: Did I do the will of God in my generation?

Paul is preaching in Acts 13 and connecting the dots between God’s story in Israel and the fulfillment of it in Jesus. He mentions David not just as a king, but as a servant of God’s purposes. His life was part of the bigger plan—but it wasn’t the plan itself.

We’ve got to remember that.
You and I—we’re not the whole story.
But we are part of it.

And the question is: are we doing our part?

Some days you might feel like what you’re doing is small. It’s unseen. It’s not “changing the world.”
But if you’re walking in obedience—parenting with love, leading with integrity, serving with faithfulness—you are fulfilling the will of God in your generation.

Lent reminded us that life is fleeting, the cross is central, and the kingdom is advancing. Now, post-resurrection, we live on mission—with a Spirit-empowered mandate to step into our moment and finish well.

Don’t try to be the hero of the story.
Just be faithful in your chapter.

Live Inspired.

Reflection Questions:
1. What would it look like for you to do the will of God in your generation?

2. Are you tempted to measure your success by something other than faithfulness to God’s calling?

Prayer:
Lord, I want to be faithful to Your calling—not someone else’s. Remind me that I don’t have to do everything, but I am called to do something. Help me to see where You’ve placed me and how You want to use me. I surrender my need to be impressive and ask instead to be faithful. May I serve Your will in my generation—and finish my race well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Digging Deeper:

Deuteronomy 22–23 may feel distant culturally, but they reflect God’s heart for protection, purity, and justice. God cared deeply about how people treated each other, especially the vulnerable. He calls His people to be set apart—not just spiritually, but socially and ethically.

Psalm 108 is a mashup of two previous psalms (57 and 60), yet it reminds us that worship is never wasted. Even recycled praise still honors God. When our hearts are steadfast, we can sing through battles, declare God’s truth, and trust Him for victory.

Proverbs 5 warns against seductive distractions that pull us off course. Whether it’s literal temptation or metaphorical compromise, the call is the same: stay anchored in wisdom, fidelity, and purpose. Don’t let temporary pleasures sabotage your long-term impact.

Acts 13 is a pivotal turning point in the book. The church in Antioch sends out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The gospel is preached beyond the Jewish world. And Paul’s message is brilliant—it ties history, prophecy, and personal application together. The whole chapter is a call to understand the bigger story of God and find your place in it.