AUGUST 28 – DEVOTIONAL
When God Restores You, He Can Restore Peace Too
Text: Genesis 31:22–24, 43–55; Genesis 32:28
Jacob’s journey into a new beginning was not easy. He had spent years working for Laban, only to discover that his uncle had repeatedly changed his wages and taken advantage of him. Yet God saw Jacob’s hardship and began to change his story. He blessed the work of his hands, increased his possessions, and eventually told him it was time to return to his father’s house.
But there was another part of Jacob’s new beginning that is easy to overlook: God also dealt with the relationship. When Laban pursued Jacob, God intervened and warned him not to harm him. What could have ended in revenge or another painful conflict ended with a covenant of peace between them.
Beloved, sometimes we think a new beginning simply means God changing our circumstances. But God’s restoration can also bring healing to relationships and peace to places where there has been tension, injustice, or misunderstanding. We may not be able to change another person’s heart, but we can trust God to go before us and give us wisdom for how to respond.
Jacob’s story reminds us that we do not have to fight every battle ourselves. There are times when the wisest thing we can do is allow God to defend us, deal with what concerns us, and lead us forward. As we remain connected to Him, His grace teaches us not to carry yesterday’s battles into tomorrow’s relationships.
As we round up this months devotion, may you and your family continually experience God’s favour, wisdom, restoration, and peace. May the Lord heal strained relationships, give you grace to respond with the heart of Christ, and lead you into new beginnings where His peace and purpose prevail. Shalom! 🙏🏾
Bible Reading Summary
Job 28:1–30:31
Job reflects on how people search deep into the earth to find precious treasures, showing that humans can discover many hidden things. Yet he asks where true wisdom can be found. He concludes that wisdom cannot be bought with gold or precious stones. True wisdom comes from God, and it begins with fearing the Lord and turning away from evil. Job then contrasts this wisdom with his present suffering, remembering the honour he once enjoyed and describing how people now mock and reject him.
Key Themes: True wisdom, the fear of God, human limitations, suffering, humility, and turning away from evil.
2 Corinthians 2:12–17
Paul explains that he went to Troas to preach the Gospel, and God opened an opportunity for ministry. However, he was concerned because he could not find Titus, so he left and continued to Macedonia. Paul then gives thanks to God, who continually leads believers in Christ’s victory. He describes Christians as spreading the knowledge of Christ like a pleasant fragrance. This ministry brings life to some and exposes the rejection of others. Paul emphasises the seriousness of representing Christ faithfully.
Key Themes: Gospel ministry, God’s guidance, faithfulness, spreading Christ’s message, and representing Christ with sincerity.
Psalm 42:1–11
The psalmist deeply longs for God, comparing his desire for God’s presence to a thirsty deer longing for water. He feels discouraged, lonely, and overwhelmed as he remembers times of worship and hears others asking where his God is. Yet he repeatedly speaks to his own soul, asking why it is discouraged and reminding himself to hope in God. Although he is experiencing deep sadness, he chooses to trust that he will praise God again.
Key Themes: Longing for God, discouragement, hope, worship, remembering God’s faithfulness, and trusting God in difficult seasons.
Proverbs 22:7
This proverb teaches that debt can place a person in a position of dependence. The borrower becomes subject to the lender, showing that financial decisions can affect personal freedom and peace. The verse encourages us to be careful with borrowing, manage money wisely, and avoid unnecessary financial burdens. It reminds us that financial wisdom is an important part of responsible living.
Key Themes: Financial wisdom, responsibility, freedom, careful borrowing, and wise decision-making.
Final Reflection
Today’s passages remind us that God is the source of true wisdom, strength, and hope. Job teaches us that wisdom is more valuable than anything money can buy and that true wisdom begins with reverence for God. Paul reminds us that our lives should carry the message of Christ wherever we go. Psalm 42 shows us that it is possible to feel discouraged while still choosing to hope in God. Proverbs encourages us to make wise financial choices.
The simple lesson is this: When life feels confusing or overwhelming, seek God first. His wisdom will guide you, His presence will strengthen you, and His faithfulness will give you hope.
SPECIAL INVITATION
With great joy and gratitude to God, I am pleased to announce this to friends and readers who are not on the BOA platform: after 38 years of serving the Lord in various leadership capacities and through global missions, including several years of Bible School training in both Word of Faith Bible Institute and Charis Bible College, I will be ordained as the Pastoral Head of Beauty For Our Ashes Christian Network.
This special ordination will take place during the ministry’s 8th Anniversary Celebration, marking a beautiful new beginning and a new chapter in the assignment God has entrusted to us—especially the new transgenerational mentorship vision.
It is a privilege and honor to step into this next chapter with humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to God’s call.
I would be honored to have you join me for this very special occasion!
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Hilton Springfield, Virginia
🕐 Ordination: 1:00 PM
Please note: Registration is required for seating and meal arrangements with the hotel.
👉 Please click the link below to register: https://form.jotform.com/Joyce_King_info/boa-conference-registration-form
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