Strong in the Lord: A Men's DevotionalSample

There’s Something Waiting for You

Most men feel the drive to earn their way.

We fix things, carry weight, and take pride in pulling our share. That can be a healthy way to approach work and even family responsibilities, but it breaks down when it comes to God.

Paul says salvation is by grace through faith—it is not from ourselves; it is God’s gift.

Grace removes the scoreboard. You are not a project you have to finish; you are a person God has rescued.

That doesn’t sideline effort. Right after dismantling any ground for boasting, Paul says we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works He prepared beforehand.

Grace doesn’t make our work meaningless; quite the opposite, it makes it meaningful.

The Greek word behind “workmanship” hints at craftsmanship. You are not mass-produced. God shaped you with intent—your temperament, story, skills, and even your scars can be woven into His purposes.

When grace lands, motivation shifts. We stop hustling for approval and start working from it. Fathering becomes less about image and more about faithfulness. Leadership becomes less about control and more about service. Monday meetings, late-night dishes, tough conversations—these, too, are places to walk in the good works God has already planned.

Your day is not random; it’s an opportunity.

Grace frees us from comparison. The Lord isn’t asking you to be impressive; He’s asking you to be available. Good works are not a ladder to climb into God’s favor; they’re the fruit of belonging to Him.

When we forget that, fatigue and resentment creep in. When we remember it, gratitude returns, and with gratitude, it’s easier to keep going with cheer and anticipation.

Consider where God’s craftsmanship might be on display in your life today: integrity when no one is watching, patience with a difficult person, generosity that costs, courage to speak truth gently.

It’s how a son lives because he is already home.

And when you hit your limits, grace also teaches you to rest. Sometimes the good work is stopping long enough to remember Who holds the outcome.

This humility keeps your heart soft, your pace sustainable, and your focus clear—so the work you do actually points to the One who saved you.

Prayer: Thank You for Your grace, God. Thank You for giving it to me freely. Help me to see the good acts You have for me to do and to do them in Your strength. Amen.

Reflection: In what ways do you see God’s provision enabling you to show His goodness through the good works you do?