It's All in the Bag: A Three-Day Devotional Written by Rodrika

Life is full of challenges and blessings, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to navigate through it all. "It's All in the Bag: A Three-Day Devotional" invites you to explore a unique perspective on life's journey through the story of a special guest speaker, Naomi Grabus, and her interactive message about the bag of life. Over the course of three days, you'll reflect on the gifts and resources God has placed in your life, learn to handle life's heat with His strength, and ultimately, accept His guidance and companionship on your journey. Each day includes a scripture, a reflection, a prayer, and an action step to help you grow in faith and trust in God's plan for your life. Join us in discovering that everything you need is already in the bag, and God is with you every step of the way.

Day 1: The Bag of Life

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: This morning, we met at our usual Tuesday gathering. There was a special guest speaker named Naomi Grabus. She stepped up with a purpose, holding a mysterious bag. Naomi asked us to form a circle and started singing "Hot Potato, Hot Potato," passing the bag around. When she shouted, "Make it STOP! The bag stops with you!" the bag landed in Rachel's hands.

Naomi asked Rachel to open the bag and see what was inside. Confused, Rachel began to pull out various items representing parts of the body: a headband, eyes, ears, and so forth. Naomi then explained that this bag represents our lives. Just like the items in the bag, we are given everything we need at birth. However, life throws challenges at us, and it's up to us to use what we've been given to navigate through these obstacles.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the life you have given me. Help me to recognize and utilize the gifts and resources you have placed in my "bag." Guide me to see your plan for my life and trust in the future you have prepared for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step: Take a moment to list the gifts, talents, and resources you have in your life. Reflect on how you can use them to overcome current challenges.

Day 2: Handling the Heat

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Naomi chose Rachel for the bag to stop with because she knew Rachel was feeling stuck, overwhelmed by life's difficulties. Many times, we reach points where life gets "hot" and we want to give up. Naomi reminded us that God sees all our efforts, even when others don't. He understands our struggles and heartaches.

God wants to walk this journey with us. He offers us His strength and support, even when we feel we can’t go on. Naomi's message was clear: we are not alone. God is always there, ready to help us carry the weight of our burdens.

Prayer: Lord, I feel overwhelmed and burdened by the challenges of life. I ask for your strength and support to carry me through. Help me to feel your presence and trust in your guidance. Thank you for always being there for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step: Identify a current struggle you are facing. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you with this specific issue. Trust that He will provide the strength you need.

Day 3: Accepting the Journey

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: At the end of the exercise, Naomi asked Rachel if she would accept God to walk

with her on her journey called life. This is a question we all need to ponder. Are we willing to surrender our burdens, our plans, and our lives to God, trusting Him to guide us?

Life is unpredictable and often difficult, but when we invite God to be a part of our journey, we are assured of His presence and guidance. Just as Rachel opened her bag and discovered the parts representing her life, we need to open our hearts to God and trust that He has a purpose for us.

Prayer: Father, I open my heart to you and invite you to walk this journey of life with me. I surrender my plans and trust in your guidance. Help me to lean on you and acknowledge you in all my ways. Thank you for your everlasting love and support. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step: Make a commitment to spend daily time with God, seeking His guidance and presence. Reflect on how you can acknowledge Him in your daily decisions and trust Him with your life's journey.