Daily Devotional for January 17, 2023
Chocolate Courage Layer Cake
“Something smells delicious!” Dad said as he walked into the kitchen.
“That’s because it’s chocolate.” Lacy pointed to three bowls. “It’s going to be a chocolate layer cake with three layers of dark, milk, and white chocolate.”
Dad winked. “I’m glad you started watching baking shows in your free time.”
“I wonder why!” Lacy giggled.
“How have things been going with Nia?” asked Dad.
Lacy removed the paddle attachment from the mixer. “We’ve been friends since kindergarten, so I thought she would be more understanding when I told her about my new relationship with Jesus. Instead, things have been difficult.”
“How so?”
“Well, sometimes we used to make fun of kids in the lunchroom…it was kind of like our game, though we never said it to their faces. Now, I don’t want to do that since I belong to Jesus and I know He loves those kids. I tried to explain it to Nia, but she said Jesus makes me boring.”
“Did that make you want to behave the way you used to?”
Lacy shrugged. “For a second, but only because I want our friendship to stay the same.”
Dad nodded thoughtfully. “Lacy, remember when you started baking? What was the first thing you made?”
“Those awful chocolate chip cookies! I over-mixed them and left them in the oven too long.”
Dad laughed. “I was proud of how you didn’t let that make you quit. You kept baking, your cookies kept improving, and today you’re making a triple layer cake! Living a new life in Christ is not always going to be easy, but you have God’s promise that He will be with you wherever you go. Because you have His Spirit in you, you will have the courage to speak and act in ways that are pleasing to Him.”
“You’re right, Dad. My baking journey took time, so I guess it makes sense that my faith journey will too. I just have to be courageous and keep taking the next right step.” Lacy grinned. “I know what I’m going to name my cake! Chocolate Courage Layer Cake. It will remind me that in every layer of life, God will give me what I need to live courageously for Him!”
-Savannah Coleman
How about you?
Are you a child of God? When you belong to Jesus, He promises to never leave you or abandon you and to give you everything you need to live a life pleasing to Him. It can be scary to live in a way the world doesn’t always understand. Living for Jesus and doing the right thing takes courage. With God’s help, you can choose to live courageously and make daily decisions that show others His love.
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?