Day 9: January 13, 2026

Progressive Change

Devotional: 

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.”

Luke 17:15-16 (HCSB)

Nine lepers kept moving forward toward the priests. One turned around. From the outside, it looked like a step backward, but spiritually, it was a step upward. The leper who returned refused to let what others did pull him away from the One who healed him. Gratitude compelled him to go back to Jesus. What could have appeared to be a step in the wrong direction was an avenue for elevation.

This pattern appears elsewhere in Scripture. When Peter stepped out of the boat (Matthew 14:29), he didn’t have the full picture. He only had a word from Jesus, “Come.” Though he eventually began to sink, he had already taken a powerful step. He moved at Jesus’ command, not allowing logic, fear, or the voices around him to stop him. And when he cried out, Jesus caught him.

Sometimes obedience doesn’t look impressive to others. Sometimes it looks like stepping back, slowing down, or choosing a different direction altogether. Culture may call it regression. People may call it foolishness. But obedience is never backward when it leads you closer to Christ.

The lepers could have allowed their unclean status to silence them. Peter could have stayed in the boat. But faith speaks, moves, and responds, even when it doesn’t make sense. We cannot allow the opinions of others to dictate our decisions. When God gives a command, we do not follow culture, pressure, or feelings. We follow His Word. Sometimes that looks like a pause. Sometimes it looks like laying a dream down temporarily. Sometimes it looks like turning around when everyone else keeps walking. But for those in Christ, a step back toward Him is always a step up.

Reflect

Where might God be inviting me to turn back toward Him, even if others don’t understand the choice?

One Step Forward

Identify one area where obedience feels misunderstood or uncomfortable. Choose today to follow God’s Word over voices, feelings, or expectations. Thank Him for the opportunity to draw closer.