Encouragement for Today

February 6, 2026 Living Your Story for His Glory TRACIE MILES Lee en español

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

I was driving down the interstate and looked in the rearview mirror. My heart stopped. A massive pickup truck was barreling toward me at full speed.

In that split second, I thought about my kids, my family, all the things left undone. If this is it, did my life matter? Did I use the time God gave me to bring Him glory?

By God’s grace alone, the truck swerved at the last possible moment, missing my car by mere inches. But as I drove forward, shaking, reality hit me like a wave. Life can change — or end — in an instant. I had been taking it for granted, always believing I had plenty of time to do what God called me to do.

Our culture is obsessed with capturing the “perfect moment” for social media, yet we often miss the actual moments we’re living. We compare our real lives to everyone else’s filtered versions and convince ourselves our stories aren’t impressive, dramatic, or inspiring enough to matter.

But what if God isn’t looking for impressive? What if He’s simply asking us to be faithful with the one life He’s given us?

His words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 aren’t just about Sunday mornings or mission trips. They’re about everything: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

“Do it all” includes the way we respond when someone cuts us off in traffic. The patience we show our kids when we’re exhausted. The moment we embrace a friend who needs to know they will be OK after a hard time — because God will come through. Every single moment is an opportunity to glorify God.

That near miss changed my perspective. I realized I’d been so busy wishing my life looked different, I'd forgotten to actually live the story God entrusted to me.

Here’s the truth: God doesn’t need your life to be perfect. He needs it to be purposeful. That struggle you’re walking through? That disappointment that crushed your plans? That secret from your past? It’s part of your story that can show others how God turns pain into purpose.

Your life glorifies God not when it’s polished for public consumption but when it’s lived authentically for Him. You can be honest about your battles while pointing to your Deliverer. You can stop wishing you had someone else’s journey and start embracing how your journey — mess and all — reveals God’s grace. You can give someone hope.

Life is too short to waste it comparing, complaining, or waiting for things to be ideal. The world needs to see real people living real faith in real time. Right now.

Your actual, imperfect, beautiful story can show others that God is present, faithful, and working in the everyday moments we so often overlook.

Lord, help me see every moment as an opportunity to bring You glory. Give me courage to use my experiences, my struggles, and my story to point others to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Don’t let the busyness of life keep you from spiritual growth! Right now, we’re walking through our brand-new study, 40 Days Through the New Testament, in the FREE First 5 app, and there’s still time for you to join. Engage with Scripture, reflect on meaningful questions, and pray through guided prompts that help stir up your faith. As a special bonus, when you create an account in the app, you’ll receive exclusive bonus content that complements the study, helping you go deeper and apply Scripture to your daily life. Join women from around the world as we grow together in faith, hope, and understanding of God’s promises.

ENGAGE

Ready to find the courage to start sharing your story? Download Tracie’s free e-book from her website, From Silence to Story: A Simple Guide to Sharing Your Testimony with Confidence. This free guide includes nine encouraging chapters plus 26 journaling prompts to help you uncover and articulate your testimony.

For more encouragement to start using your life for God’s glory and take a chance on living out your faith in new ways, also check out Tracie’s book God’s Got You.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (NIV).

What’s one thing you can do today to share your story with someone who needs to hear God is still alive and working in our world today? Share with us in the comments.

© 2026 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.