January 11, 2026
Happy Sunday,
Last weekend, the U.S. captured one of its most wanted suspects—Venezuela’s president—from his Caracas home in an overnight raid that killed an estimated 100 (read more here). Venezuela is mourning losses, celebrating deliverance, and bracing for an uncertain future.
While unrest and regime change grab headlines, Americans are just a few days into optimistic resolutions for a healthier, happier, more successful 2026. Most of our goals for 2026—the toned body, dream job, and balanced budget—are nearly impossible without a stable government.
But God’s goal for your 2026 can come to fruition with or without a steady hand at the helm of your home country. His will for your year (and your life) is making you more like Jesus (Romans 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). And His goal of making you holy isn't undermined by unrest and suffering… It’s accomplished through it (1 Peter 2:21).
Let’s pray for the people of Venezuela to experience the kind of transformation that weathers unrest:
King of kings,
You sit enthroned over all the nations.1
You’re never caught off guard or overpowered.
Your rule can’t be toppled in an overnight raid.
Your plans are not shaken by the news that shakes the world.2
Good Father,
Comfort the Venezuelan and Cuban families
who lost loved ones in this raid.
Protect service members who will be sent into this conflict, and
shelter the people of Venezuela through regime change.
Shield Venezuelans from those who would exploit their vulnerability;
install a leader who will seek their good before his or her own;
free them from tyranny and corruption;
and establish durable peace.
Lord Almighty,
Give President Trump, Delcy Rodríguez, and other world leaders
wisdom to carry out justice.
Give the courts discernment to interpret and apply the law
for the good of all.3
Prince of Peace,
when our earthly home is stable and when it’s not,
we call to mind our citizenship in heaven
and hasten the coming of Your kingdom of peace.4
Equip us to be winsome ambassadors for that kingdom in all places of our exile,
formed by suffering into people of endurance, character, and unfailing hope.5
Strengthen us to carry the aroma of Christ,
radiating His hope to our overwhelmed and anxious neighbors.6
For His glory,
amen.
Yours in Christ,
Steph Juliot
Recommended Reading
1. Psalm 47:8
2. Psalm 82
3. Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Psalm 72:1-2; Proverbs 8:12-21
4. Philippians 3:20-21
5. Romans 5:3-4
6. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Recommended Resource
My four-year-old just transitioned from naptime to quiet time, and her new favorite companion is her Yoto player with cards from Kaleidoscope. She loves listening to their clear, winsome Bible stories, and I love that she’s associating God’s Word with rest. Check out Kaleidoscope to captivate little ears, eyes, and hearts with Scripture.*
*from TPO’s partners
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