Through The Bible in a Year - February 11, 2026

“I drew him out of the water.”* – Exodus 2:10 

“God drew him out of the water.” – (The truth behind the words)

It started in a rail car in downtown Peoria, Illinois—maybe 40, maybe 60, maybe 70 children gathered for a Bible lesson. Noone knows the number for sure. What we know is that the town had about 14,000 people, swollen with 7,500 Union troops. Nine distilleries and six breweries—the world capital of alcohol. Docks and drunks and drugs. Floating casinos and taverns and brothels.

And we know that there were some 1,200 children throughout the town whose voices someone heard above the din and the sin. Someone remembered God’s mission and theirs was to reach the hearts of children. Someone saw the opportunity. Someone knew that if faithful people would reach out for God’s purposes, then God would do His work.

So, from a re-purposed rail car to the now historic Grace Church in Peoria, Illinois, God’s people have been able to celebratemore than150 years of faithfulness. Generations of children have been reached for Christ, tens of thousands of people have come to faith, and countless souls across the nations have devoted themselves to Jesus through expansive missions.

Yes, the train of God’s purpose seemed to run slow in some decades. Sometimes it seemed off schedule – even off the tracks. But as the prophets long ago declared, the train of God’s grace has continued toward a sure destination—his glory and our good.

This is just the way God works. Consider how, even at the cross, it looked like the train of God’s gospel purpose had derailed. The hiss of the brakes—the gasp as they put thorns on His brow. The rattle of the rocks—the roll of the dice gambling for His garments. The roar of the engine—the clamor of “Crucify Him!” The pounding of the pistons—the hammers driving nails into hands and feet. The wail of the whistle—the cry of the Lamb: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

All of this was so that you and I would be God’s children—not forgotten, but cherished. All of this was so that we who had our sins placed on Him would be freed of our guilt and blessed by His righteousness.

So the mission of Grace Church still, and the mission of all saved by the grace of Jesus is to say to everyone, “This train is bound for glory. Get on board, little children. There’s room for many a more.”

Respond: God is faithful to any people who are faithful to His mission. So consider what He is calling you to do—however small, however obscure—to invite people onto his train. Consider who needs to hear the gospel from you today?

Prayer: Lord, your train is bound for glory, and You’ve put me on board. Use me to invite others on board. Make me faithful to Your mission—not dismayed by my obscurity, my weakness, or my trials. Help me to remember you’re accomplishing Your purposes. Help me trust You and move forward in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.