Out of control!
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it (Matthew 16:25).
Jesus explains the path ahead of him to his disciples (see verse 21). But they cannot comprehend. To human understanding, it was inconceivable that such things could happen to the Son of God from the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law.
‘Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!’ exclaimed Peter.
‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me …’ was part of Jesus’ reply to Peter.
Does that set you back in your seat? Our human perspective is so small, so limited. Have you ever recognised how something you have said just may have been you speaking Satan’s words aimed to hinder someone or yourself from taking steps of faith? For that is part of Satan’s schemes (see 2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11), for us to be doing his dirty work for him. We are blind to it until we ask the Holy Spirit to enable us to recognise what we are doing; then repent and intentionally speak encouragement.
Likewise, it’s instinctive for us to want to save our lives. To let go of my plans and dreams, my control; surely that’s counterintuitive? Yet it is as we yield our lives to Jesus, making ourselves available to him, that we begin to discover the enriching fullness and adventure he leads us into.
Holy Spirit, I need you, your training and equipping – desperately! Of myself, I am blind to what is of you, Jesus and Abba Father, and what isn’t. Renew my vision. Cause me to grow in using discernment that you give, and the courage to speak the things of God rather than the things of human thinking, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
