Devotionals

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“But Lord, You just don’t understand!” Is that the cry of your heart? He does understand; we don’t! We view everything through our clouded sight and minimal experience. Our Almighty God sees all, knows all, and understands all. Friends, He is the final authority!

At times my prayer requests may sound more like helpful hints! He does not need my advice. He needs my attention and availability! Remember Peter telling the Lord a thing or two about the need for Him to suffer and die? “And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You (Matthew 16:22 NAS).” His 2 cents fell flat!

“But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s (Matthew 16:23 NAS).” Reading this we are amazed at Peter’s crude approach to our Lord! We may not speak as he did; but we often reject God’s plans!

Another faithful follower tried to clue God in on a person’s character and aims. “But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Thy saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon thy name (Acts 9: 13-14 NAS).”

The words he said under his breath may have included, God, You do not have your facts straight! You do not need Saul; he is trouble with a capitol T! I’m sorry Lord; but You are wrong this time!

Did God chew him out; no He clued him in! “ But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake,
(Acts 9: 15-16 NAS).”

Look at the scope of God’s reply. Saul, who would be given a name change by God, to Paul, would be a chosen instrument in God’s hands. He would be a messenger on assignment from the ruler of the universe! He would be chosen to suffer for the name of the Lord!

To suffer for God is not a punishment; it is a reward for obedience, to share in the suffering of Christ! If God’s beloved Son obediently served the Father through suffering and death, why do we question His will and methods?

We can save our breath; God does not need a refresher course. He needs faithful followers (Luke 9:23).”




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