Bible Passages

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

“Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:20-21 (NSRV)

Devotion

As a mature, responsible young adult, I tried very hard to handle my own affairs. Juggling schedules, finances, people, and family was too much. I always dropped one or two balls. My biggest problem, I found out, was me. I was not capable of stepping far enough back or climbing up high enough to see the big picture, but God is. He created the one true “big picture,” and created me to do my part in it.

By trying to do things on my own, I actually created more stress and chaos than if I had done what God was telling me to do. I forgot where to get strength and wisdom. I forgot a lot of things, but God never does. He has a plan, and created me to fit exactly where He needs me to be.

When I forget to listen to Him, He sends me a message. It might be in the form of a friend’s comment during a conversation. I might hear something on the radio or television. Usually, it it a small tug on my heart. Sometimes, He takes matters into His own hands and speaks to me directly.

Once, shortly after my husband died, I was so lost, confused, overwhelmed and stressed out, He actually said loudly, “Hush!” I got the message, and tried to quiet my mind enough for Him to get a word in edgewise. I’m not sure I succeeded completely, but God didn’t take any further corrective action, so I must have been partially successful, at least.

Other times, I feel like Jonah. I really don’t think I’m the right person for the job before me, and try to argue, in a piercing, whiny child voice, “But God, I can’t do that,” and run the other way. Fortunately, I haven’t been eaten by a whale, but I am sometimes swallowed by a giant swamp. I sink in the muck. I get tangled in the prickly briars. Moss gets in my hair. Bugs fly all around me. I think I’m done for, but God is always there to lift me out of the bog and set my feet on solid ground, once I quit running from His will and the task at hand.

Nope, there are no but’s about it. If I listen with my heart and obey that small, quiet voice within me, it all works out the way God intends and I can live a peaceful, happy life free from worry and stress. God knows what He’s doing, and He created me for a specific purpose. All I have to do is trust Him.

Prayer Focus

People struggling with God’s purpose for them.

Prayer

Almighty, All-Knowing, All-Seeing God, help me to listen with my heart to Your small, quiet voice. I know You will guide my travels through this life, and all I have to do is ask You for guidance. You prepared this path for me, and me alone. Let me be a vessel that carries Your love to my fellow human beings. Let me be a light to those seeking You. Let me be Your voice in the wilderness. Amen.

Final Thought

With God, there are no if’s, and’s or but’s.