Friday, November 3, 2023

I don’t like scary … not movies, T.V. shows, or even books! I’m not a fan. As the plot thickens and I see that nothing good will come of it, I leave the room! I feel that same sense of unease when I read 1 Samuel. Saul was selected to be the first king of Israel. Tall and handsome, he was everyone’s idea of what a king should look like. But Saul failed the big test with the Amalekites, lost his prophet, and then lost his way altogether. He became so desperate that he violated his own law and sought the supernatural when he should have sought out God.

Have you ever done that? I haven’t consulted witches or mediums, but I have tried everything I could think of besides turning to God. If only I could do this better, get that back, be the person they want me to be, or never do that again—this time, it will all be ok.

But it never is. I just get in deeper and move further away from the place I long to be: That place of peace that can only be found in the arms of our loving God.

Colossians 1:13-14
¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Only when I come to the end of myself can I truly rest in God. I realize that:

1. The only person I can change (with the help of the Holy Spirit!) is myself;
2. God is in charge of everyone else;
3. God loves them as much as he loves me;
4. God has the perfect plan for our lives; and
5. I can let go and let God.

The classic line from 1 Samuel 15:22(b) says it all:

“Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 28)

This is where I want to be in the midst of all my scary times, places, and circumstances. So, I will obediently submit to his plan and purpose for my life. I trust that he will work out the rest for the best!

Questions:
Have you taken the time with God to discover the purpose he has for you? Do you know the gifts and talents he has given you to do the work his kingdom requires?

Next Steps:
The best place to find the answers to those questions is GrowthTrack. The best place to walk closely with Jesus is in a Group. Prayerfully determine what your next step should be in your great adventure following Jesus, and do it!

Prayer:
Jesus, I am grateful that you have called me to be your own! Give me the wisdom to walk in the way you have set for me, the courage to do the things you ask, and the confidence to know you are in control. As I lean into your loving presence, may your light shine through me in a way that draws others to you. Help me always to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that I have in these dark days. My hope is in you. May your great name be praised over all the earth! Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

This post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.