Friday, June 28, 2024
The account of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, falling dead after being confronted about their lack of trust in God is challenging (Acts 5:1-11) because we serve a God who is full of grace. He is so patient with us as we walk through the difficulties of life.
Ananias and Sapphira presented themselves as righteous by giving the money from the sale of their land to share with those in need. However, they were fully exposed in the eyes of God. They had secretly held money back for themselves, and their sin led to death. God sees everything, including our hearts. While this can sound intimidating, it is actually good news!
God knows everything you are struggling with and the relationships that are being destroyed in the process. Whether it is the text you should not have sent, the anger you are holding against your spouse, how you yelled at your kids (again), or how you feel justified in your sin—God knows it all. Your heavenly Father wants to use your mess to bring you into a closer relationship with him, unlike anything you have experienced with the imperfect people in your life. All you have to do is tell God everything and trust that he will be faithful to show you the way through.
God wants to change the way we see our lives, and he does that through his Word.
1 John 2:3-6 NIV
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
There are situations in our lives we can’t fix or change—that is the truth of being here on earth. However, our posture toward these circumstances matters, because God wants to help us find peace during them. Our home is not here on this earth—it is in heaven. Because of this, we should come to the feet of Jesus, praising his name and willing to respond in obedience to him.
Hold fast to the One who is faithful to walk you all the way home.
Questions:
What do you need to confess to God?
Are you willing to repent to God of your mess and start walking with him through it?
Next Steps:
Find a quiet, private space and have it out with God. Tell him how you are feeling and don’t hold anything back.
Journal what you hear the Holy Spirit telling you about the situations in your life.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for your Word and your listening ear. Even when I don’t know what to say, you know my heart. When I am misunderstood, you understand me perfectly. When I feel like I don’t measure up, you remind me that I am yours, and your opinion is the only one that matters. Please change my heart in the places it refuses to forgive and increase my capacity to love. Please bless the time my brothers, sisters, and I spend with you this week sharing our hearts, and lead us to peace and freedom. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 37:3-4
3 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
This post was written by April Willer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.