Daily Reading & Prayer
We Can Trust Him
Philippians 2:10 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”
Mark 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Think
Theologian N.T. Wright said, “Jesus isn’t just somebody with good ideas. He isn’t just somebody who will tell us how to establish a better relationship with God. He is somebody with authority over everything that the physical world on the one hand, and the non-physical world on the other, can throw at us. This is a Jesus we can trust with every aspect of our lives.”
Harry Houdini, the famous escape artist, became known for his ability to break free from handcuffs, prison cells, and various confinements. He confidently declared that no jail cell could hold him, and indeed, he had never failed to escape. However, there's a lesser-known story during his successes.
Legend has it that during one escape attempt, Houdini found himself in a cell, diligently working on the lock as he had done countless times before. Hours passed, but this time, the lock refused to budge. Frustrated and defeated, he realized that the cell had never been locked in the first place.
In a similar vein, many of us can relate to striving tirelessly to access God's power in our lives. We search for methods and techniques, hoping to unlock the reservoir of God’s power and authority we believe must be hidden somewhere. Yet, despite our efforts, we often feel like we're hitting a wall, unable to tap into that promised potential.
The truth is, just as Houdini struggled with an unlocked door, we sometimes overlook the simplicity of trusting in God's authority, just following him. We complicate what is meant to be straightforward by relying on our own understanding or seeking complex methods. Yet, the key to experiencing God's power lies in acknowledging our need for him and trusting in his ability to work in and through us. It's not about finding the right formula or secret code; it's about surrendering to God's authority and allowing his power to manifest in our lives.
Apply
The first step in unlocking God's power in your life is to acknowledge your dependence on him. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Have you trusted in what he did for you on the cross, and that he rose from the grave to pay for your sins and give you freedom? Step out in faith and surrender today.
Pray
Lord, help me acknowledge my complete dependence on you. Help me to trust in your authority, wisdom, and faithfulness, even when I cannot see the full picture. Strengthen my faith to step out boldly, knowing that you are with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.