Monday, October 21, 2024
We’ve all been stuck in a never-ending valley, battling to survive and wondering if we’d ever get back to the mountain top.
That’s how the Jews felt under Roman occupation as they anticipated the Messiah, who had promised to save them.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
When Jesus finally acknowledged to his disciples that he was the Son of God (Matthew 16:15-17), they must have been ecstatic, believing they would finally be free from the Romans. However, our plans don’t always align with God’s. So when Jesus said he would be going to Jerusalem, where he would suffer and die (Matthew 16:21), I imagine the disciple’s anticipation magnified their disappointment.
But here is the thing about those seemingly never-ending valleys: They produce the most beautiful work. Part of enjoying when things are still and lovely is appreciating the work it took to get there. Most views worth seeing require a daunting hike.
As Christ-followers, we’re not promised a life free of disappointment—but we are promised a rich and satisfying life in Jesus (John 10:10). Adversity, difficult circumstances, and setbacks have the potential to result in comebacks when we replace our human thinking with godly thinking and humble ourselves with open minds and hearts (Matthew 16:23).
When we surrender our way and pick up the cross (Matthew 16:24), our lives as we know them come to an end. Life is no longer about us—it’s about our love for everyone else. This self-transformation leads to a peaceful and fulfilling life.
Happiness and light are contagious. Love and peace are blessings that come from giving all of ourselves to God. When we shine brightly to those around us, we become a beacon of hope. To live in such a way honors God. Make the choice to surrender your way of living, pick up the cross, and watch your life transform in ways you never dreamed possible.
Bottom line: Peace comes when you stop demanding your own way.
Questions:
Can you think of someone who could use your encouragement today? Who can you invite to church?
Next Steps:
If you haven't surrendered your life to Christ, maybe now is your time. In this moment, ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Tell him you are giving your life to him. Then, tell another Christ-follower about this decision, so they can celebrate with you!
Consider attending GrowthTrack, to learn more about the rich, purpose-filled life Jesus invites us into.
Make a difference in the lives of others by inviting them to Halloweekend and At The Movies.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me—for sacrificing everything so that I can be free of the sins I have committed and the ones yet to come. Help me to see my valleys as opportunities to grow and blossom into the kind human you created me to be. In your name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
***Do you love to write? Have you ever considered sharing Jesus through your writing? If so, consider writing for the LivingItOut! We are always looking for new writers to share their gifts with our readership. This might be the exact opportunity God is asking you to be open-handed with! To learn more, please contact livingitout@cedarcreek.tv.***
This post was written by Keisha Wiechers, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.