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In God's Strength

Andrea Lende • December 14, 2022

Luke 14:2-4

In God’s Strength

 

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/In-Gods-Strength-e1s7fn2

 

Luke 14:2-4

 

And behold, [just] in front of Him there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and the Pharisees, Is it lawful and right to cure on the Sabbath or not? But they kept silent. Then He took hold [of the man] and cured him and sent him away.

 

Jesus knew the hearts of the Pharisees.

 

He knew they were cold and without compassion.

 

They followed the Law but were not guided by God in their hearts.

 

They couldn’t see that, although it was the Sabbath, doing good was the right thing to do.

 

Jesus wasn’t deterred in His mission, even though He had opposition.

 

He knew His mission was to heal the sick and bring Good News to the poor.

 

He knew His mission was to save the world even if they didn’t fully understand.

 

They weren’t able to receive the kingdom of heaven the way Jesus wanted them to.

 

And Jesus was disappointed in their response to Him.

 

We may be disappointed and discouraged at the moment.

 

However, God’s plan for us is perfect, so we must continue to do good just as Jesus did.

 

He never stopped healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, or sharing God’s message.

 

He did these things when no one was looking, and He did them when everyone was looking, whether they approved or not.

 

Let us continue seeking God for His will and walk it out as Jesus did.

 

May we end this year knowing we are held by the One Who created us, and He will strengthen us to do everything He’s called us to do.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, thank you for Your perfect plan for our lives. Thank You for leading and guiding our steps today and the promise of Your guidance for tomorrow. Lord, help us do Your will. Strengthen us to do all You ask us to do. Help us do what You ask us to do when no one is looking, as well as when everyone is looking. Help us love the unlovable and care for the broken. Light our path and help us follow You. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: I AM with you and have great plans for you. Follow Me.

Response: Help us follow You, Almighty God. In Jesus’ name, amen.


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