WHAT IS FAITH? AND WHAT DOES A MUSTARD SEED HAVE TO DO WITH IT?
- Key Verse
- And they were deeply grieved. (Matthew 17:23b)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Things may be exactly as they should be, even if they are not as I think they should be.
Reflections
I am struck by the similarities between the disciples' and my reactions to Jesus' description of the plan for salvation. These guys are hanging with Christ day after day and are “greatly distressed” by the news of how Christ will accomplish His mission. (Matthew 17:23, ESV) The disciples have their idea of how He should establish His kingdom. But the Lord has His own operating plan for saving the world from itself. That plan involves sacrifice, love (why He puts up with us), and compassion. It also involves loving your enemies as yourself.
I obviously do not know what the disciples were thinking. But I bet their idea for God's plan involved driving the Romans out of Israel and establishing a worldly kingdom for the Jews in Jerusalem. I would have!
Likewise, I have my own thoughts and ideas on how He should make my life go. Thoughts like: “Shouldn’t she stay if this is going to glorify Him?”; “I could serve You so much better if I only had that job over there.”; “Why can’t I drink normally like everybody else?”; “Why don’t You make it easier to get through this life?”; and “Why can’t I eat nachos every meal and lose weight?” I have more self-centered ideas, but I am out of space!
The answer to these questions is, “I don’t know.” Except for the nacho question. I know that answer! But God will use me every day if I will just show up and be obedient to His direction and will for my life. He will use my past mistakes and current struggles for His glory and my good. I have faith that He will glorify Himself and that, in doing so, it will be good for me, too.
Wow, I am blessed beyond all reason!
Discussion Questions
1. Which concern distresses you more: Where you are in life or whose you are?
2. Do you think you have messed up your life too much for the Lord to use you?
3. We have the opportunity every day to be the “hands and feet” of Christ to those around us. How has Christ specifically asked you to be His hands or feet today? If He's asked and you've refused, what are you afraid of?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What did the man want Jesus to do for his son (verse 15)?
2. Why could the disciples not heal his son (verse 20)?
3. What in your life do you need to trust God with, by faith?
Jeremy
March 3, 2010 04:54 AM
Hi Robert - just wanted to say that your contribution really blessed me today. It helped me to think more about Who's I am than what my life happens to be like right now. Thanks!
Shannon Saunders
March 3, 2010 05:31 AM
Thanks for a great reminder this morning. - That we just need to show up and be obedient to God. Too many times I try and make it on my own. But God has a better plan! Shannon
Erik Bailey
March 3, 2010 06:31 AM
Rob, it has been a pleasure getting to know you while serving and walking through life with you. I identify with your thoughts today. He has convinced me that His plans are better than my plans. Still, it is such a struggle for me to walk in His plan for me versus my plan for me. Requires me turning my life and my will over to Him continually. Thanks for continuing to show up and be spirit lead.
Mike Mahon
March 3, 2010 06:34 AM
Rob, you are a man who lives this out faithfully. Many are blessed by the way you "show up" every week at CR and lead men with the grace and compassion you've received in you're own life. Love you bro!
Lesley Johnson
March 3, 2010 06:37 AM
Rob...thanks for the wisdom this morning..good to be reminded of His perfect plan. Curses on those nachos!
Geo Foiles
March 3, 2010 06:47 AM
Good stuff Rob...your thoughts today have given my perspective a crushing blow and re-directed my heart and mind towards our God's higher way. Thanks!
Christman
March 3, 2010 07:01 AM
Nice insight Robert. Thanks for the reminder that I am to stay constant in what the Lord wants me to do - It's his plan not mine. Nachos rock!
Carlton Kupp
March 3, 2010 07:34 AM
Rob: Great words of wisdom today from someone who "walks the walk" - you. I can identify with your struggle to understand why things in this life don't turn out the way we would plan them. But God has a bigger plan and is doing it His way. I am enjoying being in your Summit group and will see you tomorrow!
Todd Shaddock
March 3, 2010 09:07 AM
Rob, your humbleness and authenticity encourage and inspire me.
Rob Thomas
March 3, 2010 09:19 AM
Thanks Robert. I really related to your thoughts on the chapter.
Susan Travis
March 3, 2010 10:31 AM
mmmmm, nachos....
Kelsey Kirkland
March 3, 2010 11:15 AM
Thanks for the reminder that His plans are always better than my own! I am beyond blessed to have you as my dad. Love you and those yummy nachos!
Leonard
March 3, 2010 11:49 AM
"But God will use me every day if I will just show up and be obedient to His direction" Needed this reminder today - Thanks for always "showing up" Rob!
Greggo
March 3, 2010 01:51 PM
Good words, Robbo. Thanking God that his plan included me having you as a friend.
paul rutherford
March 3, 2010 09:46 PM
"God will use me everyday if I just show up." I hadn't thought about obedience like that until I read your words, Rob. Very comforting to know. I often vexate over whether or not I'm in God's will. But if I know I'm obeying His Word, then I do know. I am. He's using me. Thanks, Rob!
Bart Johnston
March 7, 2010 12:09 PM
Rob Thanks for your devo and for encouraging me to "show up" for CR! Seeing your devotion to helping the guys at WM led me to believe differently about God's plans for me. God has transformed my heart through this process. Thanks Rob!