BETTER
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV)
I’ll never forget a story I heard about a pastor I know who grew up only ever eating burnt steak. He shared with me that all his life, his mom and dad always cooked their steaks well done to very, very well done. It was all he knew and tasted. He shared that one day, a good friend took him to a steakhouse, and he was about to order his steak well done. His friend insisted he changed his mind, but he wouldn’t budge. Finally, his friend, determined for him to experience the unknown glory of a medium rare steak, said, I will buy you a medium rare steak, and if you aren’t happy, then I'll buy you another steak well done. This pastor couldn’t resist the offer of two steaks for the price of one! He wasn't expecting much when he got the medium rare steak, but when he had his first bite, he was undone. For his entire life, he had been eating all he’d known, and he was content, but now his eyes were open, and more importantly, his taste buds were open. Burnt steak would no longer suffice because there was a better option available.
Looking back on my life, I never would have chosen most of the things that have unfolded in my story. I would have chosen differently. I would have been content with choosing what I knew, what I was familiar with, and what I had already tasted. Like that pastor, God has placed things in front of me that I wouldn’t have chosen on my own. Looking back at my life, I’m convinced of one thing—God’s ways are better. The verse above shows that His thoughts are higher, and ways are better. This is incredibly freeing because none of us fully know what the future holds, and because of this, we can often be led by fear or anxiety trying to control what we cannot. The other option is to sit back at the table of life and trust that the things God places in front of you, even the painful things, are all better because they’re creating a faith and life in the Spirit you couldn’t have had without it. Rest knowing God knows and sees what we cannot. His ways are better. Trust Him!
APPLICATION: Surrender your plans to the Lord today and let peace rise up.
PRAYER: Spend time thanking God for the promise that His ways and thoughts are better. Take a moment to reflect on your past, even the painful parts, and let gratitude fill your heart. Ask the Spirit to give you a peaceful resilience to the future because you trust the One directing it!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?