Beyond Our Control - 5-Day DevotionalSample

Whenever I think about the loss of the son I expected to adopt, if I am in the mindset of the black dot—meaning that I’m stuck in my earthly circumstances alone—the pain of the here and now is all I can see. I question God. I want to find happiness in this life, and having my son would have brought that. So why did God take him away?

On the flip side, when I’m able to step back to consider things in light of eternity, I view the situation differently, taking into account what God might be doing in my son’s life that I’m not privy to because I don’t see all that God sees. I can also see my pain in light of the hopeful future that is mine, knowing God will use it and work it together for his good. Developing my trust in God’s providence is the key to finding peace in this life because we have more to live for than our earthly circumstances.

When Jesus spoke to his disciples about this earthly and heavenly divide, he said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).

In verse 24 Jesus reminded us that ultimately “no one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The passage teaches us that we can’t have our heart devoted to two masters simultaneously, for one master will always trump the other.

We may have many different things we love and serve to varying degrees in life, but only one can take top spot. If that sole master is earthly—money, power, pleasure . . . and also family, parenting, ministry work, serving others—then our hearts can’t focus on our treasures being found in heaven. In claiming our best time and energy, they also take our hearts.

Prayer

Lord, you are the master of my life. I put my trust in you and will seek strength, comfort, and guidance from you alone. Thank you for being at work in my life. Amen.

This is devotion is based on the book, Beyond Our Control, by Lauren and Michael McAfee. To learn more, visit www.BeyondOurControlBook.com.