MATTHEW 26:42
My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done. (NIV)
“I feel obligated to do it and I hate feeling obligated.” My teenage son was struggling with not wanting to go some place and my immediate response to him was an unspoken, “I do things all the time that I don’t want to do! Just do it!”
It wasn’t until later that day that I remembered that Jesus fulfilled the ultimate obligation. He certainly did NOT want to go to the cross and He begged the Father for a way out. Jesus, however, WAS THE WAY, so He fulfilled His obligation. Interestingly, He prayed about it first and made certain that it was what God intended for Him to do. Sadly, we often take on responsibilities that God does not desire for us.
What obligations do you struggle with? Getting up and going to work? Committing to regular church attendance? Visiting a sick parent or friend? Cleaning the diaper pail; doing the laundry; emptying trash and herding kids? Fulfilling your church commitments? Bring these things before the Lord in prayer to ascertain whether or not He truly desires for you to do them. If not, make arrangements to lay them aside as soon as you can. If, however, He indicates that this is His will for you at this time, move forward with commitment as Christ did.
Lord, give me wisdom to know what responsibilities are from you and what are of my own choosing. Help me to go forward and do those things that you have for me with great joy each day.
©Copyright Cindi Wilmot, 2008
*Scripture taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Skits for Fun and Learning
Skits for Fun and Learning is a collection of 15 puppet scripts and 5 articles on the subject of success with puppet ministries. The articles and scripts have been written by Dr. Ann Shorb and the book is available for purchase as a paperback, or as a PDF download.
Price: $14.95
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Dear Dr. Shorb,
I missed your Weekly Devotional last night. It just did not show up in my e-mail. Many times, I go through the message selections that you have on your site. Being able to communicate honestly with people seems to be hard for many people. Are they afraid that someone might find out who they really are? God loves us and He knows every heart. I hope that you still have me on your e-mail list. Thank you for this service.
Connie Goodman
Connie,
You’re still on the list. The devotional went out late so you’ll probably get it tonight. (This comment is actually from Marc even though it says Ann).