Lent Day 9 – Lenten Devotion – Friday, February 23, 2024
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Lindon, Henry
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
“Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’””
Tests are one thing, being put to the test is another. Being put to the test implies an ultimatum, 'I'm watching you,' or 'If you do not make good on this,' or 'Let's just see how good you are,' or 'Let's see if you are as good as you and others say you are.' No one likes this kind of pressure. No one likes being put to the test.
God does not like being put to the test either. Oh, He can handle the pressure; that is not the problem. God simply has no time for those who come to him and believe only because God comes through in the miraculous on our terms. God has no time for those who do not believe God is already faithful, unless God comes through and does exactly what we are asking for or demanding the next time.
With that said, it is important to note: God invites us to ask for miracles. Who else can do them? Who else wants to do them? God likes performing miracles. Look around every day. God comes through more than we will ever know - not because we are watching, not because we are trying to see just how good God really is, not to show us He is better than anyone could ever tell us He is, not to show us He can handle the pressure; God invites us to ask for miracles because God is grace and God is power.
In God's grace alone, trust Who already has you and the whole world in His hands. God has you in the palm of His hand. Today, be alive and anew: God never minds the pressure!
Let us pray: Jesus, today I tell you it is easy for me to put you to the test. I think it will be easier for me to believe in you, if you do as I ask, how I ask, when I ask, exactly as I ask; and I watch carefully, looking for you to even fail perhaps, and to provide me with an out, but more so, I often keep hoping you come through on my terms. Today, bless me with real faith in your grace alone, to surrender and to believe, I am in the palm of your hand. In the power and faithfulness of your name, I pray. Amen.
