12/24/2025
Thought for the Day
Luke 8:40 Now, when Jesus returned, (from Gerasenes, where he’s been rejected) a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
A few hours earlier, a crowd rejected him. Now another crowd is waiting expectantly to be taught, to be healed, and to be blessed in some way. If you take time to meditate on these passages and try to put yourself on the scene described in the Scriptures, these stories simply come alive. Our minds and hearts are filled with insights and fascinating questions. God speaks to our hearts.
A closed door, then a door wide open. Aren’t our lives like this, though perhaps not as dramatic? Where are the closed and open doors in your life today? Closed doors sometimes open, and open doors sometimes close. Key questions in all of these situations are, “What is God doing” and “How does God want me to respond TODAY to these situations?” Did you notice that Jesus did not try to force the situation with the Gerasene people, even though they obviously were spiritually needy? The Father told him when to leave and when to stay, what to say, and what to do.
So much of the stress, worry, pain, and confusion in our lives comes from our refusal to surrender control of our lives to the Father. Jesus was totally surrendered, yet not a robot. He was totally real as a person and completely in tune with the Father. He never mishandled a situation, never said or did the wrong thing, and never had an inappropriate motive. He surrendered to his Father’s love and to his Father’s plan.
We can do the same today! Or, we can stumble through today with countless missteps. We can understand His timing in our situations and our roles, or we can waste our time and energy. What will it be?
Lord, you have things for me to do and say in every situation you bring my way today. Please help me listen carefully to the wisdom and guidance you will provide.
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