Devotional
Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves – our reputation, our comfort, our rights. But Jesus calls us to a different path. He invites us to lay down our self-protective barriers and trust Him with our vulnerabilities. When we face difficulties, our response matters more than the circumstance itself. By surrendering our right to retaliate, defend, or control, we create space for God to work in powerful ways. This surrender isn’t weakness; it’s strength found in trusting God’s protection more than our own.
Bible Verse
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24
Reflection Question
Think of a current challenge you’re facing. How might your situation change if you focused more on your response than the circumstance itself?
Quote Bad things are 10% bad and 90% how we respond to them.
Prayer
Lord, help me trust You enough to surrender my self-protective instincts. Transform my responses to reflect Your character rather than my fears. Amen.