by Richelle Hecker

Abiding in God’s Plan

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

Candlelight can be incredibly mesmerizing. I’m not sure what it is about a small flame flickering that captures our attention. Somehow that small fire brings a feeling of calm, a symbol of peace and hope.

Campfires and those in a fireplace have similar effects. They bring a feeling of warmth and comfort. Yet these flames that bring peace in small contained doses can also create immense fear when they get out of hand and beyond our control. A roaring fire blazing through the forest does not bring a sense of peace at all.  Fire can suddenly turn from granting peace to striking immense fear. The difference is our ability to control it.

The candle lit in this photo is a baptism candle. The flame is a reminder of how the Holy Spirit works in us. Sometimes, early on in our relationship with God, we believe we have the control. Our peace comes from thinking that since we know God He will do what we want, or at least bless what we are choosing to do. However, as we grow in our faith we learn that we are not in control at all.

 ^“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
Romans 8:5 New International Version 

When we first realize that God is in control instead of us it can cause fear, just like the difference between a candle flame and a forest fire. Yet, once we realize that God is for us, and all of His great power is working for good, we find comfort abiding in His great strength. Nothing is as powerful as God, including you, and that is a wonderful realization!

Discover what God is doing and join Him in His work. Just like the boy in this picture is focused on the flame he is carrying, we are to focus on the Holy Spirit and what He desires. Once we learn to do this we find peace living in the perfect will of God.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado