Dependence That Feeds Me
by Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Jesus models for us how to depend on God the way a child depends on his or her father. We see Him rising early to pray before choosing His disciples. After a full day of pouring out in ministry, He slips off by Himself to a desolate place and prays all night, energized by time with His Father to lead His disciples to a new place of ministry. He refuses to speak any words that His Father has not told Him to speak. He repeatedly reminds listeners of His mission statement: He does the will of His Father. Jesus, equal to God, submits to His Father, even when His Father’s instructions may seem outrageous (the choice of Judas as a disciple, leaving a successful ministry where people are clamoring for His attention, etc.).
Everyday life gives us opportunities to use those spiritual muscles of dependence, so that when life crashes down, our default mode is to run to Him and cry out, “I don’t know what to do, so my eyes are fixed on you.”
The words of Jesus flow out of His mouth because His Father told Him to say them. Jesus, equal to God, refused to speak unless God the Father directed His Words. Right after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, days before the crucifixion that Jesus knew was coming, He reminds listeners that He did not come to earth to do His will but His Father’s. Jesus defers all power to His Father, who sent Him and who tells Him “what to say and what to speak.” Jesus’ words aligned with His mission: to do the will of His Father.
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PRAYER
Oh, Lord, we want a magic potion to transform us into a sinless, totally likable person. Instead, You offer us the gift of Your presence and invite us to get to know you and discover the richness of Your love. May we enjoy Your presence every day, whether the sun is shining in our lives or when life crashes down around us.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.