Words from the Rock
But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
Matthew 12:28–29 NLT
The Pharisees were at it again. This time they accused Jesus of being connected to Satan, saying, “How else could he do his magic tricks?” They honestly believed Jesus got his power from Satan! It might have been laughable except that it was so mean-spirited on their part. Naturally, Jesus came back with a great response, asking why he would cast out demons (Satan’s little friends) if he was in partnership with Satan. Wouldn’t that be slightly self-defeating?
But the Pharisees were searching for something—anything—to discredit Jesus’s power and authority. And the more they tried, the sillier they looked. Still, it’s cool to see how Jesus took advantage of their attacks. He used their accusations to teach bystanders, to make important points, and to gently but firmly expose the Pharisees’ ignorant arrogance. And the whole while he had enough power to annihilate them all. But he didn’t. That’s real power—power under control, power that makes the most out of a tough situation.
God wants to do the same thing in your life today. What tough situation are you facing? What challenge feels insurmountable to you? Give it to God. Trust his power to transform pain or suffering into something good. Because God won’t waste anything when you let him in.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for being the most powerful force in the universe. And thank you for caring for me. Use your power to change my world.
Amen.
Final Word
God’s children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so that they cannot keep on sinning.
1 John 3:9 CEV
Stone for the Journey
My hardships are transformed into strengths with God’s power.