God’s Promise and Scripture

God’s Promise: All authority belongs to God

Scripture: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)

Devotional

Ten years ago about a week before Christmas our family was given some news that would change the rest of our lives, as well as, those that are close to us. I have been married to my wife Lisa for nineteen years. Our marriage is centered on Christ and we are discipling our three kids: Harper, Porter and Shiloh. Christmas is our family’s favorite time of year–celebrating the birth of our savior, spending quality time with family, and the all-around cheer that happens at this time of year. 

Back to the ten years ago, Lisa was pregnant with our youngest Shiloh. After a routine appointment we were instructed to see a specialist and ultimately through blood work and sonograms…and a long wait, we were told that our baby had Down Syndrome. Processing this news and trying to see God’s plan was very difficult in the beginning.    

I have always had a “lean on God” faith. I know his plan for me is set and I know he is in control of everything. However, I can easily slide into thinking that I am in control, or that I can tough out certain situations. This is something I tried to do when we were told our baby had a disability. I thought I had to be the strong oak tree for the family, standing tall, and being protective, instead of acknowledging that God was in control and letting him be the protector of my family.   

God did have a plan for me during this and he was in control. When Shiloh was born I quickly realized how little control I actually had. There was not a decision I could make or an action I could take that was going to heal Shiloh. This created a daily dependance on the Lord.   

Shiloh had to have open heart surgery at six months old. When I look back at that time however, I do not think of the hardships. I remember having a great deal of peace from Christ. We were surrounded by family, supported by our community group, and armed with prayer cards that our church had written for us. God provided peace in a situation that I never thought would be possible.  

We shouldn’t lose sight that God is in all the details and has control over every aspect of our lives. We have to remember his plan of sending his Son to be born as man and to pay the ultimate price to redeem our souls. Jesus has divine authority overall, encompassing all of creation. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” 

Shiloh is a blessing to our family. She has changed parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dozens of friends that she comes into contact with. She is a blessing to me and a daily reminder that God, My Creator, loves me and is always with me. I can rest in Him knowing He has authority over all things. He gives me each breath I take and he loves me perfectly. All I have to do is “lean on Him” in all aspects of life.  Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” I know He fights for me, all I have to do is step aside and let Him.

Reflection Questions

1. What are you trying to control in your life today?

2. Do you believe that Jesus has authority over all things?

3. In a hard season do you seek out your community group or other believers?