69 - Christina – “I keep allowing myself to be entangled by a man who I know is not godly.”
““I keep allowing myself to be entangled by a man who I know is not godly.””
Burning Bridges and Stepping into God's Purpose
Are you, like Christina in today’s recording, clinging to something that hinders your walk with God? Are you facing a test of faith, a persistent temptation that keeps pulling you back? Today's devotional calls us to consider the radical obedience of Elisha and the unwavering resolve of Jesus in the wilderness.
When Elijah called Elisha to follow him, Elisha initially asked to say goodbye to his family (1 Kings 19:20). He then proceeded to burn his plows and twelve yoke of oxen, symbolizing a complete break from his old life. He burned the bridges to his past, leaving no possibility of return. This act demonstrates the decisive action sometimes required to fully embrace God's calling.
Jesus, too, faced a severe test in the wilderness. Satan tempted Him, saying, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread" (Matthew 4:3, NIV84). Jesus, weakened by hunger, could have easily given in. But He chose obedience, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (NIV84). He was willing to suffer physical hunger to remain faithful to His Father.
What are the "plows and oxen" in your life? What temptations are you repeatedly failing? Jesus tells us, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell" (Matthew 5:29, NIV84). This isn't a literal command, but a call for drastic action against sin. Are you willing to "burn the bridges" to harmful relationships, habits, or mindsets that keep you from God?
This willingness to suffer, to endure hardship for Christ, is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It is in these trials that our faith is refined and our dependence on God deepens. Remember, after Jesus resisted temptation, "angels came and attended him" (Matthew 4:11, NIV84). God will also comfort and strengthen you as you choose obedience and endure suffering for His sake. He will provide the grace you need to pass the test. Are you willing to let go and trust Him?
