Conspiracies Accomplish God's Will

Sunday, November 9

Matthew 26:47-50 (NIV)

“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”

Devotion

If we are surrendered to God's will as Jesus was (Matthew 26:39), then even conspiracies against us accomplish God's will for us, in us, and through us. If Jesus is our shepherd, as He was David's shepherd, then we can fear no evil as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). If we love God and are committed to fulfilling His calling and purpose in us, then all things will work together for our good (Romans 8:28).

But what if we are double-minded, wavering back and forth, only committed to God's will as long as it is not too difficult or not too opposed to our own will? What if we say that Jesus is our shepherd, but in reality, we prefer human shepherds who tell us what we want to hear? What if we want to know for sure that God's will for us is comfort, health, and prosperity in this life before we commit to His purpose for us?

This kind of double-mindedness makes us subject to strong temptation, like Judas, to put our hand into the money bag. The double-minded man will receive nothing from Jesus. Now, Jesus remains our friend, holding out an offer of repentance and restoration, but we need to take Him up on His offer, lest our time run out as it did for Judas.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that it is difficult for me to see myself with sober judgment, in accordance with my true level of trust. Show me how much I really trust, and how much I need to grow. Show me how much I am really surrendered to Your will and how much I still love my own will. Help me not to be presumptuous that I meet Your requirements for all the promises of Scripture, but change me, mold me, and shape me until I really do. Help me to be as willing to have friends conspire against me as Jesus was to accomplish Your will, Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

It may be tempting to treat every hardship, every opposition, as something to be rebuked in Jesus’ Name so that we may be restored to peace and ease. However, Scripture is clear that God also works through hardship to bring forth treasures in us and through us—perhaps even to fulfill prophecy or answer someone’s prayer. So pause, and in asking for relief, ask also that God’s will be accomplished in you and through you, to your ultimate good and His glory.

Resources

• Join us today, either in person or online via the Free Chapel App or YouTube,  for a powerful time of worship and a life-changing message from the Lord at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• Join our Free Chapel Facebook group and be part of the celebration this November as we dive into Global Bible Month! Connect with believers worldwide, share insights, and grow in God’s Word all month long—don’t miss out!