| Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. — Proverbs 19:21  When God Doesn't Do What You Want by Ruth Schwenk, from Settle My Soul 
 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. "Teacher," they said, "we want You to do for us whatever we ask." — Mark 10:35
The disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Struggling to understand all Jesus was telling them about what awaited Him, James and John made one of the Bible's boldest statements to Jesus. It is also one of the worst!
Jesus had just told them that He must go to Jerusalem to be handed over and condemned to death. This was not the first time they had heard Jesus talk like this. The good news, He told them, was that He would rise again. Like many of the Jews at the time, James and John thought they were coming into their glory. God was going to throw off their enemies. Restore Israel. Bring peace. And they were going to be, or at least wanted to be, right at the center of it all.
Barely missing a beat, James and John's first response to what Jesus had just told them was, "We want you to do for us whatever we ask" (Mark 10:35). A pretty bold request!
Of course, they wanted Jesus to exalt them to a position of power or status. They wanted to rule with Jesus. And yet Jesus reminded them that they must first suffer for Him.
God was not going to do what they wanted.
It's easy to poke holes in James and John's request and miss the more discreet ways we try to sell our own agendas to God. We too come to Jesus with our big plans, expectations, and self-centered dreams. When God doesn't do what we want, we are tempted to get angry, lose faith, or take matters into our own hands.
The Bible says,
Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the lord's purpose that prevails. — Proverbs 19:21
Today, posture your heart to do what God wants. Walk humbly. Remember that He is the One leading you.
When God doesn't do what we want, He is doing something better.
Lord, You are the King of creation. Reign in my life. Humble me. Posture my heart to do what You want. Forgive me for the times I make conditions or demands. You are the center, and I am not. I want to follow You, knowing that where and how You lead me is better and wiser. In Jesus' name, amen.
~ Ruth Excerpted with permission from Settle My Soul by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk, copyright Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Your Turn
How have you made the same request as James and John? What "agenda" do you need to turn from in order to posture your heart to do God's will? Come share with us! Let's pray today to submit ourselves to Jesus and whatever He has for us. ~ Devotionals Daily Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. 🏆 ECPA's 2020 Christian Devotional of the Year
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by Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk  Paperback, Regular: $18.99 eBook price: $9.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $35 or more Are your days full? Are you tired and craving quiet for your soul? You're not alone. If days filled with obligations and never-ending to-do lists leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed, you can find the peace your soul longs for.
In Settle My Soul, authors Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk invite you to carve out a few moments in your day to deepen your relationship with the Lord through 100 encouraging devotions.
Karen and Ruth are women who understand all that you're juggling, and they desire for you to experience the refreshment that comes only from the Lord. Settle My Soul is the companion to the best-selling devotional Pressing Pause. With just a few minutes, you can connect with God, set aside your busyness and worries, center your thoughts on Him and His Word, and restore your peace of mind.
Over 100,000 copies sold! Settle My Soul was named the 2020 ECPA Christian Book Award winner for the Devotion and Gift category. Your life is loud. But if you will just press pause for a few minutes each day, you can discover what Jesus longs to give you: His peace.
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Amazing reviews from Readers
"My Soul is well: This book is what I need daily! Each day I read a 'moment' I see something different in myself, learning new things with each session." — La R.
"This is a very gentle, comforting devotion book with short stories that always just fits what I am dealing with and gives me wonderful Scripture." — Connie
"So Relevant: Each day is relatable to the here and now. I can apply the principles discussed to my life which is important for my growth. I even ordered copies to give as gifts." — Christina S.
"TI purchase several copies of this devotional and gave to my daughters and 2 of my friends. We all have loved how this devotional helped to center us and focus on what's important during the day. Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk are seasoned writers." — Catherine M.
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