“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!’” v.17
Can you sense the excitement? These Disciples have just been used by God to do some amazing things. They were Faithful, Available, and Teachable. There is a whole lesson to be learned there, but that might be more of a talk than a devo.
As you read further, Jesus prays this prayer,
“At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.’” v. 21
Again, Jesus emphasised the importance of child like faith. When we are given an opportunity to be used by God, but our first response is, “there is now way I could do that” we miss out on an opportunity. You are right, we can’t do a lot of stuff. But don’t let your own pride keep you from experiencing the Holy Spirit’s ability to empower you to do something that only God can do!
Today, think about the opportunities around you, maybe today would be the day that you saw God do something big in your life, simply because you were faithful, available, and teachable! Swallow your pride and have child like faith and leave the details up to God!
Dan Gould 