PrayingThyWill

Bible Passage
‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ — Acts 26:14b (NIV)

Truth to Remember
God sees when I am going in the wrong direction. He lovingly corrects me, redirects me, and shows me His will.

Devotional Reflection

Saul was convinced that he was doing the right thing by opposing the followers of Jesus. But on the road to Damascus, Jesus confronted him and revealed that Saul was actually persecuting Him. Jesus used the picture of an ox kicking against the goads. A goad was a pointed stick used by a farmer to guide an ox. When the ox kicked against the stick instead of going where the farmer was leading it, the ox ended up hurting itself. Saul did not realize that his actions could not stop God’s purposes and were only hurting him. Jesus then showed Saul who He was and redirected his life toward a new purpose (Acts 26:15–18).

There are times when I am focused on what I believe is right, while God may be gently leading me in another direction. I pray that I will remain in tune with Him and recognize what He is revealing to me, because continuing in my own way can only hurt me. My ways may look good from a worldly perspective or even seem right to others, but what matters most is what God desires. I want to recognize His voice, follow Him, and trust that His way is where I need to be.

Application: Walking in Alignment with God’s Way

Take time to bring an area of your life before God and ask Him to help you see it from His perspective. Be willing to examine what you believe and be open to His correction. If He brings something to your attention, pause and listen rather than continuing in your own way. Be willing to change and follow where He leads.

Prayer
Lord, help me to be receptive to Your voice, even when I do not realize I am going in the wrong direction. Give me a humble heart that listens when You correct me and the willingness to change. Keep my life aligned with Your ways, and help me trust Your wisdom above my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Claiming God’s Promise
God is gracious and loving; even when I am going the wrong way, He corrects and redirects me. I trust Him to lead me in His ways.

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