Joel Osteen Daily Devotional February 1 2023 : When Not to Resist

Luke 22:51, TLB

But Jesus said, “Don’t resist anymore.”

When Jesus was about to be crucified, Judas came with a group of soldiers to arrest Him. When Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, should we fight?” He told them to not resist. He was saying, “This is part of My plan. I can’t reach My destiny without this betrayal, without being unjustly tried, and without being crucified.”

When we face hardships, bad breaks, and disappointments, it seems like the enemy is in control. We want to fight, resist, and get upset, but God is saying, “Don’t resist anymore. Don’t fight it, don’t live bitter, and don’t try to get even. I’m still directing your steps.” Yes, resist the sickness, resist the addiction, but don’t live upset. God didn’t stop what was unfair because it’s leading you to your destiny. You don’t know what God is up to. You can’t see that on the other side of that crucifixion is a resurrection. On the other side of the betrayal, the sickness, or the disappointment is a new level of your destiny. Stop resisting and start trusting.

Father, thank You that no matter what challenges and setbacks I face, You have a plan for how to use them for my good. Thank You that You are working behind the scenes and bringing a resurrection to what I thought was holding me back. I believe that victory is on the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.