The Danger of Leading Instead of Following
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 23rd Sermon, Day 2
Picture this: Peter, the impulsive fisherman, pulling Jesus aside to correct the Son of God. It sounds almost comical, doesn't it? Yet how often do we do the same thing, just more politely? We pray, but then we tell God how He should answer. We ask for guidance, but we've already decided what advice we're willing to take.
Peter's mistake wasn't that he cared about Jesus - it was that he tried to take the driver's seat. He moved from follower to leader in a matter of moments, and Jesus had to firmly redirect him. This happens to us more than we'd like to admit. We start following Jesus, but somewhere along the way, we subtly begin trying to lead Him. We want Him to bless our plans rather than surrendering to His plans. We want Him to open the doors we think should be opened, rather than trusting Him to open the right doors at the right time.
The moment we step out of our position as followers and try to become the leader, we lose sight of God's calling on our lives. Following requires humility, trust, and the willingness to go where we might not have chosen to go. But here's the encouraging truth: when we get back in our proper place as followers, God's calling becomes clearer. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step down from the driver's seat and let Jesus lead again.
Bible Verse
"Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.'" - Matthew 16:23
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been trying to lead Jesus instead of following Him?
Quote We'll always miss God's calling on our lives when we try to lead instead of follow.
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times I've tried to take control instead of trusting Your leadership. Help me to follow You with humility and faith, even when Your path doesn't make sense to me. I choose to get behind You and let You lead. Amen.
