It’s All About the Setup

Week 18, Thursday

Debbie Stuart

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:5

I’ve been known to be just a tad on the hardheaded side. The words strong-willed and stubborn put it mildly. The Bible calls it “stiff-necked.” (I don’t prefer that term.) There’s nothing wrong with taking control and getting things done, right? Aren’t those good leadership qualities? I know all the strong-willed gals out there are saying yes! But it is only good when the Holy Spirit controls those qualities.

I am currently in a difficult family situation that I am unable to control. It grieves me considerably, but there is not one thing I can do to change it. My only hope is a miracle. So I studied miracles in the Bible to see what I could apply to my life and this situation. And I found something important that I could do, because it’s in my nature to do something.

John 2 describes Jesus’ first miracle. He was at a wedding, and the party ran out of wine. They were faced with a situation they had no control over and they needed help. Jesus’ mother said, “Do whatever he tells you.” Stop. Read it again. Let that sink in.

Jesus told them to fill some clay jars with water, and He then turned the water into wine. In verse 9 we read that only the servants knew where it had come from. Those who obeyed saw a miracle. It was a setup. Perhaps the outcome was contingent on their obedience.

So what can you do? Whatever He tells you to! Have you obeyed the instruction of the Lord? Have you done the last thing He asked you to do? No negotiations, no details, no excuses, and no more putting Him off. Set yourself up for God to move in your life and situation, and do whatever He tells you to do.

And for the hardheaded gals, don’t discuss it with yourself. I have a new rule—I don’t talk to myself anymore, because I have probably talked myself out of more things that the Lord was trying to talk me into.

Father, I commit today to do whatever You tell me to do. I repent of anything that has hindered communication between us. Help me hear Your instructions clearly. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Amen.