Scripture: John 12:23–33

‘‘Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!’’ (Vv 27–28)

The struggles we all have with obedience are all a part of our humanity. We are constantly torn in two directions. Our desire to serve God and our desire to serve ourselves. We win and lose in this constant tug of war. How comforting Jesus knew through his humanity this struggle with obedience. And how encouraging he was still able to choose to obey His Father’s will. We’re reminded that Jesus is our inspiration; ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin’ Heb. 4:15. One of life’s realities is that we are always going to face the temptation of denying God.

This is good news! We can often be harsh critics of ourselves, even despair, because of how inclined we are to sin in thought and deed. But God knows this about us. As a friend said to me, ‘God is never disillusioned with us; He never had any illusions in the first place’. Aware of our sinful tendency, like Jesus we are to admit it and deliberately choose God’s way once again by denying our pressing desires. And when we fail? Well we are to recognise our weakness, ask God’s forgiveness and move on. Only Satan wants us to get sidetracked by constant contemplation of our sinfulness. God wants us to lift our eyes and purposefully continue in His way.

Today Consider your own double mindedness and how you can keep your eyes focussed on Jesus.

So our Action today. Remember that God promises to forgive and remove our sins once confessed (Psalm 103). Turn your focus back to God rather than worry or wallow in your past mistakes. Live for God today.

Prayer: ‘Lord, as far as sunrise is from sunset, you have separated us from our sins. I choose to focus on you now. Amen’ (Ps. 103:12)