Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "Something Beautiful." Beginning from God's perspective, he sings, "'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all in the hands of the Father! Give it up, give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful!"
By following God and His direction and leadership, we allow Him to mold us and create us, including our mistakes, mess-ups, and downfalls, into something beautiful in His hands!
Today's key Scripture is Romans 13:1-2, which says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." (NIV)
Note that Paul mentions twice that God has established the authorities! In the Old Testament (specifically Genesis 41:1-40), God presented a dream to Pharaoh in two forms. Verse 32 says, "'The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God...'" (NIV) Two times God presented the dream to Pharaoh, and two times His word says that authority has been established by Him. Do you see the connection?
By instructing us to obey authorities, God is not trying to remove our freedom. Rather, He is ensuring that we are able to trust that He knows what He is doing in guiding us. And to that point, how can we learn to submit to God, Who is not physically seen, if we cannot submit to those people whom He has physically given us? If we are able to pass this test, we show God that He can entrust others to our care as leaders.
Maxwell says, "God simply provides us with an authority test. Before we will ever become leaders of integrity, we must learn to follow other leaders, regardless of differences." We must learn to properly follow before we can effectively lead.
It all comes down to matters of the heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV, emphasis added) Put your trust in Him (with all your heart) and let Him turn your life into something beautiful! Maxwell mentions, "When we refuse to demand our own way and instead submit to others, our hearts are right. This is when God can trust us to lead others."
We must remember that authority is established by God. Does that only include those who pass laws? Does it only refer to the head leader of a nation, such as the President? No. That even includes us, as leaders whom God has called to such a task. We have to remember that, if we are to remain in a proper relationship with our followers, we have to let God, the Ultimate Leader, guide us so that we can lead others.
Maxwell asks, "What authorities do you need to submit to?"
My bosses came to mind. If you work, you have to follow the direction of your boss, right? If you don't, you probably won't have that job for much longer. Furthermore, we must follow God, for He is the ultimate authority!
Reflect on that question for yourself, keeping in mind Romans 13:1-2.
Father God, thank You for Your many gifts and blessings to me, both spiritual and physical. If we, as humans, know how to bestow good gifts unto our children, how much more so You to us! Please help me to properly submit to authorities. Guide me always, and help me to follow Your guidance. The, please be with me as I lead others. I hold onto Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You for that! I know that You are turning me and my story into something beautiful! I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I praise You and thank You for that! I love You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
God bless you!
