How To Let Go and Live Free

Then Simon Peter drew a sword and
slashed off the right ear of Malchus,
the high priest’s slave.
~John 18:10 NIV

LIVING A LITTLE TOO FREE

During Easter, it’s always great to read through the story of Jesus’ week of trial and crucifixion. It’s a great way to keep the focus on Christ and not the Easter bunny! This year, as I read, the one part that caused me to really pause and take stock of my life was the little detail given about Peter cutting off the ear of the high priest’s slave.

It’s such a crazy story and I’m always amazed at how God isn’t afraid to include the most outlandish stories in His book. The Bible often reads like a TMZ show script. {Now back to the story} Peter was so impetuous, so bold, so brave… so stupid! He allowed his passion to override his purpose and the purpose for which Jesus’ came.

I think Peter got too confident in his position and seriously, who can blame him?

He was just coming off a ministry high where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days… which confirmed Jesus as The Messiah! Then they rode into town and history calls it The Triumphal Entry where the people followed Jesus with shouts of

“Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus’ then throws over the money-changer tables in the temple, It appeared that Jesus was this unstoppable leader, defeating every obstacle. So, when the church leaders come to try and arrest Jesus, Peter jacked up on the events of the previous weeks, goes all Rambo and cuts off the servant’s ear. Peter’s action says to Jesus,

Let Me Take Care of That For You.

Peter stepped in where he should have stood back.

LEARN TO LET GO

Sometimes we have to exercise self-control to not take over a situation for others. We can’t always jump to their rescue because it might not help them. Sometimes, easing someone’s pain or fighting their battles can impede the plan of God for their life. If they don’t go through the struggle they’re facing, they won’t learn the tools needed for future issues… tougher battles. Jesus had to go through the suffering of being mistreated, betrayed, falsely accused and ultimately crucified so you and I could have eternal life. Sometimes, there has to be suffering for salvation to come.

Without Christ, Peter’s action would have caused irreparable damage to the man’s ear and quite possibly, God’s plan of salvation for the world. Our incessant trying to fix things can really break things, often making situations worse.

[tweetthis]Our incessant trying to fix things can really break things, often making situations worse. [/tweetthis]

As believers, we need to learn How To Let Go and Live Free because even when it doesn’t look like it, God knows what He’s doing, and He has a plan!

[tweetthis]I can Let Go and Live Free because I trust, God has a plan… and His plans for me are good! Jr. 29:11[/tweetthis]

Prayer

Father… I thank You for putting up with impetuous me. Please fill my heart with trust in You, so I don’t try to take over the steering wheel and crash… or stop; messing up your plans for my life. Help me to follow Your lead, watch for Your ways and be sensitive to Your cues leading me to wisely walk in Your ways. In Jesus Name…Amen