The Remote Control
Posted by Dion Todd August 22nd, 2018 6,803 Views 0 Comments
The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?' Acts 23:2 WEB
Paul did not appreciate being slapped in the face. Jesus had faced crucifixion without complaining or opening His mouth, but when Paul was slapped, he opened his. Later Paul learned to turn the other cheek and to be content in whatever circumstance that he found himself in (Philippians 4:11). This was a growth process, it took time, and occasionally being slapped.
Each of us have our 'buttons.' Something that someone does that really sets us off. We often say: 'I can't help it!' but really it is just a weakness inside of us, a flaw in our character, and it is just like a handle on a pot. By pressing your button at the right time, people can manipulate you, get you to commit acts, get into trouble, say stupid things that you regret, and do things that you would not normally do. It is if they have a remote control for your body, with buttons on it named anger, guilt, shame, and so many others.
Pray, grit your teeth, think happy thoughts, and let those feelings die within you. If you submit to God and resist the devil, it will flee from you (James 4:7). Eventually that remote control will cease to work in your life. I have a number of buttons that no longer work on mine when people press them, though some still do.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please help me to see the traps that are before me and to control my emotions while under pressure. Set a guard over my lips and help me to think before I speak. I want my life to be pleasing to You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: "I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer" (Psalm 17:6) If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
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