“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“Your pictures are really great.” The short and stocky talent booker slid my modeling portfolio back across the table.
The suspense was so thick; it felt as if there was a comma hovering in the air above the two of us.
“Even though you photograph pretty tall for your size, I can’t guarantee that you’ll get a lot of work.” I could feel his snide smile skim across the lines of my body.
“But, I’d be happy to represent you.” It made no difference that I was wearing clothes. By the look in his eyes, I could tell in his imagination, I wasn’t wearing a stitch.
Unfortunately, I’d grown accustomed to this kind of thing. At that moment, I could care less about the sweaty man behind the desk in front of me. My focus was on the words that I so desperately needed to hear: This professional in the world of beauty thought I was beautiful. To a broken heart that was starved for any kind of validation, approval or acceptance, this tiny accomplishment was enough to feed me.
After years of rejection from my father and the cruel words from my teachers, I had a rough time believing that I was worthy of becoming anything worthwhile at all. No matter how much time had passed since those slicing words were spoken, they echoed clearly in my head every time I saw my reflection in the mirror: I was worthless; a nothing.
In this sleazy little modeling agent’s office, those painful words and memories were quelled for a little while. They slid to the back of my mind as I allowed the words of a man who only had his best interest in mind to console me.
That need for instant gratification stole years from my life. It led me down a path that I was never supposed to be on.
Sadly, the only kind of modeling work available for someone who was my height wasn’t the kind that would make a father proud.
I Peter 2:11 warns Believers that those who follow their own lusts are partnering with their own demise. When we do this, we are fueling the very thing that will eventually destroy us in the end.
When you ask Jesus in your heart, He takes up residence in you. He is there to help steer your life and guide your choices if you are ready to listen.
It is important to keep in mind that restraint never feels good in the beginning. The things the Holy Spirit says may not feel good in the moment, but over time you will see the fruit from following wisdom instead of the lust of immediate gratification.
Do yourself a favor and take a moment to see what God has to say about your choices. By taking your time and seeking the peace of God you may save you from a lifetime of pain. Now that’s an investment.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing wisdom that has more experience than my young soul could ever have at this point in my life. When I asked Jesus into my heart, I invited wisdom in. This isn’t just any kind of wisdom, but divine wisdom that the world does not have. How foolish of me to ignore this!
I see that the biggest obstacle to success in my life is my own stubborn self trying to make things work my way.
Lord, I give up. I am ready to see what it feels like to have the supernatural wisdom of God steer my life and choices.
Lead me today, help me to hear your voice and encourage me with some small victories. I want to remain on the right path and I need to know that I am hearing from you.
In Jesus’ precious name, I thank you that I am not as alone as I thought I was. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verse: 1 Peter 2:11
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan