When Heaven Rules

Surrender your need for control and give God the glory.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“At the end of that time, I . . . raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored.”
(Daniel 4:34)

I still remember my early days of ministry full of passion and energy. I wanted everything to go right, so I tried to do everything myself. I worked harder, filled every gap, and somehow believed it all depended on me. Before long, the ministry felt more like a checklist than a calling. God graciously reminded me of something I had forgotten: I am not God. He is. It took time, but He had to loosen my grip so I could see more clearly who truly is in charge.

Daniel 4 gives us a sobering picture of what happens when we forget who sits on the throne. King Nebuchadnezzar had power, wealth, influence, and success, yet he became convinced that he alone was the builder of his kingdom. God warned him through a dream that judgment was coming unless he humbled himself and recognized that God alone is in charge. But Nebuchadnezzar ignored the warning because pride has a way of blinding us to the truth. As a result, God struck him with insanity, stripping away everything until the only direction left to look was up.

Some of us know that cycle well. When we take credit instead of giving it to God, resist counsel, refuse correction, or live as though everything rests on our shoulders, we begin walking that same dangerous path. The good news is that restoration can begin the moment we humble ourselves. After seven long years, Nebuchadnezzar finally lifted his eyes toward heaven, and instantly his sanity returned. When we finally surrender our need for control and declare that God alone deserves the glory, worship becomes natural again, perspective is restored, and humility anchors our hearts.

Bold Step Challenge:
Identify one area where control, pride, or self-reliance has taken over in your life. This week, release it intentionally to God. Say aloud, “God is in control” and practice humility through worship, confession, or asking someone for help.

Prayer:
Dear God, I confess how easily I take credit, carry burdens You never asked me to carry, and try to rule what belongs to You alone. Break any cycle of pride in me and restore my heart to worship and humility. Help me lift my eyes toward heaven daily, acknowledging that You rule and deserve all glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listen to the sermon: Who Is in Control?

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Many of you know how deeply committed we are to reaching people with solid, biblical teaching—both here at home and around the world. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that we’ve just launched a brand-new longform weekly Spanish teaching program, Pasos Audaces con el Dr. Mark Jobe. This 26-minute broadcast brings the same bold, practical messages you hear on Bold Steps—now entirely in Spanish—designed to encourage, equip, and disciple our Spanish-speaking listeners.

And along with this new program, we’re excited to offer the Bold Stepper Weekly devotional in Spanish as well! If you have friends or family who would benefit from receiving weekly encouragement in their heart language, let them know they can sign up for Pasos Audaces: Devocional—completely free.

You can listen to the new program and find all our Spanish-language resources at PasosAudaces.org. Together, let’s help the message reach even further!