When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51 NIV)
Emotions are an essential part of our lives. Every day we experience them, but have you ever felt overwhelmed by pain? Or that you were drowning in anger?
Sometimes we find ourselves immersed and under great pressure. There may be anguish, anxiety, and deep pain—whether at work, church, or with family and friends. It’s right at this point where our emotions can overtake and consume us. The reality is that dealing with our range of emotions and feelings throughout the day can lead us to make decisions that can either be for our well-being—or cause even more pain.
This happened precisely to Simon Peter when he was with Jesus. The soldiers and officials came to arrest the Master, but Peter was ready to fight. He drew his sword and cut off the right ear of the servant Malchus. It seems like a great feat of love and protection, don’t you think? However, Jesus tells Peter “Stop!” He touches the servant’s ear and heals him. Here, Jesus carries out His last healing in the midst of a great moment of pain because He already knew the bitter suffering that lay ahead.
On many occasions when I meet people, especially boys and girls who are vulnerable to abuse, I want to stop their pain and suffering immediately—to cut them off from further harm. Many times, I too have “drawn my sword” and wounded someone thinking that it was the best defense. But the “still, small voice” of God has reminded me that I have been called to restore others and to seek peaceful decisions. I know that I have been called to put away the sword, restore ears, and trust in His perfect will. All of these truths help me to be a better project coordinator while working with Orphan´s Promise children.
In many situations we want to step in and save the people we love from great pain and loss. We may think the correct action is to defend and cut off ears, but the truth is that God has called us to put away our sword, to restore ears and confidence in His perfect will.
Drop your sword. God already knows what is going to happen. Even if it hurts us, even if we feel anger or concern, even if anxiety and fear invades us, drop your sword. Because He has promised to be with us always.
What will your decision be today: to swiftly react to pain and anger, or to become a restorer—trusting in the perfect will of our Father?
Today you can decide to trust and accept the will of God. Decide to restore ears even in the moments of greatest anger, pain and frustration.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
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