DATE POSTED
Saturday, June 20, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read the following Scriptures in your Bible.

Acts 23:4-5 – ⁴ Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”
⁵ Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written (in Exodus 22:28): ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.

Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) – ¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

At a very young age, we learned to love, jump for joy, and be incredibly happy whenever we received the things we were crying for. Unfortunately, we also learned how to kick back against our parents and caretakers when things didn’t go exactly the way we demanded. We showed our displeasure in all kinds of ways.

As we moved into our teenage years, that same attitude continued—only by then, we found more sophisticated, and often dangerous, ways of kicking against authority when they didn’t bow to our demands. But as adults, it is truly amazing how much we still allow those same childish ways to linger when it comes to authority. Yes, this even applies to those of us who know, and sincerely try to practice, what is commanded in the Word of God.

In Romans 13:1-2, we are commanded to honor and respect authority because it comes from God. This can be a difficult truth to accept. We often think that because we cast a vote, support a candidate, or express a preference, we are the ones who determine who will lead us. Yet every election reminds us that not everyone gets the leader they wanted.

The same can be true in our churches. Many autonomous churches search for and elect their own pastors. Yet not every member votes for the person who is ultimately called to lead. Have you ever stopped to consider why?

I believe Scripture gives us the answer: God is sovereign. His Word is true. While people may participate in the process, God ultimately allows those whom He chooses to serve in positions of authority. Whether in government, in our churches, in our workplaces, or in our homes, God is never surprised by who leads. He uses leaders to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His plans.

When we were children, our parents often said, “Come on now, be a big boy or girl. Stop crying and do what I told you.” They were not trying to make life difficult; they simply knew what was best in that moment.

In a similar way, I can almost hear our Heavenly Father saying, “My child, trust Me. I told you in My Word that I am in control. I allow leaders to serve according to My purposes. Honor them, respect them, and trust My judgment.”

This does not mean that every leader is perfect. Far from it. Every leader is a flawed human needing God’s grace. But God still calls us to respect the position of authority He has allowed them to hold. Notice how even Paul, after realizing he had spoken against the high priest, immediately acknowledged the authority of God’s Word and corrected himself.

As believers, we should strive to grow closer to God in every area of life, including our attitude toward leadership. The leader over us may not have been our first choice, but there is great peace in knowing that God remains on His throne and that nothing happens outside of His knowledge and control.

Perhaps one of the greatest responses we can have toward our leaders is prayer. Rather than criticizing them, we should faithfully pray for them. God has entrusted them with significant responsibilities—to watch over, protect, serve, and lead those under their care. Those responsibilities affect both believers and those who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Before Christ, we often resisted authority whenever it conflicted with our desires. After Christ, we learn to trust God’s sovereignty, respect those He has placed over us, and pray for them as they carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today acknowledging that You are the Sovereign King over all the earth. Forgive me for the times I have let my old, childish nature rise up in rebellion or complaints against the leaders in my life. Your Word reminds me that all authority is established by You. Even when I do not understand or agree with a choice, help me to rest in Your perfect peace, knowing You are using them to accomplish Your divine purposes. Lord, I lift up my leaders to You today—in my church, my community, and my country. Give them wisdom, protect them, and help me to be a source of joy and respect to them as they carry out their heavy responsibilities. I choose to trust Your hand today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!