23 March – Devil in the details.

I’m a details type person. When faced with a task, project or challenge of some kind I take the big picture and then nut out the finer details to make it all happen, or to fix the problem. Details type people see the intricacies of what needs to be done and often are the one’s who make things look, smell and taste more special. They are the one’s who see the significance of the little things and remember random facts, people’s names, faces, places and conversations.

However the down side of being a details person is that you can very easily get “bogged down” in the details. Instead of finding a solution, getting on with a task or letting go and trusting God to work through and in circumstances, details people can go round and round in circles, going over and over the same conversations, arguments and problems and quickly feel overwhelmed and powerless to move forward. They can begin to only see the problem rather than a solution, and God’s promises and power to move.

Sometimes we need to look beyond the details because when it comes to believing God for something or we are required to stand in faith because God has spoken a promise or directive to us, it is faith sapping to constantly look at the details. That’s when the “devil is in the details”, because often all we can see or say  is “how on earth is this going to be okay – haven’t you seen what is going on in my world?”

Fortunately God never expects us to figure out the “how’s” of getting what is promised to us. All He asks is that we stand on what He has revealed to us and upon His Word – it’s His business to take care of the details not ours. I’m reminded of Mary’s response when the angel informed her that she was to become pregnant with Jesus the Saviour of the World. Instead of getting stuck in the details that she was a virgin, she chose to believe what had been spoken to her and replied” Be it unto me as you have said”. (Luke 1:38)

When Moses stood on the banks of the Red Sea with the Egyptian Army bearing down on him he chose to stand with only a word from God and His staff in His hand and believe that somehow God was going to deliver them. (Exodus 14:21)

When David a young shepherd boy ran into battle against the giant Goliath with only a sling and a stone he chose to believe that the same God who had helped him slay the lion and the bear while he cared for his father’s sheep would be with him to slay this giant warrior also. (1 Samuel 17:48-49)

They all chose to forgo looking at the details, and instead to believe that when God is for them, who can be against them. They chose to stand and act upon the word of God revealed to them, and because they did they received the promise and the victory.

“If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things.” (Romans 8:31-32)

Today I encourage you, even if you are a details person, that when it comes to believing and standing on a word and promise from God and trusting Him to take care of your every need and heart’s desire, not to get stuck in the details!

The details are where the devil likes to try and undermine our faith and trust by throwing up problems, and whispering to us, “how can that be possible, haven’t you seen the situation?” But today push back at the “devil in the details” and let you response be, “all things are possible for those who believe, and I’m letting God take care of the details.” 

“He knows us far better than we know ourselves…that’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” (Romans 8:27-28)

“God can do anything you know – far more than you can imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams. He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (Ephesians 3:20 Message Bible)

Prayer: Lord thankyou that you know every detail of my life and yet you still promise that you have it all in your capable hands. I choose to believe what you say regardless of the problems or challenges I’m facing and to trust you to work out all the details today. In Jesus name Amen.