Trust Ain't Just Holdin' On - It's Lettin' Go

Scripture Focus: Acts 4:5-12
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health.'"

Cowboy Wisdom:
A green horse will fight the reins, pulling and resisting when it gets scared. But a seasoned horse has learned to trust its rider—it knows when to let go and let the cowboy guide it through danger.

Peter had been a man who liked to take control. He cut off a soldier's ear when they came for Jesus. He had a quick temper and a tendency to stick his foot in his mouth. But here, standing before the very men who crucified Jesus, Peter was different. He was bold, but not reckless. Confident, but not in himself.
The difference? Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.

When trouble comes, our natural instinct is to take the reins—to fix things ourselves, to defend ourselves, to get revenge. But that's when we usually make things worse. Real trust means letting go of our need to control and seeking God's direction instead. It means looking to His Word, following the Holy Spirit's lead, and trusting God to see us through.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord. Our job is to be faithful, not forceful.

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what situations do you struggle to "let go" and let God lead?
2. How has trying to handle persecution or difficulty in your own strength made things worse?
3. What's the difference between being Spirit-filled bold (like Peter) and being foolishly aggressive?
4. What practical steps can you take to seek the Holy Spirit's direction when facing opposition?

Prayer Focus:
​Heavenly Father, I confess that I often want to take control when trouble comes. Help me let go of my need to fix everything myself. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I can respond with wisdom and boldness, not anger and revenge. Teach me to trust You completely, seeking Your direction in Your Word and following where You lead. Give me the courage to speak truth when You call me to, and the wisdom to know when to be silent. In Jesus' name, Amen.